Cafe Writing - 7 Things That Scare Me

Cafe Writing
Halloween Project (October/November 2008):

Option Five: Seven Things

Where there is no imagination there is no horror.
~ Arthur Conan Doyle

In improvisation, one of our exercises is a game called “Seven Things,” in which we go around in a circle giving each other the challenge, “Give me seven things that [whatever].” We are not going to go around in a circle here, but if you’re drawn to lists, this prompt is for you. So, give me either seven things that scare you OR seven of your favorite horror films. You are not required to provide any explanations, but it’s more interesting for readers if you do.
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1.) Clowns - To me, all clowns are scary - all that white face paint and red, gaping mouths - ick!!!! I think my phobia of clowns began in my childhood when I used to watch the old soap opera, Dark Shadows (Dark Shadows is still one of the programs I love to watch; I own all the DVDs). There was one episode where the young character of David had a nightmare where he was trapped in a fun house. A large, scary clown was one of the images that kept popping up, and my parents said I had nightmares for weeks. I've been scared of them ever since. To read a blog post on my fear of clowns, go here.

2.) Someone sneaking up behind me - I'm sure I'm not the only one with this fear. I don't know when it started, but for as long as I can remember, I have hated for people to sneak up behind me. When I was younger, my younger brother and sister used to chase me up the basement steps and it always terrified me, even though I knew it was them!

3.) Severe thunderstorms - Again, I'm sure other people have a fear of storms. There is just something about loud thunder and bright lightening that makes my heart race and that fight/flight instinct takes over.



4.) Drunk drivers - Need I say more? I hate to eat out in restaurants anymore because it infuriates me to see people at the table next to me, or at the bar, drinking several drinks with their meal, and then leaving the restaurant and getting behind the wheel. I have three daughters, the youngest just turned 16 and is starting to drive - I don't want my children to meet these irresponsible people on the road.

5.) Religious zealots and extremists - I was raised in a Southern Baptist church, but for the past ten years, I have been exploring other religions. I feel religion is spiritually good for everyone, but the zealots and extremists just scare me. When you are killing someone in the name of your god, how does that make you a good person. I believe in an almighty creator - be it God, Buddha, Muhammad, the Goddess, Ali - but I will never believe that our creator approves of the murder and violence that goes on in our world today.

6.) The year 2012 - Although I don't think I am a superstitious person, the Mayan calendar is supposed to end in the year 1012. According to The End of the World website:

"The Mayan calendar comes to an end on Sunday, December 23, 2012. Only a few people will survive the catastrophe that ensues."

Although the logical part of my brain doesn't believe that, another part of my brain says the Mayans were highly advanced, so it may come true. I guess we'll all see in 4 years!

7.) Losing my hubby, my girls or my parents - I know I can't constantly worry about losing a loved one, so I've put my worry in God's hands and trust him to watch over my family. But the greatest fear of my life is to die before my parents (who have already lost one child), my hubby or my children. If God must take someone, please let it be me and not them.