I too laughed out loud at your mom's practicality. I think it is good to dream, (is dreaming related to hope?) but it's also wise to understand that a person cannot do / be everything. Currently a dream is to study hard enough and well enough to become a decent pianist before I die, to play in a chamber group of some kind, at some point? It could happen! Right? This dream is not impossible...and it's been good for my soul to engage in actual work at this. As for the Olympics (we also can't stop watching) I love when an underdog makes a big move, no matter what country they're from, and I really loved seeing a mixed gender relay in swimming last night. Fascinating to consider the possible combinations of swimmers in that new event. And dream trip would be to see the truly northern parts of this world. The big lakes in northern Canada, Hudson Bay, Greenland, Scandinavia. Whenever I fly I can't stop looking at these places if we go over them in an arc toward western Europe. Thanks for this lovely newsletter today!
I remember when you took me to tea at The Savoy ... and my reaction at age 25 was about the same as yours at age 13. And I still think about it to this day. You're a guide for me, and so many of us, in a million ways. All those ways are nice. But especially ones that involve clotted cream. xo
Hey Jeff. Thanks for the essay. I’m most intrigued with Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Sha’Carri Richardson - all Black women and all struggling with mental health. As a former elite athlete (Radio City Rockette), I’ve marveled over the past few weeks the parallels between elite athleticism and ministry. The teachings to override physical, emotional and mental pain in service to those who want to see you perform. It’s left me slack-jawed. When you add to this the female piece and the Delores Williams’ womanist piece, we see in real time a culture that socializes Black women to sacrifice themselves and Black women willing to do it…often in order to simply survive. But not these three! And that gives me courage and hope for me. It was infuriating to to listen to the outrage and the “how dare yous” and the “you don’t know what it means to push through from folks who aren’t elite in any way. From Piers Morgan to Michael Che, many thought it okay to attack these Black women. And many in the church shred their female pastors in much the same way. I’m watching this Trinity of sisters and I’m channeling their sass and certainty for my own well being and I’m finally starting to boldly wonder about walking away…
My dream is to start a farm that centers Black and indigenous food and makes it available to those communities at an affordable cost. I’ve been connecting during the pandemic to Black, indigenous and Asian farmers and learning what I can about soil and seeds. My family has a farm that I’m dreaming about Eli ending with the right farmer/partner.
My dream trip for decades has been Morocco. With a sabbatical coming up in 2023, it’s top of my list of places to visit.
Blessings for you Tristan, and all the nieces, nephews and godchildren. You seem to be doing a great job! 🙏🏽🧡
I have been following the Olympics and Simone Biles. And I have been thinking that sometimes the thing we dream about sometimes morphs into another dream fulfilled. Simone is an amazing person and whether she is awarded one or no gold medal, she is still an amazing person and all the people processing her self-care decisions are being edified by her wisdom. that is a pretty amazing dream come true.
I was touched by the camaraderie in the 800 meter race of the two runners, one from the USA and the other from Botswana, who fell, then helped each other up and finished the race arm in arm together.
I’ve not had a lot of dreams for my life, and I’ve wondered why… going to chew on what you’ve mentioned in regards to the church, because I think this is part of it.
The mixed gender relays (track, swimming, triathlon) have been intriguing. It doesn’t address all questions on gender and ability the games have been confronted with, but I appreciate them.
For these COVID Olympics, I have found the watch parties really touching. Usually they just show the parents in the stands at the events, but this year we get to see the whole town, up at 3 in the morning, cheering the athletes on with those parents. It shows the support that they have back home, and how it takes that support to get to the Olympics. I know the families will be back at the events next time, but I'd like to see the watch parties covered by the media- and show the athletes after they compete!
This is thought provoking in that I really haven’t thought much about whether I allow myself to dream. I’m not sure I do and thank you for the little push to consider imaging some things. I’d like to imagine a Church without patriarchy and spiritual abuse. I’m too cynical to believe I’ll see it 😕
Also… love the idea of a 13 year old’s dream trip. If I’m physically able I’d love to do that with my grandkids!
Olympics!!! Yes to it all, though I love the gymnastics and diving most. It’s been intriguing to observe the commentary around Simone Biles. As if she owes us anything!
I tend to agree with your mother now that I’m older. But I think I probably told my kids they could be anything they wanted.
I dream of communal living. For about 10 years after college I lived in houses with lots of roommates, all with some basic level of commitment to the house / community. My first child was born into one of these, but then we had to move to LA and couldn't replicate it out there. We're back on the east coast and I'd love to try to replicate it again. I honestly have no idea how to make it happen (I need that practical side) but its a long-term prayer and hope of mine to make it happen.
Wow. You are not kidding about the tamping down of dreams by sermons about how the heart above all else is deceitful. There is a push-pull tug of war constantly in me between dreaming of God’s call on my life and then questioning whether my heart is deceiving me. Thank you for sharing this.
One of my kiddos (adopted) was born in Traverse City. I’ve only been there one time when we visited as a family years after his adoption. It was extraordinarily beautiful. To be canopied by lush green trees one moment and then sliding down a dune the next. What wonders there were to see!
I dream words and stories that come from my garden and other places of meaning in my world. Lots of chapter titles, but few words to follow them so far. Maybe the name will be “The unwritten Book”. I’ll continue to try as it lifts my spirit to do so.
Have visited some wonderful places but always appreciate traveling with you in your stories.
i have been dreaming of scuba diving again. It has been many years. the kelp forests off San Clemente and/or swimming with wild dolphins again in the Bahamas... Sometimes a dream can be revisiting something.. I love your mom's perspective here and your take on your visit to London and Paris. thanks!
I hope while in Leaunau you had a slice of cherry pie somewhere.! My dream trip would be to go to all the great art museums in Europe. I was scheduled to see two before my trip was cancelled by Covid.
I’ve cultivated a habit for dreaming in the last few years, right alongside a habit of finding joy. To me, travel and dreaming are so intertwined - it’s when I physically leave my everyday life that my brain has the space and my heart has the inspiration to dream. Ans many of those dreams, in some form or another, have become reality. I’m taking a dream trip to Turkey, Italy and Greece next spring, and I’m beyond excited to explore places and cultures that are so different from my day-to-day.
I too laughed out loud at your mom's practicality. I think it is good to dream, (is dreaming related to hope?) but it's also wise to understand that a person cannot do / be everything. Currently a dream is to study hard enough and well enough to become a decent pianist before I die, to play in a chamber group of some kind, at some point? It could happen! Right? This dream is not impossible...and it's been good for my soul to engage in actual work at this. As for the Olympics (we also can't stop watching) I love when an underdog makes a big move, no matter what country they're from, and I really loved seeing a mixed gender relay in swimming last night. Fascinating to consider the possible combinations of swimmers in that new event. And dream trip would be to see the truly northern parts of this world. The big lakes in northern Canada, Hudson Bay, Greenland, Scandinavia. Whenever I fly I can't stop looking at these places if we go over them in an arc toward western Europe. Thanks for this lovely newsletter today!
I remember when you took me to tea at The Savoy ... and my reaction at age 25 was about the same as yours at age 13. And I still think about it to this day. You're a guide for me, and so many of us, in a million ways. All those ways are nice. But especially ones that involve clotted cream. xo
Hey Jeff. Thanks for the essay. I’m most intrigued with Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Sha’Carri Richardson - all Black women and all struggling with mental health. As a former elite athlete (Radio City Rockette), I’ve marveled over the past few weeks the parallels between elite athleticism and ministry. The teachings to override physical, emotional and mental pain in service to those who want to see you perform. It’s left me slack-jawed. When you add to this the female piece and the Delores Williams’ womanist piece, we see in real time a culture that socializes Black women to sacrifice themselves and Black women willing to do it…often in order to simply survive. But not these three! And that gives me courage and hope for me. It was infuriating to to listen to the outrage and the “how dare yous” and the “you don’t know what it means to push through from folks who aren’t elite in any way. From Piers Morgan to Michael Che, many thought it okay to attack these Black women. And many in the church shred their female pastors in much the same way. I’m watching this Trinity of sisters and I’m channeling their sass and certainty for my own well being and I’m finally starting to boldly wonder about walking away…
My dream is to start a farm that centers Black and indigenous food and makes it available to those communities at an affordable cost. I’ve been connecting during the pandemic to Black, indigenous and Asian farmers and learning what I can about soil and seeds. My family has a farm that I’m dreaming about Eli ending with the right farmer/partner.
My dream trip for decades has been Morocco. With a sabbatical coming up in 2023, it’s top of my list of places to visit.
Blessings for you Tristan, and all the nieces, nephews and godchildren. You seem to be doing a great job! 🙏🏽🧡
I have been following the Olympics and Simone Biles. And I have been thinking that sometimes the thing we dream about sometimes morphs into another dream fulfilled. Simone is an amazing person and whether she is awarded one or no gold medal, she is still an amazing person and all the people processing her self-care decisions are being edified by her wisdom. that is a pretty amazing dream come true.
I was touched by the camaraderie in the 800 meter race of the two runners, one from the USA and the other from Botswana, who fell, then helped each other up and finished the race arm in arm together.
I’ve not had a lot of dreams for my life, and I’ve wondered why… going to chew on what you’ve mentioned in regards to the church, because I think this is part of it.
The mixed gender relays (track, swimming, triathlon) have been intriguing. It doesn’t address all questions on gender and ability the games have been confronted with, but I appreciate them.
For these COVID Olympics, I have found the watch parties really touching. Usually they just show the parents in the stands at the events, but this year we get to see the whole town, up at 3 in the morning, cheering the athletes on with those parents. It shows the support that they have back home, and how it takes that support to get to the Olympics. I know the families will be back at the events next time, but I'd like to see the watch parties covered by the media- and show the athletes after they compete!
This is thought provoking in that I really haven’t thought much about whether I allow myself to dream. I’m not sure I do and thank you for the little push to consider imaging some things. I’d like to imagine a Church without patriarchy and spiritual abuse. I’m too cynical to believe I’ll see it 😕
Also… love the idea of a 13 year old’s dream trip. If I’m physically able I’d love to do that with my grandkids!
Olympics!!! Yes to it all, though I love the gymnastics and diving most. It’s been intriguing to observe the commentary around Simone Biles. As if she owes us anything!
I tend to agree with your mother now that I’m older. But I think I probably told my kids they could be anything they wanted.
Thanks so much, Jeff. I so enjoy your posts, and I find this one about dreaming both timely and helpful.
I dream of communal living. For about 10 years after college I lived in houses with lots of roommates, all with some basic level of commitment to the house / community. My first child was born into one of these, but then we had to move to LA and couldn't replicate it out there. We're back on the east coast and I'd love to try to replicate it again. I honestly have no idea how to make it happen (I need that practical side) but its a long-term prayer and hope of mine to make it happen.
Wow. You are not kidding about the tamping down of dreams by sermons about how the heart above all else is deceitful. There is a push-pull tug of war constantly in me between dreaming of God’s call on my life and then questioning whether my heart is deceiving me. Thank you for sharing this.
One of my kiddos (adopted) was born in Traverse City. I’ve only been there one time when we visited as a family years after his adoption. It was extraordinarily beautiful. To be canopied by lush green trees one moment and then sliding down a dune the next. What wonders there were to see!
I dream words and stories that come from my garden and other places of meaning in my world. Lots of chapter titles, but few words to follow them so far. Maybe the name will be “The unwritten Book”. I’ll continue to try as it lifts my spirit to do so.
Have visited some wonderful places but always appreciate traveling with you in your stories.
Thanks and take care and keep writing.
i have been dreaming of scuba diving again. It has been many years. the kelp forests off San Clemente and/or swimming with wild dolphins again in the Bahamas... Sometimes a dream can be revisiting something.. I love your mom's perspective here and your take on your visit to London and Paris. thanks!
I hope while in Leaunau you had a slice of cherry pie somewhere.! My dream trip would be to go to all the great art museums in Europe. I was scheduled to see two before my trip was cancelled by Covid.
I’ve cultivated a habit for dreaming in the last few years, right alongside a habit of finding joy. To me, travel and dreaming are so intertwined - it’s when I physically leave my everyday life that my brain has the space and my heart has the inspiration to dream. Ans many of those dreams, in some form or another, have become reality. I’m taking a dream trip to Turkey, Italy and Greece next spring, and I’m beyond excited to explore places and cultures that are so different from my day-to-day.
Dream trip - riding the Trans-Siberian Express. I'm not sure why, I read a blurb about it one time and it fascinated me