journal
Oliver & the Owl – a little story
- June 23, 2022
This story has been inspired by Oliver who is 12. He is a good friend of my son and lives down the road from us in the beautiful Waveney Valley. I mentioned him in my last blog which shared his sister’s story ‘Flora & the Frog’. And I also introduced his family in my blog ‘Meet the Whiting’s’.
Their garden has a view of the river Waveney and the water meadows that surround it – and all sorts of wildlife live there. The river is where Oliver especially likes to spend time when he is outdoors. He’s lucky enough to be in the local Sea Scouts and really enjoys kayaking. I asked if there was a particular sensation that he loved when outdoors?
“I like the sound of running water.”
His favourite season is summer because he can be outside a lot. And I have to add that being by the river and in and around the water meadows, in summer is truly special. Oliver enjoys the freedom of being outdoors and a particular memory that he loves thinking about is…
“Cycling to the beach through the pine forest on our holidays in France.”
It is lovely to have Oliver in my project – ‘Drawing Nature In’. Read his story below.
Oliver & the Owl – a little story
“ Oliver had spotted many barn owls flying over the water meadows, near to his home. Their swift, smooth flight always intrigued him. He wondered what they might see – and what they could catch sight of down in the grass below.
It wasn’t until he visited an owl sanctuary that he got to meet one up close.
Benjamin was beautiful. Quietly resting on Oliver’s arm. There was an unspoken trust between them. A pact that had been silently made. This was their moment. Oliver was in awe – Benjamin’s feathers were so soft and incredibly intricate in detail. He was a calm, proud bird – yet powerful – not realising the affect he had on his visitors. Oliver could feel the gripping of his talons through the thick leather gloves. Slight nerves were tingling but the gratitude he felt towards this impressive animal was immense.
The next day Oliver caught sight of a familiar shape dart swiftly over the meadows.
‘Wow,’ he thought.”
Every time I illustrate a child for my project and write their story I can’t help but feel reassured that the future of the planet, we all call home, will have a strong generation of individuals who will do so much to protect it. Even subconsciously. I feel that the way they enjoy the outdoor world now, is only going to have a positive affect on the earth, their future life and those around them.
I would love to hear your thoughts – what you feel about this story, my illustrations and project. Please feel free to leave a comment below or you can get in touch.
This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Oliver & the Owl’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print. And 10% of profits goes to the Wilderness Foundation UK.
Click here to go straight to the shop page.
Warm wishes
Juliana x
