A Writer's Best (Imaginary) Friend

Kyra Lennon and Annalisa Crawford have co-hosted a blog hop on imaginary friends (find out more here).

I was a late bloomer and by time I picked an imaginary friend, all the good ones were gone. While other girls had giggling buddies to share stories with, I had Ray. Dr Ray, to be exact.

I'd like to think news programs were to blame (and not my own freakishness), when I developed a fascination with murderers. Don't worry, Dr Ray wasn't a psychopath--he was a psychiatrist. Together we would sit and Mull over the puzzle of the mind of a murderer. What makes a person act that way? Back then, I figured I would become a psychiatrist one day, but I also had artist, author, vet and an array of other vocations in my to-do list. Dr Ray never completely disappeared, although he remained wisely silent during my teen years. 

Later though, my kids would catch me musing observations to the air and ask 'who are you talking to?'

'Nobody.' I would answer, but quickly look about the crowded shopping centre to make sure no one else caught me mid-conversation with Dr Ray. 

Sometimes we'd argue--he's so darn opinionated and quite frankly, a little narrow-minded. I'd like to say he's lingered this long because of his hunky looks, but Dr Ray was created in the mid-seventies and has remained unchanged since. I'm sure he'd love to become a character in one of my stories, but I just don't want to give him that much exposure, it'd go right to his head.

So, tell the truth, did you have an imaginary friend? Dorky, or cool like Dr Ray?

Dr Ray never smiled this much for me, he must like you!

*if you never return to my blog after reading this post... I understand.