Mother’s Day, Bamboo Fly Rods and the "Best" Lifestyle

It’s Mother’s Day. Naturally, I am feeling proud, content and superior to all other mothers full of self-doubt! In the weeks leading up to this sacred day, our culture inundates us with the images of “perfect mothers” by showering them us with accolades, flowers, perfume…blah,blah, blah. Sans the perfume…that’s how my day began as well…but […]

My Bamboo Fly Rod, a Can of Worms and the Sentimental Nature of it All

My class was on March 3rd and through all of the ups and downs…I successfully made another bamboo fly rod without crying impaling anyone. About a month before my class, I sent out an email asking for advice concerning my new bamboo fly rod. I asked Oyster clients to help design it…I did it…it was […]

Shooting in Pajamas, Bamboo Fly Rods & letting go of the Martyr

When I woke up this morning, I had no intention of shooting. With Bill on the other end of the planet on his annual trip to Argentina for a few weeks, my schedule goes from hectic to quasi insane…not to mention lonely (days are good…nights stink…see reference to my co-dependent nature). Self admittedly, I could probably go a […]

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 […]

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. […]

Bamboo Fly Rod Class Day One…

After my first day in class making my first bamboo fly rod, I have discovered the following: Bill’s job is SO much better than mine. Of course, we started with a raw stalk of Tonkin bamboo and 9 hours later ended up with something that kind of resembles some (12) strips of Tonkin bamboo. Surprisingly, it […]

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, […]

An open letter to my brother

Dear Daniel, Yesterday, I finally surrendered and went to the doctor after being sick for 2 weeks. It was a fairly unremarkable visit until I start filling out all of those monotonous forms. You know the ones…you and I usually don’t have much to check personally until the family history page. Let’s be honest, our […]

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 […]