From Ron, on dreaming dreams...
I dream a lot. Family, friends and colleagues often refer to me as a dreamer, so I feel sufficiently nudged to acknowledge that there’s likely something to it. Truth be told, I’m actually kind of proud of that trait. I’ve always thought of myself as an idea person. Dreamer just sounds so much more — well — dreamy.
I’m grateful for the dreams and ideas that seem to proliferate during my waking hours. During my sleeping hours, usually not so much. I experience [sleep-time] dreams that are incredibly realistic and detailed. Some are frightening, some exciting, some zen-like, some providing both joy-filled and disturbing glimpses of the future as well as moments clearly lifted from my past. Oddly enough, although the latter may include snippets of vaguely identifiable clarity, frequently I’m not sure whether they represent an unconscious recall based in reality or just some kind of fantastic other.
If all of that wasn’t complicated enough, Christina tells me that I often teach or lead workshops while sleeping. Every now and then, I’m awakened by my own voice lecturing passionately and in detail about some subject close to my heart. At those times, feeling incredibly embarrassed and muttering something to myself like "Oh, geez, not again...", I tend to open one eye and look across the bed to see if anyone other than me has been attending my class.
So, where in the world (or out of it) am I going with this? Well, how about singing of dreaming dreams in the coming holiday season — and beyond?
Shirley Murray wrote a simple yet deeply moving text which works well at almost any time, but is especially applicable for what I like to refer to as 'a new season of Christmas'. More about that another time. The title, "Dream a Dream", is a compelling turn of phrase which I often quietly consider when I’m in one of my pensive or creative moods. There are so many directions to go with it.
George Larson was the first person I remember who referred to me as a dreamer. In his role as high school choral director, conducting teacher and mentor, he provided tremendous influence on many facets of my life and career choices. "Mr. Larson" once said that some of the most beautiful and lasting melodies have the simplest structure — especially when they are linked to equally simple yet profound texts.
While acknowledging that we’re all living in a tough time to dream positive or creative dreams, my hope is that you’ll consider singing this ’simple' song as a hymn, solo or anthem this season. Or just take a dreaming break and follow the words or sing along with my friend, David Moddle, on the audio sample at "Dream a Dream".
RK
