Just when I was excited about a new idea for this bloggy thing – I read the news that Charlie Manson was in a hospital clinging to life.

I’ve followed news of this 83 year old crazy man for as long as I can remember.

Why? Because I truly believe, but for circumstance; a few years and location… I was the type of girl that could have easily joined the Manson family.

I don’t believe in fate, or grace or destiny or any of that stuff, but I do know, that at age 18, I would have been a good target for the likes of Charles Manson.

I know what his “followers” did was horrid and still, I feel such sympathy for them.

They were kids. Kids who got mixed up drugs and fell under influence of a madman.

They were children of the 60s, looking for peace, love and drugs, and it all went wrong.

I was lucky that I met good people at that vulnerable time in life. I just as easily could have been right there with Patricia Krenwinkel, Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten and Lynette Fromme.

Now, the news says, Charlie is “clinging to life.” I wonder if that is just a headline or if he values his life as such. I do think psychopaths and narcissists (which he definitely is both) do not think they will, or should die. So, he probably is clinging.

I don’t feel sympathy for him at all. But oh, how his story captivates me.

And if, after all these years, he still peaks my interest. I have no doubt what kind of influence he could have had on me when I was 18 years old.

I am very grateful for the life I lead. I can say that for the most part, I’ve had positive and loving influences and I’m grateful I was susceptible to them.

Would I change parts of my past? Hell yeah. Would any of Charles girls say different? I think they would too.