Nicely put, Bea! What Adam does really requires massive commitment of the time and mind. Thank you for putting this into words so clearly.A quick note about my thoughts on Adam and his absence.
It seems to me that when Adam is active on the forum, he pours his heart and soul into EVERY post. And that's not just the CDR- that's giving support and advice to people with tortoise questions on other threads.
And in the CDR he reads EVERY.SINGLE.POST., and responds to many. That is a MASSIVE commitment of time, energy and heart. It really is like a full time job but with much more heartfelt connection.
It is BECAUSE of his immersion in the CDR that it has become what it has. The people who resonate with his thoughts, feelings and style come and stay, and make it such a wonderful place.
When anyone, not just Adam, puts that kind of energy into something, then other parts of your life get left aside. And sooner or later you get a bit burnt out.
He takes breaks, as well he should. It doesn't mean he doesn't care. It just means he needs to pull away and reset.
Of course we miss him.
But he'll be back when the time is right for him. I hope it's before September (his birthdays month) but it will be what he needs. And we want him back as Our Adam: not as someone laboring under the burden of obligation, but as someone participating with joy.
So we carry on (in more ways than one!!!) and enjoy this lovely little world that is the CDR.
love and hugs to all, Bea/ Mooz
