Not So Common Sense

Random thoughts on random acts, from the mind of author Gavin Kingsley

My Birthday Wish

T-minus 5 days and counting.

So remember when you were younger (or for some of you, last year) when you would blow out all your birthday candles and make a wish? Yeah so when did that stop happening? When did we stop believing in magic? I was doing a little bit of research and found that candles on cakes have different significance depending on the legend and area. For some the cake was an offering to Artemis the Greek goddess of the moon. The round cake symbolized the moon and the candles the light of the moon. Others believed the smoke from the candles carried their wishes and prayers to gods who lived in the skies. The more modern candle blowing says if you can blow out all the candles in one breath you’ll get your wish.

If I could have one wish for my birthday it would be for my family. My mom, brother and wife have been such invaluable support over the last few years that I wish there was something I could do for them. For my mom, who’s health has been waning, I’d wish her to be restored. I miss being able to talk to her and ask for her wisdom. For my wife, the singer, I’d wish for a mentor. Someone who could develop her raw talent and connect her to the ‘right’ people for studio time. For my brother, the actor, I’d wish he could understudy with other sketch and improv greats. I’m sure he has a list he’d love to work with, I just want him to have the opportunity. For myself (assuming there’s any wishing power left) I’d also wish for a mentor. Someone who knows writing and the industry, someone I can ask questions and get answers. I’ve learned so much these last few years, but I have so much more to learn.

That’s my birthday wish for this year.

 

-For more information about birthday candles click here: http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-do-we-blow-out-birthday-candles/#sthash.ud6SZbFB.dpuf