Serendipity

A most remarkable thing happened to me just now. I am working on some writing in a Manhattan coffee shop when two women sat at the table next to me and began negotiating a roommate situation. After I overheard them both talking about research into the neurobiology of learning, all attempts on my part to ignore their conversation went out the window. Neither of these things are particularly unusual, but what was very unusual was when I learned that I actually know one of these women -- because of my blog, of all things.

How could I know someone yet not recognize her when she sits next to me in "my" coffee shop? The fact is that we have never met before, nor have we corresponded or otherwise communicated with each other in any way, shape or form, nor had we even seen each other before. Until today.

After a quick look through my blog, I found the story I wrote about her. I grinned ridiculously as I silently debated with myself as to whether I should say anything to her. By this time, she was talking about writing a book about chance events and how they can affect a person's life. The irony was irresistible.

"You're Elizabeth?" I asked suddenly.

She stopped, looked at me and smiled broadly.

"Yes, I am," she said, studying me carefully, no doubt wondering where she had met me before.

"You don't know me," I began, feeling awkward, "but I know you -- or about you -- because I wrote a story about you and the million dollar painting that you found on the street and I published it on my blog."

She was incredulous.

"So, do you see what I mean about 'chance'?" She asked rhetorically after a long pause.

I then showed her my story on my laptop, which features the gorgeous painting that she found standing on top of a pile of trash on the sidewalk as she walked to this very same coffee shop one morning a few years ago and sat in the very seat that I am now sitting in. The coincidence is enough to make my butt cheeks tingle.

Amazing. We plan to meet again, to discuss "the untold story" of the missing million dollar painting (and a few other topics) and of course, if she'll let me share the story with you, I certainly will! This story will eventually come out, though, because she is writing a book about it, and of course, I will be reviewing this book on my blog -- seriously, how could I not?