Good morning!!! Today is the final day of the Gathering decoy competition. I was invited to judge the show with Russ Johnson and Andy Ripley. It was a wonderful experience to be able to handle and examine such awesome workmanship. It was truly an honor. I attended the awards banquet. Rod Osvald did a marvelous job. Thanks Rod for your hard work. It takes alot to put on a show of this caliber and magnitude. We appreciate you very much. I also want to say thank you to the Perham Super 8. You have the best staff and have treated us like we are in your home. That means alot! Great job!
Today I will attend the show and visit with all my friends old and new. I may even do a little bit more shopping. I made a few purchases on Friday…. Real treasures that will be incredible additions to my home. My most prized purchases are three birds carved by master carver Casey Edwards. I purchased 2 hanging owls, one brown and a snowy owl. I also bought a goose bowl that is magnificent. Casey, you are a treasure.
I also had the privilege of buying an Evan Kolstad print and one of his decoys. I also bought 2 do-rags and two headbands for motorcycle riding that are embellished with beautiful Russian crystals. Made in America!!! Woo hoo.
I will post my photos tomorrow andyou can view the results page this week on www.nfda.tv
If you have never attended this event, I encourage you to do so. The carvers are wonderful and there are so many awesome vendors selling vintage decoys, fishing lures, artwork, and 1000’s of working and decorative decoys. 8 months to spearfishing…. I had a great season and hope you did as well. Thanks for following my blog. It is so heart warming when people that I have never met walk up to me and say, great fish, fantastic website and I follow your blog!
To think I started this whole adventure last May just to work through some pain in my life. I appreciate all your warmth and friendship. Your positive feedback and comments have touched my heart and made my world a pretty incredible place to be. I also appreciate the stories you have shared with me about your own challenges and struggles. Life is a wonderful thing and sometimes a painful learning experience.
I have a big heart and this past year I have learned to be honest with myself and to love others despite their flaws, and embrace the good things in everyone…….. no matter who they are. Be truthful with others and yourself. Live your life with a solid character…… free of deception and bitterness. People may not be in the same place in their lives as you are, and instead of being angry and bitter…… try to see the good. No matter what happens to us, embrace it for what it is and keep living your life. I truly believe good things happen to good people.
Keep those comments, emails and photos coming. I really enjoy hearing from you. If you would like to add my email to your contacts list here it is…. [email protected]
Thanks again for a great 11 months! Love and blessings to you all.
Tammy
Live Life * Love Life