Cool runnings and guidance

As many of you know, archery (in all its forms: target, field, 3D, and hunting) is a big part of who I am as a person. It helps me to find my center. I enjoy the natural places in the world, the solitude that if provides me. I enjoy the mental clarity and focus required by this sport. I enjoy the competitive aspects of it, and the opportunity to coach kids who are just picking up the sport. And over the years I have developed a pretty nice shop where I can tackle just about any job related to archery.

I am fortunate enough to have a family that supports my habit. My son shoots, and enjoys the sport as well as the time we get to spend together. I don’t think he likes my coaching, but 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. Last year I bought my wife a bow and she took to it like a natural. She does not hunt, but every couple weeks we will go to the range for a “date night” and shoot. It is nice to have a hobby that we can enjoy together.

My daughters have been asking to tag along with their brother, or their Mother and I when we go to the range. Their opportunity to shoot has been limited to the backyard with an old stick bow (like you may have shot at camp) and a target. This recurve bow is hard to draw and not very accurate. This usually leads to frustration for all of us, and we wind up putting it back in the garage in favor of another activity.

I was lucky enough to find a real compound bow (with a rest and sight) that is small enough for them to shoot. It arrived via UPS yesterday, and I spent last night putting it together and tuning it so they could shoot it. Tonight after dinner I told them there was a surprise and to hurry up and take a shower. They were both bathed and dressed in record time, and begging Dad to share the surprise.

My older daughter is all girl, and the younger one is pure tom-boy. So, I didn’t have many illusions, but both were pretty stoked to see a “real bow” that they could pull back and shoot. We spent a few minutes having the “safety talk” and each of them got to fling a few arrows at the target. Not to my surprise, the older one became bored and informed me she was disappointed my surprise was not Nintendo Wii. (the kids are collectively saving their money for a Wii) The younger one shot for a good 20 minutes.

I don’t have many “aw shucks” moments as I can be a stick in the mud, but it was fun to share my passion with my 6 and 7 year old angles tonight.

KLM