Fame and success are a two-headed monster,

Or is it one?

Bringing rich rewards for practice, performance, pleasure and pressure,

And luck.

And the kindness of strangers.

And critics.

Can you deal?

When not trying is not an option.

How much courage does it take to walk away from the dream?

To say no, I’ll tend my roses instead. I can deal with those thorns.

I will prick my fingers and grow the greatest roses.

Please don’t prick your fingers.

Put your gardening gloves on.

Every endeavor requires armor.

Dreams and reality both.

What’s the difference?