Part of the Story

It probably started with The Wizard of Oz. As a very young girl, I started watching that movie. A tradition that has continued throughout these many years. But I always wanted to be Dorothy. I wanted to live her adventure. I wanted to walk the yellow brick road, meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Goodness, I'd even face the Wicked Witch of the West. Just to be part of that story.

Growing up, that desire never really changed. Just the stories. One that comes to mind, and I know I've mentioned it before, is Labyrinth. I could easily picture myself as Sarah making her way through the Goblin King's maze. I'd be fine, as long as I didn't have to go up against the Fireys. I feel about the same way about them as I do Oompa Loompas.

*shudders*

But I always felt like if I could just believe enough, I could go to sleep at night and wake up in those worlds. I could be Dorothy. I could be Sarah. I just had to give my heart over completely to the idea, and I could get swept away.

Yeah. Never happened.

I am witnessing that this afternoon with my son. We're watching Hook, another of my childhood favorites. He is enamored with the Lost Boys. I can see in his eyes that he could easily fit into that world. At least he thinks so. But when it comes to living those fantasies, the line to cross over from reality becomes really stinkin' thick.

I've discovered that I can ease that desire a bit through writing. Because in delving into my character's personality and circumstances, I have to become part of the story. I have to live it in order to relate their reactions. I have to put little pieces of myself in each of my characters, and in turn, they rub off on me.

So while I may never duke it out with flying monkeys or rescue Ludo from those mean little bitey creatures, I can still fly among the stars. I can still battle evil and bring about peace to an entire universe. I can still explore new worlds and have unearthly adventures.

Because I've learned wield the all powerful imagination.