February 7, 2012

A Dream is a Wish Our Heart Makes

Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris

I just finished reading the most delightful little book called “Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris.” Written by Paul Gallico in 1958, it is the story of a London housekeeper who gets the notion to have a haute couture Christian Dior dress made for herself. Once Mrs. Harris gets this idea in her mind, she is determined to see it through. Maybe it’s because she’s the underdog or maybe because we all have secret wishes we long for, but this story resonated with me.

dior dress

I don’t want to give anything away…but you should definitely try to track down a copy. While the idea of a dress costing 1/3 of your annual salary might sound preposterous, maybe you dream of something else. Whether your heart’s desire is a trip or a dress, a certain kind of home or an experience, I think it’s nice to be reminded that there can be good in being determined for something. Even when getting the thing doesn’t turn out exactly like we’d expected (does it ever?), there can be wonderful growth.

To me, the lesson learned from this story is that we must keep wishing and dreaming…even if everyone thinks what we’re wishing for is silly. What secret dreams are you harboring these days? I’ll believe they are possible for you if you’ll believe with me for mine!