The last two nights I’ve had the most amazing dreams, ones that not only stayed with me when I woke up but that flashed through my mind throughout the day.

In the first dream I was in a play, a farce, that was being directed by Meryl Streep. She was also in the show, playing my mother. She was doing a great job in both roles, well, duh, she’s Meryl Streep! There was one scene that I was having trouble with, I had to say that I didn’t want to end up like her. Even in my dream I knew that was a line that just wouldn’t fly. Who wouldn’t want to be exactly like Meryl Streep? I can’t remember how we finally got the scene to work, but I do remember other details. The stage was big enough to drive a car into, and Meryl wore a ruffled, pink gown. The audience loved the show. Even now I can see them, standing, applauding. What a great way to wake up, feeling the glow of a successful performance, with Meryl Streep holding my hand as we took our bows.

The dream the next night was just as vivid. I was in a castle with a whole bunch of my theatre friends but we were younger, in our twenties, and we were all gorgeous and fit and talented, oh, just like now, except for the younger part. Anyway, we were there at the invitation of a royal family. The very handsome prince would be arriving at the party being held in the evening. As often happens in dreams, I had no luggage. So, a friend took me in hand and led me through hallways and concealed doors, up and then down staircases to one of the Queen’s own dressers, a very campy man who pulled out dress after dress until he found the one that suited me the best. Once dressed, including jewelry and fantastic shoes, another friend then led me through the castle to the royal beauty salon where I got my hair styled, complete with a tiara, and my makeup done. As we moved through the castle, I saw all my other theatre friends enjoying themselves. As I passed by, one of them would put a glass of champagne in my hand, pop an appetizer in my mouth, or encourage me on. I can still see the intricate wallpaper and the amazing chandeliers. And I can still feel the camaraderie of all my theatre friends, past and present, and now wonderful it felt to be taken in hand by them to get ready to meet the prince. However, I can’t remember if I ever met him.

There are many ideas about what dreams are, and what they mean. There may be messages embedded in them, they may be signals from our unconscious mind, helping us to solve problems in our lives. Whatever, all I know is these dreams made me happy. I woke up happy and I smiled whenever I recalled them. Of course I can find connections to my life in them. I have been on the stage, and I hope to be there again. I see my theatre friends in concentrated bursts when we do shows and I miss them when the shows are over. They have dressed me and done my hair and make-up. I’ve been to parties and I met, and married my prince. Aww, that’s for you Dale.

Now, for the surreal parts. There have been a lot of ads and trailers for the new Mamma Mia movie, and they have contained images of Meryl Streep. The latest royal wedding was a few weeks ago and the new Duchess has been a staple discussion topic on talk shows. And, tweets from various Royal sites come across my feed often, yes, okay, I follow the Royals. So all my unconscious mind did was put stuff together. But what a great job it did. Well done you! Now, repeat again tonight please.