Making Dreams Come True

My husband and I in Paris, 1978

Some people have a knack for making their dreams come true. Perhaps it's more than a "knack." Its determination and not losing sight of your dreams.

Like my former co-worker, Dawn (not her real name). She quit her job last year to devote all of her time to her organic farm, renovated a 100 year old barn, hosting small events in her rustic setting with southern charm. She also teaches schoolchildren the importance of gardening and believes in bringing them back to the rural values that she grew up with.

Like a former neighbor who published a book about a mascot dog from her husband's alma mater. Her sister-in-law did the illustrations. She didn't become rich or famous, but it was her dream to become a published author.

Like the daughter of a friend of mine who hiked the Appalachian trail last year. Once a shy young child in my pre-school Sunday School class, she has grown up to be an adventurous, confident young woman. She recently worked at a bear camp in Alaska.

Like my oldest daughter who started her bucket list while still in her 20's when she went skydiving on her 23rd birthday. Another one of her dreams came true when she visited New York over the New Year holidays. She and two college friends appeared on the Today show and talked to Willard Scott. A producer on the show recognized one of her friends (who is blind) from college and invited the young women into the green room, where they sipped hot chocolate with guests from the show.

Like a couple that I know who used to manage a herd of reindeer (really) and made special appearances around the holidays. One of their highlights each year was to take the herd out west to appear at a famous pop star's holiday gathering.

Like a local woman, Christy Jordan, who has published a cookbook, and has been featured in Southern Living. Her southern charm and recipes have made her a household name here in the South. I haven't personally met Christy, but I am a big fan of her blog, here.

There are many others that I am leaving off of my list, but it is amazing how many people actually follow their dreams and find success.

Never give up on your dreams.

A Child of the 70's

My husband and I in Paris, 1978

I was a child of the 70's.

I wore bell-bottom jeans and embroidered, gauzy blouses, often with long beads around my neck.

I wore granny boots and tie-dyed t-shirts.

My hair was long, blonde and straight (the only decade where my thin, straight hair fit in), until I had to chop it off (see photo) when it was ruined by going in a swimming pool with too much chlorine. (It turned my hair green!!)

I often wore dark eyeliner and purple and blue eye shadow, but very little lipstick

I listened to the soothing sounds of Jim Croce and the Carpenters, and sang along with Carly Simon and Carol King; played John Denver and Bread on my stereo.

I also went to my share of rock concerts, most notably Chicago and Carlos Santana. We listened to Donna Summer and did the "Hustle".

It was the decade of "cool." My teachers were cool, too. They were hippies abroad, traveled extensively, were probably liberals in today's sense of the word, and taught us History and Social Studies against the background of yesterday's battlefields.

I loved the 70's. I graduated from high school in 1976 while living in Germany. It was a small DOD school for military dependents. Life was simpler then. We didn't have electronics. Unless you count 'boom boxes'. People actually called you on the phone. I took "Bookkeeping" in High School, an archaic subject nowadays. I also took Typing. At least that skill stayed with me.

I wanted to be a lawyer in the 70's. I love Law, Government, Politics, History, Philosophy, etc. I love a good debate.  My first job after High School was in a bank, so I became a banker instead.

I met my husband in 1977, in the Spring. It's funny how this time of year brings back those memories. We took little weekend trips to Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, etc.
We sampled the local wines in the villages along the Rhine River. When our daughter was born our landlord gave us a bottle of wine as a present. He owned a vineyard.
The 1970's were cool. After I had written this post I thought of all the sweet memories I had. And no wonder that Spring is a bittersweet time because I met my husband in April and lost him in April, too.
What decade brings back memories for you?

Blessings,
Anita