Wishes and Dreams

When I was young we would wish on thistle fluff.  We didn't know where it came from, so unlike dandelions, it wasn't something we could actively seek out. Like Lady Luck herself, they came when they pleased on a gentle breeze and never quite offered what you'd hope.

I developed a ritual of sorts around these sporadic sprites.

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1. Catch a puff (gently!) and make a wish.
2. Let it go and watch it till it floats out of sight.
3. If it hits the ground your wish won't come true.

Of course there's no guarantee even if it doesn't hit the ground though. It's just a messenger to carry the wish to heaven and God will decide.

Pro-tip: Don't wish for big things or mean things. It'll be too heavy and sink.

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When I started writing this I intended to point out the tragedy of poverty encouraging small wishes and cramping even the dreams of children... but writing this out I feel like, maybe greed and malice are two sides of the same coin.

Taking more than your share means someone doesn't get what they need.

There's nothing wrong with small dreams. The "American Dream" where everyone is walking around thinking they're one lucky break away from jetting around the world to their many estates causes so much heartache and prevents people from enjoying the pleasures they have.

I am consistently reminded by the universe to be grateful for what I have. I do have dreams. Some would consider them small, but to me they're perfect.

As long as we remember that dreams are stars to set your sails by, and are not the boat that will get you there, we'll all turn out fine.

A day in the life of future-me

I wake up at 6 a.m. to have coffee, check my planner for my day, and then go take care of the animals.

Once I get back with the day's eggs and milk about 8, either someone has made breakfast or I will make breakfast for us. After breakfast I wash the dishes and set out anything that needs doing for dinner like setting up a crock pot or defrosting meat.

Then I go out to take care of the plants. Whether it's planting seedlings, weeding, watering, or harvesting... doesn't matter. Whatever that plan is for that day. In the winter this part of the day will not be taken up by plants except for an hour or less for the greenhouse, that means winter is the time for indoor activities. Depending on the day, the afternoon might be spent visiting friends, running errands, planting more plants, or canning/freezing/drying the harvest.

We will still watch TV after dinner, but I do plan to have my hands busy at the same time, either shelling peas, knitting, or some other small task like laundry folding.

Around 8 pm I would retire somewhere quiet to journal and look at tomorrow's plan to make sure that I'm all set.

I'd be showered hair brushed teeth brushed and in bed by 10 p.m.

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This is course is a very full day. In the summertime there isn't as much required outside with the plants. There would be days for social activities, and also crafts and hobbies.

I want to be the person who takes some time every week to make a meal plan. That way I don't have to worry for the rest of the week about what is for dinner.

I want to be the person who keeps track of all sorts of things. I want to be the one who remembers when it's somebody's birthday and actually mails a card in time for it to get there.

I want to be the one who calls people up regularly just to see how they're doing. I want to be homemaker and a homesteader and I want my home to the be the place that the people I care about feel most cared for.

I want many things in my life to become routine so I actually have effort left to make the important decisions. Breakfast and lunch should be mostly automatic. What I put on for clothes should be mostly automatic. Getting ready for bed should not take thought.

This is the future I want for myself.
Enough structure to allow for spontaneity.
Enough responsibility to allow for play.
Enough security to allow for risk taking.