Having lived a life of being willing to talk to anyone and listen to anyone, I’ve learned a few basic lessons such as questioning things by looking for myself and thinking for myself. I enjoy getting involved with life around me and being active. With that simple philosophy, I can write about what I have experienced. And I have much to write about. I’ve met nice people and I’ve met some wonderful people. Everyone encounters at some time that one person they wish they hadn’t met. But it’s all just living life. How do you know what’s bad if you haven’t experienced the good? With a life of experience at hand, I thought it was high time to put ink to paper and start a new career; entertaining with stories that are close to real life but still fiction, or is it? I’ll let you decide, after all, it’s a reader’s imagination too that brings any story to life.
Author and Story Writer, Michael E. Holdsworth, Biography
Life started in the town of Springs in South Africa, situated fifty miles to the East of Johannesburg in November of 1953.
At the age of 3, the family moved 60 miles east of Springs to a series of farms that would later become the town of Evander with a population of 800 people. Along with 4 separate gold mines all belonging to the Union Corporation.
One could say I grew up on a farm in the earlier years and had quite a protected childhood but this is not quite the case… how could my mother actually let me out to play with lionesses at the age of four? Very tame. Well, towards me they were. They acted like giant protectors, and off we would go for some big adventure.
King Neptune’s Initiation Ceremony
Before the age of 8, I had crossed the equator four times, sailing from Cape Town, South Africa, to South Hampton, England. On each occasion of the crossing of the equator, there was the ceremony of being baptized by King Neptune. The first two crossings were undertaken when I was too small to participate, but on the last crossing, I was determined to get the full treatment. Amidst the revelry, my mother’s concerned cries about my swimming abilities were drowned out by the excitement.
The initiation involves a series of playful rituals, including being summoned before King Neptune himself, who would decree various tasks to initiate us into the mysteries of the sea.
From enduring mock trials to receiving blessings from seasoned sailors, the ceremony was both thrilling and memorable. Despite my mother’s worries, I eagerly participated in getting tossed into the swimming pool, joining fellow initiates in the jovial celebration of maritime tradition, marking a rite of passage that would forever bond us to the sea.
Johannesburg School
At the age of 10, my father shipped me off to boarding school. This is where the trouble started. Being the youngest it was always open season on anything I had and the takers would take!
Then came that day when I had to choose – what sort of life do I want? Do I say enough is enough or keep taking it? Despite being the youngest and smallest I said, “That’s it!” and the bullies backed down and life started to feel like there was a future.
I didn’t like it there and never really forgave my father for that chapter of my life. I had to endure two long years before being pulled out. And back home I went.
The Safari
At the age of 12, I went to go play with a friend. We were going on a safari adventure to get a look at the Big 5: Lions, Leopards, Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo, and Elephant, in particular Elephants. Elephant herds are run by the matriarch (a female who rules the herd). The herds are comprised of females and young. Adult males are not a part of the herds.
The males found suitable for breeding by the herds are not a problem, but those that are not chosen by the matriarch become frustrated and can become destructive towards other animals and nature around them. All of the Big 5 are extremely dangerous.
A little-known fact is if any of these animals ever get wounded they will attack the hunter with a vengeance. Just a fact. Not that the sincere animal lover cares much, if any, for the hunter.
The safari adventure took a turn for me, experiencing fear and then terror as the earth trembled beneath my feet and the deafening blasts of sound in my ears from the charge of a majestic mature bull elephant. To the boom of a big game rifle, then the sadness at seeing it drop to its knees plowing into the earth in death. This was a life-changing experience for me and I vowed never to witness that again.
Back Home in Evander, South Africa
My dad bought me a sailing boat and that’s when I got into sports. I loved it, especially seeing this was the way to get away from home and make contact with other like-minded humans. I also got involved with a band. One of my best friends could play the guitar so I jumped at the chance to play the drums. Come the age of 16 we were making some good money.
The Gold Mines East of Johannesburg
My father was one of the original pioneers of setting up large-scale gold mines in South Africa, so it was a natural evolution to some degree that I ended up going there to work after leaving school. Here’s where I got to learn Electrical Engineering, specializing in motor controls and automation. Little did I realize then, that this was a trade that would take me around the world, working on some of the largest moving machinery ever made.
Mandatory Conscription
But before the next adventure could start along came that heart-stopping letter, the “Mandatory Conscription Notice”. It was my call to war. I had to go – no choice! It was not a war between races but pure terrorism.
Back in the day the terrorists had taken over Angola and were moving South. They planted bombs in railway stations and shopping centres killing the innocent. Blacks and whites came together as brothers. An unspoken event in world history. This is where I gained the insight to write the action scenes for my books, bringing them closer to real life. After all, I was trained by one of the world’s toughest fighting forces – The South African Defence Force. Here I did twelve years of service as an Infantry Medic, between full and part-time.
Relocation in 1986, Toronto Canada
A tempting offer led me to Fort Myers, Florida, where I spent another two years before venturing into entrepreneurship. Over three decades, I helmed my own successful company, filled with countless memorable moments and high-pressure situations.
One such instance involved a company facing hefty fines daily, until I swiftly resolved a critical mechanical issue, earning their trust and securing lucrative contracts. Not to mention the adrenaline-filled moments navigating urgent job sites under the watchful eye of armed guards, all in the name of getting the job done swiftly and correctly.
Children in Need
During my time at the Duke Energy Power Complex, I forged deep connections with many of my colleagues, cultivating meaningful friendships along the way.
Additionally, it brought me great joy to sponsor a team to participate in the Duke Energy charity Golf event, where the proceeds benefited the Children’s Home in Ocala.
One particular encounter during this event left a profound impact on me. I witnessed the Organizer ask a sweet 7-year-old girl what she desired for Christmas. Her simple plea for warm clothes and a jacket to shield against the harsh cold resonated deeply with me. At that moment, I resolved to support the Children’s Home wholeheartedly.
As I prepare to publish my books, I am determined to extend this support further by identifying and aiding children’s homes. Every child deserves warmth, nourishment, and comfort, and it is my earnest belief that no child should endure the pangs of hunger or the winter cold.
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