Feb 2, 2013

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.

17 comments:

  1. This is brilliant. I love the idea of you still talking to him. I've always thought doing a psychology course would help my writing. It is a shame he hasn't updated his look though - the seventies were a very bad time for hunky men!! Thanks for taking part :-)

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  2. Dr. Ray would think this post to be highly cathartic to your Id...don't you think?
    Thanks for the good read, and despite better judgement, I shall return. Kudos for making me laugh midway through first cuppa.
    ~Just Jill

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  3. I can relate when someone catches you talking to invisible beings out loud. But I don't look around anymore. I just think, yeah, that's me. :) I think Dr. Ray is very interesting.

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  4. Isn't this the blog where you re-introduce yourself -- no matter, it is so nice to meet you, hm... I mean Dr. Ray!
    Brilliant, funny, gosh, if only I'd come up with someone as awesome as Dr. Ray -- to blame my...well, never mind.
    Still, it's so nice to meet you Charmaine,and your 'friend' - I will definitely be back!
    I feel so normal here...

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  5. My invisible friend "lived in the bathtub drain" so I spent a good amount of time talking with myself in the tub. Pretty sure my mother had some questions about just how sane her baby daughter was, ha ha

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  6. Hahaha, I'll return to worries. I admit I laugh for no reason and my wife asks me what I'm laughing at. "Things," I say. "Things."

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  7. I had an invisible friend when I was in grade school, because I didn't have any "real" friends. She was a little girl who was my age, and she brought some comfort to me.
    A psychiatrist would be a good imaginary friend. He'd be a good listener.

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  8. Okay, so I think this is the most interesting pick I've seen. ;)

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  9. Dr. Ray doesn't sound like your ordinary made up friend, but I love him all the more for it!

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  10. I've never really had one (I don't think) - but a psychologist souds an ideal imaginary friend.

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  11. Charmaine,

    I think I will take your advice and revisit my Angel. It seems like you and Dr. Ray have a strong chemistry and that is what keeps him around. Loved your post and I will be returning for more! :D

    -Chary Perez

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  12. My imaginary friend was no where near as interesting, and I would've given him up in a heartbeat, if I'd been allowed to have a pet.

    Love the picture of Dr. Ray-Ray. Hey, that look was bitchin', back in the day.

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  13. If you're going to have an imaginary friend, he may as well be a Dr! A great choice :)

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  14. I never had an imaginary friend but I think you couldn't have found a better one :)

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  15. Guffaw! I had that same leisure suit in lime green. Same split-rail fence, too. With the moustache, he reminded me of Doug Henning. "It's magical!"

    Very cute, Charmaine. :o)

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  16. Mine was definitely dorky, as was I. :)

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  17. Interesting. I would never have guessed he could be an imaginary friend.

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