I remembered that you used a Canon system but not which one, so thanks for posting your equipment list. LOL personally I would jump in feet first with a much better dslr and lens system than the 400D and let it pay for itself later, but three kids and one husband are a big reality check $ wise;)

Reference material is definitely a big issue as well, eventually I would like to sell prints of my artwork but I don't want to do that with ref photos from WC (or anywhere else).

I would LOVE to see what you can do with my photos in PS - I am learning slowly, most days there are just not enough hours to fit everything in! Do you have a 'standard' list of things you do in PS to every photo or just what is needed on an individual basis?

I must run and get dinner on (see never enough time!)

btw I totally envy your 2 days at the beach with the horses, talk about heaven!

Michelle