the night after I typed that out I had a terrible dream!... A clown was in my window on dark stormy night. Lightening was striking a tree near the window as it looked in at me with an ugly evil clown face!!

My remembering that scary day when I was young and the story that val313 scared me so much that I think that is what contributed to that dream that night.

Ok..now I need to think happy thoughts! I want to sleep better tonight!

I missed the inauguration, but hope to see a repeat.

PS.
Answer to the last question:
Heights/ feeling trapped/ spiders

Budgies in the window..so cute, maybe even waving a wing lol, ahh much better.

Yes, and your German Shepherd, your hubby, and your Oso friend driving that evil clown away.

I've heard President Obama's inaugural speech twice now. He's got quite a speech writer! I thought his acceptance speech when the election was won was also quite masterful, stirring, and healing for our nation.

ILN- I am so sorry that I scared you. That was not my intention at all. Hugs. Think flowers and budgies!

lol...no worries!

I was the one who brought up the whole idea of the phobia question..lol!


repeats to self.......oooo flowers and budgies...ahhhhhhhh

The flowers and budgies people - I like it. The new hippie generation. Smell the flowers and kiss the budgies.

Carl Analysis:

He has a deep seated need for a feathered companion, of a parakeet persuasion.
He can be often found lost the religious forum, but it is only because he did not ask for directions. What he truly seeks to fill the void is a budgie.
If he were to obtain said avian amigo he would give it a human name, this only reinforces the subconscious need for budgie companionship.
He can be found on the parakeet forum as well, more often as each day passes..the subconscious emerges.

He is well liked by many and also has a great sense of humor. Yep that's our Carl.

Smiling, here. My Trippi cat who follows me everywhere and is more faithful than any dog tells me, "No, Dad! Don't listen to her. Just keep on petting me and giving me treats. Besides, I don't like cages!"

CM, your Carl Analysis is hilarious (and brilliant too)! Sorry, Carl (and Trippi), but I'm just not a cat person (although Trippi sounds like a cutie-pie)...

I couldn't agree more. It is so difficult to explain it to people, sometimes --- such an almost over-whelming sensation of panic, trouble breathing & walking, shakiness, etc.

I've come close to Coco's Mama's situation of nearly dropping to the floor. Irrational or not, it's a very real terror, and I agree with Carl that forcing people to confront the phobia is torturous and can backfire...

Or may I suggest: Smell the budgies, and kiss the flowers, if you like -- but definitely smell the budgies! Ahhhh...