"I didn't mean to startle you," the embarrassed (or annoyed) party says. I fear the subtext is: That shouldn't have startled anyone. What's wrong with you!?
Friends and family are used to it. Strangers think I'm nuts. Actually friends and family think I'm a bit nuts too.
I first noticed this in high school. One day the bell rang and I jumped. I've been jumping ever since.
Intellectually I know bells, shoulder taps other surprises are harmless. A more primitive part of my brain must have other ideas. "Loud noise?" it reasons, "Mortal danger! I repeat, mortal danger! Dispatch the adrenalin!"
Maybe someday some sense will someday trickle down to the part of my brain that hits the panic button.
Until then, I'll be jumpy.
Hey Jumpy! I love this drawing, it really states your case. You're very talented.
ReplyDeletewhoa, you scared me!
ReplyDeleteThanks, RHSteeleOH
you are so funny! this blog is getting intense!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally!
ReplyDeleteI love the two colors of eyes and the neck in pieces and especially the chocolate stuff squirting up.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda,
ReplyDeleteOriginally the gag was going to have the body being a cannon shooting out the head, but it was distracting and weird, so I switched tactics.
That's black coffee shooting out of the cup (and yes, it makes the problem worse so I have to be careful not to overdo it.