Last week was a marathon—two nights in a row with two hours of sleep—plopping into bed at 4:00 a.m. (writing deadlines and taxes will do that!). The second night (or should I say morning?), I quickly drifted into a blissful sleep and then . . . snoring. (No, it wasn’t my husband—it was me!) The worst part: I couldn’t do anything about it—not even roll over or tell myself to be quiet. I just lay there . . . listening to the sound of my own slumber. Several times I fitfully tried to raise my arm (to slap my hand over my mouth), but it felt like lead—pinned to the bed. I wondered how much longer I had to endure the annoying noise. And then . . .
Sweet silence.
As I entered into restful REM sleep, my fiction novel—the one I had plotted in my head for years—came to life in vivid Technicolor. It had a beginning, middle and end (with a hook and twist for good measure), and finally–365 pages later—I woke up!
Have you ever dreamed something so real that you actually believed it? I glanced at the digital alarm clock; it clicked over to 6:01 a.m. In two short hours, I “wrote” my beloved Italian novel. But where was the book?
Before it melted away, I grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled down everything I could remember: the characters, the plot, the hook, the twist, and the end (which was really the beginning!).
That night (morning!), I prayed, “God, I need a little direction here . . . where do I begin?” Until my “snoring story,” I was confused about how to start, so I didn’t. A lack of direction caused me to stall on my dream. But a “little” slumber reawakened my senses.
If you snore—don’t fret—it could be the beginning of a dream come true! (Okay, Connie, dream on. . . .) Exactly my point!
38 Comments
See what a little sleep will do? Wow, Connie, this German girl (my maiden name was Zweitzig) is excited to hear more about your Italian novel! Living in Italy all those years will certainly make it realistic for your readers. I can’t wait to see what direction you go with God at the wheel!
Love ya,
Susan
http://www.livingtheadventurouslife.blogspot.com
For years I struggled with insomnia until I discovered my “sleep window”. Now I happily write away in my dreams. . .sans the snoring. Perhaps tonight my own novel will appear!
Suz
Oh Susan, isn’t that “write”? God at the wheel. Nothing happens in my life unless He’s driving! I have a secret: Always keep a writing tablet by your bed (this time I didn’t!), so I was writing on receipts that go to the accountant–he’s going to love me for that! Now I’m going to pop over and read your blog. Your writing is taking a new turn too (I’m so excited for you!).
Suzie,
We have to “talk”! So what’s your “sleep window”? I find that if I’m working on something right before I go to bed (writing–not taxes!), it comes to me in a dream! I can’t tell you how many things I’ve written in my sleep. Sweet dreams . . . “sans the snoring”!
I truly believe that God will speak to us when He believes he has our full attention. Apparently you are a very good listener while you are sleeping! Your novel is going to be a huge success as it reaches people who really need to read what you have written. Your message will come across in a fun and exciting way…European-style! I am anxious to see where God will lead you as you create your exciting page-turner!
As for me…I walked through the birth of my dream with my eyes wide open. A recent struggle through the loss of a job I loved opened my eyes to the fact that God was steering my talents and attention in a different direction. So, being an obedient servant of our Lord, I waited until the smokescreen of sadness, fear and anger had lifted…all the while praying for God to enlighten me with His Will. I prayed daily…”Lead me where You need me, and please don’t let me get in the way!” (I wish I could say I wrote that prayer, but I can’t!)
Eight weeks later, I now know where God is leading me, and I am acting on His Will. As a writer/professional speaker/facilitator, I am going to use my talents as well as my recent experience to address the issue of morality in the workplace from a Christian woman’s point of view. I am going to discuss how I survived four years in a morally-deficient workplace. I am going to research additional ways for women to deal with the lack of Christ-like qualities that surround us every day at our jobs. I am going to call upon the experiences of other women who have had to stand up for their values while at work. I have my work cut out for me, and now it’s time to begin. Thank you, Boomer Babes, for giving me the chance to share my dream with all of you. Connie, your post today sparked something in me to wake up and get to work on my dream. Thank you so much!
AJ, WOW! I’m excited for you! “Morality in the workplace!” It’s a hot topic. I think the reason why the sitcom “The Office” is so popular is because any of us who have worked in that setting know how frustrating it can be! I’m thrilled for your new platform. Isn’t it interesting, the speaking topics we choose for ourselves, are not the ones God has for us? And then in time, he reveals them to us through circumcstances we would never choose! With your speaking gifts, writing success, and new vision–you will sparkle like a diamond and shine for Him! Blessings to you AJ!
Funny, but I rarely remember my dreams. I’m so happy to hear that those who dream use them to bring God glory.
I also happen to be still while God sparks my creative juices, but I’m awake rather than asleep. My dreaming is done at the kitchen table during my quiet time.
I guess it doesn’t matter where we dream, as long as we listen and know which dreams we are being called to follow.
Dream on…
Dotsie, that’s me . . . the dreamer! My personality profile says that I have “more starts than finishes.” But I’m out to prove that wrong this year! I think of my life as “sand sifting through the hourglass,” and I’m determined not to keep flipping that thing over and over! Looking forward to meeting you at that “coffee” place in Towson in February (I’m trying to think of where it might be–I’ll keep dreaming until next month!). Thanks for stopping by! Hugs!!
LOLLLLLLL!!!
Where do I begin!
I sit here typing through bleary, sleep deprived eyes, so please forgive any miztakes.
First of all, I’m not really Wanda.
This is the name for incognito women on a local radio station when you’re too embarrassed to give your own.
I adopted it as my own for those days (more often than not) when I need it.
I, Wanda, do admit that I sometime in the last couple of years began to snore occasionally.
Hubby, Ted (also incognito), says it’s only when I’m exhausted or ill. In other words, most of the time… UGH! I was aghast!
How could THAT be?? Chin hair, now THIS??
And, then this…
Last night I, a good Christian woman, had a bit of a”novel” myself… I was in shocked when I woke to the realization that I had just completed a “scene” with a young, hunky Hollywood star. (I can’t even remember his name) and for goodness sakes, he wasn’t previously even my type, too skinny, too blonde.
What next!??
Wanda
Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which can become life threatening.
After a night in a sleep lab, I was shocked to learn my body was waking up hundreds of times a night! Many of those times I was not breathing from 15-30 seconds. I had no restorative REM sleep at all. Strangely I no longer remembered having any dreams.
A case as severe as mine probably took 10+ years to develop, meaning I was sleep deprived all that time. Think about being sleepy just for a few nights and multiply that times 10 years!
Sleep apnea is easy to treat with no drugs. My c-pap machine uses room air under pressure to keep my airway open. My snoring stopped the first night on the machine. Most amazingly, I literally woke up - thinking more clearly than in years and feeling better emotionally as well.
Many doctors do not diagnose sleep apnea as the reason for other serious problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obesity. A person does not need to be overweight to develop sleep apnea, in fact, it can cause a person to gain weight.
Tests have shown that being a sleep-deprived driver can be as dangerous as being a drunk driver.
Check out these web sites to learn more and take their quiz to see if you need a sleep test. http://www.healthysleep.com, http://www.talkaboutsleep.com
As I continue to recover and enjoy life more, I think God is leading me to either write and/or speak about my experience to help others who never heard about this problem or don’t realize that it can kill you, or certainly lower your quality of life.
Wanda–I love it–chin hair and snoring (what a lovely boomer combination–with a little Alzheimer’s on the side!). The men in my life–sons and husband–have promised me that while on my my deathbed, they will (and I made them sign a contract!), pluck my chin hairs. At that point, I don’t care if I snore or not! Having watched too many episodes of CSI, I don’t want to lay on the coroner’s table with chin hairs as “evidence” that I didn’t pluck! Okay, back to work! Thanks for sharing with us, “Wanda”!
Carol Ann,
Thanks so much for all that helpful information–WOW!
Working in the medical field for 20 years, I realize just how serious sleep apnea can be (in fact, my husband was diagnosed with it two years ago and he’s as “skinny” as they come–20 pounds underweight–poor thing!). I’m so jealous!
By the way, when I weigh myself at those GNC places, I deliberately set my height at 5′11″ (I’m really only 5′3-3/4″), so when the little slip of paper pops out, it reads that I’m 35 pounds “underweight” (the only time I get that kind of feedback!).
Okay, back to sleeping . . . I did get checked out for sleep apnea (sleep lab, wired to kill, etc.) and the report came back negative–not even a mild case! I was actually “begging” the doctor to tell me that I had it!
Here’s the crunch: Because I wasn’t diagnosed with sleep apnea, our medical insurance didn’t pay for the test (how crazy is that?!). Another reason why I want to move back to Italy when we retire–socialized medicine–I love it! But I’ll save that for another post!
Thanks for stopping by, Carol Ann, and sharing with us that vital information because sleep apnea can be helped with C-PAP. God bless you as you share your experience with others–not only to help save lives–but to improve the quality of life. Blessings to you!
Connie, I thoroughly enjoyed your story about getting the inspiration for your Italian Novel as you slept and in spite of the snoring episode. Keep on dreaming and I will expect to see your novel in print sometime in the future. I’m sure it will make it to the top.
FUNNY! FUNNY! FUNNY!
Now, back to my taxes…
…and my deadline.
Eva, I’m done with taxes. Yeah! Now, back to the book proposal (Ugh!).
Heya, Connie, thanks for visiting my blog today and letting me know about this blog! I’ll be sure to pass it on, but will still love reading it myself even though I’m a GenXer. We’re still in the same boat — I’m just a decade behind! Visit anytime! I’ve missed being in touch!
Connie,
You are such a delight! I rejoice in the gift that God has truly given you in sharing your thoughts in writing. It flows so beautifully– I can capture your faith, your passion, your love for life and yes- your humor. I, too, am looking forward to that Tuscany novel… please write it. You bless me enormously…carry on in your passionate living.
In the Joy of Christ,
Mary Kay Moore
Mary Kay,
I’m so excited about speaking at the ladies’ weekend retreat at Beulah Beach, and to hear about all your traveling adventures. I’ve never known someone so filled with the passionate adventuresome spirit. Is that your secret to looking so young? Joy in what you love to do and serving those you love to serve. I think it’s both!!
Blessings and Hugs,
Connie
Lori,
We need to get our “CLASSY DINER CLUB” together again for a reunion? You name the date and place and we’ll all be there–okay?
Blessings to you and your family!,
Connie
Nice site. Thanks!
http://s-url.net/02yi/ buy cialis
Very good site. Thanks:-)
http://s-url.net/02yj/ hydrocodone abuse
Cool site. Thanks!
pills.eqw3w.info penis enlargement pill
Cool site. Thanks.
http://cannabis.realestateconstructors.com cannabis seeds
Cool site. Thank you!
http://1040a-tax-form-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ 1040a tax form
Cool site. Thanks:-)
http://abc-soaps-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ abc soaps
Cool site. Thanks!!!
http://abnormal-pap-smear-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ abnormal pap smear
Good site. Thank you.
http://absinthe-recipe-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ absinthe recipe
Very good site. Thanks.
http://accessory-motorcycle-suzuki-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ accessory motorcycle suzuki
Cool site. Thanks.
http://account-casino-internet-merchant-offshore-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ account casino internet merchant offshore
Good site. Thank you.
http://1040a-2006-form-tax-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ 1040a 2006 form tax
Nice site. Thank you.
http://1040a-income-tax-form-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ 1040a income tax form
Nice site. Thank you:-)
http://federal-income-tax-form-1040a-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ federal income tax form 1040a
Cool site. Thanks!!!
http://watch-abc-soap-online-54908f7.olenyonok.org/ watch abc soap online
Very good site. Thank you.
http://glucotrol-xl.royalrealestateagency.com Glucotrol XL
Cool site. Thank you:-)
http://ihoinre.tripod.com hardware
Very good site. Thanks:-)
http://hometown.aol.com/ninuvingor/ software
Nice site. Thank you!!!
http://sghwacif.tripod.com/ software
Very good site. Thank you.
http://ihoinre.tripod.com electronics goods