An explanation

One of my friends mentioned that I should explain why my Blog is called "Flypaper for Freaks". It stems from my belief that I AM Flypaper for Freaks. I attract "freaks" the way honey attracts bees. Lemme give you a few "freak magnet" examples . . . .

1. I was in New Orleans on business out for a drink with two co-workers. I told my co-workers that under no circumstances were they to leave me alone at the table because, if they did, a freak would sit down with me. The male co-worker laughed when I said this, the female co-worker confirmed my assertion. You know, of course, that they both deserted me. It took about, oh, five seconds for a man to sit down with me. He told me I was pretty then started talking about all kinds of crazy stuff (like aliens). He was ranting and raving and using some words that I think he made up. The male co-worker returned and made him leave.

2. My former belly dance troupe was walking up an down the streets of Coventry -- an eclectic Cleveland neighborhood -- handing out fliers for an upcoming performance. A woman started following me through the neighborhood. Every time I stopped, she would put her head on my shoulder and sigh. No matter what I said to her, she would not respond to me in any way or look at me. It was such odd behavior, that it almost seemed like she was doing a performance art piece or was part of the Candid Camera staff. I asked her to leave me alone several times to no avail. My very large male friend finally made her leave.

3. In Chicago on business, I was riding on an escalator with my co-worker when a woman tapped me on the shoulder. I expected her to ask me the time or for directions. Instead, she said, "my husband just died" then launched into the sad story of his passing and cried on my shoulder. She hugged me and went on her merry way. She was definitely the least odd of my "freak" collection, but it still made me wonder. Why do these people approach me? Most people tell me I'm intimidating at first glance. So, why do I not intimidate the more unusual types in society? What kind of strange vibe do I send out?

That is but a taste of the more unique characters I attracts, seemingly unwittingly. I used to also attract stalkers, but I haven't had one for awhile, which is great. Maybe it's because I am getting older, but who cares what the reason is? Three stalkers in one lifetime is plenty IMHO. Come to think of it, though, if I've managed to lose my stalker vibe, maybe I can also lose my "freak magnet" vibe. It's worth pondering . . . .