Post by: suttoman on January 16, 2008, 01:04:00 AM
I will share a story.
I have a really close friend and we have been mates since Uni days (I think you lads call it Varsity).
He hit a hard patch a few years ago and lost his wife and his business. Like a typical bloke he 'closed shop' and did not share his problems with anybody. I urged him to go to counselling but he refused.
We don't live in the same State in Australia, so I saw him rarely. However each time I did I noticed he looked more disheveled and unkempt. I realised he had hit the 'turps' big time and was often drunk.
His downward slide was almost complete when he lost the recent job he had acquired for turning up to work under the influence.
To shorten a long story, I took two weeks leave and went and stayed with him in Melbourne. I hesitated to do so, but when I left home I whacked a take/down bow and a few arrows into my bag. During that stay I dragged him out to one of the local clubs and we shot a few rounds together.
He was able to open up to me and share some of his troubles. Having dealt with similiar situations before as a volunteer counselor for a Suicide Prevention Programme - I was able to listen and advise.
During this period he began to get interested in trad archery.
I was able to help find him a new job whilst I was still in Melbourne and I left the bow with him to use.
He started going back to the club and became a member. He began buying and selling a few bows and soon had the bug.
All along - almost imperceptibly - he started to fill his life with things and stopped the drink.
He met new friends at the club, got a promotion at his new job and met a new partner.
He told me recently that if it had not been for our time together, and intoducing him to a better way of life - that he may not be around now to tell the tale.
I am not saying that the archery alone helped pull him from the mire - but it certainly helped.
I know myself - with hard patches that I have been through in life - that my interest in the outdoors and my bows have kept me on the straight and narrow.
I am not a drinker, so the 'turps' was never an issue for me - but an empty purposeless life will always lead to mischief.
I have a life filled with good things and I attribute a lot of that to my interest in archery. Great people, good bows and an insatiable apetite for new adventure.
I am wondering if anybody else would like to share their story - how has the stick and string helped you to stay on track - during the dark times.
Cheers - Sutto
Post by: Whitetail Chaser on January 16, 2008, 02:15:00 AM
I am a dentist, which can be a rather stressful career.
I love to come home and shoot 15-20 arrows. It helps take my mind off work and stress and such. Then I can spend hours just tinkerin' with broadheads, arrows, feathers, and other stuff.
My sense of adventure has surely developed with archery. A nice hike in the woods with my bow can be loads of fun even if I'm just shooting some judos at stumps. It allows me to explore the wonders of nature and marvel at all the beauty in the world that we take for granted.
I started shooting 15 years ago with a recurve, but I never realized how much fun a hobby like this could be. Certainly helps me keep my sanity.
Wish my wife were into it, but unfortunately shopping is her only hobby!! LOL (Hope she doesn't read this.)
Brett
Post by: OzarkRamblr on January 16, 2008, 04:28:00 AM
Archery makes a difference in my life daily. Any time I feel stressed or might need to lose myself in something other than the day to day drudgery, I will pick up my bow and some arrows. Sometimes it's to go out back and watch a few fly, sometimes it's to go to the woods and ponder my own insignificance.
Post by: robtattoo on January 16, 2008, 04:45:00 AM
After the embarrasment of being run ragged by Curtis & Mark Horne at last year's Sweat (Both of whom are at least twice my age :p ) I've quit smoking. I've never really had a good reason to quit (hey, 100% of non-smokers die too!) until I took up trad archery &, more to the point, found Tradgang. It's made me re-assess my outlook on life & given me new goals to aim for. Heck, if nothing else, I'll see more game, right?!
I've got the urge to try a few more 'adveturous' hunts in future & I wouldn't stand a chance climbing mountains with lungs full of goop.
I would never have got into bowhunting if I hadn't discovered this site & met & spoken to the people I have.
Post by: Labs4me on January 16, 2008, 05:49:00 AM
Like Whitetail Chaser, archery and bowhunting have enhanced my life in immeasurable ways. As much as I live to chase whitetails during the fall, I also simply enjoy shooting a couple dozen arrows in my basement or in the yard after work each day to help me relax and unwind. To help keep me and my Lab fit, from the end of December to the end of March, most weekday nights you will find us out behind the house chasing bunnies. Our bunny hunts are really nothing more than a walk through the woods with a bow in hand and a quiver full of stumping arrows on my back- but please don‘t tell Huck that.. Since I first picked up a recurve 25 years ago, traditional archery has been a very big part of my life and the passion seems to grow stronger with each passing year.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 16, 2008, 06:32:00 AM
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Post by: Ian johnson on January 16, 2008, 07:51:00 AM
Post by: JC on January 16, 2008, 08:45:00 AM
In short, yes, it has changed my life for the better. Until I went back to trad exclusively 99/00, I only rarely hunted with folks and then usually family. Since then, the Lord has enriched my life with many, many folks of kindred heart. I am happier and mentally healthier today because of these sisters and brothers of the bow...many are by far the closest friends I've had my entire life. I cannot imagine my life without them and the love they share with me.
I owe traditional archery more than I can ever repay.... :campfire:
Post by: bayoulongbowman on January 16, 2008, 08:51:00 AM
Post by: Doc Nock on January 16, 2008, 09:21:00 AM
Don't underestimate the power of your friendship... which if I'm not mistaken, might also be a common thread in some of the other stories above... that in trad archery, more so than in many of my past outdoor pursuits, I find men and women who have reached out more easily, given more of themselves...all to help another soul improve their abilities.
Like JC, I've met people in trad that have been rock solid while I stumbled in the dark at times... the draw of the bow and arc of the arrow are therapy, sure, but nothing compared to the heart and soul of those I've met, and those I've only met here, on-line, who've lifted me up in prayers adn friendship.
Trad is the impetus, but the people in trad, and Tradgang, are the cure!
Post by: Voodoofire1 on January 16, 2008, 09:29:00 AM
Post by: David Mitchell on January 16, 2008, 09:55:00 AM
Post by: LV2HUNT on January 16, 2008, 10:07:00 AM
Post by: BillW on January 16, 2008, 10:14:00 AM
Bill
Post by: denny on January 16, 2008, 10:14:00 AM
Post by: Pat O'B on January 16, 2008, 10:30:00 AM
My mom was still not doing well at all and this was a day we had been dreading. I convinced her with some help from her grandsons to come with us and watch them shoot. She reluctantly agreed and it was pretty quiet on the drive down there.
The kids loved the course and it provided me with a distraction as well. We shot the first round and the kids were worn out and didn't want to walk and shoot round 2.
My mom said you go shoot and I will stay here with them. I left a few arrows for them to shoot the bales with and told her I would hurry.
I go off the shoot and when I come back I see my mom under the pavilion laughing and talking with some people I didn't know. Turns out 5 minutes after I left the arrows were lost and the kids were bored.
A wonderful man who made arrows - named Troy, from Alabama - saw the dilema and found some broken adult arrows and adapted them for the kids, glued on points and had them back shooting. AND WOULD NOT ACCEPT ANY MONEY!!!!! Another grandma there struck up a conversation and before she knew it my mom was making new friends and having a good time.
It was the first ray of sun in a very long sad year, and her only comment as we drove home was "THESE TRADITIONAL PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL!!!!"
You said it mom, you said it!
Pat
Post by: gilf on January 16, 2008, 10:55:00 AM
I'd echo what Bill had to say, both my wife and I took up archery at around the same time, we have always had a great relationship but having a common interest has kept us even closer.
Post by: chrisg on January 16, 2008, 11:05:00 AM
I was puzzled, but then Alan had a quick wit and ironic sense of humour. He was a man who had done it all, in the target world, FITA, Field etc he had been shooting 35 years by then represented the country many times, coached, been on the national committees etc and was now doing grassroots development. What made him special is that no matter if you were just plunking around the course or taking part in a national he was eager and interested to hear how your round went. I hate to imagine how many arrows he had shot from the age of five until 48 yet he remained a passionate competitor and generous coach and mentor to all who were curious about archery. Alan was a wonderful man family man and widely respected. I never regretted my move and was never criticised by anyone in the club, good solid values was what it stood for, Alan was the example. At the time I switched I was fighting my way back from financial disaster but was still made welcome at all shoots held by the club, I am ok now. His number will always remain on my phone.
Alan Greenwood was shot for his cellphone, laptop and shoes while working in his factory over a weekend on 27 december 2003
chrisg
Post by: MCNSC on January 16, 2008, 11:14:00 AM
Mike
Post by: Kingstaken on January 16, 2008, 12:23:00 PM
Along comes my cousin asked what was done in therapy in which I explained that they would pull on the arm to try and stretch and loosen the muscles and mainly the scar tissue. He being an avid archer and hunter said I should try archery to see if could take the therapy a step further since it has the same method but would be more enjoyable and same me on all the visits strengthen the arm. Being a natural right handed person I got a right handed wheelie bow to start. No matter how low the weight I tried shooting as a righty the force of holding a bow in the left hand and drawing with the right hand drove the headless forearm bone into the upper arm joint where I’d whimper like a baby..
Well I decided to switch to pulling lefty. All I can say is Thanks to the Lord above.
Not only strengthened, but really stretched out the arm to about 95% straightness, which I will gladly live with.
It literally gave me back my life and with two sons one could imagine the feeling of not being to play ball and shoot archery with them.
Being able to play all sports again and now swing a bat, at 46 I just got a set of gold clubs will start to play.
So I can absolutely say “YES” archery saved my life from being on the side lines to being in there where we all belong.
Gave me and my family a great sport with great people to do together.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=01ZKOqklbJU
Traditional archery has taken it to the next level where now the mind and the inner soul are content, well at least here in earthly terms.
No more being pissed for missing that “X” shot.
My mottos are “Just nock, draw and release” and “Just nock, draw and be released”.
Post by: Dirty Bill on January 16, 2008, 08:47:00 PM
Post by: katie on January 16, 2008, 09:19:00 PM
Post by: suttoman on January 16, 2008, 10:49:00 PM
I agree with 'Docnock' - take the great people out of archery and it would not be so great.
Thanks to those with the kind comments - I apreciate that.
Hearing all of these stories just illustrates the old adage - regarding how we all have to walk our own walk and adapt life to our circumstances.
Sutto
Post by: Seeking Trad Deer on January 16, 2008, 10:50:00 PM
Post by: ozarkcherrybow1 on January 16, 2008, 11:10:00 PM
For me personally, archery has filled a void in me. I used to be very competitive in many other sports, but my mind is still eighteen compared to my overworked 43 year old body. I have came to the reality that the sports that I loved is in the past. Archery has given me a sport that I will be able to enjoy for many years to come.
The biggest blessing from Archery is that my wife and kids enjoy shooting with me. Everyone gets to participate and has fun shooting. The friendships that have come from this sport will last for a very long time also.
In a final note, I get to hunt for 5 months out of the year here in Arkansas!!
Terry
Post by: OzarkRamblr on January 16, 2008, 11:48:00 PM
Post by: Danny Rowan on January 16, 2008, 11:54:00 PM
Danny
Post by: John Nail on January 17, 2008, 06:32:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on January 17, 2008, 07:40:00 AM
Alcoholism, wrecked marriage, a host of personal problems based in selfcentered and selfish behavior and thinking have been part of my story. I rediscovered trad archery a few years into my turn around and it has been a passion ever since. Spiritual practices saved me and archery is one of the ones I found. Like JC mentioned, the folks who share this passion seem to be kindered spirits. I have met, hunted with and shared campfires with many from this site and it has enriched and blessed my life.
Plus, its just plain fun! Simple joys are some of the best. Chop wood, carry water, shoot arrows.
Post by: suttoman on January 17, 2008, 07:53:00 AM
Sutto
Post by: Jason Lester on January 17, 2008, 08:09:00 AM
I probably stayed out of trouble because I loved the outdoors more than anything. Archey was something I was introduced to by may father (birthday present at 15-16) It was an reson to go out in the woods. Gun hunting was something Dad and Grandpa did every year. I loved it but archey got me out even more.
Like others have said I think the friendships and people associated with Trad archey is the biggest thing for me. My father and grandfather don't hunt anymore. I'm not sure if they ever will again..I hope so but who knows. I love to tell my stories and hear them to. So tradgang has helped alot in that respect.
Another thing is that my bows and arrows and targets could care less about my troubles. When I pick one up and take it out they go to work. They don't ask questions or worry about anything they just work. That is theraputic at times for sure.
Post by: the not so straight arrow on January 17, 2008, 10:12:00 AM
I for one used to hang out with the wrong crowd of people, like most of my friends i was following a trend, partying, or drinking. This eventually got me into quite some trouble. I was put on house arrest for three months. It was hell, i couldnt get into the woods once, missed deer season, and couldnt run my traps.
But by the time that those three months were up, i had changed completly. And by choice. I no longer hung out with my old friends, or friends in general. My best friend was literally my dog, and every day we would hunt rabbits with the longbow, just me and her.
With all the time i spend in the woods i have yet to find one negative thing about it. To this day i do not hang out with the people in my school. I spend time with my older (and wiser) friends at deer camp, and ever though my dog died last year, i still hunt those same briars.
The woods are one of the most important things to me and have a very special place in my heart. They are healthy, beautiful, and kept me on the straight on narrow, and always will.
-cory
Post by: flightmedic on January 17, 2008, 07:08:00 PM
Post by: Chisler on January 17, 2008, 07:43:00 PM
Post by: JL on January 17, 2008, 08:29:00 PM
Five simple Rules for Happiness:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply
4. Give more.
5. Expect less
Wise words to live by...
JL
Post by: Molson on January 17, 2008, 09:06:00 PM
I was standing in my doorway, bow and quiver in hand, when a SUV pulled in my drive. I grew nervous at the sound of the wheels skidding to a halt. Out sprang a fearful sight. "Jihad Jody", famed, feared, but not neccessarily wanted, domestic terrorist had arrived!
At the sight of me, dressed in wool, she unleashed a flurry of environmental noise directed upon my person. Shaken, I reached deep, searching for the proper response to such a threat. "I won't be long, it's dark at 5:30." I said and made haste toward my waiting truck.
Once on the road, I took a last glance in the rearview mirror and patted my bow, thankful once again for the salvation found in such a simple instrument. :thumbsup:
Post by: 2Blade on January 17, 2008, 09:19:00 PM
Post by: longstick on January 17, 2008, 09:47:00 PM
Post by: suttoman on January 17, 2008, 09:47:00 PM
sutto
Post by: adirondack46r on January 17, 2008, 10:10:00 PM
My father lived, and instead of a gun we picked up a couple of bows. While not always trad, archery became a passion. The journey began painfully but archery has become more of a part of me with each passing year. It didn't save me, but it certainly did enrich the last 35 years of my life.
Post by: adirondack46r on January 17, 2008, 10:11:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by adirondack46r:
A couple years before I was old enough to deer hunt I came home from school one November afternoon to find out my father had been accidentally shot by another hunter. In a moment, the thing I had looked foward to since I was a small boy was taken away. It would be years before I was allowed to pick up a gun.
My father lived, and instead of a gun we picked up a couple of bows. While not always trad, archery became a passion. The journey began painfully but archery has become more a part of me with each passing year. It didn't save me, but it certainly did enrich the last 35 years.
Post by: b.glass on January 17, 2008, 11:52:00 PM
Post by: Jager on January 18, 2008, 08:56:00 AM
Post by: David Hewitt on January 18, 2008, 11:51:00 AM
Post by: Mike Bolin on January 18, 2008, 04:54:00 PM
Post by: katie on January 18, 2008, 05:24:00 PM
Little story. 2 weeks before she passed, she was home alone and fell on the tile. She had been fighting breast cancer for the past year. The chemo had taken her strength. She tried to get up a few times but could not. When she told me the story, I asked her if she laid on the floor and cried. She looked at me like I was nuts. She said "Are you kidding me? I looked up and said 'God, let's make this one funny'" Then she crawled back to her bed singing "There is no business like show business". Only her. She was defeated on the floor and sang a show tune. I think of that story every time I am on my butt feeling sorry for myself. I will never face anythig as tuff as what she went through. Tough as nails! Talk about a role model!
Post by: styckbow on January 19, 2008, 12:30:00 AM
Post by: rdoggsilva on January 19, 2008, 03:41:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 19, 2008, 06:06:00 AM
Post by: suttoman on January 19, 2008, 07:00:00 AM
'Mysticguido' - I did read your thread and thought it was great. You had great guts to share so personally.
I felt really bad putting up this similiar thread and hoped you did not think I 'stole your thunder'. I would never have put it up right now but did not realise in was there until I posted this thread. I jumped on as usual to check the threads for the day and discovered your thread. Sorry!
Sutto
Post by: sharps4590 on January 19, 2008, 07:58:00 AM
Sutto, you're the one who gave of yourself to your friend. Trad archery was merely the common denominator.
Other than my family I have 3 major passions in life and all of them outdoor related. Hunting with and shooting trad muzzleloaders, hunting with and shooting trad bows and fly fishing with bamboo fly rods. Of course that entails all the other activities related to those three sports.
Here is something I've noticed. In all three of those....sports....the attitude, care, concern and yes, love, of the people involved are the same. It appears to me that there is a....type?....of person who pursues activities that require more committment from them. I believe that committment carrys over to the folks they/we associate with. Thus Sutto's committment to his friend and all the other examples given in this thread.
It isn't so much that it's trad archery muzzleloaders, fly fishing or whatever. It is, as many have already said, the quality of people who participate. Ultimately, it's all about relationships. God go with each of you!
Vic
Post by: suttoman on January 20, 2008, 12:15:00 AM
Post by: suttoman on January 20, 2008, 12:19:00 AM
Sutto
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 20, 2008, 12:59:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by suttoman:2 Different thread. But alike. Kind of like Hunting, It's all Good....I feel I was Saved Spiritually & Mentally. ..
'Styckbow' -
'Mysticguido' - I did read your thread and thought it was great. You had great guts to share so personally.
I felt really bad putting up this similar thread and hoped you did not think I 'stole your thunder'. I would never have put it up right now but did not realize in was there until I posted this thread. I jumped on as usual to check the threads for the day and discovered your thread. Sorry!
Sutto