stars and neon lights

I started thinking about the importance of dreaming and practicality. There's the old addage nothing ventured nothing gained. If you don't think big you'll always be common place. Wanting and having are just not the same thing. You have to DO something in order to get there and often you have to give something up in the getting. What if what you have to give up is worth more than what you want... and how do you make that judgement before something precious is lost? Dreaming is a skill.. or perhaps a tallent not shared by all people. Can it be taught or is it inherent? Certainly there are those who dream and succeed against all odd who are never encouraged by anything other than an inner vision. There are those too, who, despite every encouragement and advantage live a life of quiet mediocrity. There is a fine balance between shooting for the stars and being miserable in reality.

I've met a few people who've made a balance between reality and dreaming. Gary Allen (AKA Adam Wade of High Maintenace on Broadway) is one such person. He maintains a family life and a career in finance while pursuing his dream of making music reality. Others jump from one romantic association and drinking binge to another looking for total fulfillment in the musical culture in which they are so totally immersed. Gary/Adam is an anomally, giving up the large venue but dead end performing stage up north for small venue constant local exposure in Nashville in order to have a home life while leaving an opening for his dreams.

I don't have all the answers and I work a job that pays my bills without providing much personal satisfaction. I have a college degree and few dreams for its use. I wish someone could teach me to dream.