Edie learned to shoot a rifle at summer camp. Not only is it one of her favorite camp activities, she has been commended on it in the closing ceremonies several times. The girls don’t shoot skeet like the boys camp does though – only stationary targets. Of course, this made her very interested in shooting skeet, because as we all know, anything boys can do, girls can do better.
I recently ran into our friend Paul and while I’m not at all sure how the subject came up, I managed to walk away from the exchange with an invitation to bring my girl out to his farm to shoot skeet.
It is, as my girl learned, a little different than shooting a stationary target. There’s bigger guns that have kickback. And the whole, moving vs. non-moving thing. It’s a bit challenging. But at least she can now say she’s done it (and perhaps now has a greater understanding as to why her girls camp doesn’t offer that activity).
Paul had her start out on a .22 with a stationary target before trying out the bigger rifles. Shooting skeet may be a challenge, but she clearly does okay with this stationary thing.
It was a gorgeous fall day, so I was glad I’d brought my camera as I wandered around the property. Paul’s farm in Nelson county includes a splendid old house, built over the years, that has been in the family for generations. I’ve been a bit lax in using my camera as of late – my phone is much easier to lug around than my DSLR and I’ve admittedly been in a bit of creative rut lately. These things happen, one just has to ride them out. But looking back through my pictures, I realize I need to carry my camera with me more.
Because while life doesn’t always afford me to the time to sit down and sew or write as much as I’d like, it turns out shooting pictures is always a good way to get some creative juices going.
Chicken Wire & Paper Flowers 
My dad taught all of us kids (2 boys, 4 girls) to shoot, target and skeet. Once upon a time we could all hit a bull’s eye. It has been many years now…not sure I could hit the broad side of a barn now, ha! And boy, do I remember that kickback the first time! Yay for Edie!
I do think it’s a good skill to have. I’ve been hoping she’d want to use it on the squirrels that eat my garden and break into the house, but it looks like the dog will handle it.
The portrait is my great great grandfather, Robert Whitehead, a Lovingston lawyer and contemporary with Stonewall Jackson. He build the Wings on “Foreland” in the 1880’s.
Thanks for sharing. It was a cool old painting in a fabulous little tableau back there in the hallway. I think I could spend a day wandering around with my camera capturing things like that!
The portrait is my great great grandfather, Robert Whitehead, a Lovingston lawyer and contemporary with Stonewall Jackson. He build the Wings on “Forkland” in the 1880’s.
My older two have gone shooting a LOT lately. It’s a loud sport, but definitely requires focus and patience and skill. Good for your girl to give it a go!
Focus and patience are things my girl has in droves, so it seems like a good fit for her.
I am always encouraged to see young people take up shooting sports. They promote concentration, breath control, and hand-eye coordination. It is a useful skill in both the provision of food and personal protection. It instills a respect for “safety culture” and requires scientific knowledge, learning, and practice to become an “Expert” marksman. If she would like to learn more, look into the Civilian Marksmanship Program (run by the NRA I believe), where she can take classes, practice, and compete. As an aside, there is a giant new range in Anniston, AL, run by the CMP for long rifles, shotguns, and pistols if you wanted a day trip the next time you are down that way. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to reach out. I would imagine some of the other Alabama Posse would be willing to step up also. Cheers!
I can see where it appeals to my girl because it requires safety and patience. I keep hoping she’ll want to shoot the squirrels in the yard, but it would appear she’s leaving those for the dog to terrorize.