She clung to my neck like a high school sweetheart as we posed for the camera, ‘She’ was a snake, a ‘ball constrictor’, and me, I was a narcissist with an appetite for curiosity.
‘(Curiosity) makes your mind active instead of passive’ **
“This photo will get some attention”, I was thinking, even before the shutter snapped. “Social media was meant for me…”
I had never held a snake and it wasn’t on my ‘bucket list’. But I couldn’t resist when the reptile and her handler were in line with me at the counter of a local garden/pet supply store. I was buying mulch and ‘the snake’ was there for a take-out meal, a box of rats. My curiosity and sense of adventure pushed me, “May I have a picture with your snake?”
‘(Curiosity) makes your mind observant of new ideas’ **
Satisfied the snake was not a threat, I let the handler drape it over my shoulders. Our fears often are created by the unknown, I thought. And my knowledge of snakes was full of unknowns. Saturday morning Tarzan movies was my limited reference of snake knowledge. But my curiosity was driving me. “It’s so dry and smooth”. The more I spoke, the more ignorant I appeared.
‘(Curiosity) opens up new worlds and possibilities’ **
By now, a small cadre of customers had formed behind me in the register line. Curious, I suppose. They were practicing patience and I was becoming the center of attention…and enjoying it. Sales people love attention, so it felt natural. But something felt unnatural as we smiled and hissed for the camera.
Oddly, my rib cage felt cold and the thought occurred to me that the snake sensed my slight nervousness and her body was adjusting accordingly, by changing temperature. Wrong! But I held firm and smiled, nothing was going to spoil this Facebook post.
Not even a snake peeing on me. Snakes have heavy streams, I learned.
I got my picture and the crowd behind me got their laughs. I was left with a hoodie and rib cage soaked with snake urine. But my ego and curiosity were satisfied. The picture garnered numerous ‘likes’ on Facebook, Instagram and now a blog story.
Are you a curious person? Has your curiosity ever put you in predicaments? Has it often satisfied you?
‘(Curiosity) brings excitement into your life’ **
The life of curious people is far from boring. It’s neither dull nor routine. There are always new things that attract their attention, there are always new ‘toys’ to play with. Instead of being bored, curious people have an adventurous life.**
Find something to be curious about!
Steve
Srbottch.com
* ‘The Snake’ is a song released by American singer Al Wilson and written by Oscar Brown
** ‘4 Reasons Why Curiosity is Important’, Donald Latumahina (Lifehack.org)
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Hysterical! The funniest part was your side comment that Tarzan on Saturday mornings was your only reference to snake knowledge. I laughed out loud! The rest of the story was terrific. Do you follow John Kraft’s blog, Down the Hall on your left? Check it out. I think you will like it.
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You snake lover.! you must be a Trump supporter. (sorry, couldn’t help myself.)..Now I’m sounding like the New York Times. 😄Love this one. How are the babies doing. How are you feeling .
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S® 6, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
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Great picture – and – story. Thanks.
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Good start today with your story.Still laughin thinking about you.
I was exciTed To learn about this one
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If I. An make you laugh, then I’ve succeeded. At least it didn’t bite me, or try to swallow me. That would have been a problem. 😜
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Not enough meat …….😜
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Thank God that’s all that snake did! Braver than me, you are . . .
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Anything for a FB & IG photo.
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Truly funny! The kind of funny that lingers in the back of the mind and surfaces at unexpected times causing smiles and chuckles for reasons unknown to bystanders. You have a gift. Thanks for sharing it.
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Again, your generous comments motivate me to write and to try and get better. I glad it made you laugh. You would have fit in nicely with the customers behind me. Thank you, Ida Beth. By the way, snow coming our way Sunday eve and Monday.
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Yay, snow! But easy for me to say. I hope it adds to the magic of your holiday season, but doesn’t overstay its welcome. And you are so very welcome. That snake story reminds me of all the crazy stuff that happened to Johnny Carson when he had animals on the show. Always hilarious!
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Never realized snakes could pee on you. I learn something new everyday!
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It was news to me, too. City boy needs to visit the jungle more often.
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I’m curious about a lot of things. Snakes aren’t one of them. 😉 Fun shot!
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Haha loved your story. As usual you have such a way with words.
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I like the writing, very refreshing!
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Thank you, Bob. I try to keep it simple but interesting.
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This reminds me of a boyfriend I had when I lived in Sydney as a young wonan . He was an optician and he kept valuable optical equipment in his car . In order to deter thieves , he kept a large boa constrictor in the car ! A nonovel way of protecting one’s property !Like your story !
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I’ve had dogs, cats, and babies pee on me but never a snake. I intend to keep it that way.
Great post.
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You haven’t lived till…aw, never mind!
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Quite an experience… 😦
I only held a snake once in Brazil, in the middle of nowhere.
Other times I have stayed away from snakes… One thing you learn in Africa…
Be good
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