In earlier times\u2014the Renaissance, for example\u2014it was assumed that people were capable of mastering many things. No one was accused of being a dilettante if they wrote poetry, ran a business, composed music, spoke several languages and fought a war or two. It was truly a self-fulfilling assumption since many people developed and enjoyed multiple talents and occupations.<\/p>\n
Although modern times have been less than encouraging, more of us are questioning the notion that we\u2019re only suited for a single path. When we were both speakers at a conference, I met a delightful man who has ignored \u00a0the single career option and instead shares his passions in numerous ways . Here\u2019s part of his biography:<\/p>\n
\u201cBruce Richardson is a musician, innkeeper, writer and tea entrepreneur who has introduced a state known for bourbon to the grand celebration of afternoon tea. With his wife Shelley, Bruce has transformed a 150-year-old Greek Revival mansion into what travel writers commonly refer to as Kentucky\u2019s premier tea room.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 1990, when Shelley and Bruce restored Perryville\u2019s historic Elmwood Inn as their home, they included bed and breakfast accommodations and a tea room. Within five years, they ceased taking overnight visitors to concentrate completely on their tea business.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter numerous requests from Elmwood\u2019s customers, they began organizing their recipes into books. Their first book, A Year of Teas at the Elmwood Inn<\/em><\/strong>, was followed by a second volume, A Tea for All Seasons<\/em><\/strong>. Bruce also authored The Great Tea Rooms of Britain<\/em><\/strong> and The Great Tea Rooms of America.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 In addition, he did the photography for Elizabeth Knight\u2019s Tea in the City: New York<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n