Rob, I just wanted to send you a quick card to show my appreciation for everything that you have done so far. I know you must get a lot of 'Thank Yous' from a lot of different people, but I find it important to express my gratitude towards you.

I thought that I had everything planned out in life. Get good grades in high school (check); go to university (check); take a science program (check); take the courses needed for medical school (check), then work my butt off until I got into medical school and became a doctor.....and I'd live happily ever after. Well, the plan started to fall apart. I mean, being a doctor would be fascinating and I would love to help people in that way, but I just felt empty. I wasn't exciting for me, I had no drive for what I was doing, and it began to show in my attitude and actions.

Now that I look back, I find it kind of funny that I had the plan that I did. I was always more of the artsy type. Loved to draw, paint, look at photographs....that is what intrigued me, but for some reason, I always took the science path. I always had a camera, and enjoyed taking pictures of nature and friends, but never really thought any more of it. Then I met Nathan's biological grandfather, who is a well known photographer in Nova Scotia, and he kind of opened my eyes. I spent hours and hours looking at all of his slides, and loved when he talked to me about his experiences. That's when fate started working I guess. He gave me one of his old SLR cameras to play and practise with. So I had this in one hand, and in the other, I wanted the knowledge of it. So I did some research on the internet, and came across your site, and read about your photography package, which included a posing book, marketing material, and different wedding material. After some debate, I jumped in and ordered it. When it came in, it was lie Christmas. I poured over those books with my hight lighter in one hand, notebook in the other and camera front of me. I watched those DVD's over and over again....I think I ended up annoying my roommate. Then I found out that you were actually from Sudbury! I couldn't believe that you were that close. I started practising with my camera, and ven won a couple local photo contests. But things didn't really start to happen until I joined No Bs months later. That's when the doors actually opened up for me, and I realized that if I worked hard enough, I might be able to make this work. And once again, if there such a thing as fate, it was working. Right when I joined the forum, I noticed a post that you and James would be in Toronto, and the invitation for supper was there. Normally, I wouldn't have even considered doing this, but for some reason, I decided to go. And luckily for me, Nathan agreed to come, so that I wouldn't be too nervous. That night truly changed the ours of my life. A corny as that may sound, it did. Meeting you and James, seeing and listening to your accomplishments,made me realize that I could do this. And then you said something to me, tha at first I thought was ridiculous, but not anymore. You asked me about my schooling, and told me to take tow years off, see if I can get my photography to work, and if not, go back and finish. It wa sonly two years I'd be "putting on hold."

This was crazy for me to think of doing. I always thought I had to go to university, get a degree and graduate. I thought people would be disappointed in me otherwise. Yes, that's right, at the time, I cared more what other people thought. It didn't occur to me that it was my life and I needed to make the right decisions for me, for my own happiness.

I talked Nathan's ears off for the next few weeks. And he kept saying, "If you could be like Rob and James, that would be awesome. I'd be so happy for you." This helped my confidence in my decisions grow, and I knew I had to take your advice.

I began downloading from the forum as much material a I could (and believe me, dial-up is very frustrating when it comes to this type of thing) and reading as many posts as possible. There were nightsI was staying up until 3 or 4 in the morning. I just couldn't get enough.

Then came an opportunity that really cemented my decision to take time off school and work on my photography. The photographer that photographed my wedding asked if I wanted to be a second shooter at a wedding she was doing. I eagerly agreed. It was the most amazing time ever. I enjoyed everything about it. And then I gave the bride a DVD of all my pictures, she gushed over them. And she actually said to me: "I like the pictures Carol took, but they don't compare to what you took. Yours actually tell the story of that day. Thanks you so much!" That made me feel good.

Somehow, I got the nerve to ask if I could come 'shadow' you at a wedding, not really thinking it would happen. Well, that worked out for me, and was an amazing experience. I learned so much from that, that it gave me something to aspire towards and hopefully one day weddings will comas flowing and comfortable to me as they seem to for you. Again, Nathan has to listen to me babble away for weeks afterwards about my plans and dreams and how happy I would be if I could become half as successful as you.

NSI (Niagara School of Imaging) was another wonderful experience. It's amazing to meet other photographers, many in the same boat as myself, many already quite accomplished. It is a motivation and encouragement all in one.I honestly thought m head was going to explode that week! And how thankful I was that I knew and felt comfortable enough to be able to talk to you about anything that was on my mind and I had questions about. That is one thing that is great about you Rob, you are willing to share your knowledge. Not everyone is as generous and patient as you are. The fact that you would spend your meals answering all those questions was wonderful. Just talking to you encourages me to do better and work harder. I mean, I know that I have along way to go, but that doesn't really bother me. I have always been a hard worker, and whenever I set my mind to something, I don't back down when the road gets a bit bumpy. And it's great to know that if I have questions, I can ask you and you will take the time to offer your advice and opinion.

Again, I almost didn't go to NSI,but at the last minute decided, why not!? Another amazing opportunity. I learn so much each time I am around you and James. You have sch knowledge to give. I have to admit it, there are times I wish Sudbury was closer, cause I would love to be able to shadow you more...you know learn from the best!

Rob, you have truly changed my life. You have given me such valuable information already, I get excited thinking about how much more I can learn from you. If my due date was not so close to the next workshop, I would be there in a heartbeat. If I could rent you for a week, I would!

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the person that you are. I'm sure it gets tough sometimes trying to balance family, work and the NO BSers, but you do a wonderful job at it. I always found it important to be a good person, and try to make a difference in at least one persons life while here on earth. And again, not to sound corny or anything, you have made a difference in mine! I know what I want wit my life, and know that through hard work I can get it. And you showed me this.

Thank you for being a mentor to me,

Jillian Bickle