Ignition
We asked my son William where his friends were going for Spring Break and the answers were quite astounding. I don't remember them all, but China was the first thing out of his mouth... I had a trip to China scheduled for us all but I heard that SARS was making a comeback so I cancelled it and we asked my sister Carroll if we could come to the beach. It wasn't so much that I thought one of us was going to get the virus. I just get uncomfortable seeing all those short people in surgical masks...
With Mao Tse-Tung set aside, William, SJ and I loaded up and set out for Southeast Texas. First stop Beaumont to see Momma and Daddy. I called at noon to surprise them, but had to call back at 1 because they were still asleep. Age sure changes things.
I remember the days of Paw Paw's loud rousting of all within ear shot. The man did not like people sleeping late. You could always hear his footsteps before the words. The progression was: Florsheim's on wood. A loud clear of the throat and then, "Wiiiilllll" or "Sunshine of the Ozarks" or "Come on Now time to Get Up!" On Tuesday morning it was silence and that made me long for days gone by.
After a short visit with the Matriarch and Patriarch of all that is crazy the kids packed the car on their own for the first time in their lives. Somehow I managed to bitch about the way they did it. I just can't help but look a gift horse in the mouth... When the middle aged man was done rearranging ( which meant unload and put everything back exactly where it was) we were off.
Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Catfish
The weather man was "shockingly" wrong so it was beautiful when we arrived in Galveston. I've suggested to Sarah that if she'd like a job in which she can be wrong 75% of the time and not get fired weather woman is a field to look into. As a matter of fact the weather was good all week. The beach water warm, the tempature enough for a long sleeve shirt at sunrise and after dark and a breeze that stayed below gail force.
Firing a top water from the kayak Thursday morning I realized, not for the first time, just how fine our little part of the world is. Cruising down the Intracoastal headed to Kemah, recounting old adventures with Dad to the kids, the wonders continued to reveal themselves. Watching the kids land rat reds and flounder from the dock I was as content as I've been in a long time.
Deep breaths such as this short intake down in Galveston allow you to quiet your mind. I don't know about you, but I really need it. If you stay still long enough you can catch some wonderful moments.
I watched William grow up in front of my eyes as he unknowingly flashed his blue eyes and bright smile at Kaki Duhner on the boat; Saw Sarah Jane hold onto the anchor rope so as not to fly out while she gracefully held court with the older kids. Sitting on the dock in the dark SJ joined me in her PJs just to get in one last cast. All as cool as it gets for a dad. I bet many of you had the same kind of moments. If not last week, not long ago. Access that hard drive in your brain and let the memories flow. They are filed away not far from the surface and they work like a battery charger for a soul that might need the extra bars...
I made it to the deck just before sunrise everyday. It was Mike Petitt that told me that going on the chicken schedule was a pretty good deal. Crowing with the sunrise and in the rack not long after the sun goes down. I think he's on to something. I might just have to show up at Petitt's place on East Bay just to make sure it works the same over there. Research you know... Big trout research.
Curiosity and Imagination
The outdoors is like a spark for the imagination and creativity. Unfortunately for us old folks our fuse is a little short. Kids however...
I watched William rig a hand line in lieu of a rod and reel just as I had done many years before. I recalled loading a box with croaker on hand lines tied to every ice box handle, tackle box, oar mooring and anchor in our old row boat the Stella. William had the whole crew of kiddos at his heels as he caught tiny minnows, iridescent jelly fish and prehistoric looking sea worms ( not my favorite thing to know is in the water while I'm wade fishing) in a net. He kept the minnows, creatures and even a croaker alive in the bait box. Changing batteries in the aerator when the croaker looked sluggish. When the croaker survived over night the young researcher gave him a life reprieve for its outstanding fortitude. He ceremoniously released the little fellow with well wishes of "good luck".
The questions that my son asked me were incredible and I had about as much chance of answering them correctly as I would have answering a calculus problem. In his eyes I could see his brain working, his hypothesis forming and I bet you he sends me the answers to those questions. It was so cool to see that imagination, that curiosity and the thirst for knowledge.
Someone told me if you ask God to speak you will be amazed at what He says in return. The key for all of us is to listen with our eyes, our ears and our hearts. I didn't know when I loaded up the car and headed home that I was asking God to speak, but as the clutter in my over active mind cleared I certainly heard His answers. Yes I'm sure China was amazing, but wonder is all around us.
A little piece of unsolicited advice; take time to listen with all your senses today. You never know what you might hear.
We asked my son William where his friends were going for Spring Break and the answers were quite astounding. I don't remember them all, but China was the first thing out of his mouth... I had a trip to China scheduled for us all but I heard that SARS was making a comeback so I cancelled it and we asked my sister Carroll if we could come to the beach. It wasn't so much that I thought one of us was going to get the virus. I just get uncomfortable seeing all those short people in surgical masks...
With Mao Tse-Tung set aside, William, SJ and I loaded up and set out for Southeast Texas. First stop Beaumont to see Momma and Daddy. I called at noon to surprise them, but had to call back at 1 because they were still asleep. Age sure changes things.
I remember the days of Paw Paw's loud rousting of all within ear shot. The man did not like people sleeping late. You could always hear his footsteps before the words. The progression was: Florsheim's on wood. A loud clear of the throat and then, "Wiiiilllll" or "Sunshine of the Ozarks" or "Come on Now time to Get Up!" On Tuesday morning it was silence and that made me long for days gone by.
After a short visit with the Matriarch and Patriarch of all that is crazy the kids packed the car on their own for the first time in their lives. Somehow I managed to bitch about the way they did it. I just can't help but look a gift horse in the mouth... When the middle aged man was done rearranging ( which meant unload and put everything back exactly where it was) we were off.
Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Catfish
The weather man was "shockingly" wrong so it was beautiful when we arrived in Galveston. I've suggested to Sarah that if she'd like a job in which she can be wrong 75% of the time and not get fired weather woman is a field to look into. As a matter of fact the weather was good all week. The beach water warm, the tempature enough for a long sleeve shirt at sunrise and after dark and a breeze that stayed below gail force.
Firing a top water from the kayak Thursday morning I realized, not for the first time, just how fine our little part of the world is. Cruising down the Intracoastal headed to Kemah, recounting old adventures with Dad to the kids, the wonders continued to reveal themselves. Watching the kids land rat reds and flounder from the dock I was as content as I've been in a long time.
Deep breaths such as this short intake down in Galveston allow you to quiet your mind. I don't know about you, but I really need it. If you stay still long enough you can catch some wonderful moments.
I watched William grow up in front of my eyes as he unknowingly flashed his blue eyes and bright smile at Kaki Duhner on the boat; Saw Sarah Jane hold onto the anchor rope so as not to fly out while she gracefully held court with the older kids. Sitting on the dock in the dark SJ joined me in her PJs just to get in one last cast. All as cool as it gets for a dad. I bet many of you had the same kind of moments. If not last week, not long ago. Access that hard drive in your brain and let the memories flow. They are filed away not far from the surface and they work like a battery charger for a soul that might need the extra bars...
I made it to the deck just before sunrise everyday. It was Mike Petitt that told me that going on the chicken schedule was a pretty good deal. Crowing with the sunrise and in the rack not long after the sun goes down. I think he's on to something. I might just have to show up at Petitt's place on East Bay just to make sure it works the same over there. Research you know... Big trout research.
Curiosity and Imagination
The outdoors is like a spark for the imagination and creativity. Unfortunately for us old folks our fuse is a little short. Kids however...
I watched William rig a hand line in lieu of a rod and reel just as I had done many years before. I recalled loading a box with croaker on hand lines tied to every ice box handle, tackle box, oar mooring and anchor in our old row boat the Stella. William had the whole crew of kiddos at his heels as he caught tiny minnows, iridescent jelly fish and prehistoric looking sea worms ( not my favorite thing to know is in the water while I'm wade fishing) in a net. He kept the minnows, creatures and even a croaker alive in the bait box. Changing batteries in the aerator when the croaker looked sluggish. When the croaker survived over night the young researcher gave him a life reprieve for its outstanding fortitude. He ceremoniously released the little fellow with well wishes of "good luck".
The questions that my son asked me were incredible and I had about as much chance of answering them correctly as I would have answering a calculus problem. In his eyes I could see his brain working, his hypothesis forming and I bet you he sends me the answers to those questions. It was so cool to see that imagination, that curiosity and the thirst for knowledge.
Someone told me if you ask God to speak you will be amazed at what He says in return. The key for all of us is to listen with our eyes, our ears and our hearts. I didn't know when I loaded up the car and headed home that I was asking God to speak, but as the clutter in my over active mind cleared I certainly heard His answers. Yes I'm sure China was amazing, but wonder is all around us.
A little piece of unsolicited advice; take time to listen with all your senses today. You never know what you might hear.
Breathe... and Hook 'Em
Will
