As you know I come from a Southern, rural area where guns are very common. My father wasn't a hunter so the only thing we had in the house was a pistol. It lived on top of some kitchen cabinets. I very distinctly remember being a little girl, climbing on top of the counter and pulling the gun down off the cabinet.

My grandfather and many cousins are devoted hunters who own many, many guns. As a child I shot at targets with them and at camp. I've never owned a gun myself though I did seriously consider buying one twice. The first was when I first moved from the country to Louisville. My family was convinced that people were "going to come into my house and get me." Their fear leaked into my head and made me paranoid for a little while. I got over that though. The second time was after my car was broken into. So in both cases it was completely a reaction to fear.