tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post3668428092141140405..comments2024-01-17T00:51:23.994-08:00Comments on Fishing For Memories: A long catch up - Digging into my pastMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811261242243976198noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-36324276060539469912014-11-08T01:26:00.297-08:002014-11-08T01:26:00.297-08:00In my youth, at school, and on into my thirties I ...In my youth, at school, and on into my thirties I had a history very much similar to your own. The lack of social interactions, inability to speak and discuss, except in the specialist subject rounds. Added to a highly successful angling career at the time, the similarities are marked and almost scary. I didn't confide in anyone that I felt I was in trouble, not even my parents. The fishing made me happy, life away from the rods did not. Eventually I realized that the fishing was just my way to escape reality. I did have a strong mind, as you do too. So I decided I had to stop fishing completely, move away from parents and get stuck into normal life. It wasn't easy, but I proved it can be done. Many years later I am fine, married, kids, and happy. And I have begun to fish again occasionally. I cannot claim I am perfectly fine, but 90% will do me. 100% will never be possible, far too many years spent burying my head in the sand. <br />You need to keep thinking and decide where you wish your life to go. And take action if you feel you need to. Apologies for remaining anonymous...but I still have told no-one how near I came to some sort of personal disaster.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-32744897085025271212014-11-07T11:47:30.755-08:002014-11-07T11:47:30.755-08:00Hello there,
it's always nice to receive some...Hello there,<br /><br />it's always nice to receive some feedback.I must admit that I did go off at a bit of a tangent in this post, but it felt good to air my views on something that whilst not fishing related has a deep impact on day to day life.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14811261242243976198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-9952901591133674202014-11-06T17:33:43.579-08:002014-11-06T17:33:43.579-08:00Hi Mark, this is the first time I have read your b...Hi Mark, this is the first time I have read your blog. I came across it after I recently started my own blog and doing some videos and a couple of people recommended reading your blog as it was highly regarded. I must admit I wasn't expecting it to lead where it did but found it to be one of the most compelling pieces of writing I have read in a long time. You come across as a likeable guy and I will be sure to follow your blog in the future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-26176912753345872532014-11-06T10:51:54.384-08:002014-11-06T10:51:54.384-08:00Hello Mick,
thanks for taking the time to pen a c...Hello Mick,<br /><br />thanks for taking the time to pen a comment.<br /><br />It is good to know that Ben has such a supportive family that counts for a lot. From my own personal point of view I don't really feel I had any support from my schools (primary and secondary) this led to a lot of stress for myself and parents,culminating in moving schools a few times (primary) and leaving secondary prematurely due to a combination of bullying and ignorant teachers.<br /><br />Things have improved over the years where autism awareness is concerned but at the same time it still has a very long way to go, as do the so called "professionals" who try to fit people into round or square compartments which people on the spectrum should not just be shoe horned/forced into in a one size fits all mentality.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14811261242243976198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-7795735799188337172014-11-04T22:59:06.476-08:002014-11-04T22:59:06.476-08:00Mark, my eldest Ben who is five is autistic, such ...Mark, my eldest Ben who is five is autistic, such an affectionate little lad but still rarely makes eye contact and prefers to socialise on his own. He communicates very well despite not really talking that much, he uses pictures (PECS) and his hands. His brother Sam who is a three year old tearaway is 'normal' if there is such a word and misses out on interaction with Ben. He even says, Ben is special and cannot talk to his 'friends''. We don't know what the future will bring but he is in a brilliant school and like your Mum and Dad we will love him unconditionally. I bet that was hard to write but good on you and thanks for sharing.Mick Neweyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05534025506569660200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-83419144970726501292014-11-04T14:44:48.300-08:002014-11-04T14:44:48.300-08:00Thank you kindly.Thank you kindly.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14811261242243976198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-37721362371133849392014-11-04T14:38:12.390-08:002014-11-04T14:38:12.390-08:00Ben it was a bit of a gut reaction to do so, but I...Ben it was a bit of a gut reaction to do so, but I think it was one I needed to go with as it had been playing on my mind a lot and also affecting me.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14811261242243976198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-5041001361485522722014-11-04T14:24:35.799-08:002014-11-04T14:24:35.799-08:00Cheers Anin, I will continue to do so as I have al...Cheers Anin, I will continue to do so as I have always found it a joy to write and be able to share.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14811261242243976198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-13785027095832644872014-11-04T14:23:57.744-08:002014-11-04T14:23:57.744-08:00Hello Dave, sorry for the delayed reply, I have be...Hello Dave, sorry for the delayed reply, I have been doing a bit of soul searching, it was not easy for me to go into detail about the meeting with the psychologist, but I have felt better for doing so, although I'm not sure if talking therapy which has been suggested is the way forward though. Thank you for the positive words mate I really do appreciate them.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14811261242243976198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-52144533481663359552014-11-04T13:36:44.405-08:002014-11-04T13:36:44.405-08:00Good on you, keep up the great blogGood on you, keep up the great blogAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-41717297431492414072014-11-02T10:16:29.421-08:002014-11-02T10:16:29.421-08:00I've tried commenting previously Mark but it h...I've tried commenting previously Mark but it hasn't shown on your blog. Anyway, great write up mate with some excellent fish (as usual) and a heartfelt open self analysis. I doubt that many of us could easily sit through psychoanalysis so don't be too down on yourself, you are a credible angler who comes across as a really nice bloke, that in itself counts for a lot. I'm certain your parents are very proud of you - I would be.<br /><br />Keep the blog entries coming mate ;o)Dave Burrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08259482046178828401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-60664326026473703522014-10-28T07:58:06.577-07:002014-10-28T07:58:06.577-07:00Mark, this is a brave and thought provoking piece ...Mark, this is a brave and thought provoking piece of writing. Fair play to you for putting it out there. Ben Hennessyhttp://benhennessy79.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-8699183029934845332014-10-27T12:50:03.762-07:002014-10-27T12:50:03.762-07:00First time reader of your blog Mark, I will be fol...First time reader of your blog Mark, I will be following you from now on,I am a match angler but your writing paints a picture that you can see in your minds eye.<br />Keep it up.<br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-12862343263736401022014-10-23T17:32:05.157-07:002014-10-23T17:32:05.157-07:00Thanks for the kindly words chaps, it is very good...Thanks for the kindly words chaps, it is very good of you and means a lot. Russ you are correct it was a cathartic post. Some might feel that this blog is not the best place to air ones inner thoughts and personal feelings/problems but I just had to.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14811261242243976198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-36572560791058274942014-10-23T02:01:14.140-07:002014-10-23T02:01:14.140-07:00I used to fish........a lot, alas no more as I hav...I used to fish........a lot, alas no more as I have an equally time consuming hobby of photography now but I still read your blog.......for inspiration really because I wish I could write half as well as you. Your writing engages the reader and is a special talant I wish I had so failure?, letdown?....definately not. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-42543692642259750222014-10-21T08:06:26.096-07:002014-10-21T08:06:26.096-07:00Mark, don't beat youself up over things you ha...Mark, don't beat youself up over things you have no control over. We are all different in this world, blimey, wouldn't it be a drab place if we were all the same? Your writing and videos obviously show a man of great thought and feeling - I for one thank you for entertaining me hugely when I can't get out on my beloved Thames, Blackwater and Loddon. Well done mate - keep those blogs coming, you give enjoyment to many. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02452926205327631435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117637232962401498.post-34994671750506232362014-10-21T01:46:10.456-07:002014-10-21T01:46:10.456-07:00Mark.
This is a heartfelt and, dare I say, cathar...Mark.<br /><br />This is a heartfelt and, dare I say, cathartic piece of writing that is both touching and real.<br /><br />I would say that you are one of the most engaging and compelling individuals I've ever come across on the internet. <br /><br />I've learnt a great deal from your articles as I'm sure most people who read them do also.<br /><br />If I could offer any one piece of advice, (I am no expert in these things) then it would be to step outside yourself and look at all the great things that you *are*.<br /><br />You are revered in fishing circles for your achievements (yes, really), you are not a yob, you have a heightened sense of morality and are in touch with nature and it's surroundings. If my son grew up to have your qualities I would be over the moon.<br /><br />I would also say that far from disappointing your parents, it looks to me like they absolutely adore you. You've given your dad moments to treasure by the waterside and the fact that your mum takes such and interest in you and your hobby is testament to that also.<br /><br />Russ<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com