Ah, vacation.

I don’t vacation often. “But, Matthew,” you  say, “you’re always talking about amazing fly fishing exploits.” Well, then I have used the power of the pen to sufficiently fool you into thinking I get out more than I do. It isn’t deception, per se, I just optimize those few chances I get. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, and all that jazz.

Regardless of your opinion of the  transparency of my creative process throughout the other hundred or so pieces I put out over the course of the year, today I’ll be crystal: 

I am on vacation.

It isn’t that I don’t have some riveting fly fishing related thoughts to share. In fact, being on vacation has really stimulated some interesting (in my opinion) content. I’ve been fishing  quite a bit, and so generating that will be effortless and natural. There have been a number of conversations with people that are going to make for great posts. And I even had a negative experience! That one will be fun to share, but will need a little more thoughtful nuance so it doesn’t sound like just the rantings of a disgruntled angler. Although that can be a good read…

I’ve experienced some new places, revisited some  cities and rivers I’ve been to in the past, and I’ve eaten some spectacular things. Deep dish pizza, the way it is supposed to be; hot dogs, heavy laden with more vegetables than I usually eat in a week; and custard, lots and lots of frozen custard.

But whether it be trout or fried catfish, I am still in the middle of it. I could write, but I don’t want to just yet. Being on vacation – being away in general, is part of a process. Admittedly, I am no expert on crafting a literary masterpiece. One little thing that I’ve picked up is that sitting on a concept for a bit can be incredibly beneficial.

Writing, like fly fishing, is better when you are introspective. Whether it be for the purpose of sharing or simply personal reflection, a little bit of separation and perspective can enhance the particulars while at the same time painting those individual moments into the greater, general picture.

So that is why I’m not writing about fishing or fly shops or cheese curds today.

But I will write about those things tomorrow.