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.
Albert Camus was a French philosopher, author, and journalist widely regarded as one of the most important existentialist thinkers of the 20th century. He was born on November 7, 1913, in Mondovi, Algeria, a French colony. Camus’ father died in World War I when he was just a year old, and he was raised by his mother, who was partially deaf and illiterate. He moved to France to study philosophy at the University of Algiers, where he became involved in the intellectual and political life of the time. He eventually joined the French Resistance during World War II and became the editor of the underground newspaper Combat.
Camus is best known for his philosophical works, such as “The Myth of Sisyphus” and “The Rebel,” in which he explores themes of absurdity, rebellion, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. He also wrote novels, including “The Stranger” and “The Plague,” considered classics of existentialist literature. In 1957, Camus won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his influential writing that sheds light on the problems of the human conscience in our times. Tragically, he died in a car accident on January 4, 1960, at the age of 46, cutting short a brilliant and prolific career. Despite his untimely death, Camus’ works continue to be studied and revered for their insights into the human condition and the complexities of existence.Â
Once upon a time, in the deep, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, there lived a gentle giant named Waverly the Whale. Waverly was not just any whale; she was the most enormous creature in the ocean, known for her wisdom and kindness. The other marine animals adored her and often sought her advice on matters big and small. One sunny day, as Waverly swam gracefully through the coral reefs, she noticed something troubling. The corals’ vibrant colours were fading, and the fish were swimming in distress. Curious and concerned, she approached her friend, Coral the clownfish.
“What’s happening, Coral?” Waverly asked, her voice echoing through the water.
“It’s terrible, Waverly!” Coral replied, her fins trembling. “There’s a huge pile of garbage floating near the surface. It’s killing our home! The fish are getting stuck, and the corals are dying from pollution.”
Determined to help, Waverly gathered her friends: Tilly the turtle, Finn the dolphin, and Sammy the seahorse. Together, they devised a plan to clean the ocean and protect their home. Waverly took the lead, using her massive size to create waves that pushed the debris towards the shore. Tilly and Finn swam in circles, guiding smaller fish away from the danger, while Sammy used his quickness to collect smaller bits of trash. They worked tirelessly for days, encouraging other sea creatures to join their cause. But as they cleaned, Waverly noticed something even more alarming: fishermen were casting nets too close to the reef, endangering the creatures they were trying to save. It was time for a different approach.
Waverly decided to speak to the humans. She swam to the surface and began to breach dramatically, creating large splashes that caught the attention of nearby boats. The fishermen and tourists gasped in awe at the sight of the majestic whale. With a bit of help from Coral, who swam close to the boats, Waverly began communicating. She swam in patterns that drew shapes in the water, mimicking the beauty of the ocean and showing the humans what they were destroying. The fishermen watched in wonder and slowly began to understand the message.
Moved by the whale’s display, the fishermen decided to change their ways. They agreed to fish further away from the reefs and to use nets that wouldn’t trap innocent creatures. They also pledged to keep the ocean clean and educate others about protecting marine life. Waverly and her friends celebrated their hard work. The ocean began to heal, and the coral’s vibrant colours returned. Schools of fish swam happily, and the underwater community flourished once more.
From that day on, Waverly became known as the Guardian of the Ocean. Her bravery and wisdom inspired many, and she taught everyone that even the smallest actions could create significant changes. So, the tale of Waverly the Whale spread far and wide, reminding everyone that protecting the ocean was a responsibility that belonged to all its inhabitants—great and small. The ocean thrived, and Waverly watched over her home, knowing they could save their world as long as they worked together. And thus, the ocean was saved, all thanks to one brave whale and her friends.Â
Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. He was born on November 30, 1835, and passed away on April 21, 1910. Mark Twain is best known for his novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and its sequel “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” both of which are considered classics of American literature.
Twain’s writing style was characterized by humour, social commentary, and a keen eye for the human condition. He often used satire to critique societal norms and conventions of his time. His work has had a lasting impact on American literature and continues to be studied and celebrated today. In addition to his literary work, Twain was also known for his wit and wisdom and his quotes on a wide range of topics. Some of his famous quotes include:
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why,”
and
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”
Mark Twain’s legacy as a writer and cultural icon endures today, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of all time.
Once in a time long ago, in the vast plains of the Dakota territory, lived a Heyoka named WÃiyokiya. He was known as the “sacred clown,” a figure of humour and wisdom within his Lakota tribe. Unlike others, WÃiyokiya embraced the role of a trickster, using laughter and unconventional behaviour to teach important lessons about life. One day, the tribe faced a severe drought. The rivers ran dry, and the once-bountiful land turned to dust. The people grew anxious, their spirits dampened by the relentless sun. The elders gathered, seeking guidance on how to restore balance to their world.
WÃiyokiya, seeing their despair, decided to act. He painted his face with bright colours and donned his most outrageous attire—clashing patterns and mismatched feathers. He danced through the village, mimicking the movements of the animals and poking fun at the seriousness of the elders. The people watched, confused at first, then began to chuckle. Laughter spread like wildfire, lifting their spirits. As he danced, WÃiyokiya began to chant a playful song that told the story of the sky and the earth’s love for one another. His antics reminded the tribe of their connection to nature and the importance of unity during hard times. The more they laughed, the more they remembered their resilience.
As if in response to their newfound joy, dark clouds suddenly gathered overhead. Thunder rumbled, and rain began to fall—gentle at first, then pouring down in joyous torrents. The tribe celebrated, dancing alongside WÃiyokiya, who twirled and leapt, splashing in the puddles that formed. The earth soaked up the water in the following days, and life returned to the plains. Crops began to sprout, and the rivers flowed once more. The people, grateful for the rain, recognized WÃiyokiya’s wisdom. They understood that they had summoned the very forces of nature through laughter and joy.
From that day forward, WÃiyokiya was seen as a trickster and a vital part of the tribe’s spiritual fabric. He taught them that humour and joy could be powerful tools for healing and community in times of hardship. His legacy lived on, reminding them to embrace the lightness of life, even in the darkest times. And so, the tale of WÃiyokiya, the Heyoka, became woven into the fabric of their stories, a timeless reminder of the strength found in laughter and the bonds of community.
Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot are infamous events in British history that took place in 1605. The Gunpowder Plot was a plan by a group of English Catholics led by Robert Catesby to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, the seat of the British government. The plot was an attempt to assassinate King James I of England, a Protestant, and his government to restore Catholic rule in England.
Guy Fawkes, also known as Guido Fawkes, was one of the conspirators involved in the Gunpowder Plot. He was a soldier who was put in charge of guarding the gunpowder that was to be used to blow up the Parliament buildings. However, the plot was discovered on November 4-5, 1605, when authorities found Guy Fawkes in a cellar beneath the House of Lords with barrels of gunpowder.
Fawkes was arrested, tortured, and eventually confessed to his role in the plot. He and his co-conspirators were tried for treason, found guilty, and sentenced to death. Fawkes was executed by hanging on January 31, 1606. To this day, Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is celebrated in the United Kingdom on November 5th each year with fireworks and bonfires to commemorate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot. Guy Fawkes has become an iconic
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 