*Do you really know...*

January 17, 2011, 01:44:00 AM

Hello folks.
I am not new to the site - been away for many years. Coming back to TG a couple weeks ago was an interesting experience.

It was good to "read" many of you I remember from years gone by. I find that "Tarzan" has a real name! I see that Van really does know what he is talkin' about and Mudd is all over the place LOL. These guys don't know me but I know them well.

The rich heritage of traditional archery permeates this place. Here is preserved the true heart and soul of the tradition we keep and pass on to future generations. This family is a big 'un for sure.

TG is dynamic. A rainbow of personalities from all over the world (literally) gather together around a campfire and talk the same language (sort of), enjoy each other's company, argue, share happy moments and, when it is our turn to be weak, the multitudes will gather around us, support us and bring us back to life. What an amazing phenomenon!

THINK for one moment about what you have here...and more importantly what free people have and take for granted. I have been living in China for nearly three years. I cannot carry a pocket knife legally. The thought of owning and shooting a bow is something nobody here would ever entertain....not legal. Firearms of any type are not legal. To take a walk in the hardwoods is unheard of...I have yet to see any real trees.

To see animals in the wild is an extremely unusual event. Such a lonely and barren place for a person to be, one who was once free to experience the wonders of his homeland...to knock an arrow and let it fly. To run to the range and play with my rifles, shotguns and pistols. To float down a river in a canoe hoping to ambush a few ducks or walk the corn stubble to experience that startling thunder of a bird flushed from under your feet.

Folks, Life is GOOD!

Thanks to many of you my life has more meaning. Your stories help keep the fire alive...

Take good care of each other. Give the newbies a hug. Slap me when I get out of line.......See you around.

Tony

**DONOTDELETE** · January 17, 2011, 01:52:00 AM

Welcome back...

NorthernCaliforniaHunter · January 17, 2011, 01:56:00 AM

Indeed

kawika b · January 17, 2011, 02:10:00 AM

You have a nice outlook on life. Thanks for sharing and welcome back Tony.

Mudd · January 17, 2011, 02:12:00 AM

Welcome back!

I'm glad that you have your freedoms back!

I've been in a few countries that owning any type of weapon wasn't legal and like you I am very grateful for the freedoms we have here.

I pray His love, joy and peace for you!

God bless,Mudd

PS: Curiosity killed the cat.. what does "Mudd is all over the place".... mean?

**DONOTDELETE** · January 17, 2011, 02:37:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Mudd:
PS: Curiosity killed the cat.. what does "Mudd is all over the place".... mean?

Talking about the news and the bad weather.. Other then that I would say He was just Funnen You

straitera · January 17, 2011, 02:43:00 AM

The China lesson was good experience & you;re better off for it. Let freedom ring! Good to have you back.

January 17, 2011, 03:52:00 AM

Ha!
Mudd, you are indeed "all over the place"

Every where I go...there is Mudd, blessing everyone! :D

rastaman · January 17, 2011, 05:53:00 AM

Welcome back sir! Thanks for your post. I sometimes forget how truly great our country is. You reminded me, and i thank you for that.

Mudd · January 17, 2011, 07:05:00 AM

Macatawa It's all good!

I should've known.....

My own mother always said that I was a "crowd" all by myself...lol

God bless,Mudd

magnus · January 17, 2011, 07:51:00 AM

Your post is truly a reminder of what we take for granted. Thanks to all the hero's who are or have served our great nation to keep us free and able to pursue our passions afield and enjoy the spirit within.

Keeping the Faith!
Magnus

riverrat 2 · January 17, 2011, 07:53:00 AM

Welcome home Macatawa,stories like that make me
realize how easy it is to forget how good we have
it here in the United States.

Whip · January 17, 2011, 07:55:00 AM

Welcome back Tony - sure good to see you here. Your comments are an eye opener. We sometimes take for granted how truly lucky we are.

So, you're still in China? Coming home anytime soon? Life is so short. I'm sure you would love to have a chance to do some of the things you miss so much.

snow leopard · January 17, 2011, 08:04:00 AM

VERY well said, tony.

sou-pawbowhunter · January 17, 2011, 08:08:00 AM

Well said, and welcome home.

maineac · January 17, 2011, 08:10:00 AM

Always good to be reminded of the true freedoms most of us take for granted. Welcome back.

Bowwild · January 17, 2011, 08:15:00 AM

Welcome back to the gang. From the content of your post I can tell you were missed.

You'd think in a country as big and diverse as China there would be a little room for freedom.

Killdeer · January 17, 2011, 09:17:00 AM

"Thanks to many of you my life has more meaning. Your stories help keep the fire alive..."

Posts like yours reawaken us to the precious freedoms that we still possess. You, sir, gave me a wake-up. Thanks for returning to this board, I look forward to your well-written insights.

Killdeer

January 17, 2011, 09:19:00 AM

Joe....
yes, I'm coming home in June! Can't wait.

sweeney3 · January 17, 2011, 09:26:00 AM

*shiver*

Glad you're back. I've been in some pretty skanky countries, but there was no shortage of weapons ownership. No wild animals or wilderness to speak of, cause there's no concept of conservation, but plenty of weapons. None of them were bows, even though there is a long history of archery in the area. Perhaps I just didn't get to see them...

Welcome back. I can't imagine being in a place like that.