The last two or three weeks have been quite the blur. There’s a lot going on at the moment, yet I’m having trouble focusing on any of it. I’m generally good at multitasking, but there’s just something “off” at the moment, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Perhaps all that social media induced brain rot that folks talk about has finally set in. I don’t know.
That being said, I figured I’d sit down today, Sunday, and write a new “musings” post. Not totally fishing related, although there are a few fishy themes, just sorting some things out in my head in a way that makes sense to me.
A New Book
I recently picked up a new book that’s a compilation of stories of fly fishing in southern Appalachia, Tight Lines & Tall Tales by Neil Norman. It’s also illustrated by Smokies fishing guide and artist, Ian Rutter. Depending on what circles you travel in, you may have seen some recent publicity around it. As mentioned, I haven’t really made time to read more than the first two chapters so far, but I’m going to see if I can change that. A page turn is better than a scroll any day.
Theatre, Theatre, Theatre
Not for me, but for my two most favorite ladies. As you know, Lilly is spending the summer up in New York working on a show as a dresser. She’s reporting all is going well and she got to meet and talk to the Director (who also directs on Broadway), which was a big thrill. She’s also the only one on the wardrobe team still in college. All the others are professionals, so she’s the baby of the bunch.
Back in Jacksonville, K.C. is working on a local production of Into the Woods. She’s the wardrobe supervisor and has been going non-stop sewing, stitching, and creating some really beautiful costumes for the cast. The show opens on June 18th, so they’re all in crunch time. Between her being at the theater or holed up in her sewing room, I honestly haven’t seen her much the past two weeks, but I know everything is going to turn out great!
A Change in Travel Plans?
I had mentioned that I might have a Catskills meander later this Summer in and around going to fetch Lilly from New York. While that is still planned, it may be cut a little bit short. The reason? I my be using some of those vacation days on a different trip at the very end of the summer. One that involves international travel to a place I never really thought I’d visit. A certain set of favorable circumstances are still being pieced together, but if I were a betting man, I’d be wagering on it happening. More to come there of course…
The Daily Grind
As mentioned in this post’s lede, I’m definitely in a rut. I recently turned 49 and I feel like that mid-life crisis is hitting harder than ever. Despite a generally positive attitude and the desire to find joy in small things, I just feel old and tired, I’m not getting much satisfaction from my job (I only hear Charlie Brown’s teacher in daily meetings), and even during my free time on the weekends, I’m not super motivated to do anything. Hrmph.
I’m going to start small with some physical fitness activities I’ve fallen behind on and see if that helps any. I’m hoping those, combined with less screen time and more intentional creativity will help. Perhaps I’ll tie some flies or take on a household project – something that will create even a minor feeling of achievement. Maybe mix in some local fishing too, although it’s been so damn hot lately.
I don’t know, we’ll see. Any suggestions? I’ll certainly take them.
P.S. – That monkey riding on the back of an African wild dog(?) painting used as the featured image of this post is titled The Arrangement by artist Tracy Harris Thompson. Several of her works are hanging in Moon River, my favorite pizza restaurant in Jacksonville and I thought it was pretty cool.
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