Characters in My Life-Collage: Braingasms
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Some people have imaginary friends, at least when they are children. I have an invisible entity that exists only in my mind. Nevertheless, it is a character in my life that has provided both foolery and guidance. Take from this what you will, but it’s twue; it’s twue. Now there! You see how it is? While I’m typing away, Lili von Shtupp enters my brain, and I sing “I’m Tired.” And laugh! Alone. In my office. That’s a Braingasm. I can’t explain it. It’s a gift. Vell, maybe. 
Braingasms usually happen at inappropriate times, often during funerals, and I am my own best audience. The laughter begins almost silently, and rolls upward through my body. My shoulders shake as though I am sobbing. My mouth opens to release the laughter but no sound comes out. Tears roll down my cheeks and I reach for the nearest Kleenex or someone’s sleeve, then make my departure without excuses. No, no, I shake my head to the person next to me and try to look normal. What can I say to people? I’m having a Braingasm?
No doubt there are those who would suggest I need medication but I protest. This, ladies and gentlemen, is my very own defense mechanism. No meds required; none wanted, though it can cause sleepless nights. Sometimes the sleeplessness is good. I may have fumbled with a problem all day long without arriving at a solution. I faked equations in high school Algebra and subsequently learned to fake many other things when necessary. No, don’t let your mind go there. I fake being smart and comprehending things like mathematics. When I questioned the importance of math in high school, I was told that it helps in analyzing problems. Pffft! They didn’t know about Braingasms.
I will awaken in the middle of the night with a very appropriate solution to the problem that vexed me all day. And the answer is always right! No red check marks scrawled across the paper. My Braingasm gives me an A+ and I am elated. I ride a natural high for several hours and then collapse into sleep because by then…I’m so tired.
Enter Lili von Shtupp:
Characters in My Life-Collage: Braingasms,
Someone once told me, “Used-to-be’s don’t count.” I have pondered this often and find that they do count. We are the sum of our life experiences.
I used to be an English and Speech teacher. There will always be a part of me that wants to teach. I used to be an Investigator, first for the government and later in my own private investigations business.
I will always probe beneath the surface of issues and people, looking for the gem-like quality hidden in the text of words and personae. Today I am a writer and all of the used-to-be’s are part of the continuum of this journey.
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Tags: askcherlock, braingasm, Cher Duncombe, collapse, defense mechanism, funerals, imaginary friends, inappropriate times, invisible entity, laughter, lili von shtupp, medication, sleepless nights, sleeplessness
What interesting used to be’s you have my dear. I would think that being and investigator would be exciting. pssst.. I have braingasms all the time. I have this uncanny ability to see what people say in my mind in the literal sense. i.e. My ex often used to call rude drivers dick heads. I would always burst out laughing becuase when he would say that I could visualize an actual penis driving the car next to us. perhaps tmi, but you get the idea, and how very awry very quickly things can go in my head. LOL LOL It provides me with one of life’s great healers… laughter. smiles.
Dani, being an Investigator was the greatest and it was all theatre of the absurd! Now when I hear the phrase “dick head” I will think of you and have another Braingasm! Ex’s provide such wonderful stories, if nothing else, Dani.
Now laugh your socks off!
Sweet Cher, you are simply too cool
Lili von Shtupp? Oeh la la!
There have been days that I caught myself e.g. smiling broadly or staring shocked , because I visualized entire scenes of the people who were sitting with me in the train. Sometimes it feels like I’m watching a movie in my mind! I had a few moments during my Grandads funeral where I just had to laugh. The priest had a very silly accent and weird hand movements. I just could imagine my Grandad standing there looking this -_- and shaking his head. Maybe not appropriate because everyone is crying, but really those moments made things a lot easier.
Never ever take those little pills. It’s a control mechanism I tell ya! Be Happy, Be Silly and just SMILE! And I know you have a great smile
Xoxo!
Oh my Sweet TJ, what a great story about your Grandad! That makes me happy because I remember what a terribly sad time that was for you, but dear one—you had a Braingasm too! Loved the story about scenes on the train too. No pills…ever! This is just too much fun.
Hahaha yeah I did a few more weird things that day that made my sisters laugh a bit too much too.
Ah you were around during that time, can’t thank you enough for that <3
TJ, if memory serves, you and I ‘met’ during the time you were mourning the passing of your Grandad. Information was rapidly circulating the Internet about what a sad time this was for you, and would people please send you a message of warmth. I saw perhaps hundreds of various people discussing their concern for you. Having lost someone very close to me, I sent you a brief message. And you responded! I believe you responded to each message you received, and I remember thinking, “What great character this young woman has.” Many people are characters and some people possess character, like you, and that set you apart from the many quite quickly. So we formed a friendship, you and I, when your Grandad passed away. I would bet he was beaming at your laughter from heaven! Sometimes good things emerge from bad situations. You captured many hearts during those times because your emotions were so genuine. And then there is your art! Hugs to you, Sweet TJ. Dance, sprinkle glitter, and above all, laugh.
The “Teutonic Titwillow” is your imaginary friend! What a blast this must be. Does Sheriff Bart ever drop by?
The sublime, subtle humor of this piece is masterful!
“I faked equations in high school Algebra and subsequently learned to fake many other things when necessary. No, don’t let your mind go there.”
This is almost too artful for words, but obviously you found the words!
I am chuckling almost too hard to type.
Magnificent!
My dear friend, Larry, Ms. Titwillow and I both thank you graciously! So happy you laughed. She is my better half, you know.
Sheriff Bart stops by occasionally but that film is so old he needs those pretty BLUE pills. LOL
Medication is what unimaginative people want to give the us creative types!
I have often found myself in fits of laughter, and usually at completely inappropriate moments. I once had to fake a coughing attack in the middle of a meeting because I was ready to burst out into laughter. All of the stone-faced corporate types throwing around Marketing buzzwords, and all I could think about was the Keyboard Cat video.
I bet you have a great laugh!!
Jen, no one ever actually suggested I take medications, probably because until now, most people did not know that I have Braingasms! And those “unimaginative people” you mentioned miss out on so much because they expect others to be cookie-cutter people who fit neatly into their preconceived mold of what ‘normal’ should be. How boring! The first time I read your writings, I knew you had a raucous sense of humor that is almost unearthly. You can take the most simplistic situation and turn it into a better sitcom than anything on TV.
One of the finest gifts given to mankind is a sense of humor. Too bad those “stone-faced corporate types” have not developed it. But ain’t we got fun as we see Keyboard Cat videos and Lili. 
Oh my goodness, Cher! I just stared at your comment for a long time as I didn’t know what to say. So I just remembered that time AND I did a quick search. We ‘met’ 2 weeks before my Grandad passed away. The first little comments we exchanged were on your interview article and then on my blog haha. I wrote an article about compassion regarding the interview you did with Patch Adams remember? You captured me straight away and you never left ^_^. I was overwhelmed by all the messages I got and the comfort and support everyone send me. I didn’t expect it at all and it was really amazing. It still is! Ah yes, I responded to everyone. You and everyone else took the time for me, so I had to do something back. It’s something I’ll never forget.
A Gazillion Hugs to you, Sweet Cher! We mustn’t forget the cupcakes either
!!!!
*dances*
Sweet TJ, you are completely endearing. Cupcakes forever! Don’t forget the glitter and we shall all dance.
xoxo
Ha ha! I get braingasms, too. I’m so glad I’m not alone!
No Janene, you are not alone! Braingasms: good for creative minds. Caution: if you have three or more braingasms in one day, consult your writer friends.