River Valley Field Notes #1
Dr. Mona Lisa operates a life coach and therapy business in the small town of River Valley. Business is steady, but she feels like she could help more people. The town is full of wayward spirits and people struggling with how to exist in the contemporary world.
The one designer in town, Carl, would like to do a photoshoot for marketing material. He thinks a photo of her and some of her willing clients will help others connect with her and see her value. She has several locals who might be able to pose, but they are a bit camera shy. It would be good for them to face their fears.
Despite their nervous dispositions, the doctor called her clients, with varying degrees of success. On the day of the shoot, she sat on her back porch overlooking the river and the crater lake beyond it. One of her familiars sat happily on her lap, while her clients fluttered around in the background, each feeling nervous and ready for this to be over.
“Uh, Bigfoot, I need you to come out of the trees more. I can’t actually see you,” Carl called.
“Hurry up! I’m on my lunch break!” screeched Mothman, as he fluttered around the backyard. “And the sun is really too bright today!”
“I agree! Is the sun making me look too shiny?” asked Nessie.
“Nessie, you’re perfect the way you are. Your skin is radiating today. Bigfoot, we really do need to see you. If we can all settle down and come together, this will be over soon. Thank you all again for your generosity in helping me further my practice,” said the doctor.
“Everybody ready?” the designer asked with skepticism.
“Yes, yes. Everyone in place!” said the doctor, gesturing above her head with a wave of her arm. “Everybody smile!” she beamed as she put her ever-present little grin because, after all, emotional regulation is important.
When the flash went off, the familiar startled out of existence, Nessie splashed back into the water, Bigfoot vanished into the bushes, Mothman flew into a tree, and the little green men spat their abductee out and zoomed away. The designer shook his head.
“A success, I’d say, and plenty to talk about in future sessions,” smiled the doctor.