katherine strickland via Compfight
I woke up this morning on a working adventure and found myself in Scotland. It was so real that it stayed with me throughout the day. It made me think of this poem, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, I came across several years ago and I wondered, “What if. . . .”
What if you slept …
What if you slept
And what if
In your sleep
You dreamed
And what if
In your dream
You went to heaven
And there plucked a strange and beautiful flower
And what if
When you awoke
You had that flower in your hand
Ah, what then?(© by owner. Added by volunteers for educational purposes and provided at no charge. Dmca)
(This is widely believed to be the work of Coleridge but no publication dates or details are yet known.)
(Poem taken from allpoetry.com)
I love this as it stirs up imaginations of infinite possibilities. Soon, I could feel myself there, in a mini mall with small shops, trees and little tables all around for people to sit and visit. I could see the buildings close by, as it seemed like a small city, and beyond there were mountains (or hills).
I remember, when I came out from where I was working, I realized I had traveled and was in a different place. In looking out, my instincts told me I was in Scotland but had to ask to be sure. “Scotland”, I said to the woman next to me. “I’m where my ancestors came from”.
I was trying to decide what to do next, whether to go back to work and stay connected with whom and what I know or go out and explore. I woke up before I made my decision but already I knew I was leaning towards going for it.
In relaying my dream to hubby, I could hardly contain myself. Here, I was awake and still trying to work things out in my head, like finding where I was and if there was someone I knew to contact. I imagined checking to see if I still had my cell phone, money, passport ― whew! But, I think all I had was my cell phone. There would definitely have to be some Divine direction needed.
I probably wouldn’t have thought much on this dream or given it too much energy had I not already had 2 people, since the beginning of the New Year, mention road trips to me. I thought my 2016 word, courage, was going to take me in a much different direction. Unlike, the post I was writing on political rantings and the courage of speaking out.
Scotland has always been on my bucket list and I’ve done some ancestry research on my grandparents with the help of a cousin in Australia. I hadn’t had much luck until Marianne came into my life, even in writing to Aberdeen & North-East Scotland Family History Society a number of years ago.
It’s a place that has always fascinated me not only from family history but with the Findhorn Foundation, as well. Years ago, I even entertained the idea of submitting a proposal to do a talking-stick workshop but circumstances were different then and I never mustered up the courage to go forward with it. (There’s that word again.)
Getting back to family and Scotland, I wrote a post, “Telling Stories – Holding Onto Memories”, some time ago about my great-great-great grandfather, Thomas Edward. My dad left me with a book that was written about him over a hundred years ago.
My Great-Great-Great Grandfather Thomas Edward – A Scotch Naturalist
He was a Scotch Naturalist with no education but a passion for nature. So much so, he was kicked out of more than one kindergarten because, on the way to school, he would pick up creepy, crawling things and they would slip out of his coat or cap while sitting in class. It was the reason for his lack of education but not because he wanted it that way.
Throughout his life, his passion continued for nature and every night, after work, he would wander the coasts of Scotland combing for new species of birds, fish, reptiles ― anything that would fly, swim, or crawl.
Over time, he was recognized for the new species he had discovered, After the publication of the book, “The Life of a Scotch Naturalist”, he finally received due honors, with the likes of some distinguished gentlemen as Charles Darwin, and was given an award and pension by Queen Victoria.
So my fascination and dreaming continues of a land a continent away. Knowing I have distant relatives around the world, there is history to be recaptured and walks along a coast ― perhaps, where my great-great-great grandfather walked so long ago. The energy connects me between this world and the world beyond.
Who knows . . . and what if this year is the time for dreams to be brought into reality and, as Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote, instead of holding a beautiful flower in my hand, I’ll be embarking on a trip across the sea.
Bon Voyage!
Pat from the ‘ol kitchen table
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Pat Ruppel
Outstanding memories.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Bob. Glad you stopped by and enjoyed it. 🙂
Looks like it’s time to bring the suitcase out 🙂
Hahaha – I know Eremophila and we were just talking about that. Who knows what will unfold. I know I’ll probably need courage along with it. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Great post Pat, and I thought I was the only one that this happens to. :o) Since childhood I have had dreams about Ireland. As a child I loved looking at books with photos of Ireland, loved the look of the Kilt’s, the dancing, the music. I used to dream about beautiful green hills and thatched houses etc., to make a long story short, many years later I had a chance to visit Ireland and when we stepped foot on Irish soil I felt like I was home. Every place I went felt so familiar. The funny part is that I am half Italian and half German.
I never take a dream fore granted. :o)
Aw, thank you, Patricia. My Scottish grandparents on my father’s side passed on when I was a baby. So, I really didn’t get to know them — only, in spirit, stories from my dad, the book and ancestry research. Like you and Ireland, I’ve felt a connection to Scotland and kindred souls.
Wasn’t your book about a trip to Spain or was it Italy? Those experiences and the ones you had in Ireland are ones I long to have myself. I like that we can share the same dreams and I’m happy yours became a reality. 🙂
Hey Pat. What a dream! Maybe we’ll meet in Scotland one day. Did your great grandfather come from Aberdeenshire? I’m on the east coast but further south nearer Edinburgh. I look forward to hearing more about him. 🙂
Oh, I’d love that, Diana, to meet you in Scotland one day. My dad’s father was born in Glasgow and his mother was born in Aberdeen. Thomas Edward, my g-g-g grandfather, was from my dad’s mother’s lineage and was born in Gosport, Portsmouth. Most of his wanderings and specimens were collected from the Moray Firth. I think I looked the Moray Firth up one time and it looked like it was close to Findhorn? I don’t know — my geography is not that good.
I included this link in the post I wrote in 2012, “Telling Stories — Holding Onto Memories”, that tells more about him.
I love that we can share this connection between our countries. I feel as if I’m a kindred spirit already. Thank you for coming by. I don’t know where all these places are in relation to where you are but I’m looking forward to learning more about it. 🙂
Love this Pat – I love your dream and that it made you think of that wonderful poem. I love those dreams that happen only occasionally which are wonderful and real and make you feel a little disoriented when you wake because they are dreams. Maybe this dream was a nudge to your year of courage, saying that maybe it is time to take that trip 🙂
Thank you, Andrea, I’m happy you enjoyed the dream and the poem. It’s one of my favorites as it puts me in one of those fantasy modes. I’m hoping this dream is one that gives me a nudge and puts me on the right path to realize a trip like this. It goes without saying, it certainly would take courage, knowing me, and that no doubt the universe knows me.
So glad you stopped by and shared. I’m always happy to see you. Take care. 🙂
Pat, your dream gave me goosebumps! Such a close encounter with your own hearts dream. Very interesting about your great-great grandfather…I hope you make that trek one day soon!
Thank you, Susan, me too in making that trek one day. I know you know about the feelings those places invoke in traveling. I have not traveled much but I can only imagine. So glad you stopped by and enjoyed it. 🙂
Hi Pat, What a cool story about your 3x great grandfather. He sounds like a fascinating man. What an honor he received. Pretty awesome!
Thank you, Susan. I know — he does sound fascinating. I remember my dad saying he had a box in the attic containing the award from Queen Victoria but, after my dad’s death, we were never able to find it, only the book. So happy you stopped by and enjoyed the read. 🙂
Another wonderful story Pat. You have some very interesting and inspiring characters in your family…did I say “characters”?? That’s the writer coming out in me. I, too, would love to visit Scotland and dig around for some history on my maternal great-grandparents from the Moodie family. Have you visited Anne’s blog “Writing From the Twelfth House” at http://www.anne-whitaker.com ? A lovely woman, lives in Scotland.
Thank you, Bev — so glad you enjoyed it. Guess you could say I have some interesting and inspiring characters in my family: right down to my psychic grandmother with a grinder-organ relative who owned a monkey on my mother’s side to my g-g-g grandfather in Scotland on my father’s side.
Added to all of that, I’ve had my own unique experiences I bring to the kitchen table. Sure makes for a wonderful life. I’ll bet you would have some, too, in learning more about your family history. Scotland sounds like a good place to start.
No, I haven’t known about Anne’s blog but will definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing her with me. 🙂
Woohoo Pat..you’re going to Scotland!! haha. Oh yes, my dear muster up that COURAGE and GO! Scotland is on my bucket list as well and now I’m further away than ever hihi but some day… and Findhorn yes yes yes!! Tell me when you’re leaving and I’m coming with yah!
Yes — Woohoo, Karin! Thank you for celebrating with me and thank you for the encouragement and well wishes. I’m holding onto my dream and I’m open to opportunity for whatever the universe presents to me. I can’t ever count anything out and happy to hear you know about Findhorn. It would be a blast to go and be a part of some of their workshops (did you hear that, universe?) — Yes! 🙂
Always keep your dream alive Pat and who knows, maybe you will indeed be travelling across the sea! This could be your year! I have had occasional dreams like that, that stay with me and don’t let go. And I love the poem, ‘What if’ indeed? Fascinating about your ancestory, I hadn’t realised it was Scottish. I went to Scotland for the first time ever a few years ago and fell in love with it. And of course, if you ever do cross the sea, let me know! Never say never my dear friend…and keep hold of your flower 🙂 xo
Thank you, Sherri, I am working on keeping the dream alive and happy you enjoyed it and the poem. What was it that you loved about Scotland? Not being that far from you do you have the same weather and topography? I believe they have castles and similar architecture but I’m not sure. From afar, that part of the world seems to have a magical mystique to it and I’ve always wondered what heather smells like.
All these questions and imaginings. Hope to get there and see for myself and wouldn’t that be a dream come true to get a chance to meet with you. Oh, man, can dreams really be that wonderful and perfect? Take care, my friend, and thank you for sharing my dream with me. 🙂
Hi Pat! I’m so sorry for my late reply, I was MIA from blogging and social media last week, just didn’t have a minute for one thing or another. Hoping to recity that this week, starting here with you! I loved the mountains and the ruggedness and the lakes and the beauty of the Highlands. Scotland is a very long way from us. It’s funny, Great Britain looks so small on a map as compared to the vastness of America, but the landscapes, climate, accents, slang, topography, everything, is incredibly diverse. I live in the south west of England in what is known as the West Country, and to drive to Scotland would take us all day. Most people fly. A very long journey as not all is motorway (freeway) and some through cities which can take forever if the traffic is bad. To give an example, France is twice the size of our country, but with half the population! The weather in Scotland is vastly different to us, being that much closer to the North Pole. They get much colder climates, snow, freezing, bitterly cold in the winter. Being an island, we are affected by the currents and flows of the sea and in the south, our climate is more temperate. Yes, heather is beautiful and prolific in Scotland. I will have to do a post about our visit there, and I’ll do it in your honour when I do! Although, I only captured a tiny part of it’s beauty. They have the most beautiful islands, gorgeous, golden beaches, nature and wildlife and tiny fishing harbours that are like something out of a picture book. But then the whole of the UK is like that in parts. Castles are everywhere, and in Scotland they are particularly grand 🙂 Wow..I think we need to go there together my friend! And yes, to meet you would be absolutely fantastic! Dreams do come true…and I’ll share yours with you my dear friend. Keep dreaming… 🙂 <3
I’ve been doing a little MIA myself lately. I enjoyed reading this, Sherri, and learning more about Scotland and your part of the world. Having not traveled much, I’m so clueless when it comes to imagining and capturing the diversity of areas. I know Scotland’s weather is brutal and assumed your weather was similar but more wet (though really having no idea). Your descriptions give me a better idea of what it’s like.
It’s must be exciting being so close to many different countries and cultures — and, oh, the castles. I can’t imagine what that would be like to move back and forth between countries like France and Scotland. You know the US and it’s one big country with many diversities within itself and sandwiched between Canada and Mexico. It almost feels like we’re one big family on this big continent, though I know we’re not and the countries and cultures are very diverse between us.
Wouldn’t that be a dream come true to meet and explore a little of Scotland together. I can picture it. I’d love that, my friend. You know what they say, “Never say never!”. God bless — will lock on this dream together — take care. 🙂
What if you slept
And what if
In your sleep
You dreamed
And what if
In your dream
You went to heaven
And there plucked a strange and beautiful flower
And what if
When you awoke
You had that flower in your hand
Ah, what then?
spectacular Thank you my friend
Thank you and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Samuel Taylor Coleridge as a poet certainly had a way with words.
So wonderful to have such a legacy.
Your grandfather reminds me of the great John Muir who was A Scottish-American preservationist who advocated for the National Parks movement.
Thank you Faraday. I guess I never quite looked at it that way — as a legacy — but I like it. I am proud to have that history in my family and what an honor that he reminds you of John Muir. I didn’t realize he was also from Scotland. I guess it was in his blood and that part of the world grows great naturalists. Thank you again. 🙂
(P.S. – also here’s another recent piece on John Muir at http://www.scotland.org/features/john-muir-life-and-times/.)
Thanks for your kind words Pat. In my situation, I always wanted to have children but was not particularly interested in having a life partner. I did marry, have two children, and divorced. I sensed early on that I had a bigger mission and that I needed to be on my own. Interestingly, so did my husband. He became a street preacher and travelled to several countries spreading the word. I doubt that we would have accomplished what we did by being together because our perspectives were at extreme opposite ends of the spectrum (his a religious path; mine a spiritual path). We were both good people with a mission; just not good together. I actually love my single life; and if I am alone for the rest of my life, that’s okay. You hold on to what you have Pat and appreciate it, as I know you do. Yes, we two have some interesting parallels in our lives. xx00
It’s interesting how our lives work out, Bev, and the different paths we take. I don’t think there are any wrong paths, as it’s what we’ve signed up for. It’s intriguing to me and I love to hear the various stories people have about them. Sounds like you and your husband had strong callings and it took a lot of courage to realize and honor that.
I can see where your path has fit perfectly for what you’re called to do and that you’re fulfilling it. It’s the same with me, although mine has taken me on more of a self-exploration role. I know I have a lot to do and share with those closest to me and the world but it’s like I have to learn and experience it first. I’ve put myself out there countless times and it falls flat only to discover I have more to learn about myself. I can’t get away with just playing a part.
Life is a beautiful thing and we get to participate. So grateful for that and having those in my life like you to share it with. Thank you, my friend. 🙂