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How To Be A Rustic Simpleton

Joseph Tom Riach – Author of successful living books and mystery novels, vivid views of life and business”How To Be A Rustic Simpleton” is the 4th in my 2022 series of articles based on my real life experiences, professional insights, personal views and fun stories. My hope is that in them you find joy and inspiration.

HOW TO BE A RUSTIC SIMPLETON 
by Joseph Tom Riach

     Miss Andrews had long given up on her ambition to be a successful author. Instead she turned her not inconsiderable talent to nurturing the creative skills of the young. As a primary school teacher she excelled. Now she stood before her class of ten year old boys and posed the time-worn, but always popular, question,

    “What would you like to be when you grow up?”

    Her request was met with the customary barrage of shrill responses and raised hands clamouring for attention. She waited for the initial hubbub and animated excitement to subside before quietly asserting,

    “I'll have your answers one by one. I'll start at the front.”

    In a relatively orderly manner, and with only occasional interruptions, she proceeded to address each pupil individually, receiving the familiar medley of answers which her years of experience had taught her to expect. Airline pilot, pop star, doctor, footballer, engineer, adventurer, racing driver, policeman and vet – they were all there.

    At the back of the class and last in line to be qizzed was an introvert, mischievous but bright lad, very much the incorrigible rascal. Miss Andrews, in spite of misgivings, rather liked him.

    Turning to the boy, “And you Tommy,” she asked, “What would you like to be?”

    Tommy looked up thoughtfully, a glint in his eye. The answer was slow and sure.

    “I'd like to be a rustic simpleton, Miss.”

    That brought the house down, the classroom erupted in laughter. Miss Andrews, restraining her own urge to giggle, motioned for calm. Eventually peace returned.

    “A rustic simpleton Tommy,” she played up to him, “And whatever might that be?”

    “Well Miss,” replied Tommy, obviously prepared and enthusiastic, “I'd like to live in the wild, hike in the mountains, swim in the sea, roam in the forests and … well … just have a nice time.”

    Miss Andrews was slightly taken aback and not a little impressed. The class less so, laughter continued to abound. Miss Andrews' stern gaze subdued it.

    “But what will you live on Tommy?” she continued, more softly.

    “I'll grow my own apple tree Miss, fish in the river and raise chickens,” said Tommy.

    “But what will you do for money Tommy? Have you thought about that?”

    “That's easy Miss,” retorted Tommy quickly, “I'll write.”

    There was another pause and more, but now decidely less incredulous, sniggering in the room. Miss Andrews took time for all to compose themselves, before continuing.

    “So you'll write? What about Tommy? What will you write?”

    Tommy smiled wickedly. He paused to give full impact to his sucker punch to follow. Then, quite deliberately spelled it out.

    “I'll write about ... airline pilots, pop stars, doctors, footballers, engineers, adventurers, racing drivers, policemen and vets!”

    Through the riotous tumult that followed, Miss Andrews made her way back to her desk at the front. She allowed herself the merest of inward smiles.

    “Yes, he's the one,” she whispered to herself, “Oh yes!”

    Many years later, Miss Andrews, now enjoying the easier pace of retirement, drove hesitantly through the forest and up the rutted mountain track in the lack-lustre light of a late autumn afternoon. Her slightly tousled host for the weekend ran excitedly from the old farmhouse to greet her. In his hand he brandished a large book with a colourful cover.

    “It's my latest novel,” the famous writer gasped breathlessly before even saying hello. “I've autographed it just for you,” and thrust it into her hand.

    “Let me see,” said Miss Andrews, “What have we here?”

    She turned the book over and read the title - “How To Be A Rustic Simpleton!”

    They laughed heartily, embraced. Then Tommy took the arm of his long time friend and mentor and led her in to savour the rustic charm of his humble home.

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal. 

Read any of my best-selling books and novels by clicking on the image below.

Joseph Tom Riach, Author – Paperbacks and Ebooks for sale on Amazon

HOW TO BE A RUSTIC SIMPLETON  is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this short article and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

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Comments

  • Top Commentor

    Other than the writing part this is how I envisioned my life. "I will hunt in the wilderness, fish in streams, and have a good time." No teacher ever asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Both my parents ran busineses, so it was pretty much a given that I would go into business as well. It appears I was a slow learner. My first million dollar contract wasn't signed until I was 28. I still enjoyed time in the wild until I was in my late 30s when I became wheelchair dependent, which changed everything. 

    • Top Commentor

      Thanks for the input Dennis. I kind of guessed that the story would resonate with you!

    • Top Commentor

      You were right of course Tom. The story did resonate with me. What didn't though was your choice of words as to what you named a person who loves nature, and prefers to be part of it. Although I choose for my life to be simple. Anyone with knowledge of what I have accomplished in my life wouldn't use the word simpelton. I know the same is true for you. My life has been spent where I was as comfortable in a board room as on horseback in the middle of a forest. Believe me each has it's specific set of challenges. 

  • Top Commentor

    Tom, is Tommy you?  I thought that from reading the story and your books, the beautiful way you have with words, it sounds like you.  

  • Top Video Contributor

    Thanks for a most enjoyable story, Tom.  As usual, you have made learning easy.  

    • Top Commentor

      'Learning made easy' is, coming from you George, a truly meaningful compliment. Thank you.

  • Top Member

    Another brilliant post with a catchy title. The message is indeed a great one. Obviously Tommy made an inpression on Miss Andrews long ago in school. The ending is a fantastic one. 

    • Top Commentor

      Impressing others is most compelling when made unknowingly, Terri. Aahh, the innocence of youth! 

  • Top Commentor

    That's a beautiful story, Tom.  When Miss Andrews gave up ambitions on becoming a successful author, she had other talents, that served just as valuable a purpose.  And I'm glad she didn't stifle the dreams of Tommy as some will do.  Most teachers and even parents will kill dreams of becoming a Writer, Musician even a business owner.  But this Story had a happy ending and many lessons.  Tommy was self-assured about what he wanted from life and he made his dreams come true. Two great lessons, always believe in yourself and never quit.  

    • Top Commentor

      Finding one's true vocation is a reward in itself Robin. Not everyone is cut out to be a star, then again not everyone is cut out to be a coach. But, I believe that everyone has 'greatness' within them in some shape or form. I really appreciate your eloquently expressed analysis of the tale. That itself is a talent to nurture.

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