This is just a short story about a short man I met shortly after work. It’s a nice short story. One of hope and one that showed me, that there are still like-minded (like my mind) people out there. Good hearted people, that appreciate Mother Nature for its splendor. Strangers that meet and instantly are on the same level. Strangers that still respect one another on mutual, common ground.
I believe his name was Bob, who parked his Landcruiser in the shade next to me at one of my favorite camps. Right by the creek, joining the wide tidal riverbed of the Camden River. The views from here are quite stunning and it’s relatively quiet here. On the tray back of his ute sat a Blue Heeler in the shade, cared for with dry food and a bowl of water. It’s been another hot day again. I only noticed this cute puppy as I got out of my Super Trooper. The movement caught the pup by surprise, which got her barking. Which startled me. Bob apologized immediately, which there was no need for. Animals rule my world. I asked if I could give her a wee pet and make friends. Tail between her legs, she laid on her back for a belly rub. The tail was wagging as quickly as her tongue appeared. Nothing like a good belly rub. Bob and I started chatting right away, testing each other’s waters. One never knows these days, but it soon became clear that we are on the same wavelength. The wave of mutual respect and common sense, both of which aren’t so common anymore. Unfortunately, there’s no app for either to be downloaded. They downloaded throughout our life named hit and miss. We both appreciate nature and animals, the little things that make such a big difference. We both had that exciting look in our eyes at this morning’s sunrise. And we both lost faith in humankind and its future. It is difficult for me to stay positive about the future of this planet. Just have a look around you.
I told Bob about my travels around this world for the past 30 years and how grateful and lucky I have been. My experiences shaped me to who I am. And so I shared my travel card with him, knowing he would enjoy my adventures with travelswithben.
Pouring myself a cuppa at ‘home’, Bob returned with a piece of wood in his hands. It was a square chopping board, smoothly handcrafted. Now retired, Bob helps his carpentry son in Wauchope now and then. Instead of wasting wooden cutoffs, he creates carpentry and gives them to random people, who wood appreciate such gesture. I sure do.
A thousand dollars would have not put the same smile on my face.
Travels with Ben 
A short and simple story that re-aligns the reader to the basic but universal subject of friendships – of commonplace giving and sharing, and of the potential for the immense joy that lies inherent in small and simple acts.
This hand-crafted breadboard has served as a connecting device, but one quite apart from the overused electronic variety. Because the wood is Alive. Its lines of grain are Natural – just like the flowing lines of real conversation, or the lively energy exchanges that happen when two people such as Bob and yourself, meet for the first time and discover connected experience.
Just look at that exquisite wood grain – laid out in rows of warm, earthy hues – ochre and sienna. Did Bob find this, or did it find him? A tangible rendering of ‘beautiful’ bears the evidence of an open and sensitive dialogue between the artisan and his object. Wood is a material that has a quality of mediumship about it. It readily speaks of its own journey – through its gathered marks, cuts, bumps and other scars, and especially through encounters with the elemental forces of water or fire. In much the same way we humans are shaped and coloured by our Journey through life.
Under Bob’s caring hands the wood looks renewed, rejuvenated, and made ready for the next stage. Now placed in your hands. The newness of the cutting board invites a cook-up! Perhaps an initiatory chopping of fresh herbs, which are sure to impart their fragrance into the wood? Or will the board hold in place a hot-baked loaf of ciabatta, for the slicing? Whatever’s on the menu, Bob, the dog and the readers, can be assured that any food hitting this piece of wood, will be prepared creatively by you and ready to share with many new friends.
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