G. Sam Piatt
PDT Outdoor Columnist
Note — Due to oversight, this column did not run last week. The Daily Times wanted to release this column at this time to its devoted readers.
Each of us has a secret self in which we communicate within our minds with
secret thoughts. These thoughts are oftentimes quite the opposite from the words
we speak aloud.
If the words formed in the thoughts of our secret self were spoken aloud, or if
others could but read our minds, it could mean the loss of friendships – perhaps
even result in a black eye or busted lip for us.
For instance, if my fishing companion is catching fish after fish while I’m yet
to get a nibble, I will brag on him and the wonderful way he has in hooking,
playing, and bringing big bass into the boat without the use of a dip net.
“You really have a talent for it,” I say.
But inwardly, after he has me down by 5-0, my secret self is saying, “You lucky
son-of-a-gun. I’m 10 times a better fisherman than you and you know it. This is
just one of those unexplainable days.”
Later, as he’s hooting and hollering while fighting another big one that’s
splitting the surface and setting his drag to singing, my secret self is
muttering about how he has the front seat, which everybody knows affords an
advantage over the man in the back.
“By the time I make my cast you’ve scared all the fish away from the shoreline
and moved us on,” secret self complains.
Then, trying desperately to smile, I say aloud, “You’ve got your limit of six
bass, now let me up there in the hot seat and you get back here.”
Which he, somewhat reluctantly, agrees to. As we trade seats, he tries
unsuccessfully to suppress a smug little giggle.
Then comes the crowning blow. He catches and releases three more nice bass. I
still haven’t gotten a strike.
My secret self is about to explode.
“If he catches one more, just one more,” it says, “then I’m going back there and
accidentally bump his lucky arse (my secret self has been known
to cuss a little when the occasion demands it) overboard.”
BRAGGADOCIO
I’ve always told myself that I would never brag about any of the wonderful and
great works that I do. But let’s face it, we all like to hear a little praise
for our accomplishments now and then.
If, however, I’m with a fine fellow who begins to talk of some particular fine
piece of work I’ve turned out, I immediately shift into my modest, humble mood,
saying that I’ve never done anything worthy of such praise. I’ve even been known
to blush on such occasions.
But eventually he shifts the spotlight to his own good deeds. Next, I’ve got to
listen as he tells of the numerous great talents of his grandchildren.
Outwardly, I mutter some halfhearted comment such as, “Well, that’s great, just
great. I did not know that.”
But inwardly, my secret self is springing into action.
“Why you sorry dote,” secret self says. “Your work holds no more weight that a
feather in a windstorm compared to mine. And the talents of your grandchildren
are like a burned out match compared to my own brilliant little darlings.”
What we need, I guess, is to take an action that results in the renewing of our
minds.
YOUNG FOLKS HUNT
A group of young people with various handicaps had the chance this Saturday and
Sunday, Nov. 21 and 22, to know the excitement of deer hunting, all thanks to
the Scioto County Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited and the United Special
Sportsman’s Alliance.
Jerry Drake of Wheelersburg, representative of the Scioto County chapter and
Ohio representative of the Sportsman’s Alliance, said those two organizations
sponsored the event.
It was held at Bear Creek Camp, established on land surrounding the former
Frazier’s Chateau located on a high hilltop off Ohio 104 between Lucasville and
Piketon.
A dozen handicapped kids ages 10-17 stayed in the cabins and went out in the
woods with guides in hopes of bringing down a deer.
The participants chosen for the Youth Hunt are from several states, with five of
this group coming from the local area.
Drake said these kids would never have the opportunity to try this without the
generosity and concern of these organizations.
HOLD FAST
YOUR DREAMS
“Hold Fast your dreams!
Within your heart
Keep one still, secret spot
Where dreams may go,
And, sheltered so,
May thrive and grow
Where doubt and fear are not.
O keep a place apart,
Within your heart,
For little dreams to go!”
—-Louise Driscoll (1875-1957)
Reach G. SAM PIATT at (606) 932-3619 or [email protected].
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