DREAMS

The BOB Ranch, a dream/fantasy ranch.

WHAT DO YOU DREAM ABOUT?

I am a dreamer, not the kind that is in the news, but an honest dream all-night, sometimes in the daytime—dreamer. I dream of things that concern me, episodes of stories that I write, and often just a mishmash of crazy scenes that make no sense at all. I dream of people that matter to me, those that have passed on, and those still with us. I dream of things that I have done, issues that are presently on my mind, ideas that I should have pursued but didn’t, and desires that I would like to achieve before I die.

People might say that I live too much inside my head. It’s true that sometimes my inner dialogue drowns out the “now”. But it’s also true that sometimes the “now” out-competes the inner voice. Dreams take many forms, as unique as each individual, but similar in occurrence.

What are dreams? Some say it is just the random firing of neurons after a day of sensory overload—a kind of deleting files one might say. I’m not convinced, if that is the case then why would some dreams repeat over and over again during the course of your life?

Do you dream? I’ve heard some people say that they don’t dream. Does that happen to you? I find it hard to believe, honestly. If those folk were hooked up to a brain scan, I bet that the data would show differently. Others say that they don’t remember their dreams when they wake up. Intentional or not—what do you think? Animals dream, have you ever watched a dog dream (of what we can’t tell) of chasing a rabbit or experiencing some past trauma? If we could get into the mind of marine mammals, what would we learn? What do whales dream about? Or seals?

Daydreams are a different subject all together. My daydreams are often of early experiences with my Father, and with my (step) Dad. I daydream about my little sister and I visiting our maternal grand mother sitting out under the stars and singing together (The Stars are Bright…Deep in the heart of Texas). I get lost in my daydreams of past hunting trips with my Dad, walking through the deep snow in the cold darkness of the thick pine trees and feeling that cold crisp air that would make ones nostrils freeze with each a breath as you inhaled. I daydream about the ranch that I wanted to own, a place to hide from the world. In my mind it has a name—The BOB (Back of Beyond). I’ve included a picture of this imaginary place.

People claim that they have dreams that portend the future. I’ve thought a lot about that. Is it real? Are they prophets or charlatans? Maybe some of either…                     who can tell?

Have you ever dreamt of someone close to you who has passed on? I once dreamed a realistic dream of a good friend who had died before his time (or so it seemed, who can tell when your time has come?) in it he came and I got the impression that he was waiting for me—coincidentally, our other friend (we were a pack) had a similar  dream where our friend was climbing a mountain and was beckoning us to come—on the same night. I’ve read other stories about those types of dreams, but didn’t expect that I would have one. I hope that you have dreams both asleep and waking, I believe they are essential for our health, physical and mental.

A Talking Coyote? He’s a Dreamwalker too.

 

coyote in death valley

Two coyotes, sat outside of the cave, tongues lolling, watching him.The larger of the two spoke, “Good morning Daol!” Are you truly named for a stinky black beetle?” Wow, who didn’t like you?”

Draiodh chuckled and raised his hand. “I did, that was what he looked like scampering about before he could walk like a human.”
The coyote said, “Walking on two legs is over-rated.” His companion yipped and did a back flip.
“You didn’t ask me what my name was…Bug.” The coyote drawled.

“…name’s Wiley and this is my brother.” Wiley stood looking at Daol, wary of another disgusting act. “We’ll see how over-rated two legs are at the end of the day.”

Coyote_portrait

LONE WOLF DEBUTS TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM

 

lonewolfad2

NEW RELEASE: The Lone Wolf Anthology!
New from Undaunted Publishing: Featuring never-before-published stories from the rising stars of epic and dark fantasy and an introduction from Michael Fletcher, the Lone Wolf Anthology is a collection of 11 original tales honoring masterless men and women who brave the wilds and dark places with nothing but iron will and good steel to serve them. Get your copy at Amazon today!

Adrian Shotbolt,  says “Fantasy anthologies can be a little hit and miss for me. I think fantasy works best in the longer format where authors have the opportunity to create new and exciting worlds, develop heroes and villains and deliver something that is epic in every sense of the word. Having said that, the ‘Lone Wolf’ anthology is pretty damn good reading.”