Friday, January 11, 2013

I Dream Of A House

The other day I was 
reading blogs and opened
Dwena's blog Across The Way
She touched upon a subject
that I have never given much
thought to discussing...
The Recurring Dream.
Do you have them?

I love houses.
I love this house from
Out Of Africa
in all of its foreign beauty, don't you?
But it is not this house I dream about.
No, indeedy.
I have ALWAYS loved houses.
I have loved houses
since I was a little girl.
I would fantasize about living in
houses that I visited-even as a 
little kid.
We lived in a ranch style house,
on a farm in Pennsylvania.
It was nothing fancy,
but it was functional.
My father was stricken with
Parkinson's when I was just
a girl.
That meant that my mother had
to take over the main responsibility
for running a farm with 50 head
of milk cows.
She had to work in the barn
and in the house.
Needless to say-
"pretty" was not high on the
list of "things to do".
She did love to paint though
and put up new curtains
but that was about it.
I remember her one big splurge
was  a flamingo mirror....
an unusual choice for a farm woman.
Maybe she, too, dreamed of 
sunny warm lands in the South.
I wish I had that mirror today..but it is long gone.

That brings me to
MY RECURRING DREAM.
I dream of a house very similar to this one.
It is not a big, fancy house.
It sits on a hill and  looking down the hill
you can see the water.
In my dream I am always driving down to the house.
In the picture above the driveway would be
behind the house.
The house is always vacant.
I peek through a window because the house sits empty.
There is old wallpaper that still covers the walls.
There are hardwood floors that need a good washing.
I walk around the side of the house and
look in thru the kitchen windows.
Covering the countertops I see green marbleized linoleum that
was popular in the late 40's and into the 50's.
The cupboards are in exceptionally good shape
with seeded glass in many of them.
The old range is there and there 
is a old drainboard style sink
with an old brass fitting.
I start immediately placing
MY things in the house-
the old oak icebox that my father
set up housekeeping with,
my grandmother's sewing machine,
my copper boiler
 I start
to "paint the walls" in my mind.

I always test the doors and they are
always locked.
When I have peered into every window
and have seen all my eyes can hold,
 I head down towards
the water.
When I get to the bottom of the hill,
I gaze to my right and  I see
something that looks very similar to this.
For some reason I never look the other way.
In my dream I turn around and walk back
up the hill.
As I get towards the top I look back 
and see some children down by the water
where I just stood.
I raise my voice to call to them and...
I wake up.
Every single time.
I wake up.
I wake up and I long for that house.
I long for the sense of peace and history
that house holds for me.
It is a combination of 3 of my Aunt's houses-
three places that I loved.
Do  you know when I have that dream?
Always when we are thinking of moving.
Guess what?
We are thinking of moving AGAIN!
This will be move #14 or is it #15?
We were flipping houses long before
flipping was a catch word.
We started with a very small house
and we flipped our way all the way 
up to a huge house.
The truth is -we have too much house
for two people.
I feel guilty having this much house.
We will sell and try to find something
smaller on the water close to 
where we now live.
And, so, I start the dream again.
The dream of a house-
the perfect house for me-
the house that will
cosset my soul.
So, there's my dream...
Maybe-just maybe-the house
we find will be a little bit
like the one I dream about..
maybe...or maybe that is 
just a dream-we'll see.

Oh-wait...
there is one more thing.
I dream of receiving a special
Valentine......
I found this one on the internet.
Ummm....I guess THAT might be
A NIGHTMARE (bless his heart)
instead of a dream.

How about you?

Any recurring dreams
you dare discuss?
your photo name

51 comments:

Tete said...

I haven't had the same dream like that for that long. Usually, they last for 3-4 times and then they usually happen.
Nightmares is another thing. I have one that involves the grand staircase from Gone With The Wind.
Ok, My grandma had flamingo mirror like that, with palm trees. There were 2 flamingos on the right side with the trees. My mom bought it for her for Christmas when she was in high school working as a soda jerk. I let it go, when mom died. Wish I had it.

Musings from Kim K. said...

I can't wait to see where your "new" house adventures take you and am grateful that you will be taking us along. When I'm overly tired, my reoccurring dream tends to focus on my day-job...I'm lost at the University, can't find my classroom, not being prepared for class and showing up without materials. Eek!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

I do think on my granny's house and my aunts houses...how VERY special my times were there and just how special those two ladies are to me. Sweet post, other than Mr. Valentine...ummm...bless his heart as we say in the South.
Surely moving will have it's challenges, but hopefully this move will prove to be the very last and VERY best!
XXOO Sweet Lady!
Cindy

Debbiedoos said...

Oh Gosh you, I better take another swig of coffee. I do not have recurrent dreams,but know people that do. It must mean something, I bet if you looked it up it would tell you.

Debbie @ MeandMyDIY said...

Hi Diana, I have the same dream that Kim has. I show up to class and they're taking a test and I'm not ready, or I have forgotten the combination to my locker AGAIN and can't get my books. I really hate that dream! I don't envy you moving again. I've moved probably two dozen times in my life and I'll be happy to never move again! Have a great day.

Debbie

Anonymous said...

ha, my whole life is a dream!!! I wish for you this very house from your dreams comes true,

Jettie said...


I used to dream about the old house my grandparents lived in, 2 story, with a wrap around porch, loved that old house. Need to take a drive and see if it is still there.

Cranberry Morning said...

I hope you find this house - and move right in - and invite all of us over for a weekend break!

Love the Valentine. lol

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Well before I purchased 1515, I use to dream about it! Wanting to go back in the house I loved so...probably like you it may not be the house itself but the memories that live in the house.

Susie said...

Diana, I guess if you got it flaunt it.:) You know when I see someone over weight I do not think"Oh they are too fat".... I start thinking of their health. When you move again, will you have another fairy door??Your g.kids will have nice memories of the house you are in now. As we get older we do need less house to tend. I am about ready for a studio apartement.LOL.xoxo,Susie



Japolina said...

I never dream about houses. Yours are cool!

Japolina said...

I never dream about houses. Yours are cool!

Julie Marie said...

It's funny you would post about a recurring dream about a house... I too have a recurring dream about a house... which was actually a little store as well... and it still stands... abandoned and boarded up... with stunning red climbing roses on one side of it and beautiful Lilacs on the other side of it... with no one around to tend to them... or are they?... it is about ten minutes away from where I live today... I have posted about it often... I go there often... my car seems to just take me there alot of times... I went there with my daddy as a child to buy groceries on Sunday as it was the only store open in Bountiful on Sundays... a darling little vintage couple owned it... he ran the store, she cared for the gardens... something draws me to that place time and time again... in my dreams... and in my life... that is where I took that little climbing rose start that now grows in my garden at home... I think maybe I have become this little old homes guardian for the couple who has long since passed away... I want to try to buy it... well, I have written a book here... my first post I did was called "A Haunting Passion" if you want to read it sweetie... I truly hope you find the house of your dreams... it sounds so perfect for you!... dreams really DO come true you know, xoxo Julie Marie

Ron said...

I hope you can find this house and move right in. xo

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How interesting! I'm sure you are combining lots of different memories but wouldn't it be grand to find that special house on the hill. I dream every night and I ALWAYS remember my dreams. I have a few recurring themes. Many times I am at a church convention...something I went to every year for over 30 years. I try not to read too much into my dreams...some of them are weird! heehee!

Debi WeeFaerie said...

I have a couple of recurring dreams, one very vivid that has been around since I was 2 (bit of a nightmare) and another strangely enough of a house with French doors that open up to a curved balcony, sheers on tall windows, and very light and airy.

I hope you find the house of your dreams!

Pam Kessler said...

Would you just freak out if you run across your "dream" house when you're house hunting! I have a recurring dream about a house too, but it is a nightmare that I wake up from feeling like I'm going to have a heart attack. I try not to think about it.

Patty Patterson said...

I always just dreamed of having a house. I would have been content with just about anything, but I love the house we have. There are some things I want to change - eventually - but I just do one project at a time. I have the whole rest of my life to get it exactly as I want it and I'm in no hurry.
And yes - that Cupid is a nightmare.

Donna said...

Sure hope that you find your dream home, one that you can create more wonderful memories in for you and your family, Diana. Will you take your play house with you? Or is that a permanent structure? I also hope that your house sells soon, I have a feeling it will go quick, as it's right on the water and looks amazing! That cupid? Not so amazing!! Ok, I have several reoccurring dreams, and if they were analyzed I'm sure people would think I was a head case! I have dreams of losing my front teeth, they are more light nightmares! Also dreams of using the bathroom in public (crazy, I know!), also dreams that I am in high school, and miss the school bus. I've had these same dreams for years!

Keep us posted no your house hunt, ok?

Sunny Simple Life said...

Oh that man. Brave soul to put that out there. As for dreams, I never remember mine so that is probably not good.

Ruth Kelly said...

I dream of going to Poland so that I can finish my book. Now it looks like I might have to sell and move south where the storms don't effect my head so much. They bring on such awful migraines.

Dewena said...

Diana, thank you so much for sharing a link to my post and writing so beautifully here of your dream house. I'm sure it sits empty in your dreams because it is waiting for you to come live in it and give it the love and care it deserves. It is exciting that you and your husband are now ready to move once again, this time to fashion it for different needs. Still room for family to gather but cozier for just the two of you. I'll look forward to hearing more of your search and to hear whether your house dream changes or not once you move in!

I smiled when I read about your mother painting and putting new curtains up as my mother-in-law did this so often. Now I realize that it was her way of instantly cheering up her house and her life. And I did more than smile when I saw your Funny Valentine! My husband burst out laughing when I showed him.

Sweet dreams, Diana!

Susan said...

Diana you will get your house. When you do you will never move again. That is home calling to you in your dreams.

Kelly said...

I like the picture of that house you're dreaming of. Gosh, I had no idea you've moved so many times. You and Penny from Comforts of Home should get together some time. She and her husband used to flip houses too! I wish you luck in your new journey.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Nothing as elaborate as yours. I still... after all these years, dream that I haven't gotten my homework done or prepared for that math test in front of me.

WOW, you've moved aLOT. I thought we were crazy with five moves in 24 years. I guess not!

Unknown said...

I have some good memories of your move-in days. You'd send your hero for coffee/donuts kind of things and knowing he'd not be back for hours, you'd take down a wall or a bank of cabinets-it was SO MUCH FUN. I've looking forward to helping on another move so I can see what you're going to take down next-LOL Your my HERO

Anonymous said...

I used to dream of being on a train ....the same train every time. But I share your house dream Diana. We live on the water now and the description is almost the one you give but, like you, it's too big for us now and the land is a lot to take care of and expensive. We are on the hunt for something smaller now as he contemplates retiring this year. It's going to be hard I think. xoxo

Beth said...

I am always dreaming of leaving my purse somewhere and that is a nightmare because half of everything I own is in my purse.

That is definitely a nightmare you are having with the valentine guy. lol

Sarah said...

I dream of houses too. Would love to live on the water, but that has always been my dream and not likely to become reality. ;-) Hunting for a different house here as well. Too many stairs for down the future. As for the valentine.......definitely a nightmare. Ha!

Debbie said...

Yes, I have a dream of what our house will look like too. The one I long to live in close to my girls, and their families. It comes, and goes. I hope your dream comes true, Diana.
Now...the guy in your dream...err..nightmare...hopefully, he stays a dream!!!!
Love to you dear friend.
xxoo

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Diana, here's wishing you find your 'dream' house although after so many years in a big house I don't envy the job. Each night before I fall asleep I think about something to do with my home as far as decorating is concerned and have done so for many years. But, I never dream about it. How funny, what I do dream about, and it's been over 50 years since I was in school, but I can't find my locker and therefore are always late for class. It is only occasional now but I still dream about it. Go figure..Happy Friday..Judy

LANA said...

I have always been fascinated by houses as well. Sometimes I just love to drive around neighborhoods and look, and especially when we are on vacation . I hope you find the perfect down-sized house for you.

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

Thoughts of certain houses give me a warm fuzzy feeling but I haven't dreamed about them or had a recurring dream. When I'm stressed or overtired, I have "awake" dreams where I am talking to people in my room or in the ceiling. WEIRD!

It will all come together for you. I hope you find what you want close to the bay!

Simple Pleasures said...

Hi Di,
Better start eating those wheaties if you may move again. I'm moving back to my moms, remember just 3 short years ago I was there helping her. Well unfortunately she has been diagnosed with leukemia on top of the Alzheimers, so I'm hoping to be able to help her. Which means, pack again, move again, find a new job again. Exhausting!
xoxo

Celestina Marie said...

Diana, LOL you funny girl!!
I love the house you dream of, I am sure it is your mind giving way to what is in store with your move. It sure is beautiful too.
My dad had Parkinson's too but late in life he was diagnosed, in his 60's.
Love your mom's pretty mirror.
I hope you find your perfect and close to dream home near the bay.
Whatever you find it will be special.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Anonymous said...

I hope you find the home of your dreams. Wouldn't that be grand? I have similar dreams about being in college and I haven't been to my Lit class all semester, and now have to turn in a paper and take the exam. The other similar one is I am driving and need to back up and can't get the brakes to work. I keep pressing on the brake pedal and the car won't stop. They both seem to be stress related, that is for sure. When I retired they pretty much stopped, but at various times since.... big events I am planning, or Christmas time, they come back to visit. Good luck on the house hunt!

Chris K in Wisconsin

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Very interesting...do you know the children? What are you going to say to them? I hope you find this house...it's calling to you.
I have recurrent dreams. I am constantly dreaming of a plane crashing. I've been dreaming it for years. I'm not on the plane...I see it plunge to the ground. I'm always so disturbed when I wake up. When a plane flies over my house, I always feel nervous. Then I have the Clooney dream, of which I can't speak. ;)
Go find your house...keep us posted.
xxx, Tina

Ivy and Elephants said...

Maybe this will be the house!!! Oh I hope so, it sounds like just the kind of house I'd love to see.
Hugs,
Patti

SImple and Serene Living said...

I hope you don't get that Valentine, you crazy girl. I do have a recurring house dream and I think you are getting ready to get it :)
Hugs,
Laura

Lucille said...

Smaller place, smaller upkeep, and more time for yourself, Diana!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I used to have a recurrent dream of a house but haven't had one for over a decade at least. I now dream often about falling or tripping or missing a step and then catch myself before falling but and am very aware of a stumbling feeling. Congrats on the idea of the move and I hope you find the home of your dreams!

Holly said...

It's funny, Diana, I have a recurring dream too - and mine also involves homes...isn't that something?! Well, we will look forward to the pictures of your newest home - it is fun to buy because when we open up the boxes, it is like Christmas all over again AND we get to decorate something new. Woohoo!
xo

Unknown said...

Moving is no fun! I hope and pray you find the perfect house and that you have lots of time to make the transition. Best wishes! (BTW-the post about Sweet Cheeks yesterday was hilarious! I like fat people. LOL!)

Little Miss Maggie said...

You are so adventurous to have moved so many time. I have lived in two houses in the last 40 years and the thought of ever moving would be a recurring nightmare for me.

sweetvintageofmine said...

DREAMS DO COME TRUE!! Happy HOUSE HUNTING! Your PERFECT HOUSE is waiting for YOU!! Blessings~~~Roxie p.s. maybe that MR. CUPID fellow is your REALTOR....just sayin

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

So you're really gonna do it, eh? Wow! Exciting! I love looking at houses and moving, while it can be a pain at times, it such a fun adventure to me! I hope that you can find a home that you love with a water view like you have now ( ice rink optional LOL)! Keep us posted! I know I've had recurring dreams before. Some were actually nightmares! Hate those. When I was a kid I always dreamed I could fly. I would fly over the neighborhood and the area, swooping and looping and feeling so free! I don't know how many times I had that dream - a lot! Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Leena

Laura said...

Diana-
I loved this post.
I too love houses and I think I always have.

How much fun to be moving!
I will pray you get exactly the house you want.

Have a good weekend-
I am emailing you about something you mentioned.

Laura
White Spray Paint

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I knew you'd find a way to stick a little humor into this post!
I would love to move (Jim, not so much)!
Happy House Hunting!

Simply Debbie said...

That is sooo funny Diana,
I have spiral notebooks full of pictures of the outside of houses and underneath I write about the house...what I would do...what I would plant in the garden...I SOOOOO LOVE HOUSES.
It looks like you are looking for a nantucket-type house....I don't know if it is called that....I too want to live by the water with my own boat dock....with a huge fireplace...Arkansa would even be fine for me...there lakes are gorgeous.
Flipping a house would be fun but I KNOW YOU KNOW what hard work it is and staying on budget and time essential...I watch every flip it show I can...I love house hunters, property brothers, for rent....
hugs and prayers

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

I love houses too. One of my favorite ways is kill time is on Realtor.com. I pick out faraway towns I would like to live in, and "visit" via Realtor.com and Google maps. I don't dream of houses per se, but I frequently dream about bathrooms. I don't know if that means anything, and maybe I don't want to know!

Unknown said...

Hi Diana,
I noticed your new look on your blog, and I love...I just figured out why you made it bigger. Mr. Cupid needed more room to fly. Seriously, I am loving the changes. That little Miss.Sweetcheeks is absolutey adorable...
Huggsies, glenda