Monday, February 20, 2012

Dreams and Actions

I remember when my father talked of building a lighthouse in the desert, and the glimmer in his eyes. The crazier the idea, the brighter the glimmer. It would be the only lighthouse for miles, and he'd live in it. Of course, I would have lived in it too, as would my sister. We were still young and living with Dad when he had the lighthouse idea. But it wasn't really about us, it was about him. We were simply along for the ride.

He didn't just tell us to follow our own paths in life, he exemplified the idea. He left a stable career he felt was no longer for him, packed up all we owned, and moved west. He's built many things over the years, even houses, but not a lighthouse, not yet.

I wonder if he remembers the dream of a desert lighthouse. I hope so. Perhaps he's laying the foundation right now, as I type. It is possible. The dream is beautiful, but the action makes all the difference.

Pearl brought back this memory. He has me thinking about dreams and actions. Have you seen A Man Named Pearl? If not, you should.

17 comments:

  1. Maybe your Dad has not built any yet; but the dreamed lighthouse gave him "the"direction to follow... out West. And it has certainly been responsible for a little part of who yiu are tiday. But I agree that a balance between words & actions (to follow) is important. At least to me, because this is what I need to... believe and go one step further...
    No I haven' t seen the movie, or heard of it before. So I'm going to watch this trailer, thank you for sharing.

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  2. un arc en ciel dans le lavaboFebruary 20, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    Sorry for the typos... Oops... I'm on my phone !

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  3. I haven't yet seen this movie - thanks for the recommendation.

    I often think about the modeling and advice I give my boys - it sounds like your dad is inspirational.

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  4. You always tip me off to the greatest stuff! Many thanks!

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  5. This film looks so wonderful so thanks for telling us about it. Believe it or not I've always wanted to live in a lighthouse but never mention it for fear that everyone will find me strange. Your Dad makes me feel a bit braver about choosing the path I'm on.

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  6. This hits me right in the heart. Following your own path even if (maybe especially if?) it's untrodden, is something I want my son to feel the freedom of as he grows. I was brought up with the opposite message. Thanks too for the clip. Standing in my kitchen, waiting for coffee, I've been transported.

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  7. I need this
    today
    ...how did you know?
    you are wonderful. Your blog is a wonderful lighthouse for me.

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  8. Thanks for the documentary recommendation. I hope I can find it.

    A person who leads by example... I like your dad, Denise :)

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  9. Wow. That was exactly what I needed this morning. Thank you, Denise.

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    Replies
    1. We watched A Man Named Pearl on Friday night. The man is a genius.

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    2. So glad you liked it, Tracy. I really like his outlook on life.

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  10. I'd not heard about this - adding it to my 'to watch' list immediately. Dreams are so so so important, and the courage to recognise and act when your life is not heading in the direction you want is so very brave. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man. Annie x

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  11. Dreams are so so important. Wonderful post.

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  12. Such a beautiful and touching post. It makes me long for a dad like yours.

    x E.

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  13. It's an important message your dad gave you...I hope he does still dream of a lighthouse.

    The things I find visiting this space...queued up.

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  14. the film looks wonderful, i will have to check it out. this is a welcome reminder of the importance of following one's unique, authentic path.

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