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December 29th, 2008
Don Quixote
By James Castwell
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'Tis an unkind thing I have done unto you.' No, that is not a quote
from some famous something or other, it is just a bit of perhaps the
truth. Years ago I had an assignment to write a few columns about
casting and for a myriad of reasons, unclear yet to me this day, chose
to cloak them under a 'nom de plume,' that is, a pen name. I had
loved from the first reading the name of Mr. Castwell in literature
and stole it for my own use.
Over these past many years now I have continued to do shamelessly
so. So shamelessly in fact that at times I assume the persona of said
gentleman and promote enlightenment in the world of fly casting. So
much so that in fact, I (J Castwell) seem to have taken on a life of my
(his) own. It would not be hard for you to come across me on a stream
and believe indeed that it was in fact me (J Castwell). You see how
intrinsically I (we) (they) have become entwined.
Now, I apologetically take it a licensed and measured step farther/further
(they may both apply). At this time you may be willing to grant me existence
if perchance you encountered me (we) or (us). However, someday, way
in the distant future I should hope, I may not be able to always present
myself in the flesh as it were. So, I do now proclaim that I shall continue
on my 'Don Quixote' venture for many millennia.
I have been accused in the past of being far to much like my
idol and do admit to a certain mind/mindless set that does not
separate us by the common six degrees. A certain splash of
'Cervantesness' doth show at times, but alas, never with any
degree of talent or creativeness of any note whatsoever. From
here on, I impudently step into the hallowed halls of the future
and proclaim my spot by so doing. The visage and persona will
giddily go forth and impishly appear roundabouts and though rarely
if ever witnessed, his presence will often be felt in both mind and
spirit. I too have gone about this fly fishing game with rod thrust
fervently forth in hopes of some conquest. Rod in hand, head in
the clouds, on I have gone. And chose to continue to do so.
I shall have every right to exist as any other. And to continue to
exist, if not in the flesh, at least in the very minds of those who
encounter the name in whatever places they may subject themselves
to delve. After all, would it not be a shame for such bravado and
unabashed humility to go for naught? Why should any possibility
of a chance encounter be robbed by some final resting place? Is
it not far better that some things continue as they are? Surely you
can not disagree with such a premise. I thought not. Thank you.
So there you have it. I shall remain with you and yours to come. Time,
no longer my enemy, but now my companion, I welcome you with 'tilted'
lance or long rod, have it as you would sir. We shall go wading the
streams of time and memory at the same instant as a movie figure can
be on many screens at a time.
Perhaps I have dealt a savage blow to my recreation. If so, forgive
me as it was not my intention. Rather to give soul, if not body, to that
spirit which hovers about the streams of my memory and may inhabit
yours as well. Glimpses of those I have met, real or imaginary, now
too late for me to determine which live with me still.
We are unique, each of us, at once creating our memories and at the
same time cataloging them. I trust there will be room for J Castwell,
the modern DQ. Look for me. I shall not be far. I shall not be far. ~ James Castwell
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