;)
Wednesday
Jul012009
Cold Day In July
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 3:19AM
But first, old business:
Someone named Matt at Redsparks.com emailed me with a BOMB ASS design for my back, so he got to pick one prize and he went with the necklace, for his wife, because he's awesome like that, and do you want to see what he came up with? Too bad. Sneak peeks are all you get today.
And then I spent more time on Randomizer tonight than Janis Joplin spent on heroin, and I came up with two lists...one for jewelry entries and one for tattoo gift certificate entires. I deleted all the multiple entries, because tsk tsk, and in the end it spit these names back at me, which you can click to make bigger if you must.
And then I did it again, because someone was winning a $50 gc to Tattoo Factory, and this is what it gave me.
So, Janet, Matt and Island Mummy, email Lu at Below 14th and let her know what you'd like and Schmutzie, you've got $50 to play with at Tattoo Factory, and Lu and Amy from My Ladybug Picnic, you each have $25 to blow. Email Paul at Tattoo Factory to set up your appointments; he'll be expecting you. For everyone else, we all still get 20% off tattoos and piercings, and a shitload of other fun stuff. I'll be there for what looks like, um, forever, so I'll probably see you. And I may need vicodin. Also, my mommy.
And now, new business:
I really like to fish, and I always have. There's something about the mixture of me, sunshine, a fine line, total silence and all the time in the world that makes me truly, perfectly happy. I could do nothing but fish all day long, and I could catch absolutely nothing, and I'd live happily ever after. I don't need the best equipment, or the biggest boat, I just need a stick and some string and a little jar of powerbait and I'm good to go. Because nothing works better than powerbait, nothing.
I've always wanted to try fly fishing, but there's something about it that strikes me as overly-romantic, and though I've had one solid offer in my life to go learn how to do it with someone, that someone failed in every way to come through on that offer and I really don't want to do it myself, so I've given up on that idea. I've also wanted to try ice-fishing, maybe just once, but good lord it's so complicated and time-consuming and, well, cold. I hate being left out in the cold, especially by my own doing. So I don't.
I did, once, wander out onto a frozen lake with an auger in my hand just to see what a little tap on the ice would do. I knelt on a sheet of ice that I wasn't entirely sure would hold my own weight and I looked down through the ice to the waters below. I kept seeing this fish darting past me, under and back around and under again, almost like it was daring me to catch it. I watched that fish for a long time before I realized I was just in way over my head and that I needed some help if I was going to do it right.
And on my way home, someone stopped and offered to help me. Without me asking or anything, just like it was fate that we met. And I haven't taken that person up on the offer just yet, but I've been thinking about it. A lot.
The longer I wait, the more clearly I can see exactly how I'm going to crack that ice open and get my rod in there and catch that son-of-a-bitch. I think I know how to catch him, I just need to try. I want to try. I'm ready to try. And so, I'm going to try.
It's something new, something out of the comfort zone I've created for myself with my little hobby I've developed over the entire course of my life. The way I like to fish, it's easy. It's brainless. It's as comforting as my evening tea and as safe as my favorite blanket, the one my grandmother left to me when she died, the one that I can hide away from the world in when I have to. I've come to rely on my trips to the lake, all by myself, away from the things of man, and I'm starting to let the ease of what I know I can do so effortlessly rob me of the chance to do something a little bigger, a little harder and a little more satisfying in the end. And it's not like I'm getting any younger or anything. My knees don't bend like they used to and my fingers get all stiff in the cold and if I don't do this now, I don't know if I ever will.
And so, I'm going to do it now. I'm going to run away for the month of July, because really...if I'm going to hack away at a bunch of old, frozen water, July sounds like the most agreeable time to attempt it. I'm going to run away and I'm going to take a whack at that ice. I'm not taking my eye off that fucking fish under that sheet of ice for an entire month, and with a little help and a lot of encouragement, I'm either going to come back with dinner or frostbite.
But at least I'll know. At least I will have tried.
Until August, my friends; until August.
Someone named Matt at Redsparks.com emailed me with a BOMB ASS design for my back, so he got to pick one prize and he went with the necklace, for his wife, because he's awesome like that, and do you want to see what he came up with? Too bad. Sneak peeks are all you get today.
And then I spent more time on Randomizer tonight than Janis Joplin spent on heroin, and I came up with two lists...one for jewelry entries and one for tattoo gift certificate entires. I deleted all the multiple entries, because tsk tsk, and in the end it spit these names back at me, which you can click to make bigger if you must.
And then I did it again, because someone was winning a $50 gc to Tattoo Factory, and this is what it gave me.
So, Janet, Matt and Island Mummy, email Lu at Below 14th and let her know what you'd like and Schmutzie, you've got $50 to play with at Tattoo Factory, and Lu and Amy from My Ladybug Picnic, you each have $25 to blow. Email Paul at Tattoo Factory to set up your appointments; he'll be expecting you. For everyone else, we all still get 20% off tattoos and piercings, and a shitload of other fun stuff. I'll be there for what looks like, um, forever, so I'll probably see you. And I may need vicodin. Also, my mommy.
And now, new business:
I really like to fish, and I always have. There's something about the mixture of me, sunshine, a fine line, total silence and all the time in the world that makes me truly, perfectly happy. I could do nothing but fish all day long, and I could catch absolutely nothing, and I'd live happily ever after. I don't need the best equipment, or the biggest boat, I just need a stick and some string and a little jar of powerbait and I'm good to go. Because nothing works better than powerbait, nothing.
I've always wanted to try fly fishing, but there's something about it that strikes me as overly-romantic, and though I've had one solid offer in my life to go learn how to do it with someone, that someone failed in every way to come through on that offer and I really don't want to do it myself, so I've given up on that idea. I've also wanted to try ice-fishing, maybe just once, but good lord it's so complicated and time-consuming and, well, cold. I hate being left out in the cold, especially by my own doing. So I don't.
I did, once, wander out onto a frozen lake with an auger in my hand just to see what a little tap on the ice would do. I knelt on a sheet of ice that I wasn't entirely sure would hold my own weight and I looked down through the ice to the waters below. I kept seeing this fish darting past me, under and back around and under again, almost like it was daring me to catch it. I watched that fish for a long time before I realized I was just in way over my head and that I needed some help if I was going to do it right.
And on my way home, someone stopped and offered to help me. Without me asking or anything, just like it was fate that we met. And I haven't taken that person up on the offer just yet, but I've been thinking about it. A lot.
The longer I wait, the more clearly I can see exactly how I'm going to crack that ice open and get my rod in there and catch that son-of-a-bitch. I think I know how to catch him, I just need to try. I want to try. I'm ready to try. And so, I'm going to try.
It's something new, something out of the comfort zone I've created for myself with my little hobby I've developed over the entire course of my life. The way I like to fish, it's easy. It's brainless. It's as comforting as my evening tea and as safe as my favorite blanket, the one my grandmother left to me when she died, the one that I can hide away from the world in when I have to. I've come to rely on my trips to the lake, all by myself, away from the things of man, and I'm starting to let the ease of what I know I can do so effortlessly rob me of the chance to do something a little bigger, a little harder and a little more satisfying in the end. And it's not like I'm getting any younger or anything. My knees don't bend like they used to and my fingers get all stiff in the cold and if I don't do this now, I don't know if I ever will.
And so, I'm going to do it now. I'm going to run away for the month of July, because really...if I'm going to hack away at a bunch of old, frozen water, July sounds like the most agreeable time to attempt it. I'm going to run away and I'm going to take a whack at that ice. I'm not taking my eye off that fucking fish under that sheet of ice for an entire month, and with a little help and a lot of encouragement, I'm either going to come back with dinner or frostbite.
But at least I'll know. At least I will have tried.
Until August, my friends; until August.
Reader Comments (47)
Good Luck.
I hope you come away with what you need.
Also, I will miss you.
I'd teach you to fly fish, but only if that means to fish in my fly and see what you find. Otherwise, I'm totally not a fan of real fishing.
You can do this.
The only time I've ever tried fishing I twisted my ankle walking down to the lake. I figured that was a sign I should stay away.
Good luck, lady!
Also, July is suddenly seeming like a very long month.
Ooooh, so I don't think you are REALLY talking about fishing. What in the hells bells are we supposed to do without Mr. Lady updates for an entire month. I guess I can read old posts I haven't read yet. Okay. FINE. Go be all creative and stuff and I hope you are REALLY REALLY REALLY good at ice fishing. Like "where have you been my whole life" good. We look forward to hearing from you again in August.
Okay . so go!
But don't get used to not writing for a month and decide that you need to find yourself or this blogging is too hard or you've achieved all you wanted to with the website or some other crappy excuse and abandon us all together.
Too many writers have done that to me this year. YOU will not be one of them!
Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaasssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
I don't think it's fishing and I think I may have an idea what you're talking about. I am so glad you're going for it even though it kind of sucks for us...for now.
Enjoy.
But you'll be back right? I mean in August. You'll be back?
(sigh)
I think I now know how my daughter feels when I leave her at daycare in the mornings.
(sigh)
It is what it is. You will be missed.
You are amazing and strong and you can do it. I'm here if you ever need me. xoxo
Love to you.
I thought you were going to blogher to get a tatoo? Make sure to pack sunblock. I'm Googling ice in Canada in July. Damn, that's got to be one cold place in January.
Awesome.
You can do it.
What the fuck?
Dude! I totally sent you the wrong drawing! The one you're showing was for my cousin in Buffalo. You were supposed to get the one I did with the little Madagascar monkeys flinging poo.
My bad, I'll send you the right one today. Have a good hiatus!
A whole month without you?
Now I have the sads.
Okay, I'm so excited for you! And I know you're going to catch something spectacular. It'll probably take more than a month, I'm sure you know that, but in that month (as long as you're disciplined) you'll be able to pull up something big enough that you won't want--or be able--to stop pulling.
I know you said you have someone to help, but as someone who does what you're looking to do full-time (and makes a good living at it), feel free to get in touch with me if you want advice or hand-holding, or even just a kick in the ass on bad days. I have a lot of experience with all parts of the process, from beginning to end, and so many tips/techniques I've picked up over the years that make that process easier. I'm serious about that--I'd be happy to help.
The BEST of luck to you, girl. I can't wait to see what happens.
(And now, you're going to tell me I have completely the wrong idea, that you really are traipsing out to Alaska for a month, or doing something else equally spectacular. And I'll be disappointed, while at the same time contemplating stealing your metaphors when I give talks on...fishing.)
I guess I'll see you in 3 weeks. I'll miss you until then.
Now everyone will really believe we live in igloos up here. I'm a gonna miss you, Mr. Lady. Truly.
Fly fishing appeals to me precisely for the romance (I'm guessing you're not surprised), but I don't realy want to catch anything because I don't want to have to take it off the hook. That part creeps me out no end.
PS Something at my place for you today.
Happy fishing! Stay warm and dry. Remember though, sometimes you have to know when to cut bait. Be careful and see ya when you get back.
I can't wait to see the catch. You'll rock, stop biting your lip.
Metaphorically speaking, I hope you catch The Big One.
If you were literally talking about fishing, I've done all 3 and enjoy it immensely. And my dream in life is to die whilst fishing. Not like gruesome King Crab fishing off the Alaskan coast dying, but just drift away with beer in hand floating on a lake dying. But knowing you, you are not talking about fishing fishing but something metaphorical, in which case I shall just take my tacklebox and can o worms and walk away red-faced and feeling stupid.
My grandparents took me fishing once. They bought me this expensive new motorized reel. And then I decided (against instructions) to try casting off myself and threw it into the lake. It sunk like a lead weight and I was never invited again.
Which I realize has nothing to do with what you're talking about here, probably, but since I don't know what you're actually talking about it's the best I can come up with.
Good luck! Hope you land the big one.
The very best of luck to you.
I will miss reading this fantastic blog.
Cheers.
Wait up.............I'll come with you. (my face is red too, 'cause I don't understand)
And here I just thought fishing was just an excuse to drink in a boat or an ice-fishing shanty instead of the ever so mundane on dry land thing.
The Hell? *Kicks dirt on the ground.* Well damn. I have recently discovered your blog and have loved your updates. I will look forward to August and I hope you catch that SOB.
Good luck, yo.
I'm hella bummed, seeing as how I just got a computer and all, but whatevs.
(no, I do NOT know why I'm using such wack vernacular. I'm drunk with the power of teh internetz)
See you when you get back. Oh, and if you're in the vicinity of Seattle during this trip, hit me up. I have an extra bed and plenty of beer.
xo
b.
:::sniff sniff::: I've just gotten you under my skin and you go and take "Me" time? lol... You deserve it. Every mom does. But still. I'm a little sad.
There are times in our lives when we hit that 'it's now or never' wall and we have a big choice to make.
Go Fish, Mr. Lady! We'll see you next month.
I have been reading your blog for... oh, a year or so now I guess. You'll be missed, I have no idea what you are talking about but I have always wanted to go fishing. Can't wait to hear about what you caught in your month away!
Awww, I don't comment much, but I stop by pretty often. I hope that you find whatever it is you're looking for...and maybe even some fish.
So you're taking a blog-cation for the month of July, and by July 3rd you're at my place commenting? Huzzah for will power.
Here's to hoping you never get the thought, "You know, I've always wanted to try freebasing cocaine. I've never done it before, and it's out of my comfort zone, but I'm going to do it. Just once."
Awesome! I hope it's as fabulous as you hope. Sounds like a great time! My son just entered a fishing derby for our summer festival and caught his first catfish. So exciting!
So I have one of those 365 desktop calendars with quotes for women, where you tear a new page every day, except I always forget and am 3 days behind.
Anyway, the quote for July 1st was:
"Catching something is purely a by-product of our fishing. It is the act of fishing that wipes away all grief, lightens all worry, dissolves all fear and anxiety".
~ by Gladys Taber, educator, editor, writer
Hmm....so appropriate, dont cha think?
You are being featured on Five Star Friday!
http://www.fivestarfriday.com/2009/07/five-star-fridays-edition-61.html
Don't catch anything you need a prescription for.
Wow dude. You are just full of surprises. :-)
See you soon. I'm psyched about that.
Now go get that damn fish!
Good luck with the fishing! ;) Until next month...
Just when I get back into the blogging, you leave for a month...psh.... have fun ;)
Master Bait and Tackle.
/sigh
Until I read the comments, I really thought you were going fishing....yes, sometimes I even amaze myself.
Can't wait to hear what you've really been doing!
Classic and real way of presenting interesting stuff and sharing them nicely.
Umm...have fun? I'm confused.
Also...not a fan of not having any Mr. Lady updates for a month. It's rather depressing. But I'm sure you'll make up for it when you get back :)