Thank you all, gentlemen. You're right, that guy in the photo isn't the same guy who's writing this. Growing this beard and, more important, the realization that, deep down, I really wanted to grow a big beard, followed by the months of coming to realize that, changed me. I see it, my wife sees, it my friends and colleagues see it. As I've said before, I feel that I now look like the guy who's been buried somewhere in my psyche. It goes without saying that I couldn't have arrived at that without the camaraderie and openness of this board.

I make no claims that I'll keep this beard forever. If I've learned anything in almost 50 years on this earth it's that I have no ability to predict how I'll feel in the future, and growing this beard was a major part of that. For now, though, this beard is what I want, and I've no plans of changing. Besides, I made a resolution to grow for another year untouched and, if anything, I'm stubborn!

If any of you fine fellows find yourselves in the Portland or Eugene, Oregon area give me a holler. I'd love to share a martini, or beverage of your choice, with you.

Cheers!
Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard
Last Edited By: Tom E Feb 2 16 8:58 PM. Edited 1 times.