Book 1 in the Fennel's Journal Series.

A Meaningful Life is the first and perhaps most personal book in the Fennel's Journal series. It documents the origins of Fennel's Priory and my definition for a meaningful life - which the rest of the journals seek to fulfil.

With themes ranging from escapism, adventure, work-life balance, identity and purpose, through to traditionalism and country living, it sets the scene for future editions, building messages that are central to Fennel's Priory. Ultimately it conveys the importance of a relaxed, balanced, and meaningful life.

Chapters

• The Promise – An honest start to our journey together.
• Where the World is Quiet – Fennel rises early and notices that the Priory is real.
• Alone at the Priory – Fennel decides to live by the ideals of the Priory.
• Home for Breakfast – The Priory's core message is defined. Read sample chapter.
• A Better Life – Quality of life, on our terms.
• Tea Leaves – Fennel reflects upon the origins of the Priory.
• A Meaningful Life – We're here for a reason, which gives us purpose.
• Time, Out – Making time to appreciate the little things.
• The Unknown of the Familiar – How a different perspective can alter everything.
• A Spring Hedgerow – It's amazing what can be seen at this time of year.
• Believing – Faith in one's self and one's maker.
• The Sky, Reflected – Fennel contemplates the allure of water.
• Dusk – Fennel savours the twilight hour in his garden.
• Treasured Things – Fennel takes a look around his study.
• Time to be Traditional – Looking to the past, Fennel explains his view of time.
• Dressed for the Occasion – Fennel reaches for his favourite tweeds.
• Keeping it Real – If it's real, we'll never have to wake from the dream.
• Into the Light – The year ends on a high. Read sample chapter.
• The Right Side of Happiness – The way forward is marked by increased optimism.
• Remembrance – The advice of a learned friend.

Publication details

• Published by Fennel’s Priory.
• First shared as handwritten letters in 2006
• Limited edition collectors' magazine published in 2012
• Abridged eBook published in 2013
• Extended version in hardback and eBook – pending publication
  

Book specification

• Dimensions: xxxxxx
• Page count: xxxx pages
• Language: English
• Copyright © Fennel Hudson 2006
• Hardback ISBN 978-1-909947-02-3

Favourite quote from A Meaningful Life

"Life is the most beautiful and rewarding gift. We just need to take time out to allow us to reflect, change our perspective, and see things in their best light. Sometimes we just have to stop and feel the pulse of the Earth, the rhythm of the seasons and the internal voice that was once our childhood friend. As the natural world grows smaller, so too does its intensity and the size of the window through which it may be viewed."

Reader Testimonials

“It’s Jack Hargreaves. It’s Countryfile. It’s quality Sunday newspaper stuff. It’s 1948, all over again.”

“I loved reading this Journal. It’s inspiring. Keep going young man – the Journal has the beginnings of something very special.”

“Fennel has turned out a masterpiece about rural living and the life we all seek.”

“Fennel’s chosen trajectory is firmly in the slow lane. He’s a countryman, with courage to stand behind his traditional values.”

“It is so refreshing to read something a little different, something I can identify with rather than the usual modern-day nonsense. Like Fennel I appreciate a quiet rural life: gardening, the countryside, the finer things and traditional angling. To find an author who writes about all of these is a real revelation!”