Lynn, Weighing the pros and cons almost makes a balance here.

If you left out the what if's, what do you see as your ultimate choice?

You certainly have the drive and energy, do you have the desire as a passion?

If your preferred method of living is through art and writing, lets start a brainstorming session. Maybe all our heads together can hit on something or conjure up an idea that will work for you.

"It only takes ONE idea to spin a change that hasn't come yet" (Hey, I just thought that up, lol)

Let me stir up some braindust and start i.e., How can you get some paid presentations....is there a 'workshop" you could create for (medical,police,???) personnell that need to know more about DV and your book?

Can you access funding to help get this pilot project off the ground?

I am sorry I focused more on this and not college(I believe in Education too at any age) but I like the idea of confronting violence against women. Wished we lived closer, we'd be a team...and find a way.
Good Luck girlfriend, I am here to help in any way I can. There has to be a way to do what you're doing and make a living too. Nothing is impossible, we just don't know how to do it yet.(I didn't make that one up, but I believe it)

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chick