Dreaminess is described as a condition where one's awareness is temporarily halted, often as a reaction to an overload of irrelevant and complex information. This state can manifest in various ways, such as a persistent fascination with the weather, a feeling of elation, or moments of deep contemplation that may go unnoticed until later reflection reveals their presence.

In Richard Ford's "The Sportswriter," this notion of dreaminess captures the experience of lingering in a mental space that contrasts sharply with the overwhelming nature of reality. It highlights a yearning for simplicity amidst the chaos of everyday life, suggesting that such moments of introspection can offer clarity and a unique perspective on one's surroundings.