I can see it like it’s yesterday:
My sister, Tanya Eva, and I in our nightgowns, in front of Mum’s full length mirror, holding hair brushes for microphones, belting out Bette Midler songs.
I’m six. She’s four. We’re die hard fans.
Later, we’ll sing From a Distance at church. Beaches will become our favourite movie, and we’ll cry every time we hear Wind Beneath My Wings.
And when I’m in my teens and staying with my aunt in New Zealand, I’II sneak out while everyone’s asleep to watch Bette’s “naughty” live show performances.
I adore Bette Midler.
Of course, it’s her amazing voice. But mostly, it’s her firecracker personality and exuberance.
I promised myself: When I grow up I will shine as bold and bright as Bette!
I’m unsure if I’m shining as brightly as her (perhaps in my own mind; ha!). But you know what’s cool?
Bette Midler visits me in my dreams.
Well, it probably isn’t her actual soul appearing in my dreamland. It’s more likely to be a dream figure. A character my subconscious mind has created that represents what Bette means to me.
In my dreams, Bette has met me in the Black Forest, on the wharf in Hamburg city, beachside in Sydney—and at many crowded European cafes.
Always dressed in stage gowns or in taffeta and sequins, she’ll give me a hug or a pat on the arm before she imparts important words and exits gracefully back into the ether.
The meet-up is always quick. It’s always sensational.
Every time I wake feeling elated.
Over the years, I’ve come to believe that Bette Midler is a type of dream mentor for my passion. She shows up when I need to be bold and brighter.
When my sacral chakra needs to be spinning faster, or a deeper shade of orange and more sparkly.
What about you?
Do you have a dream mentor for your passions? Or another such person that keeps showing up in your dreams?
Maybe it isn’t someone as vibrant as Bette? Maybe it’s someone more serious or mysterious? Or maybe the dream figure of your mum, dad, past lover or deceased friend keeps coming you to?
Either way—listen. Take heed. Your soul is trying to tell you something.
Write down your dream and the interaction when you wake, even if you can only remember fragments.
Seek to understand the message. And you will.
Otherwise, I can ask Bette to shimmy over to you and visit you in your dreams.
with love,
