Awesome post man! Thanks for the shoutout ;)

I think I would reconsider calling your photography a failure! You took some incredible pictures, learned a lot, and seem to have thoroughly enjoyed yourself for most of that process. If the success of a photographer is solely based on how much money one makes from their pictures, then I think many of us would be considered some sort of failure! I totally respect the fact that you had the gumption to move on to other things and embrace other hobbies once you got to the point that you weren't enjoying your photography anymore (I realize there were other factors as well, but enjoyment seems to have been a key one).

Thanks for sharing your story, and I would love to see your pictures if you take photography back up again! Portland seems like it would have awesome potential for photography. Also, for what it's worth, I love my Canon 6D!