Dreamin'

Making chili in Qatar, with its long periods of inactivity unaided by the football game that isn't on TV, turns out to be a great time to sit and daydream. Its interesting where your mind wanders when you're reasonably happy but lonely and bored.

In this case, I found myself thinking about what I would have if I ever made a good deal of money. Of course, my first priorities would be to provide a beautiful life for my wife and children, but that's not usually the kind of thing that one daydreams about. No, I was a bit more selfish today. Rather, I imagined what I would really want for myself.

A library. No, not a public library with little kids reading stories with a lion, although I do hope to wed the librarian. What I dream of having is a personal library. With dark wood bookcases along each wall, full of all sorts of fascinating books. They would be specifically designed to wrap around the window that's heavy velvet shade rarely closes. Most of the cases would be teeming with books I intend to read, but some would also contain relics of my travels and one very special shelf would contain first editions.

Centered on the gorgeous persian rug covering the entire hardwood floor would be a large rectangular table, scattered with books and writings. A green-shaded lamp would brighten the crisp pages after the sun sets and throw shadows across the desk built into the far wall.

The library would be a place of peace, reflection, knowledge, and softly playing classical music. A warm pair of slippers would wait by the side of the door and accompany me to the high-backed armchair angling beside the window.

This is my favorite selfish daydream, what's yours?