Lazarus Carpenter
I have lived in Wales for over twenty five years. Born in North Yorkshire, I am now an author, actor, musician and song writer, previously being a therapist, trainer and researcher, specialising in mental health. He was educated in Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Cambridge. With a fascination for Welsh History, I create worlds within worlds; magical, haunting, spirituality permeating sound moral codes of life. I live quietly with Debbie Eve (also my illustrator and our dog, Noodle in a small cottage surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons in the Valleys of South Wales.
Frederick Douglass was a prominent African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. Born into slavery in February 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland, he escaped to freedom in 1838. Douglass became a leading figure in the fight against slavery and civil rights, using his powerful speaking and writing skills to advocate for social justice.
He published several autobiographies, with “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” (1845) being the most famous. In these works, he detailed his experiences as a slave and his journey to freedom, highlighting the brutality of slavery and the importance of education.
Douglass also strongly advocated for women’s rights, participating in the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly for the abolition of slavery, and after the Civil War, he continued to fight for the rights of African Americans during the Reconstruction era. He held various public positions, including U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and U.S. Minister Resident and Consul General to Haiti. Douglass passed away on February 20, 1895, leaving a legacy of courage and the pursuit of equality. His impact on American society and the ongoing struggle for civil rights is still felt today.
Alan Bennett is a renowned English playwright, screenwriter, actor, and author, born on May 9, 1934, in Leeds, England. He is best known for his work in theater, particularly for plays like “The History Boys,” which won multiple awards and was adapted into a successful film. Bennett’s writing often explores themes of class, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, characterized by his sharp wit and keen observation.
He began his career in the 1960s, initially as part of the “Beyond the Fringe” comedy troupe, which gained popularity for its satirical take on British society and politics. Bennett’s distinctive voice is evident in his numerous plays, television scripts, and memoirs. His ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary has made him a significant figure in contemporary British literature and drama. Throughout his career, Bennett has received numerous accolades, including BAFTA awards, Olivier Awards, and a Tony Award. He has also been recognized for his contributions to literature and the arts with honours, such as being made a Companion of Honour in 1997 and receiving a knighthood in 2005.
In addition to his theatrical work, Bennett has penned several autobiographical works and essays, providing insight into his life, upbringing, and the influences that shaped his writing. He remains an influential voice in British culture, known for his candid reflections on society and the human experience.
As the past year disappears into the mists of time, we must all move on to pastures new and, as yet, unknown. When viewed from space, the Earth appears to be beautiful, and in essence, it is. But humankind, in reality, has changed very little for thousands of years. We are still controlled by the ‘powers that will be,’ all in the name of law and order and monetary wealth. As a species, we suffer from inherent deafness and blindness to the reality of life and dumbness to speak out and make ourselves truly heard. Yet, all over this beautiful planet, other species become extinct every day; millions are poverty-stricken, homeless, rootless and starving; wars are fought for little reason, and genocide seems to be acceptable. Big Pharma is concerned more with monetary gain than curing disease, and children suffer needlessly. Mother Earth is in turmoil, and global change is a forgone conclusion. Yet, still, war machines are created to kill and maim whilst lining the pockets of countries that should know better and be leading the world to peace rather than perpetuating mindless violence.
“Crumbs, this is depressing,” I hear you say. “Have a drink and chill; it’s New Year’s Eve!” But friends, this is the problem, global blindness, deafness and dumbness to the reality of life on this planet. Ne’er mind, they say, let us carry on flying all over the world polluting the air, ripping the guts from Mother Earth to build electric cars, poisoning the oceans with microplastics, whilst the rich look for ways to move to other planets. Not content with screwing Mother Earth, they wish to do the same elsewhere in the cosmos.
Many agree with my thoughts, but sadly, many more do not and will carry on selfishly ignoring reality. I have purposefully avoided mentioning religion as, for thousands of years, it has formed the roots of disharmony and fuelled wars and genocide and is still doing so today. I leave these philosophical arguments to those who wish to continue to promote invisible fantasy. Faith is personal, all else being the ingredients for delusion and psychoses.
And so, I sincerely wish peace to every sentient being on Mother Earth and prosperity for 2025. Let this be the prosperity of growth in responsibility for protecting each other and Mother Earth. Let peace be an end to the needless wars and genocide. Let kindness be our currency, and remember the Web of Life. What we do affects each and every one of us, Mother Earth and the more expansive universe. Happy New Year!
Salman Rushdie is a British-Indian author and essayist best known for his novel blending magical realism with historical and political themes. He was born on June 19, 1947, in Mumbai, India. Rushdie’s most famous work, “Midnight’s Children,” won the Booker Prize in 1981 and is celebrated for its narrative style and exploration of post-colonial themes. His 1988 novel, “The Satanic Verses,” sparked significant controversy and led to a fatwa issued by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini, calling for Rushdie’s assassination. This event forced him into hiding for several years, significantly impacting his life and work.
Rushdie has continued to write and publish notable works, including “The Ground Beneath Her Feet,” “Shalimar the Clown,” and “The Golden House.” He has received numerous awards and honours throughout his career and is an outspoken advocate for freedom of expression. In recent years, Rushdie survived a brutal stabbing attack in 2022 during a public lecture in New York, which brought renewed attention to issues of censorship and the threats faced by authors. Despite his challenges, he remains a prominent figure in literature and a powerful voice against intolerance.
Once upon a time, in a vibrant forest where the sun danced through the leaves, there lived a dwarf named Grimbold and a pixie named Lirael. As children, they were inseparable, exploring hidden glades and sharing secrets among the ancient trees. Grimbold was stout and strong, with a heart as big as his beard, while Lirael was delicate and mischievous, her laughter ringing like chimes in the breeze. While playing near the enchanted brook one fateful day, a disagreement erupted over a game. Grimbold insisted on building a grand dam to catch fish, while Lirael wanted to let the water flow freely. Their argument escalated, and in a flurry of hurt feelings and sharp words, they parted ways, vowing never to speak to each other again.
Years passed, and the once-vibrant bond faded into silence. Grimbold threw himself into his work, crafting intricate tools and trinkets for the village. Lirael, on the other hand, flitted through the forest, her heart heavy with regret but too proud to reach out. The village felt the absence of their friendship; the laughter and joy they once shared were sorely missed. Then, one fateful afternoon, a dark shadow loomed over the forest. An ancient curse, long forgotten, threatened to engulf their village. The elders spoke in hushed tones, revealing that only a powerful spell, woven from the magic of earth and air, could save them. Grimbold’s strength and Lirael’s light were the keys. With the deadline of the impending disaster drawing near, Grimbold and Lirael found themselves at the same meeting. The tension in the air crackled as they exchanged glances, memories flooding back. Finally, Grimbold broke the silence.
“Lirael,” he said, his voice steady but trembling. “We need to talk.”
Lirael’s heart raced. “I know,” she replied softly, her wings shimmering with emotion. “I’ve missed you, Grimbold. I never wanted us to be apart.”
The weight of their years of silence hung between them, but the moment’s urgency pushed them to reconcile. They stepped outside, away from the watchful eyes of the villagers, and spoke of their childhood dreams, their regrets, and the bond that still lingered beneath the surface. As they renewed their friendship, they realized their differences strengthened them. Grimbold’s ingenuity and Lirael’s magic combined in a way they had never imagined. They devised a plan to harness the earth’s strength through Grimbold’s craftsmanship and Lirael’s ethereal energy.
On the night of the eclipse, when the curse was set to strike, they stood together at the edge of the village. Grimbold crafted a massive stone circle while Lirael danced above, weaving her sparkling magic into the air. As the moon cast its shadow, they combined their powers, and a radiant light burst forth, illuminating the darkness. The curse shattered, and the village was saved. The villagers rejoiced, and Grimbold and Lirael stood side by side, their hearts full. They had learned that true friendship could weather any storm, and their once-broken bond was now unbreakable. From that day forth, the dwarf and the pixie became legends in their village, not just for their bravery but for their strength in forgiveness and unity. And as the sun set behind the trees, Grimbold and Lirael knew they would never let silence come between them again.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 