Benjamin from Brother’s Campfire here.
I am not a trained Storyteller if there is such a thing.
I have limited knowledge of classical literature and am mostly uneducated. I know hard work and hard men, and I read the Bible cover to cover every year.
Math is not my strong point either, but they say that when a paycheck is short, everyone knows calculus.
I think math has merit in all areas. Over the last few months, I have tried to reduce things down to the lowest common denominator.
For a while, I was writing an Ongoing Tale about the land of La Longi. It was a long one ambling or perhaps rambling about a Bard, a Beast, and a Brother, the concerns of a watchman and a youngster named Ashton.
If you are interested,
Matt David Snyder, a podcaster and blogger has been reading my stories and does a great job at it. He calls his podcast Short Story Saturday. You can listen to them there or read my blog.
Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3,Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7,Episode 8
I appreciate Matt Snyder for reading my work. He is a class act and puts a shine on a sneaker in each episode.
I may return to telling tall tales. I liked the steampunk idea; Brett Hazelcup especially. I modeled him after someone’s dad, and If I world build again, there will be a Hazelcup in the chapters.
I did not stop writing due to a lack of interest or ideas.
A lot of people from my in-person circles were not thrilled with my stories and told me so to my face.
Other things happened as well, but I am not looking to make private matters public nor do I intend to.
I took things personally and stopped blogging. I figured there was something wrong with me.
Although dramatized and put through a few creative filters, the Bard, the Beast, the Brother, and Watchman Wayne are close to home.
After notifying someone I trust, I proceeded to self-examine by benchmarking with progress and seeing where I aligned with the Bible. This included alone time.
In short, I prayed a lot and chose to consciously forgive everyone for everything past and present.
I also recognized there are a few toxic people in my life that need to be removed and some that I will choose not to engage in the way they expect or demand. I don’t have to be a sucker moving forward.
“There is no greater sign of tyranny than a person that covets your exclusivity whilst simultaneously having no interest in catering to it.”
Harlequin2280
Is this building walls? I am not sure. It is not my intent. I think sometimes bitterness comes from high expectations of others. It may be appropriate to expect less and just be ok with it. It seems to work so far after my return.
Are there stories to tell?
I know there are.
I will keep them fictional.
Author: Benjamin
Benjamin Thiel is a community leader, urban farmer, and author of The Ongoing Tale at Brothers Campfire. He might know a guy...
Well I, as one of many, am happy to have you back here with us – regardless of what kind of output you choose 🖤🖤🖤
Thank you Charmie. I appreciate the kindness!
You’re so welcome my friend 🖤
I like Matt telling your story. I must admit I don’t read stories much because of my short attention span. I enjoy reading your blog posts on gardening, home skills, family life, local community. They gave me a culture experience too. I deeply appreciate your work. But like Charmer, I am not picky as long as you enjoy what you blog. Blessings!
Thank you Cassa Bassa! This means a lot to me!
Thanks 😊 I enjoy telling it.
It is good top have you back Benjamin and as to expecting less of others, yeah, that works. Expect the worst and hope for the best and you will seldom be disappointed. Stay well. Allan
Thank you as always for
Your strengthening words!
Many, including me, wish they had your gifts for creativity, writing and a fun backyard. Keep up the great work!
Thank you Salsa World Traveler!
I’m sorry that happened to you, brother. That’s really shocking because your stories are great. I look forward to reading your stories again soon. God bless!
Thank you.
I love your creative writing and this makes me smile.
Thank you!
You are a unique person with many gifts in a universe unfolding as it should. You will find your best path.
Thank you! I feel like I read a Geoff Stamper style 🥠 fortune cookie!
Toxicity is never a welcome thing. I sure hope my interpretation of character didn’t rub anyone wrong, especially if they hated the written word to begin with. That truly sucks to not have support. Explanation or not I am just glad to see you back to blogging Ben, whenever people leave the blosgsphere without notice it tends to cause concern. Your dad follows my blog, so I instinctively reached out to him, when I didn’t hear from you initially. Stories, real life adventure, the ducks, pottery all have been pleasant reads. Your epic story that I chose to read is the starof my podcast and will be around for about 4 years. Thanks for being a talented soul. ❤you Brother.
You sir. Do an excellent kob teadimg my stories!
Oops! All thumbs, that one!
It happens. I knew what ya meant.
Bravo! Love this post! 😃
Thank you!
I just recently found your Blog and enjoy reading it. Learn to write for you. Others will enjoy what you write, and if they don’t, it’s their choice. You’re not here to please everybody. Just write. 🙂
I agree! Thank you for the encouragement, Letitgocoach!
Forgiveness takes the power and puts it in your hands.
Absolutely!
I wondered what had happened. I’m glad you’re back.
I am back, Jeff. Thank you! 🤠🔥
I hope you don’t mind but I closed my Reddit Account because I was becoming overwhelmed with all my others sites I have open, as well. 🥺
I don’t mess around with Reddit much pther than crosspost for some things.
I guess I should’ve left at least my Quora account open but I felt at the time I should close it for the sake of my sanity. Maybe after I get my book written, I’ll return to Quora.
I was there for a while, but let it go.
I’ve been gone as well and haven’t been reading blogs, but wanted to let you know that I enjoy your stories. Matt does a wonderful job narrating them. I hope to get caught up on your tale, but in any case, please keep telling your stories. Like another commenter said, write for yourself. If others like it fine; if they don’t, fine.
Thanks KT Workman! I appreciate it!
Glad to have you back again, I had been wondering what had happened when you suddenly vanished for a while. I was going to toss a post in here and there when you were gone, but wasn’t sure if I should, so didn’t. Keep writing Benjamin, you do have good skill and imagination for your stories. I know a lot of people don’t like my mystery stories either, but that is their choice. Always write what you feel is right otherwise it becomes a burden and you won’t want to continue. I enjoy all of your posts!😁😺
You can always post when you have one! Thank you for your concern!
Okay! Thank you.
Keep going! We do many things for ourselves. 🙂
We have to do our best!
So glad you’re back and I’m glad you have done some prayerful process work and are ready to go again. I was worried since you had Covid and lost your grandma etc. 💖🙏💖🙏
We grow as we go! Thank you for your encouragement!
We so do… I missed you!!! so you know 💖💖💖