I learned I couldn't walk on water at a very young age. My grandparents
had a summer cottage just outside the P.H. Hoeft State Park north of Rogers
City, Michigan. Wonderful sand beach and swarms of tiny minnows along the
shore of Lake Huron. I found the minnows in the shallows extremely fascinating,
I followed them up and down the beach not knowing of course I was chasing
them! When they had enough and decided to swim out to deeper water where
this little kid wasn't terrorizing them, I followed. As my head disappeared
underwater, my grandfather grabbed me, applied a well directed swat to my
behind and explained the error of my way. Seems I had also soaked a brand
new pair of shoes - not recommended either.
Then there was the problem of running away from home. At least that's how my
parents saw it. I really wasn't, but I loved music, and the high-school band practiced
all summer. Every time they would come down Larke Ave., I disappeared. I was
scolded, which made me feel badly, but the next time the band marched past I followed
them again. Grandmother came up with a solution. There was a long clothesline in
the yard, to which they tied a rope, and I wore a leather harness when out in the yard.
It wasn't cruel, I had lots of places I could play, I just wouldn't be following the band
anymore. Ya right! I honestly don't know how I accomplished it, but after the band
went by, the harness and my little summer dress were on the lawn. I was not.
A 3-year old in underpants following the band in pure wide-eyed joy was not exactly
what my parents were prepared for. This time they just went to the High School and
waited for the band to come back. I don't know what the punishment was for that one.
The next one probably changed my life. All my neighborhood friends were off to the
first day of school in the fall. Seemed like a good idea, so I went to school too. But
my parents hadn't registered me for school - I was four. I knew where I lived of
course, the phone number and all that, so the Principal called my mother and told her
I was in school. I truly wish I knew my mother's end of that conversation, but the
outcome was . . . I started school!
Those three events probably tell more about me then - and now - as anything could.
The curiosity, enthusiasm and love of learning are still here. I still have a 'child-like'
wonderment about the world around me. The passion is still here and is what creates
and fuels this website.
Fly fishing has been a part of my life since I first learned to cast my Grandfather's
telescopic steel rod, with a hard-cover book under my elbow, at age eleven.
I know I will never learn everything there is to learn about fly fishing - a blessing in itself.
With the help of my friends I do find great joy in passing the knowledge and
traditions of fly fishing on. I sincerely hope you share my joy - and find a
way to continue the legacy. ~ LadyFisher
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