Yes, my dad was actually a ‘Bushman’ right into his old age. He was a staunch “blokey” type male role model that my brothers adored and strived to be like – not me?
My Mum was my hero, introducing me to musicals, old movies along with handshaking me through Doris Day, Judy Garland, Grace Kelly Bette Davis and more goddesses of the silver screen...(metaphorically speaking). She surrounded me with music of all genres and filled our home with music, singing and dancing. This was my happy place and the company of women always made me feel the most relaxed. You will see that I have used music throughout the book as a timeline. Each chapter is named with a song that is relevant to that particular period.
However, there was a dark side to growing up in a big well-known family in such a small town... being left out...picked on, called a ‘POOFTER’ ‘Pansy’ ‘HOMO’ not only by outsiders but within my own home environment.
Living life with undiagnosed ‘Anxiety’ was certainly challenging especially through puberty and beyond.
Meltdowns, breakdowns, dark places, deep holes that felt impossible to climb out of made me sometimes impossible to be around and I was called ‘highly Strung’ from a very young age - Ugh!
In the 90’s doctors treated me for depression as anxiety wasn’t really talked about as it wasn’t really a ‘thing’ at that stage so this medication made me feel worse or numb. Writing this book / memoir has helped me with my recovery and extremely therapeutic.
The Bushman’s Son takes you through this journey along with introducing you to some of the powerful but glamorous women and individuals in my life, their stories they shared with me of life experiences in NZ during the Naper earthquake and WW11.
It weaves in and out of my whakapapa (Nga Puhi) in the far north and the on-going search for peace /acceptance and love...along with undiagnosed AXIETY.
My true kiwi story spans generations and will test all emotions, this journey takes you from early last century to more recent times.
Brace yourself!
Who is The Bushman’s Son?
Name: Terry Arnold Pomare Fergusson Hughes
Born: Tokoroa, South Waikato.
Lived: Most places
Experienced: As much as humanly possible without dying Awards:
Titirangi Emerging Artist Awards – Finalist 2015 - Adams Portrait Award 2016 – People's Choice –Award Finalist Kingi Tuhetia Portrait Awards 2019
Quotes:” It’s ok to look at the past, just don’t stare. “ “Never take life too seriously – Have more fun!”
Bloody Proud of:
The Bushman’s Son, My Book - Debuting at #11 on the Indie Top 20 bestseller list* a week after its launch!
*Indie top seller list ending 13th august 2022
Available online from all your favourite e- sellers or The Womens bookshop, Ponsonby