orchid, about your boomer friend. We have a local artist who is wheelchair bound. He is one determined painter. He straps a brush to a hat he wears and paints like moving his head. When there's a will, there's a way.

I believe my son will always have this passion. I have a feeling he will be photographing and filming for the rest of his life. He is blessed to have discovered his passion at such a young age, and I often tell him that.

Danita, it's great to see you! I've heard that story before, but it's good to be reminded. Please tell us about your little girl once you are assigned.

As soon as our oldest left for college, Ross started mentoring a young fella at a local orphanage. He has visited him every single week, without missing one week, for over four years now. Last month Ross was mentor of the month. Yahoo. Anyway, he often questions what difference he is making in this child's life, if any. I trust that he is, but it's not always visible. My deepest concern is what will happen to this child when he is too old for the orphanage...

Methinks my friend has quietly left her art days behind. It's a struggle for her now to keep running her business --she works solo. She does engraving on jewellery, etc. She is a single, divorced mom. Her 2 children are around 19 yrs.

She's a real survivor...she's switched from cycling to...turbojam! And has lost 20 lbs. Now she is working towards teaching it.

Her art background/mentoring is probably bringing her closer to her daughter who has dreams of interior design.

I hope your hubby doesn't give up on his mentoring role. I bet he's a great listener for the youngster. How old is this boy?

He is now 12. I think that's right. He won't give up on him. The sad part is that the child can only stay another couple years and then he has to go somewhere else.