Lately I find that our sport is not holding my interest quite as well as it used to. I have also noted that some of our members have disappeared from the board or really cut back on posts. Some have passed away, some have decided not to post anymore, many have other activities with the warmer seasons and I suspect that some, like me, are loosing interest in our sport and the board.
If any have left on my account I apologize for that. Lately I find myself becoming more and more solitary. My tolerance and patience has been worn thin by some of the personal things I am going through. Perhaps that is why the board just no longer feels like home to me. I have always been the lone wolf. Lately I find my self yearning more for the tranquility of solitude. Perhaps in some way I am being selfish but I think not. I have never been a “people person”.
I have been thinking on this a lot as of late. I feel that I no longer belong on this forum. To those that have befriended me I am very grateful and hope our friendships continue. Yes I know I have left the board before but this I must do for the sake of the others on this board and for myself. Too many times as of late I find myself having to restrain myself from laying into some poor soul. I hate feeling that way, it is no fault of anyone here, so I think the best thing for me to do is simply bid you all farewell.
I have shut off my PM function and please, I do not want to discuss this. I have too many other things happening right now.
Seems you made a free & personal choice and that’s fine. Whether one uses this board daily,weekly,monthly etc… is their choice. Me? I participate in the board when I find interesting points of discussion. Like TV -no one forces you to watch. If you’re losing interest in fly angling then there’s always golf or online poker…
I noticed that you haven’t been posting much about flyfishing of late. When you get your health issues behind you you may find more enthusiasm for other things. Someone (at least that pesky saltwater bluegill guy:D) will be here when you get back.
Nighthawk,
Take care of yourself, and let us know how you are doing every once in a while.
Sometimes you just have to cut back to where you find some peace.
Best wishes, and stay well.
Eric,
We haven’t talked much to each other here, but I’ve always enjoyed your posts, and am concerned for your welfare. I’ve been dealing with a few health issues as well, and with a wife who’s health nearly confines her to bed. These things can be daunting, and can mess with your psyche, as well as your well-being. Please don’t sit and watch cable news all day, or sequester yourself and listen to melancholy music. It can really mess with your head. In the spirit of “take my advice, I’'m not using it”, take a break from your normal routines, and find something new to do. There’s always something interesting available to occupy your interest, and perhaps light new fires. It doesn’t have to relate to fishing. Do eat and sleep well, and get out of the house a couple of times a week. Most importantly, find someone who needs a helping hand, and then help. That will do wonders for your mind and soul, (and your body, if it’s something physical). Check in now and then, and let us know what you’re up to. You have friends here.
I hope to see you posting here again when things in your life are less stressful. I hope you’ll talk to your doctor about the stress that’s going along with all the rest of things. That is just as important to keep under control as your blood sugar, etc. Take care, and we all look forward to seeing you here again when you can enjoy your hobbies without feeling like you are under so much pressure.
I too find myself going in other directions this summer. My boys are home for maybe their last summer together and I find myself spending all my available time with them. We also have been taught how to turn wood on the lathe we’ve had in the corner for many years so I come home from work and they’re both in the shop, one turning wood, one drilling, gluing and I join them. Last night I grabbed my portable tying desk and tied up some bluegill flies while watching and listening to them.
Momma came out about 7:30 and rang the dinner bell. I looked up and she was crying as she realized times have changed and may never be the same.
NH, thank you for your pm’s and sharing on the board. I too will be lurking and not quite as active. Maybe when fall comes…I may be back with more gusto.
I, too, haven’t been posting much lately, but it’s computer issues and spending time out fishing instead of here talking about it and family issues and the occasional health thing and yard work, and… well you get the picture. Nothing to do with you. In fact I’ve generally enjoy your posts. I’d hate to see 'em go, but like Betty said, we’ll be here when you feel like coming back.
Eric, Good luck in life’s path, if it brings you back, I look forward to talking with you again. I have noticed that B-Boards are in a constant movement, look at the Friends of FAOL list and look at those who you never hear from. Life moves on and so must we.
Hey Eric, I understand. I just want to let you know that I always relate to your posts…I’m a lone wolf myself, and some of the personal issues you’ve shared are the same as mine…and I look forward to your return to the boards.
Dave
Dear friends, I know many of you have not posted because you still feel grief for JC’s leaving us. Me too. I’ve had great difficulty in just saying “thank you” for all the wonderful comments about him. But life goes on, and it, and FAOL will do just that. There are neat new things coming - some which will make the site more fun, some to make it easier to find what you want. Some of these things have been in process for over a year - but now they will be done. Thanks to all of you who have been so loyal and loving. I will not soon forget.
I’m a guy who hates change. Don’t like to see people go, but do like to see new ones appear… go figure! Like many other things, this site has changed, but I always felt for the better. I always hope that there will be a place for all who want to participate on FAOL, especially those who carry on the spirit of camaraderie and good will that has always seemed to be present here.
I also hope that those who leave here, willingly or unwillingly will be remembered and welcomed back at the proper time.
Eric I have always enjoyed your company but I understand. I go warm and cold about faol as well. I have been having a hard time getting used to the fact that Jim is no longer with us and have not been very active of late. I will miss your straight up no nonsense advice from time to time. Take care my friend.
Roger
I know you’re here. Aren’t you? You are. I know you are… Anyway,…
I was a bit absent for a while not too long ago. I still lurked around but wasn’t posting much. Maybe some folks noticed, maybe not. I was just kinda bored with things for a while. Not FAOL really, but things in general. Needed a little spice in my life, I guess.
I can’t say as I found any spice, but the mood to post here again returned. I haven’t been out fishing enough to write anything for the Warmwater section yet, but that too will come back at some point.
Eric, stick around. You don’t have to be the most active poster, just wait for the mood to return and then pop in a say, “Hey.” Someone said, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” And it does occasionally. I appreciate you, not only as a friend here on FAOL, but as a fellow veteran and supporter of those who serve. I just think you need to know that.
For EVERYONE else who’s reading this… Yes, I know you’re there. I appreciate all of you, too.
Eric,
As rainbowchaser stated, I’LL always be here, although I haven’t posted much lately due to Maggie’s upcoming wedding & my new job.
You have to take care of yourself & Amy, so I respect your wishes, but I WILL be talking to you soon. As was already posted, we will all welcome you upon your return. …Until then,
God Bless,
Mike
