Midwest Mary

Dreams to Reality
by Mary K. Doyle

Imagine your dreams
exactly as you want them
and they will come true.

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well, maybe.

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In my mind,

I saunter around the pool in a glamorous sun hat, designer sunglasses, and heels. I remove my hat and glasses and set them on the edge of a lounge chair. I kick off my heels and glide up the ladder to the diving board.

All eyes are on me as I take a little bounce and fly into the air like an angel. I elegantly dive into the water.

The applause is thunderous.

In reality,

I trip around the pool in a baseball cap, dollar store sunglasses, and Old Navy flip flops. I remove my cap and glasses and set them on the side of the pool in a puddle of water.

I kick off my flip-flops. One hits a child in the face. She cries and runs to her mother. Two-year-olds are so whiny.

I pull myself up the ladder to the diving board. I bounce twice, the second time slipping off the board as it hits me in the back of my legs. My belly flop results in a massive splash. I cough and doggie paddle to the edge of the pool, then ask for help getting up on the deck.

The laughter is embarrassing.

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This post was simply to put a smile on your face. I hope it did that.

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©Mary K. Doyle, 2025