Photographer?

I love to take pictures.  Flowers, hills, clouds, people, food, animals... whatever... I just love to take pictures.  I like to make "art" of my memories and help capture memories for other people too.  Now, since I did not go to college for 4+ years, have a degree, or know all the in's & out's of how do do everything and all the vocabulary that goes with it.... Because I am not an expert on aperture or ISO settings, does this mean I am not a photographer?  Hmmm...  Isn't a PHOTOGRAPHER a person who takes photographs?  I know I am not a "professional" in that I do not have my own business or take pictures for a living, but would the lack of a degree keep me from doing that?  I wonder... does every "photographer" out there hold a degree in photography?  Does anyone ever ask "do you have a degree?" or ask to see any type of certification before hiring a photographer or going to a studio to get their portrait taken?  I never have.  How do you know unless you ask? 
All I know is... I love to take pictures and I think I am pretty good at it.  I need to learn the functions and abilities of my camera and use them to my advantage.  I need to practice, practice, and then practice some more.  I need to study the software and learn the tricks to editing effectively.  I need to learn how to do some graphics so I can be more creative.  I need to learn about business and how to run one properly.  I know there are many things I need to learn or get better at... but I do consider myself a photographer.  Amateur?  Yes... but a photographer nonetheless!  https://www.facebook.com/BrenKenPhoto
When you look at my photos or talk to me about taking pictures, please don't start telling me about "so & so" who is a "real" photographer, just to knock me down.  I don't need that.  I know very well, that I am not a professional and never claimed to be.  I know very well that I do not make money off my work.  I know very well that there are a lot of photographers out there that are more skilled and are better than me.  I don't need to be reminded.  When you do that to me... it makes me feel like dirt, like my work is meaningless because I am not a "professional".  If you don't like my work... Tell me why you don't like my pictures, be constructive... but don't just knock me down.  Mean people suck.