field of dreams – the dream meme.
June 17, 2008
My dream.
I like to write. I love to write when I’m writing about things I love, things I know. I don’t want the big house in the ‘burbs with the Bimmer out front, or the Hugo Boss suits, the power lunches, the CrackBerry.
No. I want the freedom to take a walk on the beach with my family, and then up into a field, to enjoy a picnic lunch. Away from the clamor of the city. Under a sunny sky, a gentle breeze blowing in off the ocean.
So really, my dream is to write for a living, so that I may be free to be there for my family, when they need me, rather than being chained to a desk in a cube far, far away from them.
My first book, and I would say my crowning achievement, is to be the story of my wife and children.
There will be others, too. In fact, some are already in the works.
My goals.
In the next year, I will:
Complete the manuscript for my wife’s biography
Submit a copy to Oprah 
hey, dream *BIG*
Start shopping it around to publishers, while working on my other writing
Today.
I will spend 30 to 60 minutes working on my book.
–
I thought about tagging some other folks, and then I thought I’d just ask you – any of you who are reading this – if you like, please feel free to share your dreams as well.
It is really simple, just describe your dream, then three tangible goals you can do in the next year to help you meet your dream, and finally one single action that you *will* take today to bring you closer to your dream.
You can do it any time, you can make it as long or as short as you like. This took me all of about 10 minutes to write, and it was fun
Thanks to Bob at The Writing Journey for tagging me with the dream meme. It gave me pause to think more about it, and as I’d said at his blog, I really am already living this dream. It is unfolding before me, and it is great.
Soon, soon, we will walk up the beach, into that field…
–
Just for kicks, I thought I’d link over to Big Bright Bulb and Crystal’s piece “What Did You Want To Do When You Grew Up?”, so in this way I’m sort of answering her questions too!
Hmm. When I was young, I wanted to be an astronaut. But I knew that I’d need to be a fighter pilot first. Sadly, my eyes had other ideas… dang those glasses!
Then I thought I wanted to be an engineer. Well, I am an engineer now, but it doesn’t seem like that’s what I want to be. Why is that?
Well, perhaps I’m not grown up yet! Nope, I want to be a writer. And I guess I am. Now I just need to get that book done, and convince everyone to buy it.
Can and will – and believe in yourself. That’s what it takes.
Brett,
I just came from Big Bright Bulb. Growing up, announcing dreams… whew. A lot of soul-searching for this hour.
Dream big, darlin’. You know what they say about reaching for the stars? You may not get there, but you’re sure to reach the moon.
You can be an astronaut after all. In a slightly different way.
Wait. No Hugo Boss suits at all? That’s okay, Varvatos is better anyway.
When you’re a fancy author you’ll have to buy one to go on Oprah!
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..OPEN at Our New Address
Kelly,
I agree, it seems to be a theme this week for a lot of folks – it is good to dream, and dream big.
The moon will do, if not the stars. I heard Oprah’s studio is on the moon anyway
Yes, Varvatos is better, for sure… I’ll look pretty snazzy on stage, I think.
Thanks for stopping in today.
-Brett
Yes, we all seem to have landed under the same inspirational dream-cloud. That must mean something. Let’s all hold hands. Put that energy together.
Better together. Supporting each other. Our gang is great for that. GO US!
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..In the Dirt
Brett,
Oprah would be a pretty cool place to land while reaching for the stars.
Wendi,
I like this hand-holding dream cloud idea. Go everybody, for sure. The virtual world is so good at rah-rah. Funny how the real world isn’t as good at it sometimes. Same people… whazzup with that?
Until later, you dreamers,
Kelly
(He he if I remember to put the correct address, I have less typing to do on these forms. Old dog, new trick. Can it be done?)
Kelly’s last blog post..OPEN 24/7, Just for You
[...] 17, 2008 Brett of 6 weeks wrote a post today on his dreams and goals, a topic I’ve been thinking about the last while as well. One of the things I’m [...]
Yikes, soul searching – you’re making my brain hurt, Brett!
I was writing a comment about my dreams concerning what I want to be when I grow up when I realized something: my life’s dreams have never really involved what I wanted to do as a profession.
My sister and I have compiled a crazy list of the things that we have to do before we die. Some of them are serious, like I would like to get my black belt and learn a 3rd language. Most of them are ridiculous, though – we want to see how long we can stay at a Chinese buffet before getting kicked out and go to Europe with only some money, passports and a knapsack, just to see where we end up.
For us, it kind of doesn’t matter where the money comes from. We’re in the process of choosing professions right now, but we’re going to go right back to the list as soon as possible. The most important thing for us is to create awesome memories and to live life to the fullest.
When I’m sitting in a rocking chair (half-blind and gnarled from osteoporosis), I feel that no one will care about what I did for a living, but I KNOW that I’ll be proud to tell my grandchildren that I competed in Taekwondo tournaments. I never want to feel defined by work.
Whew, that was a drawn out response! Sorry… On the upside, this post really got me thinking and now I’m inspired to get up and *do* something. Thanks Brett
r.l.david02 – TKD Happiness’s last blog post..Whoops!
Wendi: an online intenders’ circle?
I’m all for it. Blogging in public is the best venue. The more people you have thinking along the same lines (for example, all thinking toward Brett’s goals for himself), the more power to us.
@ Brett: I’ve said what I think of your goals in my own post. In summary, because you believe you will achieve them and you’re working toward them with that conviction, I believe you will too. I can’t help but think otherwise.
steph’s last blog post..“Whatever You Wish for You Keep” (dream meme)
Brett
If you define yourself in terms of your work, it can be really rough when your work is cancelled. My work project just got cancelled and I’m now waiting to be redeployed and the redeployment method being used by my employer has temporarly removed a lot of my options. Will the redeployment be acceptable to me? I’ve usually managed to find enjoyment and challenge of any of the many assignments I’ve had, but I really don’t want to do a boring task at this time in my career.
So the question of what I want to do “when I grow up” is very much in my mind. I’ve always enjoyed reading science fiction, so what most of the adventurers did there is probably what I wanted to do when I grew up. Yes, astronauts were there too. I’ve already done some of the adventures I dreamed of, I enjoyed them and I have an award for one of them. But I’m not yet satisfied and no way ready for the “rocking chair”. I’m also at a point in my life where I’m more free than ever to make changes in my life. So…to be continued….
[...] dream meme First thing: I’d like to give a big shout-out to Brett over at 6 weeks for inspiring me to get off my lazy butt. Go here to check out this inspirational [...]
@Brett – I think Oprah will really dig it.
My dreams are becoming the best photographer and writer I can be. And to give Oprah my novel too. Maybe we can be on the same day. I think she will go for that.
My dreams also include having my kids grow up happy and healthy.
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..The Magic Forest
@Wendi,
That sounds like a good idea – together, we are stronger. The can and will gang, *can* and *will*, because we believe.
@Kelly,
Oh yes, I’d love to be at the Harpo Studios – and it sure is funny, isn’t it – I have more camaraderie out here with all of you, than I do with the real people at my real job.
I think that is because, we get it, and they do not…
(PS – you’re not an old dog)
@RLD,
That is a really good way to look at it, you know – the crazy stuff you want to do, places you want to visit, and so forth. I also have a list like that, and I’ve been doing it. Go to New Zealand – check. Go Zorbing – check.
And you’re right, doesn’t matter where the money comes from – do it now while you can. I’d rather spend it now than wish I had later.
And like you said, don’t be defined by work – be defined by what you love. Make *that* your work, perhaps.
Hey, I’m glad you wrote this long post (and I’ve already read what you wrote – I like it!)
@steph,
What you wrote was really very nice, thank you! This is a faith, a belief thing – if we believe in each other’s dreams, that is a powerful thing. We can encourage each other. I like what you wrote at your blog today.
@Ed,
I agree – you and I have spoken at length about work and life, on our lunchtime walks. “Being” your job in a conventional company is probably not a good thing. Maybe if you make “you” into a job, that is okay.
Don’t grow up, I don’t think that’s a good thing… you’re definitely not ready for the rocking chair.
@Ellen,
Oprah will dig your book also – and that’s a deal. We can go on there together, that would be very cool.
Your kids are growing up happy and healthy, so that’s one that is coming true.
@Brett – Anyone who put Zorbing on their life’s to-do list is an awesome person in my book! When we get down to it, we all seem to want the same thing: freedom.
@Ed – I think that it’s a good sign that you’re not satisfied – it shows that you still have a zest for life. Personally, I never want to be satisfied. I want to still have dreams and goals when I’m 100 years old – I want to die in a hoveround scooter trying to satisfy my urge to live
r.l.david02 – TKD Happiness’s last blog post..The dream meme
[...] Brett Legree at 6 Weeks [...]
Ed,
I really like how you said “I’ve usually managed to find enjoyment and challenge of any of the many assignments I’ve had.” So many people don’t realize that doesn’t just come up and bite you, you have to work on it. Managed to find it is right. Believe me, I’ve had some mindless jobs that would put most people in a coma. I’ve managed to find enjoyment and it’s made all the difference.
I’m a “manage to find enjoyment” kind of person, and it sounds like you are too. Where’s the course for that? It’s a critical life skill lots of folks don’t have.
(Of course, the coma Brett’s in is different, because it’s Brett’s and it’s a lot deeper than just boredom.)
Brett,
Old dog just typed .typepad again. You watch out, in six months you may be an old dog, too. Uh-oh, then I’ll be… an older dog.
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: Blind Faith?
I always liked the opening bit in the Little Prince, his drawing. Not a chapeau, it is an elephant devoured by a boa snake. Grownups think it is a hat.
It is my dream to always have that child- like fascination and to play with it. Maybe that is a lot like not growing up. Maybe when I get old I will wear a hat and drive very slowly like Friar says, or wash my driveway everyday….but I’ll be going somewhere really neat and seeing fairies in the water droplets.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Chocolate Silk, $25 , and Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
Janice,
Now that is a dream. Nice.
When I read that story to my daughter last year, she wept from about halfway through. Didn’t let me stop reading, but cried every time we read. The way she does if you even mention Puff the Magic Dragon to her. No, we can not listen to the song anymore.
She says it’s because it’s not right that they couldn’t stay exactly how they were without any changing, but I think she also feels the pull of change and doesn’t like it. Nostalgic for something she hasn’t lost yet.
She won’t lose it—look at her role model! I brake for rainbows!
The whole world should be artists, Janice. What a wonderful world.
(That’s why I think Brett and Friar are awesome. Engineer-artists. How cool is that!)
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: Blind Faith?
I love that book. St. Exupery saw so much. Aughhh, your little lady is a sensitive one, who can probably kick ass well. World look out. I love that “nostalgic for something she hasn’t lost yet. ” They show us our world all over again , huh?
As for that Friar and that Brett, well who would’ve guessed…those renaissance men.
Coming over to see you.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Chocolate Silk, $25 , and Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
Oh, yes. Little mirrors, they are.
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: Blind Faith?
@RLD,
Well thank you
you’re pretty awesome yourself. And you are right, that seems to be what we want – freedom.
We can have freedom, you know. People who think you have to work for someone else for a living, just haven’t thought hard enough yet. Keep thinking, those of you who think that!
(Unless of course you like working for someone else – if so, carry on.)
@Kelly,
*woof woof* we be old dogs together – but worry not, old age and treachery always overcomes youth and skill…
I can usually find some enjoyment in what I do, but as Ed knows, where we work, there are some factions who work very hard to sabotage attempts to do that very thing…
@Janice,
You won the $25, my friend
and I love that painting! Keep that child-like fascination. It is priceless.
@Kelly & Janice again,
The Renaissance Engineer-Artist Viking says thanks!
^ ^
. .
^
o
LOL thanks my Viking friend
Ooh, time for that Dancing Show…Must go unwind. Fun day guys.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Chocolate Silk, $25 , and Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can and will. Sign me for several copies of that first book, my friend and you can count on me for a first rate review on Amazon.
I believe in you!
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Are you a commitment phobe?
@Karen,
Thank you my friend – you’re already on the list for a signed copy or 10
When I was 12, one of the things I wanted to be was a writer (as well as a teacher, dancer, acrobat/gymnast, and famous singer). I also wanted to live in southern Europe and live in a rooftop loft done up all white and red with the man I loved.
At a month away from 39, I make a living writing and teaching English while I work on my fiction (not yet supporting myself with that, but it’ll come). I live in northern Spain with the man I love in an attic apartment done up all white and red.
My goal is to get my first book published, then go on to publishing more (ideally at a JK Rowling level, but I’ll accept an Andre Norton or Anne McCaffrey level too). My daily goal is to move my writing forward at least little bit (which reminds me – I must go revise the next chapter of the novel).
Cheers,
Alex
Alex Fayle’s last blog post..Manifesto for World Domination
Alex,
Thanks for stopping in and sharing your dreams and goals. I believe that you’ll do it.
If anyone hasn’t seen Alex’s blog, go check it out – his one line bio says it all:
“Working on getting rid of the word “someday” from my life and from the lives of those around me.”
Awesome.
-Brett
[...] Brett Legree: Field of Dreams – the dream meme [...]
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[...] Brett Legree: Field of Dreams – the dream meme [...]
I like prince lol. However, there was once where he fell from a stage. Michael Jackson and James Brown was there too ;D
guide2prince.org’s last blog post..1-800 New Funk – Various Artist Album – NPG – 2Gether