When your courage opens unexpected doors

Posted by Melissa Baumgart
You know how this blog has turned into a vehicle to continually keep stepping out of our comfort zones? A way to keep trying new things and opening up to the infinite possibilities that being alive has to offer?

Well, sometimes those things really catch my fancy, like with yoga.  Even though I don't go as much as I wish I could, I still love it and I always will.  I look forward to a time in my life when I can go again, every single day.

Some things suck.  They seem like great ideas at some point, but then I end up not liking them.  Like anything crafty.  I really want to be crafty and handy, but alas, I am not.  And while I am ecstatic to have a beautiful dress to wear, that I made!  And to have that tufted headboard under which I fall asleep every night in my new "hotel" bedroom.  But the truth of the matter is, that in the process, I truly hate every moment.

And then sometimes, something unexpected happens.  Although, I was terrified to tears to stand on a platform 23 feet in the air and leap forth while holding the heaviest metal bar that can exist, my oldest daughter loved it!  She came with me to one of the trapeze classes and fell in love.  And I could tell from the first time, she really had a natural ability for the flying trapeze.

Tonight, at her school Talent Show, she shared a video of her performing on the flying trapeze.  I was so proud of her, and so happy that I chose to step beyond my usual and into something so uncomfortable that it made me tremble with fear.  Because, you just never know what might come from your courage.  It might be you growing and learning, or maybe, you might just open up the world in a bright, new way for someone else.

Hope you enjoyed her video!
Melissa

Getting My Fishing License

Wow, I look thrilled.

Posted by Melissa Baumgart
I went today and got my fishing license!  I stopped in at the Outdoor Emporium on 4th Ave in SODO on my way back from Lily's trapeze team class.  Luckily they were open, and had an ATM.   You should know that they only take cash or check for the fishing license.

I received a booklet printed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, called "Fishing Sport Rules."  The Virgo in me is already happy...I love Rules!  This booklet is 135 pages long and from quickly flipping through it, seems very overwhelming.  It's likely though, that very little of it will apply to me, so I need to spend a little time filtering through the content.

The woman that helped me at the Outdoor Emporium was very knowledgeable.  She had a cute tattoo of Illinois with a heart marking where she was from on her forearm, and for some odd reason that made me feel less stressed about not knowing anything at all about fishing.  She helped me to choose a fresh water only license.  I doubt I'll be fishing in the Puget Sound, although that does sound like fun.  She also informed me that if I come back during the daytime hours, there is always a staffed fishing counter where they are happy to answer as many questions as you have.  I think Amy and I need to make our way down there this week sometime.

Signing my license.  It's official!

If you don't want to venture out, and you live in Washington, you can also get your fishing license online.  I chose the freshwater only option, and it cost around $33.00, which includes a parking pass for WDFW lands.

I also received a "Sport Catch Record Form" where I need to record the area, date, and for some fish, the species code.  What?! Species code???  Hope that's covered in the 135 page booklet that I'll get to right after my Pre-Calculus homework tonight.  This record form is for Steelhead, Salmon, Sturgeon and Halibut.  And beware, if you have one of these forms, do not lose it!  Even if you do not catch any fish, you have to mail this in or you will be fined.  I'm a little scared already, I have a bad history of getting fines from government organizations.

My weekend is a little bit busy with soccer tryouts, baseball games, sleepovers, soccer games, a talent show, Jamie's gig, finishing that lampshade and homework...but I hope to squeeze in a little fishing too!

Anyone else heading to the open waters this weekend?
-Melissa

Good things come to those who bait.

Posted by Amy Baranski and Melissa Baumgart

Welcome to Fishing Month!  

Why does fishing have to be a man's sport?  We were looking for inspirational quotes about fishing, and every single one of them was written by a man, or spoken in reference to a man.  It reminded me of when I (Melissa) picked fishing for one of my months.  I was a little concerned that it was too masculine.

But then, isn't that a part of why we even do this blog?  To step out of our comfort zones, whether they are placed there by ourselves or by societal constructs.  So, this month, we are heading out to nature to learn a little about the sport of fishing.

We are going to be out on a canoe, sitting on a dock on Lake Washington and taking a fly fishing class with a bunch of ladies.  That's right, it turns out there a lot of other women out there that think fishing isn't just for men!

Off to get our fishing licenses!  Anyone in for a competition to see who can catch the biggest fish?