I have a great friend here in Maine. His name is Roger. Roger is "visually challenged" (Or "Blind"). We once worked together, providing tech support "for a major ISP." Roger and I first connected because Roger needed a ride, and he lived close by. Roger proved to be an invaluable friend, and persuaded me to begin exercising my creative energies again. Roger inspired me to enter a poetry contest so I could finally say "I was published." Roger also inspired me to pursue my artistic talents, and that led me to Poser. The ironies: My best friend can't share directly in my greatest visual joys. Due to the instability of Internet-related businesses, Roger was the first to lose his job while I saved mine by agreeing to work in a different city. Then I lost my job and he got his back. Now Roger is in need of a ride for about a month, and I have plenty of time. I volunteered to drive Roger back and forth to work, a total 70 miles in the morning, and in the evening. If I hadn't stepped in, Roger would have needed to stay at a friend's house 35 miles away. I just couldn't see my friend needing to sleep on someone else's couch, away from his wife and home. The upshot of all this: I'll have less time to play. I need to also find my own job and tend to household chores. Oh, and let's not forget that health club. If I fade out a bit, don't worry. I am around.. I just don't have so much time and energy. Ron

I am so sorry about your recent misfortunes. I know it sounds corny but something always works out...

The big thing here is that I am able to really "give back" to a good friend. This guy is one of the nicest, most talented people I know. He has only one limitation: He can't drive a car! Believe me, I am getting a great thrill just by riding with Roger again!

Ron, I found that "driving time" is some of my best creative time. You may find that some of your best work is just around the corner.

Good deeds always are their own reward. Your friend inspired you twice so far, maybe the fates have arranged the magical number 3. Your generosity is hardly suprising with all your help here.

I agree with PabloS...my best ideas come when I am driving or flying. Remember, too, the kind things we do in life always, always come back to us. Reading your message took me back to the 13 years I spent in Maine.....where there are only 2 big malls and driving an hour to go to the movies is normal. Takes some getting used to, but sure is purrdy.

Put "service-minded, w/ a good sense of priorities and a fine sense of humor" on your resume, Ron. Seems to be very, very true. Hope to see you back in full Poser action soon.

Ron I came to us from brazil to learn the computer graphics craft, left behind a daughter, family and friends, .... Well I ended up seing that I couldn't do art without them.... Today I have my trip back allready booked, just finishing up my cc bill s and I'm gone, I'll loose all the tech side, the big companys where the big money is... but then, and only then I'll be able to do ART again.... Maybe now you are doing your real art as the same as I will... We don't need big comps, we don't need eyes, all we need is what lays insied.... take care and I know you will make it happen vinnie

Vinnie I can understand your story and how you just couldn't create or feel alive without your family. Maybe one day you can bring your family back to the US, and then you can have it all?! Let's just say "in a former life," I had a woman and beautiful girls, briefly. "Life and troubles" split us apart, and I thought I would die. I wanted to die. I floundered for a couple years till I found Dodi, my wife over the internet. I had felt a calling to Maine for years, or decades. I couldn't quite figure it out. Stephen King, my favorite author lives here, but that wouldn't be enough to call me here. I had never lived in Maine before. Dodi had moved here only a few short years before we reunited. Dodi came here to start a new life near a woman friend she had met during seminary in Maine. Dodi's friend was the minister at our wedding, in the church where Dodi preaches. My Dad did the Sunday services while Dodi and I went to Portland (an hour away) and had our honeymoon. I do believe that my previous relationship, as special as it was, was a warmup for my marriage with Dodi. Dodi and I had "gone together" as shy teenagers (16 & 14 years old), and lost track of each other over the decades. Those early years were not a good time for us "to get serious." We had a journey, and growing to do, separately. We are more ready now.. although I was an absolute mess when I first flew up here to meet Dodi. I'm better now, thanks to her patience and love. And thanks to friends like Roger, Barry and my Renderosity friends! Ron

Attached Link: http://w3.ime.net/~rrc/

By the way, this is my friend Roger, in one of his favorite poses. Roger loves pizza, as I do! I collaborate with Roger to put together this web site. Roger can actually do HTML himself, from scratch. But he says he can't line up the pictures, so he has me to the work! Ron

Well ron I don't know about them coming to US... But I know that at some point down the road I hope to have money enough to do that, and stay here for a few weeks at a time.... I't weird cause now I'm not brazilian and not american.... maybe I've seen the best of both worlds..... And about girls.... well that's something else.... I also came to us to be with someone, unfortunaly it did not work.... Well it's part of life.... And if u guys ever come down to SF I'll be glad to offer all the pizza you guys can eat!!!!On me!!!! I work for a pizza parlor here.... Take care dude..... hehehehehhehehehhehe.... say hi to roger.....