People are often curious about the turning point that had the most significant impact on Oyster as a business. The answer is absolute:
shit got real on 01-10-2005
Cutter Jude Oyster…born between
Christmas and trade show season in 2005.
Within minutes of Cutter being born and Bill seeing the look on my face and the love for this brand new creature set in my arms, he said…
“Oh man, I am going to have to make a lot more bamboo fly rods.” 😆
As entrepreneurs, and now as new parents, Cutter provided us with an intense purpose and dare I say clarity for the trajectory of Oyster.
It was go time like no other…
At first, we were unsure how our clients would receive the presence of a small curious child crawling around the workshop as they attempted to build their own bamboo fly rod.
And really…truth be told…we had no choice.
For over 10 years, it was just Bill and me in our basement desperately trying to figure things out and we worked around the clock having made the very intentional choice of keeping him at home with us.
So, this meant Cutter was on my hip all day every day and even attended his first round of trade shows a week after he was born.
Call it poor planning.
As clients and students came and went from the shop, Cutter referred to Oyster clients as “THE PEOPLE“.
After each class…he would always get a twinge of separation anxiety and ask when “THE PEOPLE” were coming back
So, to the “PEOPLE” (and you know who you are)…thank you. YOU ALL have left an impervious impression on Cutter. We are so fortunate to spend quality time with some of the most interesting people in the world. YOU have shared your parenting wisdom through the years that enhanced all of our lives and even helped ease the pain that frequently coincides with parenting along the way. Thank you. Just thank you.
Having LITERALLY grown up in a bamboo fly rod making shop, Cutter has been immersed in a place where fly fishers, craftsmen, artists, naturalists, entrepreneurs and writers all frequently converge.
Surrounded by such a diverse and talented group of creative individuals,
Cutter’s vantage point of the world has remained unique, to say the least.
Countless locals, from caring parents who we call friends, fellow business owners on Main Street to the dedicated teachers and administration in our rural but mighty school system of Fannin County have guided, encouraged and tirelessly cared about Cutter along the way.
As Cutter has grown, so has the crew at Oyster. He does not even KNOW a life without Riley and Quinn in it.
Kassie was 12 years old (practically a “baby” herself) when she first held Cutter as a newborn at our home in our first workshop.
Dean and Paxton are here to “bridge the generational gap” when we are entirely confused by “kids today’”…
And, of course my father’s watchful eye is always present whether lugging displays in the early days of trade shows or present day showroom gatekeeping on Main Street (you all know him by Bruce or “Daddy” as I call him).
Thank you to the Oyster crew. We are humbled by your acts of kindness continuously showered upon our child.
We look forward to helping make your children’s lives just as bizarre and fulfilling.
Editor’s note: Last year, we had a “baby boom” of sorts around here. Riley, Kassie and Dean all had babies…
so, don’t worry…
we still have no shortage of littles. 🖤
The aspect of “legacy” is a frequent topic of conversation around the shop concerning bamboo fly rods due to their heirloom status and the significance of hand engraving.
Yet, this child’s legacy is one of the heart. Cutter leaves unrelenting compassion, genuine kindness and a whip-smart sense of humor in our hearts.
He has taught us that purpose (and patience) is limitless if you dig deep.
Finally…to Athens, Georgia…take care of our child as you did us.
Bill and I found ourselves and then one another in this magical little town.
Without Athens, there would be no Oyster Bamboo much less, our children. Athens has a way of gently whispering dreams into your psyche and frees you to the core. Show this child what you revealed to us so many years ago.
🦄
So, with a full and aching heart…we close this chapter here at Oyster.
Please join us in sending Cutter good luck for this next passage into life.
Godspeed. You are so loved.
Now, go and find your “PEOPLE”
Mom & Dad
"I think if you can take care of yourself, and then maybe try to take care of someone else, that's sort of how you're supposed to live." - Bill Murray
-slo
EDITOR’S NOTE: Oyster's original blog was on the oldie but goodie platform, Blogger, in 2009, before moving to WordPress. You may find a copy of this post on “The Bamboo Fly Rod Maker’s Widow” blog HERE. I have tried to preserve the integrity—or lack thereof—of each “Widow” post, especially to reflect the resources—or lack thereof—available at the time, as time and technology continue to freak me out evolve.