Art or a "real job?"

[Michele Rushworth]

Perhaps your friend was simply jealous.

[Lon Haverly]

Jealous, maybe. But I think she is just impatient for my success. I have heard it said the the hardest times are just before the best ones. Part of the price of success, right, Anthony? We have to be patient with friends, but one tends to shy away from those who hurt you. My little hurt won't last, but it surely will not formulate my direction in life.

Michele, now I am singing "Garden Party the whole day!

When we were in school, the professor would throw out the lowest grade of the year. I guess that is what we have to do for our friends once in a while; toss out the low point of their character for the good of the rest.

[Thomas Nash]

Lon,

I just looked at your site and I can only guess that your friend doesn't really understand how much you have accomplished and how diverse and active you are. We can all consider ourselves lucky if we have even a handful of friends or acquaintances who really understand us. After-all, while we have been living our lives, they've been busy living theirs. Most can't be expected to know us even if they were to "walk a mile in our shoes" since all of us have traveled so much further than a mile to get to where we are. Even "friends" can be clueless.

I hope your medical issues improve, that's more important than anything.

We all need thick skins (I should know) in this business. When you do have that next level of success, don't be surprised to find that you simply get a new set of critics, those who are certain you must have sold your soul or else you wouldn't be successful!

The thousands of people who own and enjoy the drawings you have made over the years would beg to differ with your "friend". If asked, I'm sure that they would say that they not only approve of what you do but are very grateful that you were there to do it for them. There are many more like them out there. Your "friend" is hugely out numbered.

[John Reidy]

Lon,

I admire your patience and wisdom in your philosophy of "throwing out the lowest grade". And I hope you are correct when you say "the hardest times are just before the best ones". I must have some great times just ahead.

Your resolution is just what I needed at this time in my life. Thank you for sharing.

Best of luck, Lon, and keep up the good fight.

John

[Michele Rushworth]

I consider what I do to be a "real job". Yes, I'm self employed but so is my veterinarian brother-in-law. I work odd hours sometimes, but so does he. It took a lot of training to get my skills to where they are now, and it did for him, too. No one tells him to get a "real job".

I have deadlines to meet, bills to pay, income and expenses to balance, and so on. Sounds like a "real job" to me. I just happen to love what I do, just like my veterinarian brother-in-law.

[Chris Saper]

Henry,

You are so funny! My sister-in-law still refers to my studio as the "back bedroom."

I am also amazed at relatives who would like portraits done for free. I would never consider asking one of them to give up a month's income to do me a favor.

Still, I am so happy every day to go to my easel instead of to yet another frustrating, unproductive hospital budget meeting.

Lon, just remember, "WE are happier than they are."

[Lon Haverly]

Oh, man!!! Thanks to all of you for your support and kind words. I am grateful to be associated with this group. Thank you, Cynthia, for this site.