I had an idea that maybe many of us would enjoy hearing about hobbies forum members engage in other than shooting. Over the many years here I have picked up on many sideline interests members here engage in, such as old cars, wood-working, clock restoration, etc. I, for one, would love to hear of others' other interests and hobbies. Maybe, if you would care to share some info about it, you would give a little background and talk a bit about your hobby. Pics would be great, too.
Mine is billiards . . . . pool. When I was a teenager I was told by my Dad to stay away from pool halls. Unfortunately, or fortunately, that just made me all the more interested. So, when I got my first dependable car and was able to drive to school I would occasionally stop by the one local pool room and shoot a few games. I loved the aura, and the game. When I left home and went to college I found a huge pool room in town. It had numerous pool and snooker tables. That became my "second home" until I finished school and moved home, got married, and started the real life. The real life did not lend itself to billiards as there were no longer any pool rooms open in my area. So, my love for the game languished for many years until my son bought a table and put it in his office. It came with four "house" cue sticks and one fiberglass two-piece cue, a Scorpion, named for Johnny Archer who grew up just down the road from me. The old flame was rekindled and I began shooting again in earnest, and began to improve my game.
Whether shooting rifles, pistols, shotguns, or pool, I always had a fire in my belly to get better, to improve, to beat the others, to be a winner. Eventually, I bought a used Meucci custom cue stick in a pawn shop and my game took another step up. I now shoot that same cue plus I use a custom carbon fiber breaking cue made by CueTec. I have always been drawn to competitive sports that cannot be perfected, thus sporting clays and pool. They have so much in common. A follow through in both is essential. Balance in the shotgun, and in the cue stick, is vitally important. Focus is paramount, and techniques have to be practiced to become ingrained.
So, that's my story. What's yours? I sincerely hope this stays genteel and non-political. Please share your passions with us.
Best, SRH
Last edited by Stanton Hillis; 11/21/24 08:42 AM.
