FF – A Newer Life
Here is my story for Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle. This week’s photo was contributed by Adam Ickes.
This photo is a re-run from December 2013. I have used the same basic story idea I wrote back then but have completely rewritten it.

Copyright Adam Ickes
They’d broken away from their tribes, leaving the modern world behind to live as their ancestors had. Hunting, fishing, camp fires. No electricity. No computers.
But the modern world has demands and those demands usually involve money. Some things cannot be hunted or fished. A small income was required.
From time to time backpackers wandered into their valley. In the traditional way, every part of the poor unfortunate was used.
Waste not, want not.
The slogan for their best-selling line ran…
“Hard-wearing hiking boots. Made by men, for men!”
And of course, their biggest secret, from men.
Dear Ali,
I’m glad I wasn’t eating or drinking when I came to the last line. I for sure would’ve choked. Nicely redone.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
It’s pretty icky, but leather is leather I suppose 😉
Ali
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EEEEEEEEK!!!!! Good story! But I agree with Rochelle! 😀
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Not a bit wasted 🙂
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Yikes… and if I’m ever invited to their place I will remember not to eat their meat pies…
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Good call!
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That was unexpected!
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That’s what the backpacker said…
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I was eating at the time of reading. A very tasty, young backpacker!
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Backpacker burgers, made with real backpacker!
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A real handy meal. We also do footy meals, and special army meals!
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Badoom tish! 🙂
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Ergh – bet they’re quite comfy though, soft and smooth like skin….
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You can’t beat a bit of man leather 🙂
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Not a scrap wasted. Pass me a juicy thigh bone. You’ve made me hungry. So imaginative. Well done!!
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They eat well in the valley! Very comfy shoes, too…
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Well, i wasn’t expecting that ending! Good one!
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You echo the thoughts of the backpackers as they were “stripped for parts”. I’m glad you liked it!
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A good one.
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Thanks!
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ouch, everything was fine and dandy until i read the last line. i guess everything must be put to good use. 🙂
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It’s a shame to waste, they’re very into recycling and whatnot 🙂
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So if one of the backpackers was wearing the hiking boots at the time he was “harvested,” would that be considered recycling?
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Probably. It would be like full circle!
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Ha ha ha. Great mind(less) think alike, as you’ll realize when you read mine 🙂
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I will be there shortly!
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The last line brought in a bit darkness..but then it was very well brought out. You did pretty good and imaginative job with the picture.
And it’s really good to see old blogger mates again .. I used to follow the same series two years back as well. Kudos for keeping it going 🙂
There was another series where u once mentioned a really hard boiled egg..the one left boiling for too long. Well, I must say I had a similar experience recently :p
The eggs remain just fine :p
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Darkness is my thing 🙂
It’s good to see you around again, welcome back! And I’m glad your eggs were okay 🙂
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All I can say is, creepy! Creative story as always. 🙂
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Not a valley to visit lightly 🙂
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Ooh, sends shivers down my spine.
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I bet the boots are really comfy, though 🙂
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Where is that valley? Detailed directions, please, because I don’t EVER want to wander there!
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No-one is completely sure – so watch where you go walking!
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Huh. That’s not particularly reassuring 🙂
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🙂
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A nasty little story well told.
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Thanks 🙂
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I love the matter-of-fact voice you used in this.
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Just some people getting on with their lives 🙂
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Got to love them boots – nothing going to waste….I was going to say “Yuck”, but I guess I have someone’s skin on my feet if I ever wear leather, even if that “someone” is a bull….
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Bull, bloke, what’s the difference when you really get down to it? 🙂
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Yep, I know a lot of people who feel that way.
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From men – Unghhh!!! Smoothly done! Enjoyed it very much
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Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!
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You have to appreciate that whole nose to tail movement, so to speak… not good to waste parts… 😉
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Since they’re dead anyway, might as well use the whole “animal” 🙂
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These boots are made for walking.
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And while they’re walking, would you like to try one of our tasty “Backpacker Burgers”?
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I don’t know… a lot of men are awfully thin skinned…. 🙂
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They’re saved for the more dainty line of slippers 🙂
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It is an unusual story. I think they should also put up a board, “No trespassing or Trespasser’s skin and bones will be used to make a boot.”
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That would certainly be helpful in reducing the number of mysterious disappearances in the area.
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Love that Motel Hell-esque tint.. Excellent take farmer drailman!!
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Thanks! It is all a bit “Motel”, isn’t it 🙂
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When hiking, we have to be careful not to wander into the wrong valley. Signs should be put up. That’s getting a heck of a bit too close to nature. 😦 — Suzanne
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It’s real “call of the wild” time in that valley 🙂
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My goodness, did they eat the backpackers. I expect selling the boots encourages more backpackers – a recycling dream.
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I’m sure many of them return to the valley, proudly wearing their new boots, never to be seen again!
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Yikes
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Yikes indeed!
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Blegh!
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Very unexpected.
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If the boots are made only from men, does that mean women are safe? 🙂
A bloody good read!
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I think that’s where their bespoke handbags come from. They’re a bit behind the times equality-wise in the valley, though they are equal-opportunity murderers! I’m glad you liked it 🙂
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Lovely story, I have always been a supporter of sustainable living.
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And these people take it to the ultimate!
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You have a great blog. Would you like to share your story on “What You Blog About”
what motivated you to start this blog ?
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I could give it a go if you’d like. What do I need to do, just send you x number of words on the subject?
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You may share your story by filling out the short form on this page : http://www.whatyoublogabout.com/contact
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Thanks!
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