WHY?

“WHY?” Have you ever asked yourself why you fish or why you wield a camera?  What is your purpose, intent, focus?  Certainly it is different for each of us. It is a deep question and similarly results in a long answer.  I have spent a considerable amount of time pondering the question…”WHY?”

This post is not a feeble attempt to step up on a pedestal and spray.  Much to the contrary, I pray. I humbly ask the question with hope that you may also discover your own truths.

My own process for figuring out what that question means has been different over the past several years.  It has been a journey and one that I am not fully sure will ever end.  It is deep, occupied much of my time, given me hope, kicked me in the cojones, and at one point nearly had me leaving it all behind.

In the end the “WHY?” came down to a simple truth… “Love”.  So simple, what does that truly mean? A simple answer to a question that consumed and nearly devoured me as a person.  The conclusion is a lengthy answer.  It is personal and is sacred, yet something I am open to sharing.  Maybe sharing my experience with you,  helps you understand your own “WHY?” and better appreciate one another?

Flyfishing is a part of me.  I grew up in a good home with good parents.  I didn’t have a Father who took me fishing or camping, but that never really has mattered.  What did matter is that I grew up with an appreciation for wildlife, landscapes, and people.  My Father was the guy everyone wanted to be around, I just wanted to be like him.  He taught me a lot about people and my Mothers love was a perfect example of a woman without guile.

I spent my teenager years playing hockey, painting, drawing, photographing, and “yes flyfishing”.  It’s a part of who I am and it is not easily explained. The love my parents show towards people has instilled in me a desire to share my work and life’s blessings with you.

Photographing has blessed my life with relationships. I value friendship and the contacts I have made.  I am not in the game to be a flyfishing writer or to make a living photographing the beautiful fish and water however, that would be nice.

I  romance the idea of one day being able to have the freedom of being a “full time Dad”.

“WHY?” does this post matter to you?  Maybe, ask yourself.  It is simple… “let’s just go fish”.