Dream Talk (and Photos)

Last night you cried at midnight, do you remember? 

Yes, replied one of my three-year-olds.

Did you have a bad dream?

Yes, I did.

What was it about?

Well… there was an ENORMOUS lion (spreading his arms as wide as they go).

And the lion came very close to me, put his face right in my face.

Was that scary?

No. The lion was a nice lion. And then he ended up upside down, like this (showing “upside down” with his hands). The lion was ENORMOUS and then he put his face UPSIDE DOWN!

And was that scary? 

No! (enthused by the storytelling)

What happened then?

Come with me, and I’ll show you (takes my hand). The lion walked like this. Like this! (tiptoes along a corridor)

And he was right here, the lion, walking like this. And then I rode the lion. And the lion did circus tricks for me.

I asked for the lion to follow me but he didn’t. But then a grown-up came and told the lion to come and then the lion obeyed.

The lion obeyed the grown-up in your dream?

Yes.

So, what else happened?

The lion performed some more circus tricks. And said purrrrr…. (in a hushed voice).

That sounds like a nice dream.

It was!

Then why were you crying?

Smiley face

Well, the lion was ENORMOUS and he put his face this close to mine (our noses almost touching).

So, was that a little bit scary after all?

Yes, it was scary.

No wonder, I would have been scared too if a lion came that close! And that’s when you cried?

(Nodding.)

Well, maybe tonight you should just dream of something less scary. Like maybe a nice horse. Are horses scary?

No, they are nice (smiling with satisfaction).

Right, so dream of a nice horse tonight, okay?

I will. And ice cream.

Yes, and muffins, too?

Yes, and motorcycles…

Sounds good!

All the while, his brother has been telling his own story simultaneously. It seems he dreamt of a giraffe last night, but he slept well and so it must’ve been a good dream.

That reminds me, I dreamt of a giraffe, too.

The photos are from Suomenlinna, today