Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods…2012 Year in Review…The Best Laid Plans of Bamboo and Fly Rods

“If it were easy…everyone would do this.” . Those are the words that Bill whispered in my ear almost daily in the beginning of 2012. As the year wore on, Bill’s whisper grew into a dull roar and those words’ final resting place became my mantra. At the end of 2011, we had a plan for 2012. What’s the expression…no […]

10 reasons why I love my shotgun more than a diamond.

While diamonds are presumably a girl’s best friend… my shotgun has become my BFF. This blog needs no introduction. 10. Even if I gain 10 pounds, my shotgun still still fits! 9. A diamond does nothing but just sit there and I swear my shotgun loves me back…it does. 8. Having my shotgun “sized and […]

Bamboo Rods, wrong turns & The “Accidental Retailers”

“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.” – Robert Fritz late night in the shop…my class Over three years ago, we had outgrown our “cottage” inspired home workshop after a decade plus and needed […]

About last night…

…and this bamboo fly rod making class. Okay, I skipped a day because the second day of class started out with straightening strips and the night ended with math! So, I decided not to tell the tale. However, I got through it and finally tamed my bamboo strips. This is how the day started. […]

Confessions of A Bamboo Fly Rod Maker’s Widow

So…after 14 years, I am taking my first bamboo fly rod making class tomorrow. Why 14 years? Well, like many of you reading this, it’s something I have always wanted to do but life has been in the way. Let’s see between work, 2 small children, building a new bamboo fly rod making shop, new office, […]

Proverbs, Flocks and Bamboo Fly Rods

You’ve heard the proverbs… “You are what you eat” … well then, I am a stick of pepperoni. “Necessity is the mother of invention” … our favorite around the shop. “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” … no comment. “Behind every great man is a great woman” … (inset smirk on my behalf here). […]

American Dreams and Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods

Tick, tick, tick…time. …vintage Bill…circa 1993 …vintage Shannen…circa 1993 Time is a gift and a bully…a constant “in your face” reminder of your inner most weaknesses but when confronted head on, the time bully can also be a reminder of your greatest strengths. ♥ Oyster headquarters from our basement to our cottage to Main Street […]

Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods says goodbye to summer

What? Summer is over?!?! Fall is near. Our nights are cooler and the crisp air teases us until noon each day when we inevitably end up in the high 80s. I am okay with the heat (if it’s below 70 , I swear I can see my breathe), but most people are not as tolerant. […]

2010 Lists from the perspective of a Bamboo Fly Rod Maker’s Widow

As 2010 slipped away, the Oyster Bamboo family has the desire to reminisce (at least I do). We are grateful for all of the palpable events that life beautifully produces…family, friends, fish (the norm). However, because we are bamboo rod makers (or married to one), our life is completely swallowed by the craft. So, my […]