Skunked by Fish

BY DOVE

Ihad a delightful experience the other day while standing in line at a local grocery store. There was a young man standing behind me that I had known since he was about 17 and he now has a master’s degree in counseling. He gave me a big hug and I told him to go in front of me because he only had two items. He checked out and then requested another hug, which I readily gave.

The amazing part of this whole event was the clerk who was checking us out I had never seen before. He asked me if I gave hugs, and I responded, “Of course.” He came around the counter and we exchanged big hugs.

Have you ever considered what type of courage and confidence or even need it takes to ask a complete stranger for a hug? What if we all had the courage to ask for what we needed rather than live in the place of doubt that says, “I am unworthy to ask for what I need. People will think I am weird.”

Right now, I am going to tell you how blessed we are to live in a place where you can feel safe giving hugs to complete strangers. I was blessed by this encounter. We shared names and I will never enter this store again without looking for my new friend and giving him a hug.

Back on this same theme, I have a friend of 45 years who lost her husband three years ago and is still struggling to create a life for herself that she desires. She lives in a rural part of Montana by herself on a lovely farm, but she has finally acknowledged that she does not like living alone. She has been reluctant to ask her middle-aged adult children to come get their stuff so she can make changes in her life, release the farm, and move closer to family. Finally, she has come to a place to acknowledge that it is time to make the shift because she wants company.

Please take the time to love yourself enough to ask for what you need. Don’t put it off and expect someone else or something else to fix you. The government can’t and won’t do it. You have to take responsibility for self and all that you have created.

The Universe wants you to have the joy of living the life you want. It only requires that you become clear on the changes you desire. Put it out there, and make your wishes known. You do deserve to be happy but you alone must have the courage to take the action required.

“Buck up, buttercup” and take action for yourself. Become your own advocate. Courage to all. Much love, Dove

Our drive was two long hours, then we parked next to the stream. I’d waited for this day to come. ‘Twas almost like a dream.

I saddled up old Cyruss. He was ready for a ride. We’d chosen South Boone Trailhead and we’d fish along creekside.

My good friend rode a sorrel, his four-year-old Arab mare. We’d rode this trail so many times. No way to count, I swear.

We always caught a mess of fish. The fishing was the best. Just bait your hook and toss the line. The fish would do the rest.

We’d fry the trout in butter, heat a can of cream-style corn. Then fill the pan with spuds, two cowboys cooking up a storm.

But this time we didn’t use our brains and set a lofty goal. We took no food, just sleeping bags, some worms and a fishing pole.

We figured we’d be eating fish at dinnertime that night. But those danged old fish were sneaky. They just wouldn’t take a bite.

They say to spit right on your worm. It’s known to bring good luck. But all it did was make the worm too slippery for the hook.

We fished all afternoon and every cast turned to a waste. Two cowboys’ bellies would be growling, not a fish to taste.

That night while in my sleeping bag, I couldn’t fall asleep. I had to find some food, darned sure was feeling six feet deep.

So, I rustled through my bags and found a year-old Snickers treat. A mouse had chewed one end off, but still left a bite to eat.

I split the piece of candy, gave my pardner half the cut. Then popped the piece of chocolate in our mouths right to the gut.

Our tiny piece of Snickers bar was heaven to the taste. Especially for two grown-up men whose brains were made of paste.

The morning light came early. We both cast a desperate line. Not a single fish was biting. So I took that as a sign.

I tore my pole apart and stuffed it in my saddlebags. Then saddled up old Cyruss ‘fore my stomach turned to rags.

Well, I guess I’ve learned a lesson. Carry in your favorite dish. And when it comes to fishing, you ain’t smarter than the fish.

Bryce Angell - The outdoors has always been a large part of my life. My father was an outfitter and guide for 35 years and I was there to shoe and care for the horses and help him do the cooking. We took many great trips into the Yellowstone area. Even now that I’m older, we still ride into the Tetons, Yellowstone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of personal experience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.