And the day came for the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin

And the day came when the risk to remain in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom.

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive and it is only by this meeting that this new world is born.

The shell is America's most active contribution to the formation of character. A tough hide. Grow it early.

Life is truly known only to those who suffer, lose, endure adversity and stumble from defeat to defeat.