Guest guest Posted January 3, 2004 Share Posted January 3, 2004 I’ve been with this club since the turn of the century, sounds impressive doesn’t it, but it is a very brief time, just a trick of words, and NSPN has only just started. One thing is a fact in my life though, in addition everything I have with my wife and work, that I now have more friends than I ever thought I would. This loose cadre of ever growing friendships is now part of what defines who I am in a way I would not have predicted. You are part of my life and I don’t say that lightly. If you find something that is worthwhile in its simplicity, that enriches your life by just participating, can you deny it a place? I don’t mean kayaking, because I hope there is something that is more than this activity alone. I am talking about the interaction that is found between ourselves and our environment, oneself, the water beneath our boat, and the friend we choose to be there with. I will not deceive myself with any more importance given to this activity on the sea, it is not for defense of family and country, or food on the table, we are not obliged to be there. I will not give it less importance due to the people that I am fortunate to be there with. As much as I enjoy kayaking I can not share it, if I don’t have anyone to share with. I do kayak alone, and love it, yet, you can tell a story to someone who doesn’t speak your language and something is always lost no matter how you hard you try, or loud you talk. I like sharing what we do, even when there is nothing said, just being part is more than needs to be said. That is my selfish reason for being as active as I can in this organization, it is for what I get out of the membership, in the true meaning of that word. There is always someone new to meet and always someone to learn from and with, and a common language, kayaking and the sea. So, keeping this group together, and growing, is important to my life, not the organization, the people. We are not a website, we are the people that give it meaning every post, and we are not a certified 501©)(3) non-profit status under section 170 of the internal revenue service code, we are friends paddling together on any Saturday you can remember or haven’t had yet. That is worth keeping alive, worth helping to grow, and worth participating in. I’m not going to tell you that I know how to address some of the conflicts that we have as a growing organization, but just remind you of what I think we have to win or lose. It is a new year, good time to work out our minor differences. This is not work, the only work is having fun. We need to loosen our grip a little, a light grasp of the paddle will get you a lot farther, on a long day on the water.We require only one skill... that you come back, and charge one duty... that all come back.Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2004 Share Posted January 5, 2004 Well stated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted January 6, 2004 Share Posted January 6, 2004 Rick,Thanks for reminding us all why we really are members of this club. Every time I paddle with friends from NSPN I am amazed at the number of really great friends I have to share doing something that I passionately enjoy. The PPPO's and Christmas party and other social get-togethers help me to realize what a diverse, interesting crowd we are. Thanks to one and all...Let's not sweat the small stuff.Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Posted January 6, 2004 Share Posted January 6, 2004 RickThere has been only two times in my life that I have been rendered speechless. My NSPN going away party was one, this is the other.Truely from the heart.Love, B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djlewis Posted January 6, 2004 Share Posted January 6, 2004 Rick:Your dedication and openness, not to mention your skill, are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing all of them with us!--David. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerry s Posted January 7, 2004 Share Posted January 7, 2004 RickYou have so eloquently stated a feeling I've had since joining this club but have not been able to identify or put into words. Your spirit and that of others has been the magnetizing force that has drawn me to psddling more than the water and waves. I look forward to many more friendships and paddling trips with kindred souls and hope that this period of transition, growth, and evolution that the club is experiencing does not the obfuscate this spirit. Gerry SmithPortsmouthWood Stripper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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