Dreaming is an act of pure imagination, attesting in all men a creative power, which if it were available in waking, would make every man a Dante or Shakespeare. ~H.F. Hedge
Dreams are answers to questions we haven't yet figured out how to ask. ~X-Files
Dreams are only thoughts you didn't have time to think about during the day. ~Author Unknown
Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you. ~Marsha Norman
Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives. ~William Dement
A dream. Your dream. Your desire or your wish. How many dreams or aspirations have you had in your lifetime? Doesn't every boy dream to be one day the President of the United States ? Maybe he/she dreams to be a police officer ? Not every boy dreams to be President. Perhaps he dreams about becoming a New York City Fashion Designer or a Broadway Dancer. Unfortunately for some of those boys who dream to be something 'different' have had their lives shortened by mean-spirited, intentional cruel human beings. Acts of violence or bullying have shortened their lives. How unfair ! How sad ! How unfortunate for those parents of a child who wanted to be different and accepted in a society that has difficulty in acceptance. It is not an easy road for those that choose an alternative 'gay' lifestyle.
In 1994, life changed for me. I started a sober lifestyle and I saw Love, Valour , Compassion. Love! Valour! Compassion! is a play by Terrence McNally, directed by Joe Mantello. Its off-Broadway premiere was at the Manhattan Theatre Club on October 11, 1994 where it staged 72 performances. It changed my life. It started to make me think about my dreams. It made me think of having a conventional lfie in an unconventional way. The story ---The setting is at a lakeside summer vacation house in Dutchess County, two hours north of New York City where eight gay friends spend the three major holiday weekends of one summer together for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. It sounded wonderful. It is probably like Fire Island without the drama. The movie version was equally engaging, but nothing is like a Broadway Production. The movie soundtrack features many songs, one being ' Beauitful Dreamer' The production ends with a wacky dress rehearsal of SwanLake - all men in drag.
My evening will end tonight with Matthew Bourne's SwanLake at City Center. I was reminded last week that October 20 is a Day of Rememberance--in honor of those teenagers who had an alternate lifestyle and committed suicide. I wear purple today in honor of those boys.
Do not stop dreaming.
I guess I should discuss a purple edible flower. That would make logical sense in keeping with the purple theme. An edible wild flower plant is the Violet ( Viola spp)Did you know that you could consume violets. Do not consume the late season plants without the flowers. There are many species . Violets do contain anthocyanin.Anthocyanins are versatile and plentiful flavonoid pigments found in red/purplish fruits and vegetables, including purple cabbage, beets, blueberries, cherries, raspberries and purple grapes. Within the plant they serve as key antioxidants and pigments contributing to the coloration of flowers. I enjoy putting violets over Salmon dishes as as garnish and color contrast to the pink that is inviting to eat. Anthocyanin also provides protection against bacteria, E. coli.
It is known that the roots of the violet species consumed in large amounts are emetic and purgative. In reading about violets, the Chinese use one species specifically, V. diffusa to treat blood cancers ( leukemia, aplastic anemia)
In areas endemic with poisonous snakes, the violets are consumed for snake bites. The actual plant can be used as a poultice over skin abrasions.
Until tomorrow...
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