Hi Kim, I thoroughly enjoyed the post. It is fun to talk to someone and hopefully pass on one tidbit that may start the journey of seeing, whether it is painting or photography. I totally got the comment about the photographs never live up to the true experience. That is where we as artists get to modify in some way to catch the feeling instead of copying what we saw. As for mixing the two worlds, combining the two parts of my life, it is not easy. Just like you said, they encourage me, and some even love what I do. But for the most part, they don't understand me at all. To them, it is frivolous in many ways. I don't let it bother me except the times I feel like I get ignored because mostly they never ask about my life. I only occasionally feel a little hurt. But... that is my problem and 99 percent of the time it does not bother me. I think it has made me a better person in that I always try to ask about theirs! Love you and miss seeing you!