Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

Come visit us and many others from the fly fishing community at the upcoming Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Warren, MI, March 12th and 13th.  The Michigan Fly Fishing Club sponsors this event which includes vendors, seminars, guest speakers and much more.  Check out expo details at www.mffc.org.  Watch our blog for more updates.

Reeling & Healing Midwest

Reeling & Healing Midwest announces some 2011 Retreat Dates.

• NEW PARTICIPANT RETREATS
  

Friday, May 6 – Sunday, May 8 in Lovells, MI

Sunday, July 17 – Tuesday, July 19 in Grayling, MI

Sunday, July 24 – Tuesday, July 26 in Grayling, MI

Sunday, August 7 – Tuesday, August 9 in Grayling, MI

Sunday, August 14 – Tuesday, August 16 in Grayling, MI

• REUNION RETREATS

Annual One Day Retreat, Muskegon River, Newaygo, MI – Saturday, June 18

Annual One Day Retreat, Pere Marquette River, Baldwin, MI – Saturday, July 10

Annual Fall Classic Weekend, Pere Marquette River, Baldwin, MI – Friday, October 14 – Sunday, October 16

For more information or to sign-up, visit our website at www.FishOn.org or please email us at info@ReelingandHealing.org.

Come fly fish with us!  Fish On!

It’s called “Reeling and Healing”, a retreat for women whose lives have been touched by cancer, but you’d never know it.  Cancer is certainly not on the agenda here – knot tying, casting a fly rod, identifying trout, walking in a pristine stream in waders with your own personal guide, fly fishing for trout – that’s what this retreat is all about.  What does trout fishing have to do with healing?  EVERYTHING.

It was our first day on the Au Sable.  I was on shore, still in my waders, taking a break and doing some photography.  As I watched pairs of fishermen in this incredibly scenic setting, I was struck by an emotion so powerful I was moved to tears.  Try as I might, I could not put a name to it – still can’t.  Perhaps one day it will come to me – perhaps not.  I think it’s way beyond descriptors I know.  I do know that the first time I entered my room I walked straight through the other door.  Before me was the river.  The first thought that came to my mind was “This IS the peace of God which passes all understanding”.

So, you take a group of women and an equal number of fly fishermen, team up, and start fishing.  The healing – well, that just sort of happens.  Two people in the stream, on fly fishing rod, a few instructions and the novice, guided by the experienced, is joyously engaged in the art of fly fishing.  Up and down the stream – pairs of people, both of them giving and receiving, and the healing begins.  Sitting on shore you can see it, you are moved by it – the privilege of observing healing occurring right before your eyes.  How cool is that?

We’re raving about the retreat and will encourage others to go.  The volunteers sure did amaze us with their willingness to bear our faults and mishaps and still say, “you’re doing a great job”.  Thanks to all of you and the Au Sable staff for the precious time we were able to spend.  It was beautiful and we hope to see you all again.  Fish on!  Shirlee B

I would like to thank you for the best experience of my life and all the women I met, but the best was my time on the river.  Being on the river made me realize I can make it through this fight with cancer.  These memories will last me a lifetime.  You are all the best.  Love, Pat K.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories you have given me.  I was overwhelmed and will always be and will keep the Au Sable feeling forever.  Thanks, Judy S – Illinois

Dear Reeling & Healing Midwest,

What a wonderful time I had on my retreat. I’m thrilled I was able to attend with my sister.  I have so many happy memories.  All of you who helped out did a fantastic job.  You made it so interesting and enjoyable.  THANK YOU SO MUCH  Fish On!  Joanne, Pompano Beach, FL

Peace before us,

Peace after us,

Peace under our feet,

Peace within us,

Peace over us,

Let all around us

Be peace.

There is a Life Stream that flows to you, and this is a Stream of clarity,

a Stream of wellness, a Stream of abundance…and in any moment, you are

allowing it or not.  What someone else does with the Stream, or not, does

not have anything to do with how much of it will be left for you.  This

Stream is as abundant as your ideas allow it to be.  -Abraham

Because of RHM I have new friendships outside my comfort zone.  Also, I have learned to become one with the river.  Not to count the number of fish caught, but to think like a trout and present a fly that might be somewhat natural for the liking of one finicky trout.  Aside from fishing, I think about all the wonderful memories we share on and off the water.  Can’t wait to get together again!  Life is short,  but I’m thankful for the powers that be that brought RHM into my life.  Fish On Always!  Love ya, Linda