Fishing With Myself
January 16th, 2010 | 8 Comments
As I write this, the lovely fishing pole that Jody sent me for my birthday almost a year ago is leaning against the wall by my front door. The reel has been cranked a few times to demonstrate the cool flashing lights, but so far the rod has yet to be used to catch a fish. That’s something I think needs to be changed. There’s only one problem.
I’ve never gone fishing by myself.
When I was a kid my parents or grandparents took me fishing. When I grew up, my Dad, who is a dyed in the wool angler, took me fishing. I’ve never had to bait my own hook, set up my own rod and reel or take my own fish off the hook. I don’t have the first idea what should go in a tackle box or how to set up a rod properly for fishing. Even though I’ve been fishing several times over the course of my life, I really have no idea how to go about fishing, other than taking an already prepared rod and casting it from the boat or from shore. I am, in short, woefully uneducated when it comes to how to fish.
I’ve always enjoyed fishing and part of me is kind of dismayed that I don’t know more about it than I do. Of course, when I start thinking about fishing on my own, I remember hooks and the fact that I’m not all that great with sharp things. I remember slimy fish, and wonder if Jody will loan me some handi-wipes. I remember crawly worms, which are only a step away from snakes, and then I wonder if I could use flies or lures, until I remember I don’t know which flies or lures to use. As you can clearly see, I’m desperately in need of help and advice. That’s why I’m turning to all of you.
Those of you who fish, please share any advice that you would give a novice angler. What do you wish you’d known when you started fishing? What was the first time you went fishing on your own like? Please leave any tips or advice you’d like in the comments section.
In Praise of Winter
January 9th, 2010 | 6 Comments
My name is Kristine and I love Winter. I love the blinding whiteness of the snow when the sun shines on it. I love the vivid blueness of the sky on a cold day. I love the scribble of the bare branches covered with snow against a gray sky. I love the soft fall of snowflakes on a quiet night. I love being cozy and warm inside while it blows and snows outside. I love everything Winter has to offer.
Don’t get me wrong, I complain about the cold as much as anyone else. I’m not fond of wearing boots and layers and heavy coats so I don’t freeze when I go outside. I don’t like snow covered or icy roads and I’m not fond of whiteout blizzards while I’m driving. I’ve also done my share of slipping on a icy spot and landing on my behind. I’m not blind to the fact that Winter can have an inconvenient and at times downright dangerous side, I just think that the good outweighs the bad, at least in my opinion.
Winter has always been more my season than Summer. I suppose part of that is because I have skin that doesn’t always react that well when exposed to sun. In the Summer the sun is stronger and the air is hotter and the humidity is higher, all of which causes me to be a red skinned, frizzy, sweaty mess. I’m a creature of air conditioning, so the natural air conditioning brought by Winter suits me fine.
I think the thing I like best about Winter is that it gives me permission to stay indoors if that’s what I want to do. In the Summer, I feel like I should be outside taking advantage of the sun and warmer temperatures. In the Winter I have a built in excuse to stay at home and hibernate if I want. All I have to say is it’s too cold or the roads are too icy and everyone understands. I can spend my time in solitude and contemplation and inside and no one thinks it’s weird.
I suppose everyone has their favorite time of year. I’ve mentioned my reasons why Winter is my favorite time of year, now I’d like to hear why the particular time of year you like best is your favorite. Please leave a comment and share with me what season or time of year you like best.
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