Nature and the Pursuit of Life: Reflecting on the Fourth of July

As we sat back on my brother in law’s porch in Traverse City, Michigan just above West Bay, we marveled at the numbers of fireworks shows that different families were putting on in full force. The sounds of boom, boom, pow reminded me of watching batman as a child, or listening to the Black Eyed Peas in concert, however the showering flashes in the sky showed it was none other then the Fourth of July. The celebration of our independence, of our freedom in America and I admit that I love it! It is easy to sit back and complain about the noise. More than one mom made the statement “oh shoot this is totally going to wake up my kids and they’ll be a wreck tomorrow!” Each time I heard these words I smiled and said “Hey I think this day is more significant then a potential temper flare up tomorrow. This is the celebration of our freedom, this is the Fourth of July baby!” Nobody appreciates the peace and quiet and the sounds of nature more than I, but on this one night I say bring it on, bring it all on!

In Michigan 2012 marks the year that our governor Rick Snyder decided that enough was enough with allowing neighboring states to control the fireworks industry. Snyder somehow in stealth hunter-like fashion snuck a quick bill through earlier this summer that permitted Michigan vendors to sell real fireworks. His theory was simple, which is that it was tax revenue going to neighboring state governments and why shouldn’t they stay in our great state? I cannot believe it took this long for someone to figure out this loophole, where the heck have other governors been on this one anyhow? It is now estimated that $15 million plus in taxes have been contributed to Michigan this year alone. Was I part of this economic windfall, you may ask? Oh yeah, I am admittedly a total pyromaniac when it comes to fireworks, especially 500 gram loaded-up shows in a box, or as we pyros know it, a “cake”.

In the future when you or someone else is complaining about the explosive disrespectful noises going off in the sky in the summertime, remember that it is one less tax that most of us are ever touched by in our state whichever that may be and it represents a freedom that is precious. I am writing this blog in early July so who knows if by August I wont be annoyed as well. That said, clean up the debris and be responsible, but always let freedom ring and God bless America!

David Farbman

The only thing typical about my life is the non-typical nature that I appear to live in. I firmly believe in the natural order of the world, and I find that this belief helps to navigate me through life, business, and relationships, resonating with my soul. I am in flow with nature and the universe in this way. I blog in an effort to pass on a message about the connections between nature, hunting, and life. Within that realm lies an authentic, clearer path to universal connectivity that I try to live in. The answers to many of our desired outcomes can be found there. My desired outcome is to successfully pass on the ideas, wisdom, and karma that come to me because of my connection with nature and the universe. As this script unfolds in my life, I want to share and help others while adding to the greater good of the world. Many people claim this, but I truly mean it and I bring it into action every day I am on this earth--or at least I sure try. I learned to hike, camp, canoe, horseback ride, fish, and sling arrows at a very young age. A spiritual connection with the outdoors came to me as a little boy and the power of this connection has greatly increased over my lifetime. As a hyper-active person since birth, nature has always settled me down and focused me in while helping me tap into thoughts and ideas that exist within the ether. By thinking, feeling and then willing something to happen after first opening our minds and our vision in a neutral state, we can achieve that which is otherwise unthinkable. I turned 40 years old last October and this past year has served as my catalyst year to promote change. I am in a process of self-actualization as I try to live present in each moment of each day. As part of this process, certain feelings must be turned into actions and done so with complete authenticity. I often write thoughts that come to me and in turn help others--and I believe the greatest return in life is to successfully give. I founded Outdoor Hub in 2007 along with a talented bunch of people and together we created something special. For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of doing something that would help to grow the outdoors and grow hunting--earning it the respect it deserves amongst those who choose not to hunt. I am so excited to be on this journey and I invite you into the field, to climb up a tree, to crawl through the swamps and be one with nature together. Thank you for joining me, the hunt is on...