Fortune Cookie Fortunes

Fortune cookies are fun. Who hasn't enjoyed peeling open the cellophane and cracking open this "Chinese" cookie to read their fortune. Often the little strip of paper contains words of wisdom and other times a vague prophecy or ambiguous advice. Sometime it includes a little Chinese lesson. Here's one that says "You’ll never know what you can do until you try." And on the back it has Chinese characters withe the word "Painter" on it. Evidently if I studied hard enough I could learn to read Chinese eventually. 

Here's one that was lifted from a book of Yogi Berra quotes: "The game ain’t over ‘till it’s over."

Evidently the idea of fortune cookies is not Chinese in origin and according to Wikipedia, attempts to import them to China proved futile because they were ‘too American.” Depending on your source they originated in Japan or in California. But wherever they began they a staple of American life today... in Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants everywhere. (That is, everywhere in this country.)

For some reason after reading my fortunes I keep them, thinking that I might put them to good use some day in an art project or story. I stick them in a little shot glass on my shelf. Last night I decided to type them up and share them with you. Afterward I was surprised by how many I have collected over the years. If you see a fortune you like here, you're welcome to take it. We'll call it yours.

You make people realize that there exist other beauties in the world.

You laugh now, wait till you get home.

Your high-minded principles spell success.

Your future will be happy and productive.

Always the beautiful answer who asks a beautiful question.

Teach only love for that is what you are.

You have an important new business development shaping up.

Life to you is a dashing and bold adventure.

If you do not have a plan for your life, someone else will.

This is a night for love and affection.

A way out of a financial mess is discovered as if by magic!

Your tongue is your ambassador.

You will be fortunate in everything you put your hands on.

Your smile always brightens the cloudiest day.

You find what you’re looking for; just open your eyes!

Even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while.

Give what you have; to someone it may be better than you dare to think.

You have the ability to channel your energies into constructive activities.

You will have gold pieces by the bushel.

Fear and desire – two sides of the same coin.

Many of your wishes will come true soon.

Your principles mean more to you than money or success.

Things are often the opposite of what they seem.

Often it is better not to see an insult, than to avenge it.

Long life is in store for you.

Be careful of what you wish for. You may get it.

Your heart is a place to draw true happiness.

Accept the next job offer you get.

People find it difficult to resist your persuasive manner.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.

Action is the proper fruit of knowledge.

You display the wonderful traits of charm and courtesy.

Use your charm and personality to obtain your wishes.

A bargain is something you don’t need at a price you can’t resist.

The next few days are a lucky time for you. You can take a chance.

Go above and beyond your duty. You will benefit from it.

Your ideals are well within your reach.

Love in its essence is spiritual fire.

This instant is the only time there is.

Someone who deserves special attention awaits your magical voice.

Don’t be so critical and overly concerned about details.

You will follow a path which has a heart.

Friends long absent are coming back to you.

Good news is coming; expect good fortune.

Happiness is a state of mind.

Investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

When things go wrong, don’t go with them.

Sing and rejoice, fortune is smiling on you.

Be what you wish others to become.

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.

A pleasant surprise is in store for you.

You will soon be confronted with unlimited opportunities.

By the work one knows the worker.

If you do not run your subconscious mind yourself, someone else will.

Good to begin well, better to end well.

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.

You are a deep thinker with a knack for problem solving.

You will lighten another’s heart.

Rely on your own good judgment to lead you to success.

Happy events will soon take place in your home.

You can see why people like fortune cookie fortunes. Who wouldn't want a pleasant surprise or happy events? In the meantime, have a wonderful day.... and may you lighten another's heart.