Horseshoes 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 A few years back I started fly fishing and needed out of necessity to start tying flies. After googling I came upon this forum. It really was like watching the winter scenes come to life in the store window at Christmas. I took the risk of joining swaps and then hosting. Don't talk about posting my first ties. I have put myself out there dangling in the wind by asking for critiques or questions. All were 99.9% received in good spirits. My flytying has improved (debatable) and my flies obtained through swaps are abundant with a quality I have yet to obtain in mine. It has been so much fun over the years, it was like xmas when I heard the plop at my door and the thump thump of the P.O. Worker going down my steps after delivering my packet of flies. I know I am privliged to be able to own what it takes to do all this. MY gift from the forum has been the fantastic aquaintances that have grown over the time. People from all over the world, too many to mention. Even my backyard.(god love ya Lykos33) Or how one has led to another. (fishingbobnelson( a good man) to jburge (an old rattler)). LOL. The respect and humour, not to mention the generosity in all, has been a source of hope for me. I watch the news as the world continues to seem to be spinning out of control, then I think of you all. Even the ones that have dropped off the forum for personal reasons of their own. What a gift!!! Laughter and knowledge, good , kind hearts who share a similiar philosophy. The peace of mind in tying and fly fishing. We all share that secret spot and experience when you lift your view from the water and sigh. That second you put the last touch on your fly or when the fish grabs your efforts and gives you the thrill like none ever. We share that. I have never met and do not live anywhere near you. But I see you when you post in the forum or send messages. I feel the frustration or the joy you express and I also hope for the best on your next trip when you get to test out the flies. There are a few that have become penpals, as we of a certain age call them. The generosity when you take the time to post a picture or even just to let some forum member know that their fly from a mutual swap has brought in a beauty for you. How you are the secret santa all year long by sending gifts to help out other swappers. We all know that no matter how the day goes in our life, we can sit down and hit the favorite or bookmark and go to a place where we can forget about it. MY gift to you, the members of this forum is ................thank you. Have a nice holiday, shoes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riffleriversteelheadslayer 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 Thanks Horseshoes Happy Holidays to you and yours Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lykos33 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 Right back at ya! Hope you and yours have the Merriest of Christmases and a Happy New Year!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NJ All Day 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 Very nice Shoes! Happy Holidays to you and yours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chase Creek 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 Well said! Hope everyone has a great Christmas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fly tryer 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 Well put horseshoes, Merry Christmas to you, your's and the rest of our online community. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mybadhabit 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 Thank you to you too, and a special thanks to you for handling the tying mystery box flub on my part so well. Blane Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horseshoes 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 Thank you to you too, and a special thanks to you for handling the tying mystery box flub on my part so well. Blane There was no flub on the box by you. I still can't get a clear answer on restricted items. You handled it well. cheers!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johny Utah 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2011 Happy holidays Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jburge 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2011 Eloquently stated, and so very, very, true! You've truly captured the feeling of the joys in tying, the joys in fishing, and the joys in fellowship. God bless ya! Now get back to tying John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toirtis 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2011 Well said....and a thank you to you as well. Happy holidays. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluegill576 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2011 Merry Christmas! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishingbobnelson 0 Report post Posted December 25, 2011 What a nice thing to write. Thank you for your support and "extra materials". It is a joy to have you and yours as a part of my life. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Margaretann 0 Report post Posted December 25, 2011 Merry Christmas!!! You said it so well!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites