---

ORIGINAL: Schlemer

So here I am at 39 with my hunting neighbor out in the woods of Eastern P.A. at 5 a.m. in the morning. Pitch black (thank god for the full moon) and friggin' cold. Friend says "setting up tree stand, go further an find a spot to sit in" I'm like alone? What did I get myself into? Slowly I start looking for a place to plant myself, hoping no to get into any other hunters way (respect for others is high on my list of things).

First, I find a tree that provided decent cover. Second, I whip out that pillow my buddy so made fun of when I got it ("real men don't need pillows in the woods" F-THAT!). Third, take off orange and place it so other hunters can see it and switch to full camo. Fourth, take out turkey call. Fifth, load shotgun and finally sixth, sit and wait... and wait... and wait.

Here's the thing, after the initial fear of being alone in the woods (coyotes don't inspire confidence). I found myself quite at peace. Originally, I'm from a big city and could not stand living there anymore. So, I moved to P.A. and as I sat there hoping to nail a nice turkey. I was really enjoying watching the sun rise, and listening to wonders that nature had to offer.

So, after several hours, and no luck. We moved to other spots throughout the day, but came home empty handed. Tired I was, as well as content. In a world full of fast paced moving chaos and super structures, pain and misery. It really is nice to slow down, get away from it all and take in the finer things in life.

BTW-my but greatly thanks that silly little pillow :D

---