Dream a Little Dream
“Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.”
-Langston Hughes
Hello my thirsty readers. I seem to have disappeared for sometime now, but not to worry. As we all know, sometimes life can get in the way of creative pursuits, and there sure has been a lot of "life" happening lately. With everything that's all round us, it feels as if we are in the plot of some fantastical, yet terrifying movie. Everywhere we look, there's another reason to lose hope, but that's all the more reason to keep our hope alive. There seems to be only one place left, where the hate of the world can't touch us, and that place is our dreams.
This world always seems to be an unwelcoming place for dreamers. In music, dreamers find a place to let their most sincere emotions come to life in the form of ballads. They take us on a journey, while slowing life down to an almost dream-like state, allowing us to breath in what the artist is conveying. They gave us the term "crooner," and we drank them in like emotional wine. Ballads are nourishment for the soul, and they take us somewhere serene. That's exactly how I feel when I hear the song "Dream a Little Dream of Me."
In 1931, the musical team of Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt, and Gus Kahn wrote this enduring song. Over the years, countless artists have covered "Dream a Little Dream of Me," but the most famous was easily the version released by The Mamas & The Pappas. By the time the song was released, the group was already in the process of disbanding. Critics have viewed the song as a farewell before Mama Cass pursued a solo career. The song went on to sell nearly seven millions copies worldwide.
"Stars fading, but I linger on dear." It's been such a roller coaster lately. My heart has been hurting, and I just want to give up hope at times. The other day, I decided to take a break from city life, and I drove out to Fallingwater with my partner, hoping for a bit of positive reflection time. The property brings so much serenity, being such an architectural marvel. Unfortunately, the surrounding area didn't bring me the same kind of peace.
While driving through rural Pennsylvania, I couldn't help notice the overwhelming amount of Trump signs in nearly every yard. I'm not usually affected by political adverts, but I began feeling a sense of foreboding. This feeling was reinforced by giant billboards with the words "Keep America Great." My heart hurt, and I suddenly felt unsafe. I was physically shaking, thinking about how the people in those homes literally hate me and so many of the people I love, just for existing, and if they don't hate us, they excuse that hate with their support of those who do. Those most terrifying part is that I'm a white male, and I can appear to "pass for straight," if I try. I can never fully understand the lives of Black Americans and those who can't hide in plain sight. Nobody should feel like they have to hide. No matter how much happens, I still cant comprehend this nationalist "love of hate." They not only seem to love hating and marginalizing others, they actually celebrate it every chance they get.
I knew at that very moment, it was time to escape into my mind again, remembering those happy times of my life. A song, a smile, a beautiful sunny beach, where the woes of the world could melt away, is exactly what I envisioned. I thought to myself "If I'm feeling this way, then so are countless others out there. What can I do?" I know a drink can't solve the worries of the world, but perhaps it can bring a temporary smile to your face, while we suffer together. We may share different dreams, "but in your dreams whatever they be, dream a little dream of me."
Dream a Little Dream
1.5oz Pisco (A Peruvian, Quebranta-base is recommended.)
.25oz Overproof Jamaican Rum
.25oz Peychaud's Bitters
.5oz Passion Fruit Syrup
.5oz Ginger Syrup
.5oz Honey Syrup
.75oz Lime Juice
.75oz Pineapple Juice
2 drops Vanilla Extract
(Angostura Bitters)
Tall Collins or Zombie Glass
Whip shake and pour unstrained.
Top with crushed ice and Angostura bitters.
Garnish with tea leaf, orchid, and swizzle.
Hopefully you don't take my passive "dream approach" to the injustices of the world as some kind of stance of ignoring them. My feelings lie far from such a place. I just know we all need to recharge at a certain point. It's kind of like getting some sleep at the end of a hard day, and we are all going to need our rest. There's a very big fight ahead of us, so let's drift away for a moment. "Say 'Night-ie night' and kiss me. Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me. While I'm alone and blue as can be, dream a little dream of me"
Stay angry, and keep shaking.