Monkey's Story

I love to read, and write, because I love stories. Everyone has a story to tell. That's what makes this crazy world we live in so interesting. Every Monday, I interview a different person here and share their stories. At first glance, my guests may appear ordinary, but I promise they're not. They're people. And all people are fascinating. We all have a story to tell.

This week, I'm talking with one of the kids I mentor. When first met this weeks guest when she was a twelve. Next month, she'll be sixteen. Since my guest this week is a minor, I'm not using her first name or showing her face in the attached photo. She often goes by the nickname Monkey, so I'll call her that. 

Let's get started, Monkey, describe yourself. What do you want people to know about you?

M: Um... I'm a girl who lives in the Portland Metro Area. I don't know what else to say. Everyone views me different, and I kind of like that. I guess I'm hard to define.
Me: There is definitely nothing wrong with being complicated and multifaceted. What do you love most in the world?

M: Myself! And opportunities -- you never know when amazing things are going to happen to you. I love that sense of wonder that comes from everyday life.
Me: I can not tell you how much I love the fact that you said yourself. Please never stop feeling that way! What do you fear most?

M: Rejection.And awkward, uncomfortable situations, which often stem from rejection.I hate hurting other peoples feelings. 
Me: Aw, that is such a sweet answer! Now I want to know your largest unfulfilled dream, and what are you doing to reach it?

M: I want to travel the world! When I grow up, I really want to be a photographer. It would be super cool if I got to travel all over the world taking pictures. But I also want to travel not for work, just for adventure.

Me: I hope you are able to become a photographer and a traveler. Since one of your dreams is to take pictures, I'm going to share one of the MANY pictures you've taken using my phone. I swear Monkey, at least 2/3rd of the pictures on my phone were taken by you. Becoming a professional photographer won't be easy though, what is the hardest thing you've ever done?

M: Moving forward after death. Not any one specific death, just death in general is hard for me. Even when I don't personally know the person, it's always hard for me to deal with the idea of death. Just thinking about mortality makes me really sad.
Me: I always think of you as the crazy girl with purple hair, when did you get so deep and sensitive? Now that we've gotten to know each other, tell me a story. It can be long or short, funny, sad, or somewhere in between. Just make sure it's yours. What's your story?

M: Okay, I've got it. Do you remember that time we went to the beach last fall with K and M? We were walking down the boardwalk in Seaside, and we came across an old lady walking her dog. It was a super cute dog and K asked if we could pet it. While we were focused on her dog, the lady started talking to us. 

She was a total creeper who was clearly drunk and probably high. She started trying to give us dating advice, and sharing stories about what it was like when she was a teenager. It was so creepy, and for some reason we kept on talking to her. She just kept asking us questions and sharing way to much information.

Finally you dragged us away. That was a super fun trip to the beach, but that lady was cray-cray! Once we got away from her, you and M said "she was nuts" at exactly the same time.
Me: She was nuts! I remember that beach adventure, and I sincerely hope you aren't following any of that crazy ladies "advice". Remember Monkey, drugs are bad.

So what's your story? If you're interested in participating in a future installment of What's Your Story, please leave your contact information in the comments of this post or email me directly at katherine.elliott.scott(at)gmail.