One thing becomes clearer as one gets older and one’s fishing experience increases, and that is the paramount importance of one’s fishing companions.

I’ve had this image of some fishermen hanging out for a while now, and there’s something about it that I just love. That being said, I’ve gotten a little creative with the appearance of it—a sort of dreamy, double exposure effect—but I was just going with how it made me feel.

Now… I’m not here to insult anyone, or debate the differences between men and women (or people in general), and I don’t want to ruffle anyone’s feathers, but can someone please tell me why men always look like they’re having the time of their lives when they’re together?

These guys aren’t sitting around taking selfies, or worrying about how they look, they’re embracing the moment and all that it has to offer. I don’t know, maybe they’re actually arguing about who caught the biggest fish. Who’s to say?

Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish goes home through an alley.

Anyway, regardless of what they may or may not be talking about, there is a vibe there that I want to reach out and grab. It’s something that you see when people fish together. Maybe it’s camaraderie.

I’m sure that I’ll always be part introvert, and that I’ll always LOVE and appreciate the peace that can be found in solitude, but with the extremes that have been thrown upon us during the quarantine times, I’ve developed a real fondness for companionship and camaraderie.

That being said, I’ve also realized that I dropped the ball on The Quarantine Project. It was difficult to keep up, because it was harder and harder to find excitement and meaning in the days of isolation. I’m thinking now that maybe that lack of busyness wasn’t meant for seeking out fun or excitement, it was meant to boost my appreciation of the valuable things that can easily get lost. Like the old song says, “Don’t know what you’ve got (till it’s gone).”

So, I’m going to keep adding to my collection. I’m going to put my focus on the new “appreciations” that I discover, and I hope that you will come along and join me… as I go fishing for treasure.

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

Henry David Thoreau

Until next time,
Peace & Love!