“I like the English. They have the most rigid code of immorality in the world.“
~Malcolm Bradbury
I’m nut sure exactly when I became friends with Dave Fowler. Truth is, I didn’t realize that he wasn’t Dave Wright (Blogger Dad) for the longest time. One day, after a particularly long sequence of emails, I realized something was wrong. “This guy used to be a reporter?” I thought. He can’t even spell. At that moment I realized I’d been talking to a different Dave, one who lived on the other side of the pond where they don’t love the letter Z and, by all accounts, feast on some truly dreadful dishes. It was an a-ha moment, a thousand cheerios! and blimeys! bloomed into clarity.
But not really.
Actually, Dave’s been here since the beginning. He’s been reading Writer Dad since words were bouncing against the walls of a mostly empty blog. My favorite thing about Dave is that, though he left the force to be a stay at home dad, he maintains the voice of an officer (even though he was an English bobby who preferred scones to donuts and wasn’t allowed to carry a gun like a real man). Dave is always willing to step into a situation with articulate authority, and express what he feels is right. Sometimes with humor, other times with carefully crafted words, but always with honor. Dave Fowler is a jolly good man and, indubitably, a Blogger I Heart.
Here’s Jeeves:
Dare To Dream
I am a chronic daydreamer.
I’ve been a daydreamer all my life, and will remain so until I close my eyes forever.
As a child I was constantly criticised for my wandering mind.
Whilst my body was in the classroom, my mind was often absent; engaged in another, far more interesting world.
Without a doubt, daydreaming held me back; at least as far as my formal
education was concerned. I simply didn’t learn half of what was taught. In fact, I never even heard it.
I sometimes wonder what I might have become had I not been so distracted by my wandering thoughts. I’ll never know for sure, but one thing I do know…. I was born to ponder.
I love to think, and I love the random thoughts that float about my mind. My favourite thoughts are those that pull me into a dreamlike state, then coalesce to tell a story.
It is never the sort of narrative that could become a novel, or even a children’s book, rather it is a simple story about my life; my future to be more precise.
It’s a beautiful moment; detached from reality, and immersed in a daydream.
It feels real. I see the sights, hear the sounds, smell the scents, and feel the emotions.
Once the dream has finished, it feels as though it’s actually happened, and my mind lingers with the aftertaste of a memory.
I used to fight my daydreams to stave off the constant bombardment of criticism, but I’ve come to realise the inherent power in these flights of fancy. I now believe my ability to daydream is a treasure in my life, rather than the curse it was at school.
I realise that nearly everything I’ve achieved in my life has been the product of a dream developed.
When I first met the woman who would later become my wife, I used to dream about what I would say the next time I saw her. I used to dream about how we’d fall in love, how I’d propose, and how we’d live happily ever after.
I’ve fostered daydreams about my cars, my career, my house, my interests, and pretty much everything else that make up the minutes of my days.
I’ve found this to be an incredibly powerful mechanism for achieving those things I long for most.
Prior to my revelation, I’d read much about goal setting and achieving success in life through identifying key steps, setting deadlines and then writing them down. I’m sure it works for a great many people, but I am not one of them.
My goals just ended up being another list of “things to do.” Unfortunately for me, previous experience proved me a repeated offender of ignoring such lists.
But a story …. a story pulls me in and commands my attention; transports me from one reality to another. A different atmosphere, where anything is possible.
I can be the hero of the story, or simply observe from a short distance away. Either way, I’m still involved.
The fable of my future – born of my daydreams – captivates and excites me like little else. I am compelled to chase those dreams.
Within the last year, I’ve dreamt outrageous dreams of leaving my job and living a new, more rewarding life. I’ve also dreamt of earning a living by creating things of value, and then inserting them into my own agenda.
The first part of my dream has already come true. I have absolutely no doubt that the rest of the dream will also come to be a reality.
In fact, it’s already starting to happen.
I urge you – dare to dream – about what’s possible. Buy into the story you create for yourself, then fulfill it with happiness and success.
You can find Dave speaking Constapateze here. It’s fun to read his blog while imagining the many funny faces that English people make while speaking.
About Sean Platt
Dave, I feel MUCH better after reading this post. I, too, am a chronic daydreamer. When people are aggravated at how they sometimes can’t fall asleep, I was all “Why?? That’s the best time to daydream. I hate that I fall asleep before I am finished.”
I always felt a little guilty. But no more! It’s a change-your-life thing. I like that.
Dave, I feel MUCH better after reading this post. I, too, am a chronic daydreamer. When people are aggravated at how they sometimes can’t fall asleep, I was all “Why?? That’s the best time to daydream. I hate that I fall asleep before I am finished.”
I always felt a little guilty. But no more! It’s a change-your-life thing. I like that.
@Dave: “I certainly wouldn’t have chosen Mr Bean for myself. I’d have chosen someone a touch more rugged”.
I’ve got it! I’ve got it! David Brent. But without the dance moves. And the British version.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Wow! Look at me.
@Dave: “I certainly wouldn’t have chosen Mr Bean for myself. I’d have chosen someone a touch more rugged”.
I’ve got it! I’ve got it! David Brent. But without the dance moves. And the British version.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Wow! Look at me.
Hey Dave, thanks for giving me an excuse to let my ADD take over for a few moments. :-)
Back when when I was in school I used to gaze out the window and look for the tallest tree. Once I found it, I would imagine I was sitting on the highest branch that could possibly hold my weight (I was a somewhat ‘realistic’ daydreamer) and just sit out there in my mind, feeling the sun on my face and wind in my hair. I could actually smell the essence of the outdoors while I sat in the classroom.
Then I would get a rude awakening when the teacher would call on me to answer a question pertaining to the lesson being discussed. Let’s just say I rarely got the right answer.
Wonderful writing, Dave, and thanks for sharing. Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..I Voted: Now Where’s My Sticker?
Hey Dave, thanks for giving me an excuse to let my ADD take over for a few moments. :-)
Back when when I was in school I used to gaze out the window and look for the tallest tree. Once I found it, I would imagine I was sitting on the highest branch that could possibly hold my weight (I was a somewhat ‘realistic’ daydreamer) and just sit out there in my mind, feeling the sun on my face and wind in my hair. I could actually smell the essence of the outdoors while I sat in the classroom.
Then I would get a rude awakening when the teacher would call on me to answer a question pertaining to the lesson being discussed. Let’s just say I rarely got the right answer.
Wonderful writing, Dave, and thanks for sharing. Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..I Voted: Now Where’s My Sticker?
Writer Dad – Lovely! (As the English would say).
Dave – I am where you are – exactly where you are – quit work and am trying to make something happen. Yes, I do dream a lot :) Your post hit me in the heart – softly …and made me feel good.
You have a great attitude and it is lovely that you are infecting your kids with it. I am sure Part 2 of your dream is right around the corner – waiting to happen :)
Mayas last blog post..Slideshow: Dogs Lessons for Life and Work
Writer Dad – Lovely! (As the English would say).
Dave – I am where you are – exactly where you are – quit work and am trying to make something happen. Yes, I do dream a lot :) Your post hit me in the heart – softly …and made me feel good.
You have a great attitude and it is lovely that you are infecting your kids with it. I am sure Part 2 of your dream is right around the corner – waiting to happen :)
Mayas last blog post..Slideshow: Dogs Lessons for Life and Work
Janice:
Oh tea is definitely my beverage of choice. Especially when I sit down at 1030am to enjoy a nice slice of homemade cake.
Writer Dad:
Coffee is for those who hate their taste buds. :)
It’s nice to know you’ve got a rough streak when needed.
Glad you noticed the U.
Surely you meant surfeit?
And you must be kidding me if you think I’m going to enter into that debate with you here on WD, I’d get hammered. Owning an empire is like being in love, if you love your empire, let it go.
Sal:
I was starting to like GW until Sean said those things about him. Oh, OK, I still like him.
Tim:
Well that’s tough luck because Mr Bean loves you more than that grotty teddy bear he takes to bed.
No, rarely have I been called Foxy as it happens. Poxy, but not Foxy.
I like it though. Delicious Dave. Foxy Fowler. :lol:
Hayden:
That’s the absolute best time. The BEST. I try to drag that out or ages, but like you I’m often beaten by sleep.
It’s also why I love the snooze alarm so much in the morning.
Hayden, I’m going to go to bed earlier tonight just to play that game! :D
Tara:
LMAO. Actually I see Dave Blogger Dad Wright as David Brent. Same sort of hair.
I’m surprised you haven’t pointed out one of Rowan Atkinson’s other characters. Are you feeling unwell, or do you just feel sorry for me? :D
Eric:
That’s a brilliant description of your daydreaming. I too had a window at school that I favoured for starting my daydreams. If I close my eyes now I can still picture the view and even recall a few memories. Thanks for taking me back to a specific moment in time. :D
Maya:
You have a great way with words. :D
Making stuff happen is tremendously satisfying. Knowing that I got off my backside to try something new makes me feel good and has already opened a few doors for me. They’re not quite big enough for me to get my body through but I can just about squeeze my fat head in and have a good look at what’s on the other side. I’m working on making the doors a bit wider. Thank Maya.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..What I Learnt From Crashing The Car – Part 2
Janice:
Oh tea is definitely my beverage of choice. Especially when I sit down at 1030am to enjoy a nice slice of homemade cake.
Writer Dad:
Coffee is for those who hate their taste buds. :)
It’s nice to know you’ve got a rough streak when needed.
Glad you noticed the U.
Surely you meant surfeit?
And you must be kidding me if you think I’m going to enter into that debate with you here on WD, I’d get hammered. Owning an empire is like being in love, if you love your empire, let it go.
Sal:
I was starting to like GW until Sean said those things about him. Oh, OK, I still like him.
Tim:
Well that’s tough luck because Mr Bean loves you more than that grotty teddy bear he takes to bed.
No, rarely have I been called Foxy as it happens. Poxy, but not Foxy.
I like it though. Delicious Dave. Foxy Fowler. :lol:
Hayden:
That’s the absolute best time. The BEST. I try to drag that out or ages, but like you I’m often beaten by sleep.
It’s also why I love the snooze alarm so much in the morning.
Hayden, I’m going to go to bed earlier tonight just to play that game! :D
Tara:
LMAO. Actually I see Dave Blogger Dad Wright as David Brent. Same sort of hair.
I’m surprised you haven’t pointed out one of Rowan Atkinson’s other characters. Are you feeling unwell, or do you just feel sorry for me? :D
Eric:
That’s a brilliant description of your daydreaming. I too had a window at school that I favoured for starting my daydreams. If I close my eyes now I can still picture the view and even recall a few memories. Thanks for taking me back to a specific moment in time. :D
Maya:
You have a great way with words. :D
Making stuff happen is tremendously satisfying. Knowing that I got off my backside to try something new makes me feel good and has already opened a few doors for me. They’re not quite big enough for me to get my body through but I can just about squeeze my fat head in and have a good look at what’s on the other side. I’m working on making the doors a bit wider. Thank Maya.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..What I Learnt From Crashing The Car – Part 2
Ladies and Gents, I know your evening is probably just starting but mine’s come to an early end. I’ll check in again tomorrow in case anymore fantastic folks have posted while I’m busy in slumberland.
Take care all,
Dave
Dave Fowlers last blog post..What I Learnt From Crashing The Car – Part 2
Ladies and Gents, I know your evening is probably just starting but mine’s come to an early end. I’ll check in again tomorrow in case anymore fantastic folks have posted while I’m busy in slumberland.
Take care all,
Dave
Dave Fowlers last blog post..What I Learnt From Crashing The Car – Part 2
Great guest post! Hey what’s all this about the faces the English make when they speak? Well, actually I even make them when I write (type). Especially after reading Dave’s last post. And the changing the “s” to the “z” has always been a thingy for me (in my proofreader days), just as putting a U in words such as colour, and honour, etc was… is. But that’s an American / Canadian thingy….
Davinas last blog post..Akemi Gaines On Intuition, Dreams And Spiritual Guidance–Interview Part 1
Great guest post! Hey what’s all this about the faces the English make when they speak? Well, actually I even make them when I write (type). Especially after reading Dave’s last post. And the changing the “s” to the “z” has always been a thingy for me (in my proofreader days), just as putting a U in words such as colour, and honour, etc was… is. But that’s an American / Canadian thingy….
Davinas last blog post..Akemi Gaines On Intuition, Dreams And Spiritual Guidance–Interview Part 1
@Dave: Hmm. You can’t mean Blackadder because he’s funny . . . the bumbling vicar in Four Weddings and a Funeral? No no no, the bumbling policeman in Thin Blue Line?
OMG, I’ve just looked him up and his name is FOWLER!
See for yourself: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2197854464/tt0112194
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Wow! Look at me.
@Dave: Hmm. You can’t mean Blackadder because he’s funny . . . the bumbling vicar in Four Weddings and a Funeral? No no no, the bumbling policeman in Thin Blue Line?
OMG, I’ve just looked him up and his name is FOWLER!
See for yourself: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2197854464/tt0112194
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Wow! Look at me.
“I’m NUT sure exactly” may I use that in the future it would fit my conversation needs with my youngest child so well?
I am one who has been told this week by both Dave’s that I am mixing them up…My mum was English via Canada to the US and I have to say I did not notice the spelling differences and I just read smoothly on unless I am distracted by a word, which will cause me to day dream and feel peaceful and head off to some other place…
I always looked like I was taking copious notes in school – nope! I was furiously writing down what was going on in my head…poems, words, penmanship, spelling, ideas, stories….and teacher’s never called on me so I did not need to worry….I have always been invisible.
Nice writing and we need all the voices we can get no matter the U or the Z….keep sharing – you too Cath!
Patricias last blog post..Hats off to Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Revising Committee
“I’m NUT sure exactly” may I use that in the future it would fit my conversation needs with my youngest child so well?
I am one who has been told this week by both Dave’s that I am mixing them up…My mum was English via Canada to the US and I have to say I did not notice the spelling differences and I just read smoothly on unless I am distracted by a word, which will cause me to day dream and feel peaceful and head off to some other place…
I always looked like I was taking copious notes in school – nope! I was furiously writing down what was going on in my head…poems, words, penmanship, spelling, ideas, stories….and teacher’s never called on me so I did not need to worry….I have always been invisible.
Nice writing and we need all the voices we can get no matter the U or the Z….keep sharing – you too Cath!
Patricias last blog post..Hats off to Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Revising Committee
I like Mr. Bean and I like Mr. Fowler, but I picture Dave as more of a Benny Hill type of guy. :)
malathionmans last blog post..The 6th Letter of the Alphabet List
I like Mr. Bean and I like Mr. Fowler, but I picture Dave as more of a Benny Hill type of guy. :)
malathionmans last blog post..The 6th Letter of the Alphabet List
Funnily enough I do sort hear the English accent when I read Dave’s words.
Dja reckon I sound like a true blue Aussie mate? Sheell be right. Good onya. You bloody beewdy.
BTW I bet you never dreamt about blogging Dave.
Leanne Magraith | Forever Changes last blog post..Chocolate, Pizza, Ice Cream, Wine and the Comfort Zone
Funnily enough I do sort hear the English accent when I read Dave’s words.
Dja reckon I sound like a true blue Aussie mate? Sheell be right. Good onya. You bloody beewdy.
BTW I bet you never dreamt about blogging Dave.
Leanne Magraith | Forever Changes last blog post..Chocolate, Pizza, Ice Cream, Wine and the Comfort Zone
Tim: Mr. Bean really does just beg to get punched.
Dave: Your coffee comment is more than enough to shut me up. Well played.
Davina: They don’t really make faces. I just heard a comic make that joke one time, and then substantiate with a series of ridiculous expressions. It slipped into my mind as I was writing (things such as this are often the case). I actually like the English, I just don’t like the little red underlines telling me I’ve been doing it wrong.
Patricia: I never notice the different spellings either, at least not on a conscious level. The entire opening was just for effect. I could never mistake the two Daves. One of them is twice as funny.
Malathionman: I was thinking Ricky Gervais.
Leanne: You’re Australian? That’s very cool. I would LOVE to visit Australia. It’s on my hopefully sooner, rather than later list.
Tim: Mr. Bean really does just beg to get punched.
Dave: Your coffee comment is more than enough to shut me up. Well played.
Davina: They don’t really make faces. I just heard a comic make that joke one time, and then substantiate with a series of ridiculous expressions. It slipped into my mind as I was writing (things such as this are often the case). I actually like the English, I just don’t like the little red underlines telling me I’ve been doing it wrong.
Patricia: I never notice the different spellings either, at least not on a conscious level. The entire opening was just for effect. I could never mistake the two Daves. One of them is twice as funny.
Malathionman: I was thinking Ricky Gervais.
Leanne: You’re Australian? That’s very cool. I would LOVE to visit Australia. It’s on my hopefully sooner, rather than later list.
Davina:
I made a decision right at the start that I was going to stick with English. You know, the English version of English. I felt learning a new language – American – was just a step too far. Hahahaha.
Besides the standard of written English on the internet is so poor I’m willing to place money that most people won’t notice my spelling. Not that I’m setting myself up as an expert. :)
I’m not pulling any faces right now but I am wondering what ‘Constapateze is?
Tara:
You were only supposed to acknowledge that you knew who I meant. I can’t believe you included a link. Traitor. :)
Particia:
You have a point. The vast majority of what I read is written in American English and I don’t even notice most of the time.
All the rules I adhered to seem to have gone out of the window. I rarely see people using ‘whom’ these days, so I don’t tend to bother myself. Besides my own grammer can be atrocious most of the time so I try not to be too judgemental.
I’m with you though. I just read smoothly on. :D
malathionman:
I can totally see me as Benny Hill. I used to love that show with all his scantily clad beauties chasing around at the end. He was a cheeky chappie and no mistake Guv’nor.
Leanne:
Your sense of humour is certainly Australian. I think you tolerate my nonsense only because it seems watered down compared to what you’re probably used to.
Kevin Bloody Wilson is one foul mouthed funny fu… err… man. DILLIGAF.
Note for everyone else: He’s disgustingly foul. Don’t look him up.
Writer Dad
Thanks for the fun. It was a real blast playing on Writer Dad. A real honor.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..What I Learnt From Crashing The Car – Part 2
Davina:
I made a decision right at the start that I was going to stick with English. You know, the English version of English. I felt learning a new language – American – was just a step too far. Hahahaha.
Besides the standard of written English on the internet is so poor I’m willing to place money that most people won’t notice my spelling. Not that I’m setting myself up as an expert. :)
I’m not pulling any faces right now but I am wondering what ‘Constapateze is?
Tara:
You were only supposed to acknowledge that you knew who I meant. I can’t believe you included a link. Traitor. :)
Particia:
You have a point. The vast majority of what I read is written in American English and I don’t even notice most of the time.
All the rules I adhered to seem to have gone out of the window. I rarely see people using ‘whom’ these days, so I don’t tend to bother myself. Besides my own grammer can be atrocious most of the time so I try not to be too judgemental.
I’m with you though. I just read smoothly on. :D
malathionman:
I can totally see me as Benny Hill. I used to love that show with all his scantily clad beauties chasing around at the end. He was a cheeky chappie and no mistake Guv’nor.
Leanne:
Your sense of humour is certainly Australian. I think you tolerate my nonsense only because it seems watered down compared to what you’re probably used to.
Kevin Bloody Wilson is one foul mouthed funny fu… err… man. DILLIGAF.
Note for everyone else: He’s disgustingly foul. Don’t look him up.
Writer Dad
Thanks for the fun. It was a real blast playing on Writer Dad. A real honor.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..What I Learnt From Crashing The Car – Part 2