A year in the life of an FAOL?er (not FF)

A year goes by pretty fast. Looking back over the Blogs, articles and journals, I wonder how so much can happen in a year!

I went from less than 10 days on the water in 2008 to over 30 in 2 1/2 short months in 2009 (the season starts late here). There are still a couple of months left this season and I intend to make the most of them.

When I look over the events of 2008-2009 can draw one general conclusion:
The community of beings that make up FlyAnglersOnline is one fine bunch of individuals.

I say “Community” because if community means:

com⋅mu⋅ni⋅ty
[kuh-myoo-ni-tee]
?noun, plural -ties.

  1. ?
  2. ?
  3. a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists (usually prec. By the): the business community; the community of scholars.

Copyright (c) 2009, Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.

… then in today’s terms of reference, we do share a common interest (guess) … and I find that the sense of caring, fellowship and outreach are all qualities “lacking” in the “larger society”.

Secondly, I say “Individuals” because each and every one of the members I have read, exchanged with or met have all been unique and special people.

The past 12 months were pretty tough on the home front. I truly thank each and every one of you for the support and prayers you sent.

I guess the year is pretty easy to sum up:
[ul]
[li]I haven’t been banned, … so I haven’t done anything dumb on the Board;[/li][li]The Warden"s still shake my hand when I arrive on the river, so I haven’t done anything dumb on the river;[/li][li]Old and New friends in Cyberspace are still return my e-mails and phone calls, so I haven’t done anything dumb in the on the Internet;[/li][li]A Salmon will still rise to my dry fly, so I haven’t offended the greater being who looks after fish.[/li][/ul]
Thanks for putting up with me for the past 12 months. Here"s to many more together on FAOL (now I gotta prepare for 3 days of fishing).

As Dave B says: “Screaming reels to ya!”

Chris,

This site is a better place because you are part of it. Enjoy your 3 days of fishing bliss.

Great post, Chris. I think alot of folks on this board would echo the same sentiments regarding the fine people that make this forum what it is.

Hey Chris,
I’m not as “touchy,feely.cuddly,family etc” about this site as many are BUT, It’s people like YOU that make me stick around. You are a practical contributor without the emotional glitz etc. After all, this is ONLY a fly fishing website and NOT a CHURCH in which to worship. Thanks for your participation and contributions.

Mark

PS: Tight lines on your fishing trip

Chris

I know you’ve been through a lot these past 12 months. As you’ve pointed out, some good and some not so good. But your character has shown through.

Tightlines…Dave

FAOL and fly fishers/tyers in general are a wonderful community with may fine individuals of character and substance. 8T :slight_smile:

8T …

…fine individuals of character and substance

It’s the Substance I have to personaly manage … seems the wading belt keeps shrinking each season. It must do that over the winter when it finally gets a chance to dry properly in the garage :wink: