Thank you Fred for the very nice homage to the many people who were, for various reasons, not able to follow their dreams. I think you
could have also included many hundred other classes, with at least 200 million other people in the US alone. Many books could be
written about those people unable to embrace their passion. It goes without saying, again, that nobody here is looking down on them..
This thread diversion, however, is about those who have decided to follow their dreams in photography and chose not to rely on the very
reflexive, "yeah but I have a 40 hour a week job." Personally, I find those stories much more interesting and rewarding, especially
understanding how those people were able to accomplish their goals and still lead regular family lives without compromise. It's wonderful
that some have the drive and determination, will take some risk, and are able excel. You may feel differently, but in my book they are worthy of celebration.
Fortunately, for the benefit of others, there are people like that across all disciplines and professions.
>>> And I have much respect for the single woman who manages a 40-hour-a-week job and takes care of other responsibilities she's
taken on.
And thank you for the hat-tip to my mother. However, despite her enormous responsibilities and living in difficult times, being a very
determined person she was still able to pursue her passion, which happened to be art.