I don�t understand?

Do you even fish? How did you find the Texas fishing forum?

Eric Clapton had to learn to play. He then had to learn to sing.

Many overnight sensations took 20-30 years to get there.

I'm just glad I'm not the only one that thought this.

It got me once or twice, too.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I do owe this community some responses for context and closure.

I'm actually a Conservative of the old school sense, not a Liberal because I've never been one for handouts. Handouts are not helping up, Education and Wisdom are the life lessons I think matter. As such, I try not to judge people for "who they are" but try and find out "why they came to become that person" in their own words. Listening is powerful.

The concept of "signing in blood" refers to making a deal with the Devil - it takes many forms. To me, I have valued my Independence above most other things.

I spent 10 years doing everything on my own with the money from my day jobs. I invested in myself and instead of money, I received life lessons. I have acted like a coward so often that I can see how this modern world makes it seem "OKAY" to do drive-by-slappings for the sake of what? To feel better for putting somebody down? Man, I was WAY OFF!

Seeing what real suffering looks like through stories shared here reminds me how powerful sharing means. Sometimes venting is maybe one of the few things to help keep from feeling alone.

As for ripping on some sacred cows by name, look at how they've acted with the microphone we gave them. Would you invite any of those people I criticized to your Thanksgiving feast? I'm asking you to think long and hard about something that I know I did wrong. I let those people who get away with terrible words make me feel like it was okay to emulate them.

I got into fishing because I tried to get sober years ago and a long-time druggie friend told me it helped him. By fishing, I was able to get out into nature again, see the beauty in this world.

Then I actually caught a big Perch in Highland Park and I had a hard time getting it off the hook. All I could think about was getting that fish back in the water, and the spines stuck me a couple times. I realized without anybody with me, I couldn't feel okay with taking another life, even for the sport of it.

But I love nature and I can see - from this place specifically - how a love of nature and interaction with it helps us preserve things together. We might not like the same TV shows or music, but we can agree on something.

For those who mis-read my name for all these years, well, if that doesn't kick in some self-reflection about paying attention to the letters you read, and how you can maybe change for the better, I'm optimistic for you. This might be the moment when other things you've overlooked can be given some time in your subconscious.

It has been a journey, and the destination was always about achievement to me. I wanted success, and I realized that sometimes what looks like success isn't what the Soul really needs. At least mine.

So, I took my own project, my "Old Yeller" out back and put it down when I realized it had rabies. I'm both proud and embarrassed of what it enabled me to do, and I feel like I can do better.

I fight for what I feel is right, and had to remind myself in light of a lot of what I'm seeing in this world.

Thank you all again for your time, patience, and understanding.

Man, i just hope you find some peace in whatever you decide to do.

Are you one of those guys that has to have attention to survive? Drug addict or alcoholic maybe?

On the deal about the perch and not harming anything, you a vegan?? You own a bumpfire stock?? Inquiring minds wanna know.

I've never been more confused in my life

Loved the old yeller reference-

No effing kidding

Search his handle on youtube. He can play well.

6 string, I'm glad you got back on here for the updates. I began to think terminated meant literally. I don't know a hill of beans about music but it's your passion play it. It doesn't mean a damn thing if you make it or not. Do what you love when you can. Helll most of us on here would love to be professional fisherman but successful or not we are still out there doing it every weekend.

I don�t know what to do with my hands?