One of my favorite pastimes since moving to Nashville in 1997, is walking the streets of downtown Nashville on any given evening, on what I call the Boulevard of Dreams. For it’s here that I can become one with its history, and can actually feel the magic that draws so many to this Mecca of music. Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can even feel the presence of country music legends like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and others who have walked these same streets and have now passed on. Or people like Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others who made the transition from Country to Pop and Rock n Roll, but got their start as well, on the Boulevard of Dreams. What is it about this place that draws people, both young and old, to sacrifice almost everything imaginable in order to live their dream of one day becoming the next star--to make their mark in this place they call the Music City? Could it be because Nashville is considered to be a virtual melting pot of the finest singers, song writers and studio musicians in the world, or could it be simply that this is where destiny draws people in order to be at one with their craft?   Home to some of the finest recording studios and music production facilities, Nashville lends itself to an atmosphere of providing one with unlimited opportunities and possibilities. It's where dreams can come true for those who are willing to stay the course, and never give in to the despair and rejection, even though, in reality, only a small number will actually make it to the top.

But who are these people, and how do we tell them apart from others we see on any given evening, exploring the many clubs and venues located throughout this city. Tourists flock to Nashville every year in hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite stars, and possibly getting their pictures taken with Vince Gill or Allen Jackson, or maybe seeing Tim McGraw and Faith Hill dining at one of the local downtown restaurants. People like Michael McDonald, Jon Bon Jovi and Kid Rock have all taken advantage of the resources and talent that Nashville has to offer. While these are the stars who’ve made it to the top,   the ones who   impress me, are those still working their way up. those who by day, serve as your waiters, your doctors, your teachers, or those that help you at Lowes and Home Depot, or bag your groceries at Kroger’s and Publix.  He or she may be your Realtor, your Banker, or the man that fixes your car at the local dealership. Some have spent time living in their cars, yet each night they line the streets along lower Broadway or 2nd Avenue,   playing to anyone who'll listen, in hopes of catching the eye of that one special person who will maybe, just maybe, give them that once in a lifetime chance to make their mark amongst the stars along the Boulevard of Dreams.  They are the ones who are willing to do most anything in order to keep the dream alive. But yet, they are also the ones who won't hesitate to lend a helping hand to others who are down on their luck, or have hit that proverbial bump in the road.  For they too, have been there, and know all too well what it feels like to be at the point of simply giving up.

It’s been said many times that we sometimes can’t see the forest for the trees, and it's true. So next time you’re out and about in Nashville, ask yourself this question:   Is this person, who’s seating me at my table, or bagging my groceries, or standing alone outside one of the local watering holes strumming a guitar, and singing a song, the next star who will graduate from the Boulevard of Dreams--the one who will stand out from all others?   And, if so, how will you remember him or her?  For this is what I’ve found while walking the streets of Nashville:  I’ve found people who are willing to give it their all, in order to one day look back, and say…"I, too, walked the Boulevard of Dreams they call Nashville…and oh what a wonderful walk it was…"

I leave you with peace... kind thoughts...and a warm friendly smile...