melanieb

My son is headed to camp this summer with the scouts and I've decided to accompany them on the bus. I know I don't have enough money to actually participate in the camp but I felt like I should come along just the same.

The bus arrives in camp and a sharply-dressed staffer boards the bus to give us the orientation directions. After pointing us in the right direction we all head towards the barracks that will be our home for the next 11 days.

[img]http://mountainsidebride.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/camp-wedding-wooden-signs.jpg[/img]

I must admit I'm fairly upset that my son has brought a huge radio with him and I'm chastising him since I know it won't receive anything anyway. Besides, we're in the woods and I'm sure people would prefer to hear the sounds of nature versus the boombox he is toting around.

Of course, my son protests, and I decide to back off as we enter the main room of the common area. Immediately I realize how weird it will be to have co-ed sleeping quarters but in all honesty that's not important right now. I see that another parent is there with her son and she is getting him ready for his ceremonial swearing-in as the leader of the contingent. I know he's not ready for the position and isn't up for the responsibility but I keep these thoughts to myself.

Turning around in the cramped cabin I find my son has placed his radio on a nearby dresser and has turned on the music. To my surprise it is picking up radio stations just fine, but even more surprising is the TV I see mounted to the wall as I look up. I can't believe that we're in this remote location and the camp has hi-def TV.

My son starts eating a bag of chips and unloading his stuff from his pack. I call him into the hallway and I'm fed up with his constant eating so I start yelling at him though I'm not really upset so I lower my voice and begin talking to him in a more conversational tone. It's good that I did lower my voice as the raised tones caught the attention of the camp scout-leader and he looked worried. My attention returns to my son and then pauses as he turns to ask some of the scouts entering the room about their snacks, bags of chips and goodies that are loaded up by the armful.

"We actually got there at just the right time, "says Kevin, one of the taller and older scouts. "The line was empty when we got there but by the time we were leaving there were fifty people lining up. I'd suggest getting your snacks now while they still have some."

I look at my son, knowing he can probably wait, but then I think better of it and just encourage him to head up and get his shacks now. He heads out of the room and I decide to follow him.

The main area of the camp is slightly muddy from recent rains and hundreds of pairs of boots tromping through the square. The mud continues up the steep hill that leads to where the scouts are all headed to get their snacks. The hill is grassy and has clearly benefited from recent rains but the boots of the scouts have turned the trail into a slippery and muddy path, despite many flat steps cut into the hill to prevent erosion.

[img]http://johanna.wandel.ca/JDF/IMG_6675.jpg[/img]

I'm especially impressed with how green this part of New Mexico looks and how nice the air is and I'm glad we're far away in a remote area of the state, distant from all the cities and urban areas that plague our home. My thought is barely finished when I come to the top of the hill and I see the distant vista of downtown Baja, New Mexico, the largest city in the state.

[img]http://www.johnharveyphoto.com/HongKong/CityViewAtNightHg.jpg[/img]

I nearly gasp seeing the tall buildings and sprawling city laid out before me over the next ridge. My son clearly knew more than I did when he decided to bring the radio on this campout. Even more strange than the view is where the path now leads; We're on top of a parking garage, a muddy trail leading from the hill to the far corner of the cement parking lot. In the corner sits an older man and his friend, two chairs and a white plastic cooler their only equipment.

I approach as my son finishes his transaction and I get a brief glimpse at their offerings. Cold beverages fill one side of the cooler and various other snacks sit on the ground at their feet, slightly hidden by the open lid of the cooler. I'm a bit put-off by this sight and I had hoped for better from a camp that could afford to put HDTV in the camper's rooms.

It's time to head back to camp and I see one of the other scouts from our troop nearby, also ready to head down.

"Let's race!" I call to him and the next thing I know we're both racing down the muddy hillside. I can't believe how fast I can go and after taking a particularly large step I know I'm dreaming. I can see that I'm about to land in a rather muddy spot so I pull up my feet and let my momentum carry me a distance of nearly 25 feet beyond the mud, a great moment of control and satisfaction. I want to wrap up the race in a grand way so I turn sideways and slide down the rest of the slippery hill of mud, a feeling of exhilaration that is as close as I can get without flying. Naturally I win the race.

Now that I'm at the bottom I start to take a look around and I find the camp actually lies on the edge of a suburban part of Baja, the tree-lined streets almost giving the impression of some small town in Tennessee. Slightly in front of me and to my left is a old, brick firehouse, now abandoned, and a pair of railroad tracks lies between me and the building. A couple of cars navigate the nearby neighborhood streets. I feel so odd having a camp this close to the neighborhoods of the city.

[img]http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasTowns/GrafordTexas/GrafordTexasFirehouse1007MPrice65.jpg[/img]

To complete the odd scene, a motorized contraption straight out of the late 19th century appears, an oddly-shaped machine with spinning wheels and a sputtering steam-muffler. The conveyance is clearly designed to travel on both train tracks and regular roads, overly-complicated with gears and flywheels that make approaching it seem dangerous. I watch as the machine rides the rails around the building and then enters the road on the far side of the building.

I take this as my cue to follow the driver and I suddenly find myself in a Chevy Blazer, an older model that is both cramped and over-powered. My daughter is driving and I know she is planning on passing up the strange contraption we are rapidly approaching. My cousin-in-law leans in behind me to tell me that, "Everything will be okay, we can easily pass the machine. This Blazer has a V8 engine and is more than powerful enough to catch it."

We pass up the machine and continue along a road that slopes down towards an intersection ahead, though my daughter shows no sign of slowing. I can see the slightly-obscured stop-sign and I yell at her to stop before we hit something. On cue a man appears running across the road, as far from a crosswalk as he could be, his diagonal path on a clear intersection with ours. I brace myself as we hit the man and he goes spinning up and over the hood, though he shows no real sign of injury and continues on his path.

"Okay, " I'm thinking, "that was weird." We turn left at the new road and I realize we're heading deeper into the city of Baja, a place I've never been and I can only vaguely picture on my mental map as in the northern part of New Mexico. I still can't believe how green it is, but even that pales in beauty to the snow-capped mountains I see to my left, illustrating how high up we are in elevation. To my right is a wide meadow that is clearly a park used for sports like Frisbee and impromptu games of touch football. The air is warm, perhaps 60F, but there remains a little snow along the edge of the field. Every part of me is marveling at the beauty of this place and I start considering what it would take to move there from Texas.

[img]http://media.indiedb.com/images/articles/1/130/129140/auto/rocky_mountains_sml.jpg[/img]

Sensing my desire to look around and get a feel for the place my daughter stops driving and parks the vehicle right in the middle of the lane, a bit further out from the curb than one would normally park. I watch as she leans out of the door and sprawls out over the pavement, her head in one lane and her left arm stretching out into the next lane of traffic. A car is approaching and I pull her arm back quickly to avoid it being in the way of traffic. My pleas to get up go unheeded and I can't believe she would go to this length just so I can look around at the trees and mountains, a scene I know my mind has created but clearly a place I want to explore.

Unfortunately I wake up, remembering a location and experience more pleasant than I could possibly describe.

Once again I'm driving in north Austin. I appear to be on a road that parellels IH-35, possibly north Lamar the way it looked back in the early 90's. Brush and small trees line either side of the road and it almost has a rural feel despite being well inside the city.

I'm driving south along the road when I come upon a sidestreet that makes a T-intersection with the one I'm on and a lane curves into my lane to merge. Approaching the intersection I see a green pickup coming in from that lane and I speed up slightly to get ahead of the truck. Coming along side the truck I see the woman driving, an older woman with reddish hair. She sees me and speeds up to also get ahead.

I begin to become a little apprehensive as we are driving neck-and-neck along this two-lane road and the woman next to me is neither giving ground nor accelerating to get ahead of me. To keep both of us on the road I start crossing the yellow line into the opposing lane, thankfully devoid of traffic at this moment.

Without hint or warning the woman in the green truck slammed her vehicle into mine, forcing me off the road and into the small trees along the side. I look up to see her driving on but looking back at me with a winning grin. She looks like an odd mix between Cathy Bates and Bette Midler. She says something which I take to mean, "Better luck next time, catch me if you can!"

I'm angry but thankfully unhurt. My vehicle seems to be undamaged as I put it into reverse, confident my SUV can back up the small hill and get onto the road without difficulty. I put the vehicle into Drive and continue down the road where I can barely see her vehicle disappearing around a distant bend in the road.

Reaching the bend I look for the green truck but she has managed to elude me. Two other cars are now also on the road ahead of me having turned on from other streets. Passing the bedn I find I can go in two major directions and I pick the one I feel is more likely based on her speed. I'm still heading south when I come to another intersection. The road is visible for a long distance but the truck is gone. I find my hopes dwindling as I turn down a street that takes me slightly west, a road I've never ecplored before.

To my delight the road leads to a parking lot for a hidden park. Several acres of beautifully appointed land stretch out before me with lush trees and lawns. It truly is a hidden gem in the city, surrounded as it is by urban sprawl and developments of large neighborhoods.

To my left is a large pond, well-maintained and filled with plants. A few ducks call it home and seem to not mind people. In front of me, across the large lawn is a slight hill that leads into shadier areas of trees and dense growth clearly maintained as a place to feel a little more secluded from the open areas. A few people are scattered around walking peacefully and enjoying the serenity of the area.

To my right is a large white house with multiple levels and columns beneath a spacious deck overlooking the park. I suspect the owners are the ones who created this park as their property merges with the actual parkland.

I can't believe my luck in finding this place. Looking up to the treetops I can see the border between the park trees and the more scraggly ones that line a nearby neighborhood. This park seems to exist in a tiny valley between the road I was on and houses and business areas to the west. It's beautiful and as I walk out I think about bringing the kids to explore it soon.

Leaving the park I walk down a cruched-granite trail and past a gate that keeps the park animals inside during night hours and prevents most access. A small white maintenance shed is near the path though no people are near. To my right as I walk out I see a small bush with an odd-looking creature in it. Closer examination reveals the animal to be a small chihuahua perched on a branch as though it had been taking a nap. I pull out my phone so I can take a picture to show the DV-forum and attempt to take pictures but I am pressing the wrong button and nothing happens.

Realizing my error I push the correct button but now the animal is moving and making a meowing noise. I now see the animal as a small cat, and while it remains cute it is not particularly remarkable for a cat to be on a branch despite the bush being way too small to support the weight of such an animal. I put away my phone and continue on, knowing I will return soon with the kids.

I head on down the road but I can't recall now what happened next. :(

I really hate confusing lucid dreams like this one.

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m in my old office, the company I last worked for. I’m inthe western hallways of the office, talking to my boss. She is telling me aboutanother coworker.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Sandra needs money to pay for Dish Network.” She explains.I had wondered why Sandra was in the office. I was sure she no longer workedfor the company. My boss needed someone to take the check to her. She can befound in her old office where she is gathering some of her belongings leftbehind when she quit.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I take the check from my boss and walk down to find Sandra.She is collecting her things and talking with another coworker, explaining whyshe came and why it took her so long. She is also explaining her money needs.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]As I approach I see she has a baby with her. I don’t recallher being a parent or even having enough time since she left the company tohave a child so I can’t figure out whose child it is or why she would bring himin to the dirty office. I can see she is clearly struggling to maintain a holdon her things and take care of the baby at the same time.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“I can help take care of the baby.” I offer her assistance.She thanks me and heads off with some of her stuff. I take the baby into thecopy room where people are woreking and I leave it on the table. I next headdownstairs to get in my car.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I know Sandra needs the check so I head to her new office, abuilding not too far away that looks more like a hotel or swanky apartment buildingthan an office. I pull up in the drive where a valet might normally stand andstart to get out of my red sports car (Ferrari?) when I realize that I don’thave the check with me. I left it back at the office. Even worse, I also leftthe baby behind.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Doing a mental facepalm I climb back into the car and startdriving back to the office. I need to head down the road to 183 first, an oddroute to take back but I’m familiar with it because it’s the route I used touse to travel home from the office.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Whether because of the route or the blue-and-white policecarI see at the intersection I become lucid. I’m really impressed to see thepolicecar as it is the type Austin used to have when I was growing up. Theywere very distinct. The police officer is actually standing outside his car asI pass, taking a look at my vehicle. He seems to actually be looking at me asthough I am an interesting subject.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Back at the office I go upstairs and I check the copy roombut the baby isn’t there. Neither are the people from earlier so I have no-oneto ask. I head down the hall checking offices as I go, becoming increasinglyfrantic as I approach the end of the hall. I know it’s a dream but somethingabout trying to find a baby drives me on.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Reaching the end I make a right turn (knowing I will findthe child)and suddenly spot the baby with a guy named Jeff. I don’t actuallyknow this guy but he seems to be attentive and is making noises at the baby soI don’t mind his efforts. He even has Legos which should be too advanced forthe infant but I see the child has aged in the short time I was gone and cannow walk on his own. He walks towards a bike someone left in the office and Ibriefly worry he will get hurt by the axle of the rear wheel but he passes itwith ease.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]If that wasn’t weird enough the baby can talk and does sowith the sound of a literate adult. His voice is quite mature and it’sunsettling enough to cause me to lose lucidity completely. The baby tells mesomething about playing cards and then I wake up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]

If there's one thing I can do well it's driving. I can even do it while asleep!

I've taken my lucidity to a new level with this dream.

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m going through a nearby subdivision on the other side ofthe hill when I hear an approaching siren. The vehicle it’s attached to comesinto view and I see a Life Services truck, a vehicle similar to a largeambulance but designated for pregnant people and the needs of those withbabies. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I know it’s not right and to see such a service and thistriggers lucidity. I know I’m dreaming and though I’m still stuck in my SUV Iat least know how to solve my problem. I first think about how whenever I’mdriving things go wrong in a dream so this time I know I’ll do it right. I grabthe shift knob and put the vehicle in “Reverse”, actually making the effort tolook out the side window and see that I wasn’t going to bump the Life Servicestruck. Control of my driving is now my task.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I spent a few minutes making my reverse attempt having toalternate between reverse and forward as I inched my way out of a tight spotwithout scratching up the side panel or mirror of the other vehicle. I feltlike I was going to lose the task, particularly when I saw the LS-tech staringat me from the lawn of the house he came out of. I actually squinted andsqueezed the shift-knob harder and maintained control of the dream.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Once I was safely out of the tight spot the guy on thestreet said, “Nice job! You’re better at that than me!”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I looked at the man and replied, “Driving is what I do best.”The man tipped his hat at me and I drove off towards a side street, looking fora new route to the big hill that would lead me home. I found the street I waslooking for and drove along the road quickly. At the end of it was the street Ineeded to be on.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Turning left I lost lucidity and suddenly my SUV turned intoa bicycle. I found myself staring at the asphalt below, a grey streak beneathmy feet on the pedals. I pushed harder to gain some speed before climbing thelarge hill, a hill that I haven’t been able to ride straight up since I was ateenager.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Jen was waiting for me at the top of the hill and as I cameup she shouted, “I don’t think you can make it! You better stop!” [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I wouldn’t listen. I was determined to get home and enjoytime with my family. Instead of pushing to go further up the hill I turnedsideways so I could make a series of switchbacks. Using the principle of alower slope and longer distance to gain elevation I was able to make it up therest of the steep hill without giving up or having to walk my bike.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]At the top I get a big hug with smiles from Jen. I’m happyto have finished the ride and I know home is just a few houses away. All Iswell.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT="Calibri"]And the dream ends.[/FONT]

I had this dream on August 12th around 1PM, thankfully one hour after the comp started.

I saw some things in this dream that I'm still trying to figure out and understand what they have to do with lucidity.


[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I was in my old neighborhood in south Austin and I had anorthern destination. I knew the way to get there, even planned out a routethat should bypass some of the traffic because my planned travel time was nearrush-hour. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]However, my passenger had an alternate suggestion.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Why don’t you take Lisa Road?”[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Because going the other way will be quicker.”[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“No, I promise it will be fast!” She said.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I gave in and instead of going down another block to themain road out of the neighborhood I turned right onto Lisa Road. In real lifethis road exists in the same place but by another name and is bordered byneighborhood houses instead of leading into the woods.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]As I move further along Lisa Road it immediately makes aturn to the left and then a sharp bend to the right over a flowing stream. Thisis the point where I start being confused by the road and my lucidity hits. Iknow I’m dreaming and I’m thinking about how glad I am that my vehicle canhandle the off-road conditions that Lisa Road is presenting me when I decideI’m tired of driving along the road I’m on.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I blink and turn my view to the left and find myself in astructure. It’s little more than a shack in the woods where I suspect homelesspeople have been hanging out and I have almost overwhelming feelings ofrevulsion of living under those conditions. Instead of running out I lookaround and I know that I will see a nicer place as I do. As I turn the roomchanges to meet my expectations and I think about how it wouldn’t be a badplace to be if you ran away from home.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Thought of living there cause me to imagine the people whowould have lived there and I conjure up an image of a young couple who had toraise their illegitimate baby there. The proof of their existence appearsbehind me and enters my view as I continue turning. They are long gone but asmall picture confirms they once lived. I feel happy that they managed to makea life under adverse conditions and even turn a rundown hobo-shack into alivable place. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I realize that whatever I want to see appears and I becomelucid. I conjure up a baby doll that I feel would be a nice gift for that youngcouple to give to their child and I place it next to the picture, a memorial toimmortalize this image in my mind. I know it’s a dream but I feel this image isimportant and significant, a creation of my mind that represents my ability tovisit other people long gone from my life. The thought actually brings a tearto my dreaming eye.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]I wipe away the tear and find I’m alone in a run-downbuilding. The shack has changed into concrete walls and the remains of abuilding once intended for offices. I walk forward towards the window,wondering if I will see the neighborhood I recently droive through. Instead Iam at the top of a hill overlooking a narrow valley. The hills are rocky andthe ridge across from me is covered in trees. Far below is a line of cars on a dirt road bordering a small creek, asmall bridge allowing them to cross on some unknown pilgrimage to someplacearound the bend of the ridge across from me.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]As I stare at the sight I see people below crossing towardsmy side of the valley. All of them are burdened with belongings and packs ofsupplies. I feel an overwhelming urge to join them and I reach up to cry outfor their attention. I’m still lucid so I know I can.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Instead of yelling at them the ground below me slips awayand I find myself barely hanging on to the window edge. The ground below myfeet is slipping away into a hole filled with small trees and dense growth, anodd place for a forest considering my dream is dissolving into the space belowthe trees, a dream-hole hidden by foliage that I suspect also contains snakes.I’ve never experienced this before and all I can think to do is slide my bodyto the side. I’ve been through similar tight situations in real life so I knewI could escape the hole.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]My escape from certain doom worked and I looked up from thedirty floor slipping into the hole. I was still surrounded by concrete wallsthat should have been offices but the roof of the structure was gone…or perhapsnever existed, I’m not sure which. Above the building is a swirling purple sky,and while I’ve imagined some crazy skies in my life I’ve never seen one thatlooks like this maelstrom above me. I put my hand up to shield myself from thedoom I imagine will follow soon.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]And I wake up.[/FONT][/SIZE]

This dream wasn't lucid but the imagery of the half-naked woman will haunt me for some time.

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The earliest thing I recall is standing in the conferenceroom at my former job. Along with several others I am setting up food forpeople returning from a meeting where it will be announced that we haveachieved a big win, an announcement that we have been awarded a major projectwith lots of money involved. On this scale such awards happen only every fewmonths at best so this is a big deal. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]One of the engineers I work with, J.W., is standing near meand talking about the project. I don’t really pay attention to the specifics,though I am glad for our success as a company. I’ll be attending the meeting,though my work on the project may not come for months.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]A gathering of people has been set up on the top floor ofthe parking garage, a makeshift receiving line designed to welcome ourreturning staff with honor and fanfare. The problem is that other offices sharethe parking garage, and their clients happen to wander inadvertently throughthe receiving line. The first couple of people don’t really cause any stir, butthe third person, a large woman in a car with no roof, really causes some commotion.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The woman is older, perhaps somewhere between 55 and75,though it’s hard to determine exactly as she appears quite unhealthy and obese.She is wearing a muumuu and as the car rolls by she sticks her legs in the air,revealing her cottage cheese legs and bulbous calves. What’s really grotesqueis she has on no underwear, and her misshapen crotch is a sight that makesseveral people ill, including me. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I turn to my dad who is standing next to me in the line and ask,“Did you just see what I saw?” He confirms that he did and we both just faceaway, still looking for our expected staff. When some employees do arrive weshout and throw stuff in the air.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I make my way back inside the building and head downstairsvia the elevator. Some of the other staff members have arrived through thisfront door. I pass a group of older men dressed in suits, talking and laughingas they head in. I keep heading for the door.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]As I walk out into the sun I encounter a young man in aservice uniform and cap, coming in with a load of boxes. He’s slightly blondwith a charming smile, fit though not heavily muscled. He does not seem out ofplace in any way.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“You sure have a lot of boxes there, “I say. “It’s like you’vegot a bomb or something. I recall that we had received a notice that someonehad given us a bomb threat, someone who had been causing trouble in other partsof the city, and we should be on the lookout for a person with a lot of boxes,but I do not suspect this guy. I’m joking with him when I mention bombs.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]He turns slightly and his gaze settles on me. He still hashis bright smile but as he faces me the happy grin disappears, and is replacedby a look of determination. Something about the change in his demeanor alertsme that he is the bomber I’ve been told to keep an eye out for, and my fearlevel shoots up a little. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]By this time I’m standing on the opposite side of my SUVfrom him. He has been unloading boxes from it and has one more box to carry inbut it is still inside the vehicle. I am standing by the open driver-side doorholding the keys, and as he reaches for the back passenger-side door to get hisbox I press the button to lock the doors.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]THWUNK! All the locks go down at once.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]He looks through the vehicle at me, starting to look alittle bit shocked that I’m keeping him from his bomb materials. He has his ownkey fob and presses the button to unlock the doors.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]SHOONK! The locks all go up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I know I can’t let him get in so I press the button againand hold it down so he can’t operate them from his fob. I’ve managed to keephim from getting in but there isn’t anything to stop him from coming around thevehicle and attacking me, and this realization spurns me to action. I jump intothe driver’s seat and start the vehicle, still holding down the lock button onthe key fob. I can’t risk him getting in before I get away, and without hislast box he can’t do any serious damage.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I manage to get the door shut and I start driving as fast asI can though I am going terribly slow and can’t seem to pick up speed. The viewahead is of a street on the U.T. campus and there are speed bumps along theroad. I stop worrying about my speed, not wanting to fly up if I hit a bump toofast, and instead turn my attention towards looking for a police officer. Theyseem to be abundant whenever I don’t want to find any but I can’t locate any ofthem now when I need them.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT="Calibri"]And then I wake up.[/FONT]

It's not every day that someone from DreamViews appears in my dream, but this isn't the first time OpheliaBlue has shown up.


[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m on a backroad in California, somewhere not too far fromthe Sierras. Trees and bright green meadows line the road, a perfect place fora drive in the country. I encounter very few people.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Up ahead is a driveway that I suspect is an H.E.B., an oddthing to find in California. I pull off the road into the dirt parking lot andwork to fit my vehicle in behind some other SUV. The rear end of the vehiclesticks out onto the road a little but not as far as other nearby vehicles so Iassume it’s okay.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The store seems less like a supermarket and more like an oldcountry store that has fallen to disrepair. There are no bright overhead lightsand the floor seems dirty. Condensation water drips from various chilleddisplays and pools on the floor, a clear slip hazard. The shelves are filledwith items but the selection is slim with little to no product competition. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Wandering through the store and carrying a hand basket Iselect a loaf of bread and a cucumber, something in a jar and some off-brandtype of soda I’ve never heard of. I seem to not be shopping for a meal butrather just picking up items as I go along and see things I am familiar with. Iremember that I need some water bottles and grab a case of Ozarka, noting thatI still have one at home under the table.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]A cashier is standing by an old-fashioned manual cashregister, his hands on the counter while he waits expectantly for someone tobuy some groceries but I just walk on past him. My belongings seem to disappearas I walk back outside. The parking lot has puddles in it and I have tojump-step to avoid them. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The sky is a dark grey and as I look up at it snow begins tofall, light at first but quickly turning heavier. I become lucid as the snowand ice falls onto my skin, the chill of the ice almost painful as it lands onme. I just stop and stand there for a minute, looking at the ice melt, feelingthe cold penetrate into me. It’s a really neat sensation for a dream. As theice crystals hit they change from white to blue, then back to white beforemelting and dripping down the side of my arm. The blue is intriguing, and Irecognize it as a dream sign. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Wiping the water from my arm I continue on my way throughthe parking lot. My car is still sticking out onto the road and I no longerfeel so comfortable with it there. It seems too exposed to traffic, so the bestsolution is to move it further into the parking lot. I hop in and start mycar/SUV by pressing on the gas pedal, my keys seemingly forgotten, or lost.Ahead of me is a zigzag path around a red El Camino that will allow me to parkin a safer area. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m surprised so many cars are here; there doesn’t seem tobe many people around the grocery store or even the property. I pull into theclearing but if I stay in the position I could get blocked in a manner thatwould make it impossible to get out. I back up into a carport that I thinkbelongs to the property owner. It slopes uphill and has wooden planks set onthe ground to enable traction. A flimsy green roof covers it. It would be agreat place to park but I don’t want to make the guy mad by parking in hisspot.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]From the slight hill I’m on I can see another spot thatwould be perfect, and I pull forward into the circular drive in front of thestore. In the middle of this circle is a bar-style table, and OpheliaBlue isleaning on it and doing her homework. A pencil is held lazily in her right handwith the eraser stuck gently between her teeth. I recognize that I know herfrom DreamViews and this reinforces the lucidity from earlier.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“You’ll never get out that way.” She says this nonchalantly.“You need to go through IRC.”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Are you sure?” I want to believe her but sometimes it’shard to take the word of a teenager who is clearly rebellious.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Yeah. It’s the only way to get past the snake in the mud.”She lays her pencil down on her book and straightens up, her hair falling offher shoulders as she does. Her clothing suggests punk but her homework, sometype of higher mathematics, suggests nerd. The glasses just make her lookyounger. As for her words, I know that she is telling me a code to get past thestoreowner’s evil brother.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Well, then, thank you!” I don’t know what else to say. Iwasn’t expecting such kindness out here in the middle of nowhere. I alreadyfelt like everyone I encountered wanted me to leave, like a stranger who doesn’tbelong to the local clubhouse. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Dangling from Ophelia’s neck is a small pendant, a whiteoval surrounded by ribbed gold. In the center is a black circle, like the pupilin the eye, and in my mind it clearly belongs in a museum, which must mean shestole it. I’m about to ask when she takes it off and hands it to me, placing itin my hand and folding my fingers over it.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“This will get you through. Don’t leave it here.” Her facelooks serious, and her tone suggests urgency.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I look down at it and I have no idea what to do with it. Iwant to ask but she walks away to go wash her hands in the fish sink becauseher pencil made marks on her skin. For me it seems like a good time to leave soI walk up the hill to the road, cross into the woods, and head off looking fora pine tree with an oval carved into it. Somehow this feels right.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The center of the forest is hard to find, and the ferns seemto be sticky. I can feel something clinging to my skin, making the tiny hairs onmy arm feel weird. They make progress slow as I step over the plants and fallenlimbs, and the odd smell of feet seems to be coming from somewhere off to myright.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]A voice inside my mind tells me to throw the pendant to findthe tree and I yank on the string to break it. The pull fails to snap the cordso I pull it over my head instead, taking one last look at it before I throwit. The black circle has hints of blue in it like speckles of fire, presumablyparticles of the sky, another recognizable sign of the dream. It’s hard to take my eyes off it but I have tolet it go.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I throw it and a whistling noise fills the air as it arcsinto the distance, landing behind a large bush. I go looking for it, diggingthrough branches and leaves and getting poked in the face.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]And then I wake up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]

This dream ranks among the most detailed dreams I've had, especially the lucid moments playing with the water. I've left out plenty of descriptive details that I just don't have enough time for, but I've tried to preserve the scenes and imagery. The color blue is still pervasive. This is a long dream.

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The scene takes place in the house I grew up in, a houselocated atop a tree-covered ridge with a row of back windows that face west. Iloved that house and especially that yard, but in this dream the house issuddenly located in Canada. I’ve never actually been to Canada but it must haveseemed like a good place to be for a dream.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]A storm is coming, a sight not unusual for west-facingwindows, but this one is particularly large. The winds of the storm areswirling like a hurricane, or perhaps oversized tornado, and have a blue tintto many of the swirls. I connect this to ice and a severe storm, as well asthoughts of being in Canada. Despite this some part of me knows this storm isimpossible, whether I’m in Canada or not.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Something tells me that I need to be on the lookout for apair of kids with broken arms, injuries recently sustained while escaping thestorm possibly. I don’t remember a phone call or message but somehow I justknow. As I think about them the stormsuddenly throws out several bolts of lightning indicating it is close enough toreally be a potential threat very soon.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I suddenly turn to the room I’m in, occupied by a couple ofother people, and say, “Why haven’t we taken the kids to the hospital yet?!” [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I walk from the room and outside to the car, a cross betweenmy SUV, a car, and some kind of large toy. Driving the vehicle is an actualchallenge as it seems to be solely operated by the steering wheel. I swerve allover the road and as I reach the end of the block I’m lucky to make the turnwithout crashing into the rock wall that lines the outer edge of one person’sproperty. What’s especially weird is that I’m I Canada yet my childhoodneighborhood is perfectly preserved in my mind, right down to the dust on theroad at the corner.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The lighting of the scene is that of early morning, and Idecide it must be six A.M. I’m approaching an intersection with a cross-streetand I have to stop, though my vehicle is very slow to respond. Ahead of meseveral children are approaching the intersection from the side and one is evencrossing with his bike right in front of me, prompting me to slam on the brake.The car slows with a frightening lag and I become scared I’m going to hit theyoung boy on his way to the bus stop, but as the motion ceases I get mad andwonder why in hell he would be going to school at six in the morning.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]On the cross-street a grey cube-car, initially headedtowards the same intersection, abruptly turns around and heads back the way itcame. This seems suspicious to me, and I turn to follow it. I have to stopshort as the car is moving at a very slow speed, and my suspicions disappear asmy displeasure with their speed rises. I have kids to get to the hospital afterall.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]In front of the slow cube-car is another vehicle goingequally slow, and I can’t wait any longer. I zoom around both cars as weapproach a bend in the road, and as I am about to move back over into the laneI am brought face-to-face with an oncoming car. I swerve violently and my carmoves out of the way of the approaching vehicle, but I overcompensate andswerve back across the road after they pass. This time luck has deserted me andI crash into the curb, running into the grass of a house I visited as a teen.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]After standing there with my hands on my hips for a fewminutes just staring at the wrecked car I decide to head back to the hotel. Iskip over the return trip and find myself already experiencing the luxury ofthe hotel I’m booked in for a conference I’m attending, and still in Canada. Myfriends are waiting on me.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]In the hotel room the atmosphere is quite sedate compared tomy earlier location. The room is spacious, with white walls and curtains andseems large enough for a dozen people or more to share. I seem to be on somekind of tour, and I’ve been led into the spacious and relaxing bathroom. Awoman is taking a bath but she gets up as we enter, allowing me to see the trueluxury of this hotel.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The bath itself is situated like a mountain stream. Thebather sits in a slanted trough with a rest at their back containing the watercontrols. Their body below mid-thigh rests on a slope with polished river rocksforming the bottom of the tub, the water diffusing down through the rockssomewhere near the end of the tub instead of a traditional drain. The rate ofthe water going out of the tub is the same as the water coming in, and thisallows the water to fill the tub and seem to remain still without appearinglike it is in constant motion.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I bring my face closer to the water surface and the termartesian well enters my mind. This is the true luxury of this hotel, wellbeyond any of the other amenities, and I can’t wait to bathe in it. The view ofthe water brings me to lucidity and I spend the next several minutes simplystaring at the water and the rocks below, watching light shimmer and reflectalong the bottom of the tub. Few sights have ever brought me as much pleasureas watching a flowing stream, something I associate with the Pisces in me. Idip my hands in the water and watch as the ripples trail from my fingers, adazzle of light that is truly captivating. The water was warm when I enteredthe room but as I play in it the water becomes cool and clear, just the way Iwant it.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The room is open to the west, and oddly I never see anyglass. The sun is low in the western sky and the pretty colors are starting tocome out, something you can only truly appreciate from a high vantage pointlike the hill this hotel sits on. It’s this view that puts the finishing touchon the luxury of this bathroom.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I stand and walk back into the main part of the hotel room.I see a couple of my friends but something is nagging at the back of my mind.With a puzzled look on my face I say, “Where are those kids?” No one sitting inthe room seems to know but they start getting up to look for them as thoughthey were lost keys hidden in the room. I turn to the curtains behind me andpart them, revealing a sliding glass door which leads to an interior patio usedfor seating and watching the outside without having to experience the heat orcold. Here I find the boys, lying on sleeping bags, and apparently their brokenarms have been taken care of with casts, though they still look severelyinjured.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Some movement catches my eye in the darkened room and as myfocus adjusts I see a pair of raccoons has invaded the room through the openexternal patio door. They appear to be digging for snacks the boys have left aroundin the room, the remainders of a night of recovery from their injuries. Myentrance has startled them, and a third raccoon on the external patio isalready scurrying away.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The raccoons run through the open door and I give chase.From the patio-deck they jump onto a low roof and around the corner of thehotel. It appears dark outside but as I come around the corner I see it is justa deep shadow created by the setting sun. The trio of raccoons has become afamily, and they scurry along the roof to the edge of the building where theyjump to an outcropping of rock. Limestone hills surround the hotel and leadtowards a small meadow at the edge of the property. The raccoons run throughthis meadow and jump off a cliff to some nearby trees. It looks dangerous and Iwonder if they sustain injury doing this, but they seem to reach the bottomjust fine. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]My attention turns to the view of the sunset, fading colorslike fire dying in the sky. It’s a beautiful scene, and I wish I could linger,but I really need to get back to the hotel room, and in particular I need toget off the roof before it gets dark. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Climbing out onto the roof had been easy, a mere walk/runonto the gently sloped surface. Going back was not so smooth. I watched myfriend who I don’t remember being on the roof at all climb from the level I’mstanding on to a higher level that leads back to the room. The other roof isabout five feet above where I am and I don’t feel confident that I can make it,especially with the spiny cactus that has slid into place right in my path. Iknow I’m going to have to hold onto this cactus to get up but the tiny spinesare too difficult to grab onto comfortably, and I give up. I decide the bestcourse of action is to jump down to the ground floor below.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I land in the back of the building, a parking lot/loadingarea for the hotel’s restaurant. Immediately a Greek man walks up to me andasks me if I want to order breakfast. I feel a little surprised at hisforwardness, having never ordered breakfast from the loading area before. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Well, I am hungry…” [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Before I have even had a chance to talk about what I wouldlike to eat the man is calling out to someone to prepare another breakfast itemfor me. I have to hastily stop him before he can complete the sentence.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Hold on. I don’t even know if I’m going to like what it is.”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]He leads me further into the kitchen loading area where foodis stacked on high wheeled carts and shelves. His breakfast offering islikewise filling shelves on a cart, and it looks a little greener than Iusually care for in a breakfast item. The appearance is something like a smalltomato cake with jalapeno seeds and cabbage, a description that defiesimagination but seems to be very Greek in appearance. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Can I try it?”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]He won’t give me a whole one to try but instead hands me asmall piece of the green leafy substance that surrounds the outer part of the Greekcake wheel. It’s bitter and creamy for aleaf, an unusual combination that he seems enthralled with but I just don’tcare for it. I thank him and walk back to the room, still hungry but happy Ididn’t let him push his odd food on me.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]In the room I sit down on the bed. My friends have left theroom to enjoy the night, and I’m alone with only the glow of a couple lamps tokeep me company. A few feet away a fax machine sits on a small table and it isspewing out a rather long document. I assume it’s printing out a message fromDream Views and I ignore it at first, walking over to sit at the nearby writingtable to do a little work. When I look again at the fax a moment later Irealize it’s printing out my entire address book of contacts, including privateinformation that I have notated with each name. I can only presume this wasgenerated by a computer error and I feel glad I was in the room when thishappened. If I had been out enjoying myself still I would have missed the printand sensitive information would have fallen into the wrong hands. I’m onlystaying in the hotel for one night and if this had occurred the next nightanother guest would have found this treasure-trove of a document.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I continue writing at the desk for a minute or two and whenI’m finished I sit back down on the bed. Since no one is around this seems likea good time to touch myself, and I slip down my shorts to my ankles. It doesn’ttake me long to get lost in the activity.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’ve had my eyes closed while I enjoy myself, ignoring mysurroundings, but when I open my eyes I see that the deckchairs outside thewindow which I presumed were unoccupied actually had people lying on them. Ihad not been able to see the people because the backs of the chairs faced thewindow, and now I’m sitting here on the bed touching myself and completelyvisible. Even worse, one of the people is standing and I recognize him.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Aagghh!!”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I utter a small scream and duck down behind the bed. In fullview of me and my self-pleasure is the hotel manager, standing next to one ofthe deck chairs and talking to a woman. He is dressed casually, a whitebutton-down loosely flowing in the breeze over a wife-beater t-shirt. He’s abalding man, likely in his fifties, with beady eyes and glasses that tend topeer down over his slight belly. The woman with him is clearly not his wife.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m doing my best to become invisible behind the bed, evengoing so far as to hold up a small towel over my face. My legs seem to besticking out past the end of the bed and I can’t pull them up any closer. Ipeek out from behind my rag as one of the staff members comes up to the man andtalks with him in a hurried manner. I’m pretty sure the man has seen me,judging by the look on his face and his continuous peeking in my direction. Ican’t tell what they’re actually saying but it is enough to draw the manageraway from his date. I feel that he told the staff member that he saw me and he’sunhappy about it, while the staff member probably said if he knows what’s goodfor him he’ll forget he saw me because I could expose him and his mistress tohis wife.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Whatever is said the man leaves without confronting me and Ican finally get up. My friends are sitting nearby on different beds and two ofthem are laughing at me and the situation, knowing I almost got caught twice.Thankfully I have escaped the uncomfortable events and all seems well.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]And then I wake up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]

So, in this dream I had a couple moments of lucidity and I even had thoughts of a fellow DV member, though sadly I never got to find them or interact with them. I hope they show up in a dream again. It would seriously help me in the Competition Thread.

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I find myself downtown on the south side of the river, and I’mheaded to the U.T. Law Center, represented in my dream by an oversized versionof the Palmer Events Center, round and taller than any of the other structuresalong the river shore.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Since I seem to lack transportation I hitch a ride withthree young women who appear to have recently been swimming at Barton Springs.All are wearing bikini tops and loose skirts, tan skin showing their dedicationto the sun. I seem to know these women pretty well though I can’t recall everspeaking any of their names out loud. I’m glad they picked me up. The day iswarm and the walk would have been long.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]We’re driving in a large convertible, something left overfrom the 70’s I suspect. It’s wide with a heavy body, painted an off-whitecolor though I think it’s just the age of the exterior that makes it look thisway. As we turn into the parking lot for the Law Center the car bounces usaround and into each other, but no one complains. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The parking lot is bumpy and unpaved but as we progressthrough it the ride becomes smoother. The ground, previously dry and uniform,is now a rocky surface covered with water varying in depth from a couple inchesto just over a foot. The water is clear despite being in a well-traveledparking lot, and I connect this to the thoughts about the women swimming. Theview of this terrain brings me to lucidity, knowing that I should be in aparking lot formerly occupied by a Mexican restaurant and a Hooters. The wateris way too blue in spots to even exist in its present form. I rarely see thisshade of blue and the word ‘azure’ comes into my mind.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3] Though I had beensitting in the back seat of the car I suddenly find myself on the back of theyoung woman who had been driving, and the other women disappear. The car isalso gone, and somehow we are gliding over the terrain. I seem to bepiggybacked onto the young woman, and as she looks over her left shoulder at meI lay my head against her back, my face against her skin between her shoulderblades. She is soft, warm, and it feels nice to be close to her. The vividnessof being lucid allows me to examine her skin in detail, though I remainrespectful and resist the urge to nuzzle as she is quickly carrying me to mydestination. I do give her the briefest of kisses, and I think about how I missbeing held.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]We seem to have no trouble avoiding the bumps and notstepping majorly into the water, and in no time I find myself entering themassive complex, the women all left to go their own way. I walk in and beginworking my way to the third floor. The levels are separated by a curving slopedpassageway that surrounds the exterior of the building, windows all along theoutside, as if I’m walking up the threads of a massive screw. The third floorof this building is as high as the twelfth floor of any ordinary structure.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]At the end of the curve on the third floor I find myselfjust outside the Civil Liberties Center, a place where I know I can get helpfor my friend who has been erroneously imprisoned. With the outside windows tomy right I am facing the entrance to my destination. To my left is a corridor,and beside that is a bathroom. The halls are separated by a gray door, thecovering of a large electrical panel. I wonder briefly about the wisdom ofplacing electrical access in the main hallway but I do not stick around toponder the question. My friend is in need.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Entering the Civil Liberties Center I am almost disappointedby how understated the room is. The room is less than 20 feet wide and perhapsnot more than 15 feet deep. A large counter spans the space between walls, andbehind it is a tall and rather thin hippie, busy at work stacking hundreds ofpublications into piles, all of which have some kind of orange lettering on thecover. His skin is sickly white, as though he hasn’t seen sun in years. He iswearing a loose shirt and some very tight blue-jean shorts that extend to justabove his knees, allowing his pasty legs to be visible. I think he may bewearing a hat but it wasn’t important enough to remember. He grins as he works,a scary look for his appearance, and it seems as if he has forgotten what asmile is supposed to represent. I’m a little creeped out by him. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]A curved wall is to my right, and outside the window I cansee a long above-ground covered walkway leading into the nearby building, somesort of processing complex that I may need to visit next. I’m not entirely surewhat it is though I suspect it’s where Sivason is being held. I can’t see howit connects to the building I am in but it looks like it could be on the floorbelow me. I don’t recall passing any access point.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m standing against the curved wall, my back pressedagainst it as I try to keep out of the way. To my right is another personstanding just as I am, dressed mostly in black and much younger than me. Theyhave a subversive look to them, as though they are here to cause trouble. Ilook past him and my gaze is upon the piles of publications, my efforts turnedto deciphering the lettering on the cover. I have to strain to get a glimpse Ican focus on, and as the lettering resolves itself I see it has the logo of theUniversity of Texas on the cover. Instantly I am uninterested, knowing thatnothing they publish could help me in my situation. Before the logo becameclear I had considered picking up a copy to see what it was, but I no longercare.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]As my gaze turns back towards the room I become aware of thesecurity guard standing perhaps three feet in front of me. He’s a black man ina bright blue uniform and he is staring at me intently. His eyes areunsettling, and I feel slightly threatened.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The young man standing next to me mutters the word “protest”,and I’m not sure if he is at the Center to protest or he protests the behaviorof the security guard. Either way the word provokes a reaction from the man infront of me.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“You know what we do to people who protest around here?” Hespeaks slowly and his voice has clear malice in it.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Not wanting to seem bothered, and feeling slightly annoyed,I reply, “Give them a cookie?”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Second-guessing myself and deciding I probably shouldn’tupset the man, I decide to humor him and make an allowance for his overtly rudedemeanor.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“No, what?” I try not to sound condescending.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]“We string them up by their feet and leave them.” His threat is unveiled, and though hiswording is rather vague I’m filled with the impression that I don’t want to beleft anywhere by him.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The hippie behind the counter, who has been quiet up to now,suddenly chimes in.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Heh, you better believe him!” His voice sounds old andcracks like he hasn’t been drinking enough fluids. His creepy smile only addsto the effect, completing the appearance of someone who has lost his ability todeduce reality.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I roll my eyes in disgust for both of them and simply walkout, back to the hallway I was in previously. I think my next goal will be totry the other station that is slightly down the side corridor I passed on myway in. In the mean time I feel angry, and my compulsion to express that angerleads me to hang a large book from the edge of the electrical panel, danglingby a thick elastic cord. In my mind I know this will upset them and get evenwith them for my poor treatment, though I can’t even imagine how it would causeanyone grief. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I never seem to make it to the other counter and I’m insteadovertaken by my need to use the bathroom. I walk into a room that is not partof the complex I had been in, white stucco walls giving me the impression ofbeing inside a house from my past. The room is large for a bathroom, spacious,and the main furnishing is a toilet set against a small outcropping of wall.Beyond the potty is a hallway leading into a closet pass-through and a bedroomwith two people in it.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The toilet has a thick, padded seat on it, and it’s an oddsensation to experience below my butt. Finishing my business on the toilet Ireach for the handle to flush it and the loud sound of water swirling in thebowl fills the room. I look at the toilet as I realize the swirl is toointense, and some of the water is going too high. The seat and lid is slightlyaskew where it’s attached and this allows water to splash on the floor and thewall. My irritation at the thought of having to take care of this is almostenough to make me cry.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Reaching for the toilet paper as the closest source ofabsorbency I begin sopping up the spills. Some of the liquid seems to be mixedwith pee that has stained the floor and the bottom of the wall next to thetoilet. As I reach maximum capacity for each lump of toilet paper I throw itinto the corner to soak up any water it can handle, knowing that I will stillhave to clean up that mess.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Behind me is a large bucket, similar to the 5-gallon stylefound at any local hardware store. Water has splashed on it also, and I reachover to pour it off, not expecting the deluge that pours off the lip of thebucket just below the lid. My feet are wet, the floor is wet, and now I haveeven more mess to clean up. At least the spill is just water, and I continuepouring, watching as the fluid splashes and dances in the light spilling intothe room from a high window. This is my last glimpse of lucidity.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]And then I wake up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]

A simple dream, though an interesting one.


[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Curt was driving his truck. I knew this because he passed meon the road headed to the farm bank.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“See?” I said to someone I was with. “There’s Curt with histruck. He’s always willing to help out when someone needs it. “[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Curt worked at the Subway located in the small buildingadjacent to where Terminix used to be back in the 80’s. He was walking out ofthe building with his wife, one arm wrapped around her shoulder. He lookedhappy to be off work.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“I need some sandwiches and a truck.” I was in a hurry toget my task done. I hoped the desperation in my voice would convince him of myserious need.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Hey, M-A-B! Here you go. The truck’s in the back lot.” Hegestured over his shoulder in the direction of the back parking lot, slightlybeyond a chain-link fence, and then tossed me a set of keys. He continuedwalking with his wife, presumably towards her car and a night out on the town.He was smiling the whole time, and I was happy that he hadn’t changed in theyears since we stopped working together.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I was so happy not to be driving my own vehicle. I left theSubway and almost immediately I found myself on a country road, lined mostly byfarms and occasional homes obscured by clumps of oak trees. Around this timethe truck I was driving switched from being Curt’s to a rental vehicle, atleast in my mind.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I was driving along a road I identified as Steck, butinstead of the busy multi-lane road which exists in real life the road was asingle lane track constructed on a dirt berm designed to prevent flooding. Theroad was probably six or seven feet higher than the surrounding land which wasmostly dry scrub and fields that had been allowed to go fallow. Along each sideof the road was a steep pitch that dipped a few inches below the level of theadjacent fields, creating a small ditch just big enough to prevent mostvehicles from properly descending the hill. I was glad I was driving a rentedJeep Grand Cherokee because I didn’t want to hurt my vehicle going over thatditch. I knew I would drive my front fender directly into the ground had Idecided to drive off the road.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Since I’m in this Jeep I’m going to give it a try.” I don’tknow who I was speaking to. There was someone else with me but they weren’timportant enough to have a face or a name. I turned the wheel and drove rightoff the road, bouncing down the hill and then leveling out, a feat I could nothave done with any other vehicle, including my own. I was glad I made it butnow I had to drive through the scrub field and on through a patch of woods. Iwasn’t sure I could make it the whole way.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]When I came to the woods I chose a path which looked thinwith vegetation, comparatively, and simply stepped on the accelerator, hopingmy momentum would carry me through any rough spots. I bounced through someweeds and splashed over a foot-deep pond of muck before going up a slight rise.Here I rumbled over the train tracks and on into Doc’s Back Yard, though itlooked more like Freddie’s Place, an indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar locatedin south Austin. The outdoor seating was surrounded by tall oaks reaching 50feet plus, creating a nice shaded area perfect for an afternoon beer.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Instead of enjoying the food or drinks I got out of thevehicle and walked straight through to the front parking lot. I needed to getto the post office across the street, though I could no longer find my package.I figured the logical place to find what I’d lost was the dumpster to my rightand I opened the metal lid on the big metal box. The trash was unusually cleanto come from a restaurant and I had no trouble searching through it, locatingseveral things I wanted but had accidentally thrown out. Unfortunately I couldnot find my package, and I gave up my search feeling sad. Still, I had threerecord albums to listen to and I wanted to go show them to my friend David. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I left the dumpster and headed towards the street, but thetraffic was too intense to cross. I knew I needed a car to get there so Iwalked to a nearby white Toyota and opened the door, figuring whoever itbelonged to wouldn’t mind because they parked it in a public place. I knew thishappens every day in the city.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I couldn’t find the keys to the car but I figured all thesenew modern cars had a button to start them so I began searching around thebuttons on the center console. I found the A/C, the radio, and the charger, butI never could find one for ignition. I began to get mad and decided I wouldsteal all the coins from the little compartment between the seats. Let’s seethem use a parking meter now, I thought.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I heard a loud sound on the window and turned to find a guywho looked like a dirty bum except he wore an apron. I wasn’t sure if he ownedthe car or just wanted to get in and go for a ride, but I didn’t want to findout either way. He was starting to drool on the window and that made me want toget out of there.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]And then I woke up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Dream 3- (fragment)[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]I’m in downtown Austin, heading west on what appears to be 7[/SIZE][SIZE=2]th[/SIZE][SIZE=3]Street. I’m driving my vehicle with some friends in the back seat, and everyoneis talking.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Ahead of me is a female jogger wearing bright green shorts.She has a companion but my eye is drawn to the bright green shorts and her nicelegs. I find myself wishing to be her. She’s clearly in great shape, and Ihaven’t been able to run with endurance like hers since high school. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The jogger turns south onto a cross-street. I think aboutfollowing her but I don’t want anyone else in the car to know I’m payingattention to her. She passes a pedi-cab and this gives me a good reason to lookat her. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Look!” I say, “It’s a pedi-cab!” I point out the vehiclebut then realize I could have looked at her and simply not said anything atall. I feel more conspicuous than ever.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]As we pass the cross-street my vehicle changes into a rickshaw.It feels weird pulling the weight of three people up a hill, and I’m surprisedI can make it. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Somehow we end up in an area of downtown that looks like the1880’s, and all the buildings are made of wood. I have the impression we aresomewhere near Joe’s Crab Shack though it isn’t visible. Perhaps it was theappearance of the buildings that made me think of shacks. I don’t really know.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]And I wake up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Dream 4-[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri](Oddly, despite the vivid detail in this dream I don’tbelieve I was lucid, unusual for a dream where I examine carpet and grass indetail)[/FONT][/SIZE][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m holding a party at my house. I know this because thereare tons of people around, inside and outside, and all seem to be carrying theplastic Solo cups with their drinks in them. Some people look a bit inebriated,despite the early hour.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Walking down a set of stairs I am doing my best to allay thefears of one of my friends. Apparently the party is being held for a reason,though my friend is expressing concerns about something important. “Relax”, Itell them,” look around. All these people paid admission to be here.”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Indeed there are plenty of people around, and raising themoney necessary should be no problem. Sadly, I never find out what the problemis.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]One of my friends came up behind me at some point and placeda headband on me with pointed cat ears sticking up from it. I smiled andthanked them when it happened but then promptly forgot about their placement onmy head, much like I forgot about the important reason for having a party.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Downstairs I walk into what appears to be the cafeteria, andalmost immediately I freak out. I know my hair is pulled back and I wanted itto be down. I hate walking around with my hair pulled back unless it’s a hotday and hat weather. I reach up to feel my hair and find the cat ears stickingup from my head. This calms me down and I relax. I look good in them, and theymake me feel like being in a party mood.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I walk around the room and talk to various people, playingthe role of a good MC. I pat people on the back, check to make sure they arehaving a fun time. Oddly the triplet daughters of my friend are at the party,and I say hi to them like they were any other party-goer. I think one of themgave me the cat ears.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The party continued on outside and I headed out to the poolhouse. I could see people roaming around in the sun on the lawn between thepool house and the main house but I was more interested in the carpeting justinside the doorway. It was shaggy, an orange-brown color, and seemed out ofplace in a pool house. My view zoomed in and I examined the loops and swirls ofthe fabric that made up the carpet, in much the same way I would examine an oldcoin. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]From this view I shifted to examining the blades of grassjust outside the sliding glass door. They were excessively bright, andrealistically vivid, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of them. I wanted to liedown in them and just feel them, but I never did. I could smell them, adistinct smell that was accompanied by a hint of chlorine and suntan lotionfrom the nearby pool. I never saw the pool but I knew it had to be aroundsomewhere. The grass was apparently more interesting.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]And then I woke up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]

I have been trying to find Link at a lake recently, and I did not find him at the lake or the bistro table; but I did find Saddam!

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m on a drive in the hills in what appears to be acombination of California hills and the Alps. I’m on a high road in a vehicle,and off to my right and slightly below my elevation is a small lake, a body ofwater I can occasionally glimpse through the trees and in gaps between houses.I really want to get a better view of the lake, but every time I think I’mgoing to see it the view is obscured.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The vehicle I’m in is headed uphill to some unknowndestination. As we climb, different lakes are visible off to my right. Ipresume that I’m seeing different lakes as I climb up the hill; each oneappears to have a different shape and different volume. Sometimes they seemquite close to my level, as though a short walk would get me to the edge of thewater. Others seem far below me, hundreds of feet below and perhaps as much asa mile distant.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The scenery is beautiful. While I am driving up narrowstreets occupied on both sides by houses and small businesses, the view to myright is the occasional shot of tree-covered mountains, deep blue waters, andlake-side hotels of luxury. I really want to get out of the vehicle.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Ahead of me the road splits, and my dad, who seems to be driving,takes the road on the left. We don’t go more than 50 feet before we are stoppedby a table and chairs blocking the narrow road. A bistro with a storefront onthe road has set up a large table right in the middle of the street. The road, onlywide-enough to allow passage for one vehicle, is now impassable. I can’timagine why they would set up this table in the street, though I suspect it isfor me and my guest. Some thought crosses my mind that the restaurant waswaiting for me and some other person who has failed to show up. My concernsturn immediately back to the problem at hand.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]To our right side and slightly below us is the other fork ofthe road. My suggestion for getting past the obstacle is to back up and takethe other road, and hope it leads to the same place. Moving forward isn’tworking at all as the bistro-owner won’t move the table and the water is nowrising around the van we are in. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Someone tells me the situation is okay because the van cantake a bit of water, though I doubt their information. The water has risen upover the hood of the van and is lapping gently at the bottom of the windshield.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]My initial reaction is slight worry about the van and thepossibility of water coming into the passenger cabin. I look over at mydaughter and find her sleeping, her head resting upon her arm. She is aspeaceful as any child ever was while asleep, and this reassures me enough tostop worrying about the water.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]More comfortable with my surroundings I exit the van.Someone has to scout out the way ahead and figure out how to get the group pastthe table and other obstacles that might lay ahead. A little ways in front ofme the road makes a sharp turn around the corner of a building, and from thatcorner someone is shooting at me.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I pull out my weapon and shoot back, ducking behind the nowupturned table as projectiles fly past me. I have the impression that theprojectiles are made of Play-Doh or some other colorful substance, and I’mcertain they are non-lethal. None of the impacts around me seem to cause anydamage, confirming my suspicions.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I move swiftly around the table to chase the shooter who hasdisappeared around the corner. What had been a road is now a brick-pavedsidewalk, and below me is a 50-foot drop to the water below. I’m not far behindwhoever I’m chasing and the sidewalk dead-ends at a brick wall, the only placeto hide being a few stacks of supplies and some crates.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I run to the end and what I took to be refuse and emptycrates was actually bags of flour and various food supplies. Finally getting agood look at my attacker’s face I realize I’m chasing Saddam Hussein, and I’ve accidentallystumbled upon his hiding place. All the people searching for him throughout theworld and I find him in this little alley with his bags of flour and stockpileof supplies.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I only have a moment to realize I’m mad at him before we arefacing off, his back to a wall overhanging the water. I seize the moment andrear up with my foot, shoving him against the wall with a thump that knocks hisbreath out. Without a pause I kick at the crumbly wall next to him, sendingseveral ucubic feet of material plunging into the water below. Saddam, stillwithout breath and now nothing to hold onto, lands in the water on his face andslowly sinks into the depths, and it is clear I am seeing the last moments ofhis life. I feel little in the way of regrets.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I head back along the tiny sidewalk, around the corner, anddown the path towards the van to tell everyone of my triumph. The table hasbeen cleared and the way is no longer blocked, but something feels out ofplace. I start to look around for whatever is picking at my mind when Isuddenly wake up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]

I love dreams that make no sense. Carrot, you are in this dream!

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The first thing I recall is being in my apartment, though Isuspect activities happened in the dream before that. My apartment has brownshaggy carpet and a narrow window that extends from floor to ceiling. A shaftof sunlight comes in through the window and illuminates the floor and a smalltable.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Next to the small table is a soft chair and I sat down touse the phone. I call the pharmacy, because I want to get some ecstasy for meand my friend. Knowing that they will never just give it to me without a goodreason I invent a story that I am a war veteran with post-traumatic stressdisorder. I had heard about a local veteran being stressed and this seemed likea believable excuse.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The pharmacy never doubted my story for a second. Feelingtriumphant, I left my apartment and got into my car to head up the hill. I’venever had a pharmacy perched high on a hill before but this seemed like a goodplace for one in my dream.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Walking in I notice it looks like most pharmacies; clean,white, and filled with overflowing shelves of health products. I walk rightpast all these and up to a counter where a pharmacist is leaning over on hiselbows.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“I’m here to pick up a couple of prescriptions.” I say tothe man, who shows no specific interest in me.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]He asks for my name and I tell him. He turns to his shelfand brings me one of the two scrips I phoned in. He then turns to his computerto check something, making me wait a moment while he figures something out. Hishead is down and he is not observing me.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Finishing with the computer task he obtains my prescriptionand starts counting out pills. One by one he moves them along a blue tray andinto a catch area, counting out loud as he goes.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Half of these are full strength and half of these are goingto be half-strength. You understand?”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Oh, Yes, I understand.” I wasn’t about to argue this point.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Looking up at me, he suddenly asks, “So, why do you need aprescription for ecstasy anyway?” [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I think OH SHIT! I hadn’t really thought this perfectlythrough. I had my reason, but I certainly didn’t look the part. I NEED TO PLAYTHIS UP A BIT, I thought.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Placing my hand on my head and acting uncomfortable I said, “It’sbeen so difficult lately to get by.” I glanced up and shuffled my feet asthough I had a limp. I was doing my best to make him think I was the troubledwar veteran. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The pharmacist just gave me a non-committal look, as thoughnothing I said mattered to him. He slightly shrugged his right shoulder andsimply said, “Okay.”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]If he hadn’t turned right then to head into the back of thepharmacy, he would have seen the look of relief wash over my face. I couldn’tbelieve he actually bought it. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The pharmacist hadn’t been gone for even a minute before Ibegan to doubt myself. Perhaps he was in back calling the police. Maybe he wastalking to his boss about me. I had to find out.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Deciding the only way to find out was to go where he had, Iwalked around the counter and down a hall towards a back room. Opening the doorI walked right in on the pharmacist and his partner, the other pharmacistworking in the store. Their white coats were gone and it was evident that theyhad been having butt sex.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I stuck my hands in the air defensively and said, “Hey, whoa!I didn’t mean to walk in on you. I know how much you like butts. I like butts,too!” [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The two just looked at me but never said anything. It wasclear that I should just leave. I grabbed the bottle of medicine located on thelamp table to my left and exited quickly.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Walking through the pharmacy I went ahead and took one ofthe ecstasy pills. I was hurrying, knowing it was lucky I even got themedicine. I uttered a huge sigh of relief when I was through the doors andoutside, knowing my chances of getting away from there with my prize were stillremote.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The taste of the pill is barely noticeable, but already Ican feel the effects of the drug in a mild way. The sensation is more like theanticipatory build-up to a drug experience than the actual effects of the drug.Still, it’s enough to get me excited as I get behind the wheel of my car andstart the engine. I feel exhilarated as I put the car in reverse and begin toback up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Glancing off to my left side I notice my friend has arrived,clearly on his way to the pharmacy to pick up his prescriptions. Like me, hewas supposed to pick up one legitimate prescription and one bottle of ecstasythat I had ordered for him. I decided I needed to talk to him before he made itinside so I pulled the car through the lot and parked along the curb near hisapproach path.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I had to roll down my window to get his attention. “Hey,dude!” I got him to come closer to me so I wouldn’t have to shout.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Yeah?” Something about his voice always sounded like he hadhis hands in his pockets and it didn’t matter what you told him, the answerwould always be something non-committal. Indeed, his hands were in his pockets,and the slouch of his body suggested he had the weight of the world on his shouldersbut he was used to it being there and he was just trying to get through hisTuesday.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Listen, I know I got you into this and you don’t have toget the prescription for ecstasy if you don’t want to, just please, don’t fuckme on this! That’s all I ask!”[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]He took this in stride as though I had asked him to addfabric softener to the laundry load. He simply said, “Okay.” [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]“Okay.” I watched him walk away towards the pharmacy. As heentered the sliding doors I pulled away from the curb and onto the road whichled back down the hill.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I felt so light, so free, and I began speeding down theroad, faster than was probably safe. The road was wet and had several spotswhere the pavement flattened out before dropping off sharply, causing me tocatch air and land with a bump strong enough to make me wish I had slowed downa little. Still, I was making good time and was nearly at the bottom.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]The slope of the hill eased and became a mostly flat roadthat ran along a wide creek or small river. The water was contained bycobblestone walls from which people would hang their poles out over the waterand attempt to catch the fish-of-the-day. Mostly it was just a bunch of oldpeople that liked to get together and talk about sex.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I went speeding by all these guys in my car, driving rightinto their fishing lines and equipment as though I belonged there more thanthey did. I upset several fishermen as I tangled their lines together and gotthem caught up under my wheels, though I didn’t come to a stop until I reachedthe end of the waterway, at which point the road made a sharp turn to the left.This is where I finally parked my car and got out, handing a net and some thickfishing line to the man who was standing closest to me. He was still yelling atme with his thick accent as I walked off through a nearby park and beyond to arestaurant with outdoor seating.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I strode right up to a long table about chest high where Ifound my mom waiting for me. I hop up onto a barstool type seat and beginlooking over the menu, telling her I’m glad to see she came. I briefly considertelling her about the ecstasy I consumed, but think better of it and decide notto a split second before my dad shows up. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I had not expected my dad to come to the dinner, and mydispleasure should be obvious. I’m clearly scowling and hunkering down in mychair like I didn’t want him to talk to me. I was bothered by everything abouthim, from his odd-looking beard to his Nehru jacket which seemed so out ofplace for this day and age. I wanted him to leave.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]He converses with my mom for a moment and she is polite tohim. As he excuses himself to visit the bathroom I ask her how she can havepatience for him and his act. She says something motherly about how time haspassed and I accept her answer.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Realizing I need to go to the bathroom also I excuse myself,and as I walk from the table I find my mom needs to use the restroom also. Aswe approach the bathroom and the unusually long line I find I am standing nextto Carrot and we are talking while we wait for available stalls. We haven’teven entered the bathroom yet, still standing outside in the cold with aboutten other strangers who all need to pee. I start giggling about something andthis sets Carrot into a smiling fit.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]When free stalls finally open up we go running in to use thebathroom, our bladders overly full with piss from our beers. I don’t recallactually using the toilets but we came out pretty quick and went straight todrying our hands, skipping over anything to do with water or soap. The DysonAir Blade by the door warms up our hands in the cold air.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Walking out I pass the line for the men’s room and everyonein it is wearing lumberjack plaid, almost like what you’d expect if it was aplaid holiday. Some men even sported coonskin hats and thick gloves, though theweather didn’t seem cold enough for such accessories. I laughed with Carrot aswe ran away and back towards our table.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]And then I woke up.[/FONT][/SIZE]
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I can't say my dream was fully lucid, as I was not able to control anything, but I did tell myself that I was dreaming in the dream, so I was at least aware of the situation.

I'm driving in my SUV, and for once it isn't pedal powered. I think I left that behind with my old vehicle, which was such a pain. I'm in familiar surroundings a few miles from home, driving down one of the main roads which I have driven hundereds of times in the past. As I pass through a major interchange I find I'm paying a lot of attention to the radio where a CBS anchor is describing a storm situation ahead of me. As I listen to this suddenly available XM station I see the storm ahead of me, and something I have never seen before, a tornado touching down about a half mile ahead of me. It may have been closer(or further) for a tornado but the scale was off in my dream, one of the most annoying qualities of the dream world. I thought to myself, "Cool! I've never had a tornado in my dreams, before, I'll have to tell Jen about this." My thoughts being that Jen used to tell me about how she always used to dream of tornadoes that frightened her and I have never had one in my dream. I'm still driving closer to the phenomenon (unusual because this area is not frequented by tornadoes) when I realize I had better slow down or I'll drive right into its path. I slow and watch as the tornado crosses the road ahead of me, then procede ahead. The announcer on the radio is describing people getting hurt and tossed around and as he says this I see him with a victim of the tornado along the side of the road. He is an older man dressed in a suit, holding a Bob Barker-style microphone and kneeling down next to a man who is broken and hurt, still talking to his unseen radio audience. I drive on by, not worrying about the situation because it's not my problem (I guess) and continue another perhaps mile down the road. I find I have now gone around a curve which is not normally part of the road and I find I am also in another state, perhaps Washington, and I don't know where I am. I wonder how I got there but it doesn't seem to matter much. I'm too busy hiding from my son's friend on the side of my house. I crouch down behind the yard waste bags my neighbor has placed on the edge of my property instead of his and my son's friend, Seamus, is walking up my sidewalk. I know my son thinks he is smelly so I hide, and peek around the bag at him. I think he may see me and feel stupid so I stand up, only to discover it is not Seamus but Samuel, and I can now see my son coming up behind him. They want to play games on the PS3 and I am resistant, and this is where I lost my focus and can't remember how I got from there to the classroom I find myself in, taking a test that somehow relates to driving but doesn't. I am in a classroom with a lot of strangers, mostly Hispanic, and I feel like I don't need to be there because the test isn't required and besides, I don't really belong in this class because I didn't do anything wrong. I don't want to be there but I know that somehow I have to be there because I am required to. Fine. I'm hungry, so I venture into the adjacent room where my stuff is (backpack?) and I pull out a snack. Upon returning, I find a woman has taken my seat. I know her, somehow, but I don't know her at the same time. She is polite, and asks me something about who I am, but the answer is now lost.

I know I had more dreams but I can't recall them. I do note that my standard themes continue: Storms, driving, being in school (with clothes, thankfully). I have noticed that I become edgy when it hasn't rained for a long time in the real world, and that's when the storms in my dreams become most severe. Today it IS raining and I seem fairly calm.