a far away fellow
leaving footsteps to follow…
a far away fellow was shaped by both the emotional experiences of his early years and by the wild outdoors. His solitary way of life led him to be more at one with wild things than with human beings, so he entered the animal world and it became more real than the world of man.
Through his abiding love of nature and having a burning desire to see the countryside and all things connected with it, it became a refuge of peace and simplicity.
His experiences throughout his life have taken him on a journey of discovery and made him the person he is today: a venerable, gentle man.
His writing speaks to the human spirit and reaches the very depths of the human soul, revealing how to turn a breakdown into a breakthrough. For when things are at their darkest, you often see some shining and hopeful light, and when it's dark enough — you can see the stars.
If these little stories delight your mind or you have found some beauty in any word or line then please could you spare a moment to place a comment with your thoughts.
Kind regards, afarawayfellow
illustrations
these beautiful illustrations were provided by Duncan Prescott. you can see more of his amazing work in the slideshow below:
mindfulness
Through the power of mindfulness, my journey has clearly shown me that if a person does not keep pace with others, perhaps it’s because they hear a different drummer, so let them step to the music which they themselves hear — however measured or far away.
testimonials
“We all have our tales to tell, but this tale is different. It takes us from the young boy, discovering the joys of Mother Nature, to the person he is today, the venerable, gentle man who’s almost encyclopaedic knowledge of how She works and how She can help those in need has brought him to write these stories.
The experiences he has endured throughout his life have tested him, but alongside that, they have given him what we all strive for, wellness and mindfulness. Perhaps we too should try to be more like him, a little more ‘Far Away’.
These stories are truly thought provoking and leave us, the reader wanting more. To delve deep into the authors mind in order that we can winkle out every piece of his knowledge. Unfortunately, we, none of us, would have the physical time to do this; there’s just too much in there!”
“As a boy, the author was using mindfulness to help him to survive his pain and troubles. He used all of his senses, sight, touch, sounds and the smells of his surroundings.
He kept notes of each little mindfulness session he did. He collected his little trophies that he had found, a leaf, a feather or seeds, all gifts of nature. He was using mindfulness before it became fashionable, and was practising his awareness of the here and now, forgetting the past and ignoring the worries of the future. He was self-healing along his life’s journey.
The author’s special pieces of work, in particular The Wonderful Woodland Floor and Against All Odds are the ultimate of mindfulness taking the reader into his special world.
His incredible knowledge is now ready to be shared and it’s a privilege to read his work.
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“God being the master creator of all things sometimes sends someone into our lives who touches us and helps us to see the wonder that we look at but never see. To unveil the intricate detail of what is written in nature concealed in wonderment and intrigue that requires a special kind of gift, a key to unlock our eyes to the complexities that lie beyond a person’s imagination.
I truly believe that God has blessed us with such a person, one who has suffered the abuse of man, but at the same time has triumphed over extenuating circumstances to succeed over evil and provides us with a legacy hidden in God’s world of hidden mysteries revealed in nature.
May God bless and open the minds and hearts of all those who read it.”
“I never tire of the author’s experiences of life, especially through his study of nature. Over the years, I have often asked for his advice on horticultural and conservation issues and he has never been found wanting on either subject.
It seems that most children of today have lost the ability to get out and play because technology has taken over from exploring their natural surroundings and not experiencing life and all it holds for them. He speaks passionately and firmly believes that there are only two types of book, a book of the hour and a book for all time, and like him I believe this book is the latter.
By documenting his experiences, they will last forever; for his grandchildren and others, and for future generations to come so that they can learn to be a little more appreciative of our precious planet.”
“Reading the author’s stories is so encouraging as he opens his heart to his life. His troubles seem to imbue in him an inner strength, enabling him to prevail in every battle. His stories are so charming, almost wistful and persuasive by their very humanity. He has drawn
comfort and found solace in Mother Nature and this has brought him closer to The Author of Creation.
He has a deep understanding of nature in its entirety which has been so beautifully expressed in the stories he writes.”
On many of our adventures whether on pathless woods or where the waves break on a low sandy shore, Blue and I would settle a while. Blue is my trusty Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel. He would sit on his haunches with a morose appearance watching his master. A watchful sleepy eye would appear and analyse the footsteps, creaks and sounds around him. Blue stood slack but ready, his smooth narrow head flickered as he shifted his gaze, his growls grew more menacing, his eyes becoming fixed in their stare.