Post #12: Where Do Monsters Lurk Opening Party

While I have never drawn out my fears or monsters throughout my childhood, I have been quite afraid of various occurrences. From open high spaces, to spiders, to the shiny floors of malls, I have always been a very fearful individual who characterized monsters through several aspects of my life. One of the greatest monsters in my life has been bees. As a younger child, I would frequently play in the grass barefoot, frightened at the possibility of stepping on an unassuming bee, puncturing my skin with its stinger. I would squeal and run in opposing directions, fearful that the bright colors in my shirts were attracting them, and that my quick movements would anger them.

This monster reflects my imperfections in my impatience. While in the presence of a bee, my mind would whir, looking for an escape route, rather than allowing the bee to tend to its duties. The bee’s are generally amidst their own personal tasks, and my fears orchestrated that their impulses were all aimed at me. While I still worry about being stung, I have developed a deep appreciation and respect for bees, especially in the recent years, as I have discovered their importance in our natural world, rather than being threatening insects.


During our monster mash party, I wore black and yellow striped pants to match the familiar colors and appearance of a bee, as well as a homemade "antenna" -- a headband with two yellow straws.