FORMER teacher Di Hickleton has always seen unique characters within the animals in her life, and often wonders what they would say if they could talk.<\/p>\n
When her family moved from Bannockburn to Butleigh Farm at Murgheboluc 16 years ago, they got a donkey full of personality, and ideas for children\u2019s picture storybooks sparked in Hickleton\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n
Recently retiring from teaching, she had more opportunities to sit down, write, and self-publish her book Butleigh Farm<\/em>.<\/p>\n When her family got a pig, that inspired book two, and currently the third tale in the series is in its final editing stages and almost ready to be printed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt all started as a dream and it\u2019s gone further than I thought it would, but gee, I love it,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s changed my whole life.\u201d<\/p>\n The farm is Hickleton\u2019s happy place, and the books are her way of sharing that with others.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a real escape out here, very relaxing, we have a lovely view over the valley, and our beautiful bluestone building,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe farm often wows people. It\u2019s very country, it\u2019s our house, it\u2019s where we live, but it\u2019s very special.\u201d<\/p>\n