Follow That Dream

We were in Melbourne, Australia on a rainy evening, trying to find the motel recommended by a friend. A relative of his owned the place and he told us we would get a good “Aussie” welcome. We found it, and we did get that famous Aussie hospitality. And an unexpected bonus too. The owner, Ian Muir, was a friendly bloke (see, I still speak Australian) and we enjoyed his company over brick oven pizza and beer. He told us about his dream of getting into the country music scene and about his songs and local gigs. After a few days we left, having made a friend in Melbourne.
I have known lots of dreamers over the years. Mostly they dream, and then do other things.
One day we got a thickish envelope in the mail from Australia. In it was a cassette tape called “Time Stands Still” by Ian Muir. The dream was a reality, and Ian was published. As I mentioned in an earlier essay, one of his songs about an abused child got national attention, and this song called “Daniel” is on “Time Stands Still”. I listen to the album often, and always when “Daniel” comes on I get angry.
Ian now has 4 albums, tours in Australia and has been over here as well. He stands as a model for us all. The message is simple: If you have a dream, follow it. Don’t give up and don’t give in (hmmm. sounds like a song itself). You may have to have a “day job” to keep the bills paid, but the rewards of the dream are worth the price. Oh, and a talented and supportive partner make things that much easier. Ian has Glenny, I have Sally. My brother, also a musician, has Asya. Matt has John, and Hal has Cori. There is a message there too: next to a dreamer stands a solid partner willing to say “go for it”, and mean it. Thank you all. This is awesome company to share.

Image: http://www.ianmuir.com.au/