On the Importance of a Hearty Breakfast - Part 2

"Why doesn't that happen to me?" It's a query we all find ourselves pondering from time to time when we observe the good fortune of others. Most recently, I found myself chanting this mantra as I read the tale of two Midwestern sisters who were fortunate enough to find a frosted corn flake shaped like the state of Illinois, and who were quickly cashing in on this discovery (see previous post). As I read my post on the subject, I cannot help but be ashamed of its tone, as I was, I now admit, experiencing a bit of jealousy at the find and its subsequent value.

That shame is amplified even now as I prepare to share with you the fact that I, too, have been showered with a similar blessing. That shame, though, cannot defeat the joy I have because of what I'm about to share. So, here goes . . .

When I read about the state-shaped flake (a true one-in-a-million, no one can deny), the initial fit of jealousy I experienced began to give way to a more subtle, slowly-building thought which increasingly gnawed at me throughout the day. Relentlessly, my mind kept wandering to my own pantry, to my own half-consumed box of Raisin Bran, to a certain something. Something I had seen (or had I?) while enjoying a well-balanced breakfast. A shape. What shape? A familiar shape. A unique shape. A valuable shape? Maybe.

To make a long story somewhat not as long, I could stand it no longer, and returned to the cereal box to silence the nagging thought once and for all. I was prepared to spend the better part of the day combing the box in search of the elusive, one-of-a-kind shape. However, and perhaps this is the most amazing aspect of the entire ordeal, I had to look no further than the very top of the box! There it was, the shape that had been torturing me for hours if not days. A flake shaped like, believe it or not, another piece of American land property! See for yourself!




For most people who see this it is immediately obvious which part of the U.S. this flake represents. However, for those of you out there who took siestas during geography class, I'll clue you in. What I have found is obviously the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. To be fair, it is not the entire archipelago of Hawaiian islands, and thus not technically a "state" but it is still an amazing representation of an important U.S. land mass.

Lest you think I'm posting this just to brag about my good fortune, let me dispel that. I am posting this now in order to let you, my friends, have the first opportunity to bid on this rare collectible before I post it on ebay (or contact Christie's or Sotheby's -- I haven't decided yet).

As for price, I want to be fair. The original Illinois corn flake is selling for well over $1000. But, come on, most corn flakes look like Illinois! Further, while Illinois may be known for corn, which admittedly adds a bit if irony to their find, Hawaii is known internationally as a prime locale for fun and frolicking in the sun, which is just better.

So with that in mind, and considering that this is open to friends and family only at this point, I would like to start this initial round of bidding at $2500*. Thanks for reading, and happy bidding!

*Hawaiian bidders please note that your actual cost will be based on the U.S.-Hawaiian exchange rate at the time the bid is placed.