There is nothing, NOTHING like New York City! And even if it’s a cliché, I have to say: I LOVE NEW YORK!

A couple of weeks ago, I made my seemingly annual summer trip to the Big Apple to speak at Columbia University. Only this time, instead of bringing my wife, Marvelyne, I also drugged my parents.

My dad was celebrating his 70th birthday the day we arrived and he wanted his first trip to the city to be one he would never forget. And I’m pretty sure we accomplished that, and more!

In six hours, Dad took his first limo ride, tasted the world’s best soul food, mastered the subway, walked Times Square, and of course caught a glimpse of some of New York’s “colorful” people. Not a bad time for a self-admitted Missouri hillbilly!

As we rode the D train uptown, we had another experience that sums up New York for me. A guy stood up on the subway and, with all the finesse of a master speaker, he began to speak to the passengers.

“My name is BLUE and I’m a local New York City poet. I’ve written four books, most recently, ‘Don’t Hit Your Kids Or They’ll Become Like Me.’ It includes one of my favorites, ‘A Good Way to Knowing you’re in a bad neighborhood is when you see a lot of churches.'”

We all laughed at the titles which, of course, was their intention. But actually, BLUE is a serious businessman. I mean, he’s taken the time to write, edit, publish, and market at least four books. He has a website up and running. And instead of relying on conventional sales methods, he’s pounding the pavement (errr riding the subway) promoting his art AND providing passengers with some entertainment.

Being an author, I am often asked how to write a book. Many people have a dream, a thought, a vision of writing, but don’t know where to start. I know that feeling very well! However, when people get down to business and learn how much time, energy, and money it will take to publish the book, they often decide to leave it as a dream. The investment seems like a lot if there isn’t a sure major publishing contract in the offer. BLUE is NOT one of these people!

Not everyone can get their books in bookstores and within reach of a national audience. (Actually, MOST people can’t.) It doesn’t really matter if the quality of the writing beats Shakespeare, and the plot is the next Harry Potter. If no one knows about it, it’s like it doesn’t exist at all.

What impressed me the most about BLUE is how he is out there, not living on a dream, but doing what he can to make that dream come true. You may not have a million dollar advance with a major publisher, but you have a knack for being in front of an audience and you use that knack every day on the train. He exemplifies the “Change the things you can” message my audience sees, and I’m proud to have been able to witness his art in his natural setting.

With all the economic problems and corporate problems, everyone seems really focused on getting by, day by day. Who can follow a dream when there is rent to pay, food to buy, debt to pay? There’s this whole practical side of life to deal with, right?

I’m big on reality and I do what needs to be done to survive. I also know this: if we expect every detail to be perfect, we’ll probably never see our dreams come true. Because? Because perfection does not exist.

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, setting, etc., look around you. See what you CAN do… right now. When we change our life, touch our community, help our neighbor, follow our dream, then we can truly see how our individual actions can help change the world.

PS And if you want to learn more about BLUE’s poetry, check him out on FaceBook: Brad Bathgate