Coulrophobia

[kool-ruh-foh-bee-uh]

An abnormal fear of clowns.

I'm not sure how old I was when I realized this condition. I do know it wasn't as a small child. I don't believe this fear started until I was a teenager. I never knew this fear had an actual name, Coulrophobia. Who knew?

I have two strange fears, clowns and carousels. Hmm, and closely related to the clown are mimes. We might as well throw them in there too. Yep, mimes give me the heebie jeebies as well.

I, like many others watched Bozo the Clown as a child. However, I was never really fond of him like most kids. There was just something about him that made me uneasy. I never found him funny, witty, or charming. Just strange.

But it wasn't until that clown Pennywise came along, I knew it was over. That guy came along that just really sealed the deal. The clown from Stephen King's IT. He was just the worst. He took creepiness to a whole nother level!

I had nightmares about him. With me it did not matter if the clown was a happy clown, danced around to happy music, made animal balloons, just seeing that painted face just made me want to exit stage right, as quickly as possible!

Mimes are the same. I think they're very talented, but, um, that painted face just weirds me out.

To all the clowns and mimes in the world, please don't take it personal LOL I'm sure you bring joy to millions of others ;)

Carousels, are just plain creepy to me, so much so I wrote a scene about them in my book that will be released next year. One of my best friends collects carousels just like thousands of others. There are even groups that go around specifically to tour carousels. They find the hand carved animals and intricate decor fascinating and beautiful. No thank you, I'll pass.

I don't like the music, the lights, or the animals. I wonder why such innocent items can cause fear in some people? Why is that what some find amusing and entertaining, others find gruesome and horrifying.

Hmm, I think I've just come up with another storyline. Well, back to writing...

Sweet dreams kiddos and I hope Pennywise does not come to visit you tonight! :)

Beth