Yes Ally, study is indeed hard and therefore worthwhile, although not always because it ensures a good livelihood but because it leads to enlightenment. Unfortunately, above a certain level of enlightenment you begin to see the world around you with less fascination, at times, when before wonderment tingled, a feeling that trumps understanding. Which is healthier for the mind? As you ride the escalator of education you might see the masses huddled in there dark places begin to congeal into hatred and superstition and you are the alien presence. Not that I would know anything about that. Enlightenment is expensive. My escalator is jammed. I'm sitting in a dark place right now and I'm sure I just put my fingers into something congealed ... yuck!
Nature is a balm, and to my mind so is photography, so when things get tough, get away from it or a while. You have the right idea. Just lay in the grass and let the kinglets come to you. The first time I ever saw a GCK was in the grass. Eventually I even took a shot of one in the grass just like you did, except that I like your photograph better.
The books will always be there but autumn is fleeting. Inhale it and then exhale some of it on this board. Make it an artist's palette and your studying will bloom with retention and understanding.
Early Morning
