RODMAKERS June 11, 2005 Newsletter

 

Yesterday, my liberal PHD friend from Austin called to tell me his analogy of the events in Iraq.  Now, I as an ex marine and staunch conservative that expects to be led and informed by elected politicians, and depend on the Fox channel for news and current events, don’t share my buddies overall view of the world but do enjoy his dry wit and keen sense of humor.  I continually remind my buddy the glass is ‘half full’, not ‘half empty’ meaning when the glass was poured full and the first half of its contents consumed, I remain optimistic.  Now that the glass is only half full, I have acquired experience about what I have consumed.  At the risk of getting to philosophical and relating to our boys that have died or are dying in Iraq, I think of the first half of that glass representing our knowledge of the meaning of freedom and the potential of the individual, and the eventual consumption as experience gained from lessons learned i.e. Korea, Viet Nam; but my buddy only views his glass as being half empty, fretting about what is to become of us when the glass is dry.  His analogy on Iraq was that of his neighbor stomping fire ants in his back yard while exclaiming “I’m winning, I’m winning”!  I must confess, it took me a short while to appreciate his analogy but I do find it humorous.

 

 My glass remains ‘half full’ and I am therefore optimistic about change in the new generation, their knowledge gained from our experience.  We can teach others based on our experience but the real 'teacher' are the mistakes we make and consequence we endure.  Actions that influence are for the young – analogies and wisdom come from consuming the first half of that glass – take it from one that has consumed more than his share – Screw it!  Go fish!  In the long run with the finish line in sight, what could be more important!  I appreciate my buddies humor and analogy but give me a choice based on experience, I’ll figure it out!

 

For all of us that chose to propagate, Happy Father’s Day!  Should you need further encouragement to go fish, direct those wishing to pay homage to their father or husband by having them come to the shop for high tech quality rods, reels, lines, maybe a Boga grip or at worst, a gift certificate enabling you to make the choice of how you would like to spend the bounty they may bestow upon you.  I have fly rods from 2 weight to 13 weight finished and ready for a personalized inscription; spinning rods, casting rods and for the overworked and underappreciated fathers that may want to enter the realm of fly fishing, I will provide free fly fishing and casting lessons from Col. Randy Bland with my hopes you will acquire equipment I can provide.  Recently I have been building numerous small trout rods from ‘00’ weight to 4 weight for those anticipating mountain fishing and in my opinion, these are the same people that prefer to fight a bear with a switch than a rifle!

 

The October 15^th to 20^th and October 20^th to 25^th fishing expedition to the Yucatan I have described in detail in earlier emails, has two remaining spots for fisher’s in each group.  I expect these spots to fill up within the next week or so and remember, there are additional spots for non fishers available at only $600 all inclusive!

 

Remember, I WILL BE CLOSED JUNE 26^TH THROUGH JULY 11^TH;  a time in which I will replenish my glass with my sons and grandchildren fly fishing the northern reaches of Rainy Lake in Canada.  Come see me in the shop and take some time for yourself.

 

Dennis O. Freeman
rodmaker@rod-makers.com
13457 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX 78216
210-479-3477