There are many ways to describe a daydream. To some, they are just idle fantasies and an urge to seek what they do not currently process. But to others, daydreams can be a source of endless fascination and engagement; a vast expanse to explore, experience, and a well to take inspiration from. We bring to you some of our daydreams and fantasies; in this short series we call "The Daydream Catalogue"
Cover Image: Sarah Wasserboehr
Encircled By Elixirs
By Souvik Nandi
When it comes to living out our desired roles in a fully realized fantasy world, I’ve always kept my eyes and expectations on the quieter, less prominent side of things. To me, the thought of practicing alchemy and running a small potion shop right on the edge of a peaceful town appears as an incredibly fascinating and fulfilling experience. It would certainly entail a lot of work and knowledge on the subject matter; alchemy as a profession and as a fantastical trope is usually established as being heavily dependent on both research and inherent talent. However, as is usually the case with real-life and every other profession, the payoff seems to be very much worth the effort when the possibilities and outcomes are brought into consideration. It’s all a very appealing prospect; being able to experiment and conjure up new potions every day, testing out different combinations of ingredients, grinding herbs with a noisy mortar and pestle, neatly lining up magical tinctures on creaking shelves, earning a steady income, all while taking in the warmth of the cauldron and being surrounded by the calming scent emanating from flowers.
Fresh encounters and familiar faces are a welcome addition to every fulfilling experience and probably the norm in a line of work such as this. Running the shop would imply getting to meet new customers and old acquaintances each day, whip up potions to remedy their ailment, maybe lend an ear to their musings if the situation calls for it. It might involve helping out a friend with their backyard garden, in exchange for the promise of frequent patronage. It might even involve setting out on an expedition with a merchant in search of rare ingredients, or to broaden one’s horizons. Whatever the situation, it’s all a very conversational, calm yet lively experience, contained entirely in and around a small alchemical cottage; reveling in the joy found within peace, connections, and the seemingly mundane deliberations of everyday life.
Open-Ended
By Piyush
As time went on, I dove somewhat further into my dream. I've generally had somewhat of an energy for composing and altering, Normally, I made myself an author or a short story essayist, not an especially acclaimed one, but rather individuals would maybe call "underestimated," somebody whose ability and effect on the medium would go overlooked in their time. I even had titles concocted for a portion of my works. The enormous plot focuses are a bit patchy in my memory, something about a trust store kid from back east going out to California and losing all sense of direction in the West Coast culture. By and by, it was to be the book of an age, questionable however acclaimed for its crudeness. I likewise had a second work which was a short story that is really coasting around in unfinished copy structure someplace on my hard drive. It's entitled The Dry spell, and it's about an old criminal turned well digger. It hasn't rained down for about twelve years where he dwells, Water is basically gold in this spot and the hero's adversaries both old and new utilize that to control him. This fantasy had now gone past vehicles and thruway drives around. Sooner in addition it became toxic and maladaptive. I had built this superb dream domain, yet, in actuality, I was achieving nothing, pursuing nothing, making arrangements for and proposing nothing. I was misdirecting myself and I wasn't even completely aware of it. I had this substitute life in my mind, and in some shallow way, I needed to make it work out. I needed to compose. I needed to be perceived, yet I felt incapacitated. The actual considered difficult made me restless.
Artwork by: Myles Hyman
Bliss of Age
By Jairaj Singh
Having traveled a great deal, over the years, and spending hours at the back seat of my car, daydreaming has been a great escape from the boredom that follows. Having traveled and seen many beautiful sights has been a blessing and led me to appreciate the true vastness of our world and the beauty of what is created when nature and man choose to work together. Traversing mountain valleys, cold peaks and the rolling plains of our world have given me inspiration.
I have often imagined myself to be an aged man, one who has traveled vast lands, explored and adventured a great deal. Having achieved much in his days has chosen to break away from the hustle and bustle of those centers of popularity where he is known and renowned. He has chosen to walk away to a remote town, one of little importance to man or beast. He often spends his days helping around the village, doing chores of little or great importance. He finds joy in these small, insignificant tasks of day to day life.
During the nights, he spends his time, guarding the walls of this little town. His nights spent reading and pondering in the little campfire light he sets up, as he settles down for his watch. When bored of a book, he looks up to the usually clear skies to find solace in the peace of these stars. Stretching throughout the sky, like shining in hues of reds, whites, and greens, as they flow to meet the planes of this land at the horizon. As he reminisces upon the days of his youth and adventures, as he remembers many friendships he has forged and many he has lost under the barrage of time.
He finds pleasure in the mundane, and connection in the simple, and bonds with those that rely upon him, to keep them safe, and to help them in any way he can.
Artworks:
These are so satisfying! I have always wanted to have a small cafe or bakery of my own with soothing music playing all the
Well isn't this just pretty? I always dreamt of living a peaceful life... Just me and my babies (my dogs and cats)
Overwhelmed with such genuine voices! Beautiful!!
It was truly a delight to read this! Waiting for the next post eagerly.