Remember a deep, rich voice drawling, “Welcome to Hollywood. What’s your dream?”
For me, that opening line from the movie Pretty Woman so clearly illustrates both sides of this tricky dream-chasing business. There’s the shiny, impossible, just-out-of-reach dream world on one side, and the seedy reality of life as we know it on the other.
Ah, but that’s where it starts. With an impossible dream.
And a persistent dreamer. Every scene in the movie shows the dogged determination and fierce optimism of our plucky heroine. We madly cheer Vivian (Julia Roberts) on through every trial and tribulation to her Cinderella-style happily-ever-after with Edward (Richard Gere).
Sigh. If only every dream could be accomplished in 90 minutes, Hollywood style. Frankly, my dream of writing fiction for a living has taken a beating over the years. I quit for a while, became a boat captain (a fun story for another day), but that pesky dream wouldn’t leave me alone. So I wrote some more. My first novel, TRAPPED! is now available and I’m working on two others. I’m still chasing that elusive dream like the bouncing tail of a kite.
Lately, though, I’ve realized my dream has stretched and grown. It’s not just about writing; it’s about encouragement, too. My passion is to write stories filled with hope, adventure, and second chances. Stories that encourage other persistent dreamers on their journey.
So what dream are you chasing today? How can I encourage you to take that next scary step? If you have a minute, leave me a comment. Let’s talk…get acquainted…and encourage each other on a regular basis. Persistent dreamers unite!
You did good–and you aren’t alone here! I checked in.
Now back to my dream of finishing Home Sweet Home before our Nov meeting!
CU Saturday.
dee
Thanks, Dee! Keep going–you can finish that MS by Nov. Looking forward to Saturday, too.
I’m the first to say ‘hi’ on your new website!!! It’s gorgeous–so Floridian. And your pic is great, too.
It was so nice meeting you at the Silkens Sands Conference last March.
Hi Cara–thanks so much! A pleasure meeting you, too! What are you working on these days?
Great site! I’m excited to be your first commenter.
I’m published in fiction, but one of my dreams is to have my non-fiction biography published. It’s sitting in N.Y. as we speak, just waiting for the agent to read the proposal and let me know what she thinks.
Congratulations on your publication and keep following the dream!
Sandy
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sandra. Best of luck with the biography! Please keep me posted so I can cheer you on!
Hi Connie
I LOVE what you’ve done with the website. The colors are beautiful. The website makes a person want to slow down and stay awhile.
As for dreams…
It’s fabulous when they come true. But sometimes the journey, the friendships, the lessons are worth the wait.
And sometimes when one dream is fulfilled, ten more take its place.
So keep on dreaming and moving forward and working and hoping and being your wonderful, friendly self.
Thanks for being such a great cheerleader, Diane. We’ve seen our share of the good, the bad and the ugly, haven’t we? But yeah, the journey, the friendships and the lessons DEFINITELY make it worth the wait!
This post is so encouraging! For me, a key word is persistent. You’ve been there on every step of my journey as a writer, and we know first-hand how essential it is to be persistent in getting words on the screen, editing those words, sending out submissions, marketing, etc, etc. I’m so glad you’ll be sharing in the journeys of others dreamers through your blog. You’ve got a lot to offer! 🙂
Leslie–I don’t know where I’d be on this journey without you! You’ve cheered me on when I wanted to quit and told me to get back to work when I wanted to hide…and cry. But you’ve also been there for all the really cool times, too! And that’s what it’s all about–walking the journey together!
Hi there, you are awesome, lady. Thank you for being my friend and always being there! I love your picture.
Doris–I am so blessed to have you as a friend and sister-in-law. You mean the world to me!
GIRL! It’s about time I see your life in lights! HA!
I anxiously await many more posts and much more dreaming. Someone once said, “When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you’re headed for the grave.”
Love you….
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isa. 43:19).
Ooh, Debi–what a great quote–and sobering reminder. Dreams keep us alive and growing and looking ahead. Thanks for joining the adventure and always cheering me on!
Beautiful job! I’m in awe of others who can create their own website.
Thanks, Barbara! I think it turned out well–for a total non-techie. 🙂
Hi Connie.
The website looks fabulous and your first blog topic is spot on. I love dreams. The ones that come at night and especially the ones of the heart. My most persistent dream is writing. For a long time, I had tucked that dream away. But, a couple of years ago I pulled it out, like a forgotten linen in the kitchen drawer. It was a little wrinkly, but still intact.
~kristal
http://www.kristalleeromances.com
Kritstal–I know just what you mean. The dream doesn’t go away–we may put it aside, but it’s still there…waiting. Keep writing!
Hi Connie– Your site is great (very Floridian, as someone else commented). I love the Persistent Dreamer concept. I’ve been working on my writing on and off for years now, but every time I get drawn away, that dream of seeing my name in print just keeps pulling me back. Thanks for all the encouraging words.
Thanks, Laura! Isn’t that the truth? The dream just won’t let go. Keep dreaming–and keep writing!
Captain Connie,
What a physical change the new hair style made in your appearance! I didn’t recognize you. You appear ten years younger! Hope you gave the stylist a big tip! You look great. Looks like a Hollywood make over.
I have always had a dream that I have been chasing also but it isn’t writing or producing books and movies. I just want to hit the lottery and buy a Nordhaven 47 to live on and travel a wee bit.
Hi Captain Peter! The thanks for my new ‘do go to my daughter. She took the great pics, too.
Here’s hoping you win that lottery–and invite us all along for a ride!
What was that you said about ‘lonely’? 🙂
Gorgeous site…and keep dragging that dream with you! (I prefer to think of it less as chasing a dream than of not letting it get away from me.)
Hi Lorena–I am humbled by how many people have stopped by to say nice things. I like your perspective on dreams–they can be slippery things, can’t they?
Incredible site, Connie! Thanks for pointing me to it. I’m looking forward to reading your next great book.
Thanks, Ruth! Here’s hoping there will be another book for you to read soon!
Well Ethal,
Ya done did good my friend. Great job Shelly!♥ Is this where we need to go to see where the dreams begin or end? Makes me feel like singing that song, “I’m just dream’m, cuz dream’n can make me smile”. Can’t wait to see what happens next. See ya soon, Lucy
Lucy, my friend~I’m over here smiling and do-whopping with you in time to the music! We’ve sung happy songs and our share of the blues–and everything in between–over the years, haven’t we? I’m with you–can’t wait to see what adventures we get to do next! Hugs, Ethel (aka Connie)
Congrats on your new release. I love your first blog, very inspirtional. Here’s to making dreams come true.
AJ
Thanks so much for stopping by, Autumn! I appreciate it so much. May all your dreams come true, as well!
Great job! Finding subjects to blog about is hard. Liked it!
Thanks so much! Hmmm, now to find another good topic. 🙂
Lovely post, Connie. Each of us needs a dream and the will to persevere in following that dream. Beautiful site, too.
I agree, Caroline. Dreams make the difference between merely existing and really living. I hope you are following your dreams!
Hi Connie,
Great post! I’m following that same kite–different string. ; )
Very impressive first blog. Congratulations on your new release and good luck on the two WIP!
Lynne
Thanks so much, Lynne! And best of luck to you as you follow your own kite!
Great website, Connie! It’s so welcoming and easy to read. Well done! 🙂
Oh, thanks so much, Maeve. I was going for welcoming, so it’s good to know it’s working.
Your website/blog looks great! Good pics that are “easy on the eyes” and the print is well done–not too much, but said a lot 🙂
Sheila–thanks so much! I’m so glad it not only looks good, but had something worthwhile to say!
Connie, I am so happy to be a little part of your journey 🙂 Love your blog (please subscribe me?.. or maybe I do that…) and can’t wait to see you again. So much has transpired in a year and I find myself so much the greater for it. *sigh* ah….life!
Blessings!
Hi Julia–You’re a wonderful part of my journey!!! I can’t wait to see you either and catch up. Here’s hoping it’s very soon. Hugs, Connie!
Connie, It seems like yesterday we were still in high school. We came from a rough crowd, but you went after your dreams and succeeded. It is really great to see what you have done and looking forward to what you will continue to do. That laid back central Florida lifestyle agrees with you because you look great!!
Hi Debbie–Thanks so much for stopping by–and for the encouraging words. Life’s an awesome journey, isn’t it?
Great site and very Unique Connie! Great colors too! We wish you the best! John and Chan Salamone
Many thanks to both of you! It’s been so humbling hearing from so many people. So appreciate your support!
Who said “that life without a dream is not living, just existing” I am not sure but I heard it somewhere. All the great people I have know have had a dream. Some of course, are just dreamers. Hang in there Connie if anyone has a chance it is you. The site looks great and as the old charmer Captain C said, “you look great”. Chuck J
Thanks so much, Chuck! Hope life in GA is treating you and your lovely wife very well! Hope you’re playing lots of golf and your online site is doing well!
Hi Connie,
Great web site. And never stop dreaming. Sometimes our dreams change, but they never stop.
Jan
Thanks so much, Jan! Right back at you! Never, ever stop dreaming…I see your name on a book cover very soon! Keep writing–and keep me posted!
I genuinely like Richard Gere, too bad he’s becoming old ! Regardless anybody knows what his next movie will be ?
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Thanks!
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Thanks so much, Shaunna!
Hi thanks for yet another very good post. Where do you get your inspiration for all this :|? – Ducati exhaust
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Couldnt have said it better my self!
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