Anderson’s Dreams

Thank you for choosing my story to listen to. I wrote this story about a boy called Anderson, who goes to stay on a cattle ranch with his brother Ellis. They go to the cattle ranch every year... but this time Anderson has some vivid dreams, all of which teach him something. Thank you for your messages and support... my heart is warmed by your kindness.

Transcript

Hello,

My name is Jacqueline and I'm a very proud grandma.

I write stories for my grandchildren and I'm very happy to share them with you too.

So make yourself comfortable,

Settle back because my next story is about to begin.

Anderson's Dreams Anderson woke from a dream he was quite enjoying,

Although many others probably wouldn't have.

He was dreaming about being at school.

Anderson enjoyed going to school,

But now that the summer holidays were here,

He did miss it.

He missed seeing his friends and he missed his teacher Miss Karen,

Who made all the children in her class feel special every day.

To help Anderson adjust to the long summer holidays from school,

His mum sent him and his younger brother Ellis to a cattle ranch for a week.

The ranch was called Star Ranch because all visitors were amazed by how many stars filled the large open sky in this area,

More stars than anyone had ever seen in one place.

Anderson and Ellis always wanted to bring their dog Ranger with them to the ranch,

But dogs weren't allowed to stay as it was a special time just for children to get to know each other.

And so,

When their mum dropped them off at the ranch this summer,

The boys reluctantly said their goodbyes to their brown curly haired dog,

Telling him how much they would miss him and that they loved him a lot.

Frank and Gilly owned Star Ranch.

They made it a fun place where the children could make new friends and enjoy fresh air while having the best time.

Frank was in charge of all the activities for the children and Gilly,

His wife,

Was the cook and she was a good cook.

She made the best cornbread around and her chocolate cake was always eaten within hours of being made.

Anderson and his brother enjoyed this special time away together.

They rode horses,

Swam in the creek,

Ran and explored with their new friends and,

In the evenings,

They watched the cowboys herd the cattle.

There was always something to do and plenty going on to see.

The whole week was filled with smiles,

Laughter and excitement.

This year was no different,

Except Anderson had been having very vivid dreams and each one was about his school.

This morning,

As he got ready to start the day,

He remembered his latest dream.

In his dream,

He was playing a game of soccer with his school friends.

They were practicing scoring goals.

Everyone lined up ready to take a shot at the teacher who was standing in the goal.

OK,

Everyone,

The teacher said,

This is your one and only chance to kick the ball right at me.

Everybody cheered at this thought.

No,

Not really,

Said the teacher.

You must try and get the ball past me.

I warn you though,

I am a very quick mover.

Now,

Make it your best shot.

Don't look at me.

Focus on the goal and kick the ball as if you mean it.

The children got ready to take their shots,

All of them determined to score a goal.

A noise outside brought Anderson back to the moment and his dream was pushed from his mind.

He quickly tucked his t-shirt inside his shorts and put his trainers on before running outside into the warm sunshine.

Ellis and their new friend Alex were waiting for him.

Come on,

They said,

We've got a game of soccer about to start and you're on our team.

The three boys ran across the dirt track to a grass field where two makeshift goals had been set up using poles and old hay nets.

Everyone was in a happy mood and as Anderson ran onto the pitch the game began.

It was a very noisy game but Frank kept everyone under control and they all had fun.

Even the girls who were playing amongst the boys enjoyed it.

In fact,

Some of the girls played better than the boys.

The game was nearly over and the score was tied with four goals each.

With a minute to go Anderson was heading towards the goal with the ball at his feet.

Suddenly the words of the teacher from his dream came into his mind,

Focus on the goal and kick the ball as if you mean it.

In that moment Anderson felt as if he was the only player on the pitch.

He didn't even see the goalie.

He was a few yards from the mouth of the goal.

He focused and kicked the ball with all his might.

Yes!

Shouted his team,

Great goal Anderson.

Linking Anderson looked at the goal and realised his amazing kick had scored and won his team the match.

Everyone from both teams were clapping because the goal had been outstanding.

All the children patted Anderson on his back and congratulated him on scoring such a great goal as they enjoyed the ice cold lemonade Jilly had made along with the warm chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven.

Their mucky fingers grabbed the cookies and within minutes they were all gone,

Not a crumb left in sight.

The rest of the day was filled with mucking out the horses and playing in the warm creek which was close by the old ranch house.

After dinner they watched the cowboys and,

As always,

Were amazed by how skilled they were at riding their horses and rounding up the cattle.

All too quickly the day disappeared and,

As the moon shone over the ranch,

It was time for everyone to go to bed.

That night Anderson once again dreamt about school.

Although he enjoyed going to school,

He did struggle a little with reading.

He was very good with numbers and maths but for some reason reading didn't come easy to him,

No matter how hard he tried.

In his dream Anderson was back in his classroom,

Sitting at his desk with his teacher Miss Karen.

A book was open in front of them and they were both looking at it.

Try again to read this page Anderson,

Said Miss Karen gently.

I know you can do this.

But everything seems like a jumble to me,

Whispered Anderson as he looked at the words on the page in front of him.

As Karen put her arm gently around Anderson and said,

The letters can seem a jumbled mess at first,

But if we break each word down it may make it easier for you to read.

Let's look at this first word.

I'll break it down and read one syllable or letter at a time.

Anderson looked at the word his teacher was pointing at as she said,

To,

De,

A.

Immediately Anderson shouted,

TODAY!

Yes!

Exclaimed Miss Karen.

Well done!

Now let's try the next word.

Miss Karen pointed out the letters and syllables of the next word and together they said them.

W-I-L-B-E-A-G-U-D-A.

Today will be a good day!

Said Anderson excitedly.

Well done Anderson!

Said Miss Karen.

By breaking down each word,

One syllable or letter at a time,

Reading becomes easier.

Now let's continue.

Anderson woke up with a big smile on his face.

His dream had made reading seem so much easier than normal,

He couldn't wait to try out his new skill.

But he didn't get a chance to read anything straight away because he was going riding with Ellis and Frank this morning.

After breakfast,

The brothers went out to the stables,

Excited to saddle up their horses and go for the ride.

Frank already had his horse tacked up.

Morning boys!

He said.

Morning Frank!

The brothers said together as they gathered the saddles and reins for their horses.

Will you boys be okay going out on your own today?

Asked Frank.

I would come with you,

But I promised two of the girls I would give them a lesson.

They've never ridden a horse before and are quite excited to learn.

I'm sure we will,

Said Anderson as he tightened the saddle onto his horse.

Great!

Said Frank.

Stick to the trail just outside the ranch gates as it leads round in a big circle so you won't get lost.

We'll be okay Frank,

Said Anderson.

Ellis and I have been riding horses ever since we could walk.

Mounting their horses,

Anderson and Ellis rode out from the stables,

Across to the gate and out onto the dirt trail.

It was a beautiful warm day with barely a breeze.

Not a single cloud could be seen in the blue sky,

Only a few birds enjoying their freedom as they flew without a care in the world.

The boys were enjoying the ride as the horses walked happily side by side.

They had been riding for a short while when Ellis spotted something move in the bushes a little way ahead of them.

But he couldn't quite make out what it was.

Come on,

He said to his brother,

Let's follow and try to find what it is.

Without waiting for Anderson to answer,

Ellis took to a gentle trot and started riding through the bushes.

Wait,

Ellis!

Shouted Anderson as his brother rode off.

We can't leave this trail.

We will get lost.

But his words fell on deaf ears as Ellis had already gone and Anderson had no choice but to follow him.

The brothers moved through the bushes searching for the unknown creature.

But after a few minutes Ellis decided that whatever had been making the bushes move had disappeared.

Let's find the track again,

He said to Anderson.

I'm not sure where the track is now,

Replied Anderson.

We seem to have weaved our way through the bushes instead of going in a straight line.

He looked around for a second and then said,

Let's head over in this direction and see where it leads.

The two boys set off,

Trying to walk their horses in a straighter line through the bushes as they could.

Eventually they came to a clearing and could see a track and a signpost off to their left.

Anderson led the way.

Let's see what the signpost says,

He said.

Hopefully it will show us which way we need to go to get back to the ranch.

They reached the signpost which had four arrows pointing out into different directions.

Each arrow had words carved into it.

Anderson tried to read the words but the letters just looked jumbled to him.

What do the words say?

Asked Ellis looking over at his big brother.

I'm not sure,

Answered Anderson,

Seeing the worried look on his brother's face.

Suddenly the memory of last night's dream popped into Anderson's head and the words of Miss Karen filled his mind.

Break each word down one syllable or letter at a time and it will be easier to read.

Anderson took a deep breath and looked at the first words.

Plum Creek,

He said out loud.

Plum Creek!

Shouted Ellis excitedly.

Yes!

Agreed Anderson,

Feeling pleased with himself.

Okay,

But that's not the way we need to go.

Let me read the words on the next arrow and he moved his horse around to the other side of the signpost.

Looking at the words he said.

Star Ranch!

Star Ranch!

He shouted to Ellis.

That's where we're staying,

Said Ellis,

Relieved that they now knew which direction to go in.

Yes!

Said Anderson,

Feeling relieved himself but not wanting Ellis to know he had been worried.

Being his big brother,

Anderson liked Ellis to feel secure and safe all the time.

Come on,

Said Anderson,

Let's go and make sure we keep to the trail this time.

Ellis giggled and the brothers turned their horses and trotted back to Star Ranch.

The next few days passed by quickly.

Anderson didn't have any more dreams until the last night at the ranch.

In this dream,

He and his classmates were having swimming lessons.

Anderson was a strong swimmer but some of the children in his class could not swim quite so well.

The lesson was about safety in the water and how to help someone in trouble by encouraging them to breathe steadily so as not to panic but to try and relax so that they floated.

Anderson was learning fast and his teacher was very impressed with how calm he was and how expertly he helped guide his friends through the water to the edge of the pool.

More too soon the dream was over and Anderson woke up as the morning sun filled the bedroom with its warmth and golden light.

Today was their last day at Star Ranch and this morning after breakfast everyone had to help clean their rooms and pack all their belongings together ready for when their parents came to collect them later that day.

The afternoon was free time for them all to choose any activity they wanted to do.

Most of them went over to the stables for one last ride on their favourite horses.

Many of these children lived in the city and probably wouldn't have another opportunity to ride for a very long time.

Anderson and Ellis chose to go swimming in the creek near the ranch and their friend Alex decided to go with them.

It was perfect down by the creek with the afternoon sun shining down upon them.

The water cooled to them as they jumped in and splashed around together.

The boys had a great time.

They tried to keep to the edge of the creek as much as possible because the middle was quite deep and Alex wasn't confident to go out there just yet.

Alex wasn't a very good swimmer although he had been improving day by day since being at the ranch.

They had been having fun together when suddenly Alex started bobbing under the water seemingly in trouble.

Anderson straight away referred to his dream and shouted out to Alex not to panic as he dived down into the water to see what was happening.

Anderson couldn't really see anything as it was very murky down there.

The mud had been churned up from the bottom of the creek where the boys had been playing.

Anderson thought of another plan as he came back up to the surface of the water.

Looking at Alex he said,

Breathe steadily and relax.

I've got this.

Just a minute longer.

And he took a deep breath before going under the water again.

Quick as a flash he felt around his friend's legs.

He felt weeds twisted around Alex's foot.

He pulled at the weeds and wiggled Alex's foot back and forth until it became free.

He came back up to the surface just as Alex floated out onto his back,

Taking in steady breaths of air and trying to relax,

Doing exactly as Anderson had asked him.

Anderson held his friend as he had been taught in his dream and gently pulled him to the side of the creek.

Helping him get out of the water they were soon both lying on the grass,

Pleased that they were safe.

Anderson sat up and looked at his friend.

How are you feeling Alex?

He asked.

Thankful you were there for me,

Replied Alex as he took in deep breaths of air.

You saved my life,

Said Alex sitting up and hugging his friend.

Yes you did,

Agreed Ellis,

Who had been amazed how quickly his brother had acted.

Oh,

It was nothing,

Said Anderson calmly.

I just untangled a few weeds from your foot.

You would have done the same for me.

When I get home I'm going to have swimming lessons until I can swim as good as you,

Said Alex.

That's a very good idea,

Agreed Anderson.

Ellis and I learnt to swim when we were very,

Very young.

Come on,

Said Ellis,

I think it's time we got back to the ranch.

Mum will be here soon to pick us up and I'm excited to see her and Ranger.

Do you think he missed us?

He always does,

Replied Anderson.

He watched Alex stand up and seeing that he looked OK,

He said,

Come on,

I'll race you both back to Star Ranch.

And the three boys ran as fast as they could back to the ranch,

All thoughts of the last few minutes pushed thankfully from their minds.

A little while later all the children were standing out in the yard with their bags waiting for their parents to arrive.

Frank and Gilly joined them and they each said their goodbyes and promised to keep in touch with one another.

They had all learnt so much and really enjoyed their time together.

Soon the parents started to arrive and one by one the children left Star Ranch.

Anderson and Ellis's mum arrived with Ranger,

Who was so excited to see the boys,

He wagged his tail so hard that they thought it was going to wag right off his body.

After giving each other the biggest hug ever,

They drove home.

In bed that night Anderson dreamt about Ranger,

His loyal dog.

Ranger was a great dog who loved to play but nearly every day got up to mischief.

In his dream Anderson was playing in the garden when Ranger ran past him.

He stopped at the apple tree which was at the bottom of the garden.

Anderson couldn't quite make out what Ranger was doing but he seemed to be digging a hole just near the trunk of the tree.

Anderson stood up to go and take a look.

Wake up Anderson!

Ellis shouted out to his brother.

Anderson woke up with a start at the sound of his brother's voice,

Slightly disappointed that he hadn't managed to see what Ranger had been doing in his dream.

Let's go and play with Ranger in the garden before breakfast!

Ellis insisted.

Anderson rubbed his eyes and then jumped out of his bed,

His dream forgotten.

He quickly pulled his T-shirt and shorts on before running out into the garden after his brother.

Ranger was so happy to have his boys back home again.

He ran around after them,

Nudging them on their bottoms if they started going too slow,

Sometimes causing them to fall in a heap on the floor.

Soon the boys began to feel hungry and they raced each other indoors.

They went into the kitchen expecting their mum to be making breakfast for them,

But instead she was on her hands and knees looking for something underneath one of the cabinets.

What are you looking for mum?

Asked Anderson.

One of my earrings,

She said.

The silver hoop one you boys bought me for my birthday.

They were both on the counter top here,

But when I went to put them on yesterday one had disappeared.

I think I know where it is,

Said Anderson,

Remembering his dream from last night.

You do?

Replied his mum surprised.

Have you put it somewhere for fun?

No mum,

Giggled Anderson,

But I think I know who did.

But how could you?

Asked his mum.

You've been away for a week and didn't come home until last night.

I lost the earring yesterday before I picked you up from the ranch,

But I didn't have time to look for it then.

Let me go and take a look where I think it could be,

Said Anderson,

And he ran out into the garden with his mum and Ellis following closely behind.

Anderson went straight to the apple tree where he had seen Ranger Diggin in his dream.

He bent down and noticed an area in the soil had been disturbed.

Using his fingers he started Diggin and soon he found it.

Here it is!

He exclaimed,

Holding the earring high in the air.

Wow!

Exclaimed Ellis.

How did you know it was there if you didn't put it there?

Asked his mum curiously.

Anderson stood up and brushed the dirt from his hands and knees as he explained about the dreams he had been having and how each dream had taught him something.

That's incredible,

His mum said,

Especially as you found my earring.

I was quite upset when I thought I had lost it.

You really are one special boy Anderson.

Well done for paying attention and remembering each dream.

I hardly ever remember my dreams.

I hope I start having good dreams like you,

Said Ellis,

Who had been listening to his big brother with great fascination.

I hope you do too,

Ellis,

Replied Anderson.

They really have helped me.

If I have a problem or something I'm not sure about,

I always ask for help before I go to sleep,

Anderson explained.

This really does help me relax and sleep well,

Because I never have to worry about anything which would otherwise stop me from falling asleep.

Then,

When I wake up in the morning,

I nearly always have an answer.

I'm going to try that tonight,

Said Ellis,

Pleased he had a big brother to help and guide him.

Well,

I'm very thankful you found that way,

Said mum.

Although you do know you can talk to me about anything,

She said,

Ruffling Anderson's hair.

I know,

Mum,

Said Anderson,

Hugging her tightly.

But sometimes I like to try and figure things out for myself without bothering you.

But I know you're always there for me,

Because you're the best mum in the whole world.

Yes,

You are,

Burst out Ellis as he threw his arms out wide and hugged his mum and brother.

Ranger jumped up at them,

Not wanting to be left out,

And the hill giggled with delight.

You boys make me so proud,

Mum said,

Squeezing them both tightly.

But you're both growing up so fast.

We'll always love you,

Mum,

No matter how big we get,

Said Anderson softly,

And Ellis agreed.

Wiping a happy tear away from the corner of her eye,

Mum said,

Come on,

Let's go indoors and make pancakes for breakfast.

I think we all deserve a special treat today.

And they went into the kitchen,

With Ranger following close behind,

Licking his lips at the thought of pancakes for breakfast.

I hope you enjoyed listening to my story.

Before you go,

I'd like to ask you a question.

Have you ever had a strange dream which came true the next day?

Thanks again for listening,

And come back soon to hear another story from Grandma.

Bye for now.

Reviews

No. I will send you my Happy List.
My Happy List:
• Playing With My Puppy
• Going To School
• Playing My Laptop/Tablet
• Reading
• Math's
• School Tests
• Playing With My Toys
• Running
• Listening To You're Meditations
• Minecraft
• Friends
• Family
• Pets
• Lego
• Chocolate/Lollys
• Hugs/Kisses
• School Work
• Anything That Has To Do With School
• Snails
• Anything That Hase To Do With Nature
• Sleep
• Makeup
• Art
• Painting
• Beading
• Rolling Around On The Floor
• Toy Shopping
• Nice Clothes
• Kind People
• Zoos
• Farms
• Musiums
• Dinosours
• Good Food

I love your stories do you have one about pandas❓🏳️‍🌈 she should definitely win first prize

I have had a dream about making a great daving
save in volleyball then the next day in a game i did just that.

It’s funny because I’ve been going places and having deja vu

I love your stories so much I think you should win 🥇 fist place in the story telling division

I also love how Andersons dreams help hime in his daily life also 1 question 🙋‍♀️ what was moving in the bushes also was there a question

Winnie

Yes 👍 , but I can’t remember what it was. Great 😊 story!! How old is Anderson?
Have a great 👍 day!

Flo flo and Willa xoxo

Nice! I wish I did but I don’t 😒

Independent Outdoorsy Learning helpful

Mmm 🤔 no

That was great story so to answer your question I actually have had a dream which was like that

I love you and your story 💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💝🤣💝💝💝🤣💝🤣 love it

Just a lovely story with Beautifully relatable topic. Her soothing voice carries you to sleep well guiding you down a round of discovery 💡. The value of friendship, education, self reliance, faith and love. Thanks for this gem 💎

No I haven’t

That was a lovely and imaginative story. Are the kids would love it, this adult certainly did😁👍. Sweet dreams to you from me 💕🙏.