What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?

When “Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone” was first published back in the summer of 1997, I remember being intrigued with the introduction of Harry’s INVISIBILITY cloak (much like I was later when the marauder’s map came into the wizarding world).

Back in the 60’s, both Samana Stevens (Bewitched) and Jeannie (I Dream of Jeannie) had mostly UNLIMITED POWERS (other than those placed on them by the writers for plot purposes).

In the 70’s, Star Wars introduced the world to the concept of “THE FORCE“, which among other things, allowed a Jedi Knight to alter the world around them using just their mind and also literally alter other people’s minds. This was perfectly demonstrated by Sir Alec Guinness as Obi Wan Kenobi in “Episode 4: A New Hope” when he advised two Stormtroopers that “these aren’t the droids you’re looking for” when entering Mos Eisley with Luke Skywalker, C3PO & R2D2.

TIME TRAVEL has also been a long-time Hollywood tradition, from 1960’s “The Time Machine” to 2010’s “Hot Tub Time Machine”. Along the way, we’ve seen Marty McFly travel from 1985 to 1955 in Doc Brown’s time-traveling DeLorean, “Outlander” nurse Claire Randall transported from the mid-1940’s to Scotland in 1743, Bill and Ted experience the most excellent adventure in 1989, and even Bill Murray repeating the same day over and over again in 1993’s “Groundhog Day”.

MY OWN “SPECIAL” SKILLS

An interesting prompt to consider. It’s a bit difficult to say if a “skill” is just that or just a weird thing you happen to be able to do. Regardless, here’s my short list of skills:

• An uncanny ability to pull out an obscure answer from who knows where while playing any kind of TRIVIA game.
• The ability to execute and hold a HEADSTAND for a long period of time. Handstands? Not so much!
• SPELLING – Even if I’ve never heard of a particular word, I can usually spell it accurately. Oddly enough, I was never successful in winning a spelling bee in school. I did come in second place once but lost during my attempt to spell the word “surround”. Childhood trauma for sure!
• TECHNOLOGY – A few years ago, I was able to put together a custom Christmas “album/cd” of much of my wife’s family performing, including mixing a song where I only had the vocals from my sister-in-law and the music file. Oh yes, also several parts with relatives that had been gone for a number of years.
• The VULCAN HAND SIGNAL – It’s odd that some people can’t split their fingers easily into Spock’s iconic “V”. Live long and prosper my friend.
• Weird as it is, I can touch the tip of my nose with my TONGUE. TMI for sure.
• Play a decent game of POOL/BILLIARDS...left-handed. I’m right-handed otherwise.
• PHOTOGRAPHY – To finance college, I actually taught photography at the college I attended. I think I was often the youngest in the class.

Nothing too earth-shattering I’m afraid. If only my talents could bring about world peace.

MY SKILLS WISH LIST

• PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY (or just a better memory overall!)
• The ability to READ MINDS.
• TELEPORTATION – No more looooonnnnngggg commutes!
• SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH – Just call me Steve Austin.
• The means to EXPOSE CORRUPTION and actually have justice prevail.
• Naturally gifted at SPORTS. Instead, I’m a bit of a klutz!
• Foretell the FUTURE (which of course allows many of my other wished for skills).
• TIME TRAVEL in order to correct mistakes in the past and future without repercussions.
• Ok…blood hell Harry…I’d go for INVISIBILITY too.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Two-part question…what special talents do you have AND what talents do you wish you possessed? Share with our readers by dropping a comment on the page. I’m sure one of your talents is creative writing, right?