Great read, Don. I could have easily highlighted every word for the truth it carried.
I have never done well with rules either, and approached them in much the same way you do.
Today at 70, and I live in Oaxaca. I walk my camera every morning for 3 to 4 miles. Hey, we both need the exercise!
I've got the playback turned off on my camera, and don't look at the images until I get home. Then I choose a handful, write the story they tell me, and publish it here.
Life can be so simple, and rich, without all those damn rules!
Thanks for the reminder. All the best to you.