When Do Dreams Start?
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Can you trace back to when your dreams started? There is usually some kind of initial spark that starts inside your mind, right? But when exactly was the seed planted and why? Was it a book you read, a movie you watched, a parent’s words of advice or was it something else entirely? I always wonder about how other people discover their passions and ambitions. You could call it an odd habit of mine, or say that I am just curious about how people stumble upon the thoughts and hobbies that inspire them. Or maybe it is just the writer in me looking for undiscovered stories to share.
One of my dreams started when I was little girl. For me, it began one weekend when we had some house guests. I suppose you don’t realize when you meet someone how much it could affect your life. I mean, it alters the direction of your life’s path; or it even starts you on a route that you never thought you would take. This moment in time set me on a course to a place where I found happiness. And it was across the pond - a land far, far away from my hometown. It’s England.
[media-credit name="Age 10 - Katy Kern" align="alignright" width="225"]
[/media-credit]When I was around 10 years-old I met a British family as they stayed at our house for a soccer (football) tournament. We were one of the host families. This was the exact moment in time, a weekend, that had a profound impact on my life. Honestly, it began simply.
First, I was amazed at their accents. Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio there really isn’t anything distinguishable about the accent there. In fact, they are pretty boring and plain – maybe a little nasally but nothing to say, “Hey, you must be from Cincinnati!” So when I heard the families’ accents for the first time I giggled with glee. It was like my ears were being tickled with delight. Hey, I was only 10! To this day, though, whenever I hear someone speak with any type of British accent my ears strain a little harder to pay closer attention; and I immediately smile, broadly. It’s like music to my ears.
Second, Jim, the husband and father, taught me how to play Gin Rummy. And it is the ONLY game that I still play today. Usually I prefer games or time-passers like solitaire or jigsaw puzzles because there is no competitive energy required. A trait I do not possess anyway. However, with Gin, I can play it online for hours. And, in college, I used to play against a dear friend of mine. Many hours spent laughing and enjoying time with friends. Thank you, Jim.
[media-credit name="My childhood home. Katy Kern" align="alignleft" width="300"]
[/media-credit]Lastly, after talking and learning more about the UK from Jim and Pam (his wife) that weekend, I thought it sounded like the most magical place in the world. Like driving on the other side of the road or what they called soft-boiled eggs and strips of toast — dippy eggs and soldiers. I was not a big fan of eggs when I was that age but totally dug in with the soldiers dipping them in the yoke that weekend. And I ate the whole meal. Come to think of it, my go-to breakfast now is usually eggs and toast…huh.
I just loved learning everything about them, especially all the words they had for things (boot/trunk, telly/ TV, petrol/gasoline, etc….and the use of ‘bloody’ and ‘brilliant’ cracked me up back then). I would patiently sit and listen to them speak for hours (usually while playing Gin). I was really content. But when they told me my house reminded them of the houses in the Cotswolds region of England, I realized right then and there that I would have go to England someday. It’s like it was destiny.
I know some of these details may seem less than inspirational to others, but it’s what sparked a dream for me to visit Great Britain. Something just clicked that weekend and it soon became the main goal of mine. And it only took me eleven years to make come true.
To be continued…
When Do Dreams Start?,
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Tags: 10 years-old, accents, childhood dreams, Cincinnati, Cotswold, destiny, dippy eggs and soldiers, eggs and toast, England, Gin rummy, Great Britain, inspiration, soccer, spark a dream, UK, when dreams begin
Katy,
What a nice story! It never ceases to amaze me about the chance encounters which can start a chain of events that lead to important and good things in our lives.
I hope such things happen more frequently to more people because they are truly among the reasons it is a wonder to be alive.
Thanks for sharing!
Larry
Thank you, Larry. I couldn’t agree more -- inspiration for all! Discovering that spark and finding happiness is truly wonderful.
Great story Katy,
I have had that spark several times in my life. I remember being determined to go into the Air Force when I was about 15 or 16 years old. I remember deciding I was going to be a potter when I was about 40. But I decided I wanted to be a writer when I was about 21 years old. I wrote a letter to the editor of the Oregonian one of the daily newspapers of Portland and had it printed. They edited it a bit too much I thought at the time, but they printed my letter.
Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when you finally get to do something you wanted to do for so long, like your wish to go to England. I never had such a goal when I was young but ended up going to more countries than I could have imagined. I often found myself wondering how I ended up where I was.
I enjoyed this.
Good point, Dan. Your dreams can begin at any point during your life. I hope that people are inspired daily, no matter their age, but one of my dreams just happened when I was little. And it’s funny, I talk about my other dreams -- of being involved with movies in some journals I found recently when I was around 21. That might be in part 2…;-)
I am so happy you enjoyed this story. Thank you!
What an enchanting story. I can’t wait to hear the rest! I’ve got a British uncle. I still remember the first meal I had with him — he used a knife and fork to eat a pickle. I thought it was wildly strange and wonderful.
Enchanting…okay, I like that word. That’s how I always described my home. It’s the cottage look.
Janene, that’s funny that you say that about the knife and fork -- I switched the way I use my knife and fork after meeting some more British people later in life. Another thing I just thought looked more refined or cooler -- and I still use the utensils that way.
Great little story and that house does look picture postcard perfect. Strange though that everyone I know wants to get out of Britain to Spain or America or just anywhere apart from here, think it may have something to do with the weather as well. It’s also strange the stuff that can stick with you from childhood throughout your entire life, and you may be chasing that even if you do not realise it. Brilliant or bloody brilliant.
I love that house!! To this day I still dream of my home. In fact, it is for sale apparently, and I can go see a virtual tour of it but I refuse because I want to remember the way it was when I lived there. I was 4 when we moved in and grew VERY fond of that house.
Stucco and stone cottage-styles houses are my favorite; and you won’t be shocked to hear that I love Tudor-style as well. Cincinnati was filled with Tudor homes.
I loved reading this story and look at how cute you were (still are!). I love British words, don’t ask me why please. I still can’t really recall when the spark happened for my love of English language and going abroad. And you know, I think that inspiration is hidden in the littlest of details and your story was filled with them! Love it.
Oh! I am no game player either, well I do play games on consoles when I have the time (hardly ever nowadays), but games like monopoly, card games etc. I don’t play them apart from Solitaire, word puzzles etc.
You never know when something sparks a new interest/dream in your life and that’s what keeps it all fun I think. I am really looking forward to the next one
TJ: Cute, you say? Did you notice the two missing front teeth…haha…Thanks!
It’s been awhile for my Gin playing days as well…maybe we can play a hand or two. Got to love the internet.
The next one, oh yeah, I am locked into writing more, aren’t I? (How did I get myself into this? I am movie reviewer…)
I noticed those two missing teeth, and it just adds to your cuteness.
My experience with dreams has been a little different. The dream actually did come true when I became an adult. Unfortunately, there have been way too many twists and turns and pitfalls. When we are young, our dreams are simple and uncomplicated. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.
Thanks, Judie. Those teeth were missing for a few years -- long story there but I always hated smiling with missing teeth.
My dreams came true and you will find out all about it soon enough…working on another post soon.
Beautiful house, Katy, and a wonderful story. Dreams are often magical inspirations, so I can’t wait to hear the next part of your story. Is the house in the photo in Sewickley? I would bet that it is and I have probably driven by there at least a few times.
Darling photo of you too. Just as pretty then as you are now!
Thanks, Cher. Dreams are what keep me going most days. I am always working to obtaining one or another…even now.
No, that house is in Cincinnati but I have another home away from home and it is in Sewickley, although my cousin just sold it last month after her parents owned for 35 years. I will miss that house just as much (and it was an English Tudor style home…haha)
[...] I mentioned before, I fell in love with the idea of going to England, but I was only a little girl. So what to do? [...]