Gone Fishin'

With a return to school it almost seems as though March break took place ages ago. It hasn't though. This is the first week back to school and the busyness of it all is already gearing up. It feels good to be back in the swing of things, though. Classes are stimulating for the mind -hopefully for the students as well as me. It feels good to be back coaching soccer outdoors. This is the first time in my memory that our school teams have been out on the fields this early in March. Usually our Canadian winter snow lasts well into March and even April or else the rains prevent the fields from being playable. But here we are, the grass is green, the temperatures mild, if variable, and it feels terrific to be running around in shorts.

During the March break it was mostly all shorts. I spent a week's family vacation in South Carolina for the first time. Normally it is Florida or else a 'staycation' locally. Myrtle Beach S.C., was a welcomed destination as a family member recently purchased an ocean-front condo on a stretch of the strand that was beautiful and quiet. It was the perfect spot to recharge, re-connect, and reflect. Each morning I awoke early to greet the sun, taking the opportunity to pray, meditate, and greet our most famous burning star with some gentle yoga- sun salutation, of course.

My 12 year old son took a sudden interest in fishing and that quickly became his primary focus for the holiday. We were able to find a long pier in Garden City, S.C., and it was "fish on" from there. More aptly, "stingray on" and "sandshark on" for they were the only catches (and releases) we had during our time there. It was exhilarating as well, and priceless to be able to share quality time just enjoying the sunshine, warmth, and camaraderie of a shared experience. No tall tales involved, just a few catches and some excellent tips from nearby fishers with a great deal more experience than me and my son.

It may be trite to say, but I think we definitely became hooked. There is something fulfilling about the simplicity of a day spent in nature amongst pleasant company, and time spent doing little more than hoping for a catch on the end of a line.