This is my response to the Reveal Your Dream challenge my husband wrote about on his blog. It’s my first take at it, so while I like what I’ve come up with, I reserve the right to make changes later on. I mean, it’s not exactly a “wild” dream, as neil suggested. What does that say about me, I wonder? Anyway…

This is my vision of the not too distant future.

I live with Neil and Dash (maybe another baby?) in our clean and well-organized home in Southern Maine. We have not too much clutter because the posessions we choose are meaningful and serve us well, not impulse purchases or “stuff.” Or at least a minimum of “stuff.” We’ve been strict with ourselves on the whole “a place for everything and everything in its place” thing so we’ve learned to contain the stuff-sprawl that tended to happen before. It makes keeping the house clean a much easier prospect. This makes me happy.

As before, we make most of our meals at home, together, enjoying local and organic foods as a rule. We eat well and Dash thrives on the diversity of flavors put before him.

And speaking of Dash, he continues to grow and learn, inspiring us every day to introduce him to new things and share old favorites. We spend a portion of every day on creative projects and reading, and another portion of time outdoors. He is happy and always up for adventure.

I am running my own business out of either the studio in our home or a small cottage on our property. It enables me to fulfill my entreprenurial goals and still be home with Dash for the majority of the day. I spend some time each day by myself, working on my business while he is cared for by friends and/or family. He and I both look forward to this time to do our own things. My studio continues to be an inspirational place for me and project after project is completed. I’ve even learned to sew!

Hmmm… what else? Happy, healthy, growing family. Clean and warm home. Money coming in. Oh! It’s also warm and sunny almost all the time. Sometimes there’s a windy rainy day that leaves great big puddles just right for jumping. But the wind is never so strong that it blows my Christmas wreath right off the house just after I put it up. Oh no. That never happens anymore.

And now friends, it’s your turn. I’m tagging the following people but feel free to chime in with your visions (read Neil’s original Dream Challenge post for all details) even if you don’t see your name on the list. Let’s put the Law of Attraction to work for us.

Cassie
Joy
Pixigenne
Rob
Liz

OH! One more thing to add to my dream vision: We have cleaned off our front porch and it’s now a totally usable and beautiful part of our home. Dash plays out there when it’s warm (which it always is, remember?) and we have informal dinner parties there in the evenings.

And gifted me with this little lovely:

A nearly brand new 5.5 quart Le Creuset dutch oven in a lovely appley green. I’m in heaven!
Just in time for the stews and braises that will keep us well fed and warm all through the winter. Time to go scour the cookbooks and head to the grocery store. Anyone have any can’t-miss recipes for me?

And that? And that? I thought so. We’re having chicken tonight and I’m looking forward to the subtle change. Ha.

Dash had his first ever feast of Thanksgiving with us and my parents and he sampled a little of everything. Turkey from a local farm, potatoes, roasted veggies, etc.

Gave a thumbs down for his usual favorite (sweet potato) and a huge, incredibly unexpected thumbs up for a new favorite (brussels sprouts).

That’s right. I said brussels sprouts.

He got a whole one in his mouth before any of us could stop him (we’re not exactly professionals, you know, we do what we can) and instead of spitting it back out or choking to death he calmly chewed it. With his gums. And then he reached into my plate for another. And another.

I tried to tell him that kids don’t like brussels sprouts but he was having none of it. I’m so proud of him. Six sprouts later his hunger was satisfied and we could move on to more important things, like learning to walk. Kid’s amazing. Seriously.

I can hardly stand it! Folks, I’m holed up in the office/studio (still can’t call it a studio as it’s nowhere near finished) listing a bunch of new items in the shop and outside my backyard is being coated with a fluffy layer of brand new, pre-Thanksgiving snow.
I have mixed feelings about this and not a ton of time to explore those feelings. Must finish shop update, relieve Granny/Nana combo of their Dash-duty, and write about a dream of mine in response to this smack-down challenge.

Got to run, but I’ll be back later. And watch out! When I’m done telling you all about my dream, I’m gonna be tagging you.

Want to relive those Saturday morning cartoons? Yeah, me too. But it can be hard to gather your brother (who lives across the country), some cheerios (we’re out), and your favorite Muppet Show TV tray (where did those end up, mom?). Maybe some Smurf memorabilia will do. Yes, yes it will. Hop on over to Memarie Lane and you can win this mug from the HappyDashery.

Just tell Marie about your favorite item from the HappyDashery and you’re in the contest. Get to it!

It’s an honor to be included in Marie’s roundup of Etsy Favorites. I’m the only vintage shop featured so I kind of stand out in the something-for-everyone group of artists. I especially love the wall decals over at Holly’s Shop. The Grunge Chandelier anyone? Love that.

In other HappyDashery news, there’s a big shop update planned for this coming week. Pyrex, books, kitchenwares, paper goods, etc. Good good good stuff! Check in often as things have been moving quickly (thanks to all you big HappyDashery supporters! You’re awesome!)

Have a great weekend everyone.