When I first read the prompt, my brain went “deer-in-the-headlights”. I am SO not a self-reflection kind of person. This was going to be difficult. What if the spark never came? I won’t spend time on something disingenuous, but what have I ever dreamed of?
I never sought to be the best at sports or academics. I never had a 5-year plan or dreams of career glory. I’ve always loved to travel, but going anywhere has been a quick decision, rather than a slow-burn dream. That mindset was forged in my early 20s on a trip to Egypt. I met 2 retired social studies teachers who had taught ancient Egyptian history their whole lives and finally felt it was the right time to see the country for themselves. By the time our bus was on the road to the Giza Plateau, I think I was more excited for them than they were! We arrived, and all squeezed into a crowded line wherever possible to descend into the pyramid. After emerging, I spotted them and ran over to see if it was all they had dreamed of. To share their joy. THEY HADN’T GONE IN! They explained that they thought they were too old and would hold up the line (it is very narrow and dim inside, and has somewhat unpredictable ground). They worried that they were not up to that level of adventure. WHAT‽ They waited too long, and it cost them a decades-long dream. I felt that loss personally. It has never left me, and as soon as I get a destination in my head, there is never a waiting for “a better time”, or “better finances”, or “til the kids are older and can remember it”. Pfft! Life is so short; we only have right now. I don’t dream of places I want to see; I make a plan and go. Grand Prismatic Spring, Angkor Wat, Antelope Canyon, etc. If it means eating cereal for a month, then that’s what it means. I’m passionate about travel, but it’s not a “dream” per se.
That’s all I’ve got. So now what? I waited for the idea for 5 weeks, my concern growing.
Out of left field, it suddenly occurred to me that I DO have an extant dream. One that has been with me since childhood, and one that can never EVER be realized for any amount of willpower or money. It crashed into my brain like a freight train and expanded until I could see nothing else. YES! This is the only quilt that I was meant to make for this prompt. I can’t say more, but soon I will take you on a journey back 67 million years ago to Madagascar at the end of the Cretaceous Period. Until then, I hope you are actively in pursuit of your biggest dreams.
Oh Christie…..I am glad I create at least a little spark from my prompt! But ….I have also given myself a challenge! This will take me until the last minute to choose an idea!
Haha! I have thought up several prompt ideas (even though my turn is the very last one), and had to rethink them as it occurred to me a good prompt isn’t always an easy one and I am guessing people will be wanting something straightforward by #12. I am certain you will find the needed inspiration in time!
Christy – I love that dream story…. only too true. We need to just act and move on those desires. Waiting too long doesn’t work!
Absolutely. Carpe diem may sound cliche, but it is some of the best advice out there.
I always have trouble with prompts or themes. I am very literal and it’s hard for me to break out of that. Good job finding your quilt for this! Can’t wait to see it!
I often have trouble too. Ideas that may come early and gain traction are usually discarded in favor of later inspiration. I can’t tell you how many CFE pieces I have started after the deadline has passed while I waited for the right idea to come.
I am reminded of a picture I have seen of the elderly couple asleep on a gondola on the Venice canal. I felt your sorrow in your writing of your experience in Egypt.
I look forward to seeing what you create.
Oh, I haven’t seen that picture, but can imagine it. I suppose, if we wish to find the silver lining, not many people can say they have woken up on a gondola in Venice, haha! The Egypt experience has positively haunted me though and has led to so many great adventures.
So well written, as usual. I can’t wait to see your dream. I’m still clueless on mine!
Having a blank is stressful. I always want to have my top completed before the next prompt comes out, so being in neutral for 5 weeks was an itchy feeling. My brain is hardwired to snap to what’s NEW, so it is better if I can work on the FMQ while my brain pinballs the new prompt around in my head. I hope you find your idea before bedtime today!