Author: lazaruscarpenterauthor

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.

The Elephant who forgot!

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An elephant named Ellie lived in the heart of a lush, vibrant jungle. Ellie was known far and wide for her incredible memory. She could remember the location of every watering hole, every fruit tree, and every hidden path in the jungle. Her memory was a source of pride for her, and the other animals often came to her for guidance and advice. One day, a strange phenomenon occurred in the jungle. Ellie woke up with a peculiar feeling of fuzziness in her mind. She initially shrugged it off, thinking it was just a passing moment of forgetfulness. However, as the day went on, Ellie found herself forgetting simple things – where she had left her favourite tree to scratch her back, the way to the river where she liked to bathe, and even the names of some of her closest friends in the jungle.

The news of Ellie, the elephant who could not remember, spread quickly through the jungle. The animals were shocked and afraid. If Ellie, with her legendary memory, could forget, what hope was there for the rest of them? The jungle shook with fear as uncertainty loomed over them. Without Ellie’s guidance, the animals felt lost and vulnerable. They gathered near the Great Banyan Tree, the ancient meeting place of the jungle, to discuss what to do. As the animals debated and worried, a wise old owl spoke up.

“Perhaps Ellie’s forgetfulness is a test for us all,” he said. “Instead of relying on her memory, we must unite as a community to overcome this challenge.”

Inspired by the owl’s words, the animals supported Ellie and each other during this difficult time. They helped Ellie remember what she had forgotten and worked together to navigate the jungle and keep each other safe. As days turned into weeks, Ellie’s memory slowly began to return. The jungle settled back into its usual rhythm, but this time with a more profound sense of unity and cooperation among the animals.

Ellie never forgot the time when she, the elephant who did forget, brought the jungle together in a way that had never been seen before. The memory of that time reminded all the animals that even in moments of fear and uncertainty, they could overcome anything by standing together as one. 

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Herman Hesse

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Herman Hesse was a German-Swiss author and painter best known for his fiction exploring spirituality, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. He was born on July 2, 1877, in Calw, Germany, and passed away on August 9, 1962, in Montagnola, Switzerland. Hesse’s early life was marked by struggles with his parents’ expectations and the rigid educational system of the time. Before committing to a career as a writer, he worked various jobs, including as a bookseller and a mechanic.

His literary career took off with the publication of his novel “Peter Camenzind” in 1904, but he gained international recognition with the novels “Demian” (1919), “Siddhartha” (1922), and “Steppenwolf” (1927). These works explore themes of individualism, self-realization, and the conflict between the demands of society and the desires of the individual. Hesse’s interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism, heavily influenced his writing. His works often reflect his own personal struggles with identity, inner conflict, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946 for his “inspired writings which, while growing in boldness and penetration, exemplify the classical humanitarian ideals and high qualities of style.” Throughout his life, Hesse struggled with depression and underwent psychoanalysis. He also faced criticism for his perceived pessimism and perceived escapism in his works. Despite this, his novels remain widely read and have inspired generations of readers around the world. 

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The Monk, the Wolf and the Alien

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Once upon a time, a wise and devout monk named Brother Kiera lived in a remote monastery deep within a dense forest. Known for his kindness and wisdom, Brother Kiera spent his days in quiet contemplation and prayer, seeking enlightenment and peace. One crisp autumn evening, whilst walking through the forest, he heard a distant howling that sent shivers down his spine. Curious yet cautious, he followed the sound until he stumbled upon a wounded wolf lying in a clearing. The wolf’s eyes met his, pleading for help.

Moved by compassion, Brother Kiera approached the wolf slowly and gently tended to its wounds. As days passed into weeks, a deep bond formed between the monk and the wolf. They often walked together in the forest, sharing silent moments of understanding and companionship. One fateful night, as Brother Kiera and the wolf were meditating under the starlit sky, a strange light appeared in the distance, growing brighter and brighter until a metallic spacecraft landed in the clearing before them. Out stepped a being unlike anything they had ever seen – an alien with shimmering skin and eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe.

The alien communicated with Brother Kiera and the wolf through telepathy, sharing tales of distant galaxies and ancient wisdom. It spoke of a cosmic balance that was in peril and sought their help restoring harmony to the universe. Together, the monk, the wolf, and the alien embarked on a journey across the stars, facing challenges and obstacles that tested their faith and resolve. Through their shared experiences and unwavering bond, they learned the true meaning of unity and interconnectedness.

In the end, as they bid farewell to the alien and returned to their forest home, Brother Kiera, the wolf, and the alien knew that their encounter was not a chance but a destined meeting that would forever shape their lives and the world around them. And so, they continued to walk together, guided by the light of love and understanding that transcended all boundaries. Thus, the tale of the monk, the wolf, and the alien became a legend whispered among the trees, a reminder of the infinite possibilities beyond our known world’s boundaries. 

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Carlos Castaneda

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Carlos Castaneda (1925-1998) was an American author and anthropologist known for his controversial and influential series of books on shamanism and spirituality. Castaneda’s most famous work is “The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge,” first published in 1968. This book and the subsequent volumes in the series purported to chronicle Castaneda’s experiences studying under a Yaqui Indian shaman named Don Juan Matus in the deserts of the American Southwest.

In his books, Castaneda describes his initiation into the world of shamanism, detailing his encounters with Don Juan and the teachings he received on topics such as perception, consciousness, reality, and the nature of existence. His writing style blends ethnography, personal narrative, and philosophy, creating a unique and engrossing account of his spiritual journey. Despite the popularity of his books, Castaneda’s work has been met with scepticism and criticism from various quarters. Some scholars and anthropologists have questioned the accuracy of his accounts, suggesting that he may have embellished or fabricated elements of his experiences with Don Juan. Others have raised concerns about the ethical implications of Castaneda’s interactions with indigenous cultures and the commercialization of his teachings.

Nevertheless, Castaneda’s books have had a lasting impact on popular culture and the New Age movement. His writings have inspired generations of readers to explore alternative spiritual practices, indigenous wisdom, and the boundaries of human consciousness. Whether viewed as a profound spiritual guide or a controversial figure in the history of anthropology, Carlos Castaneda remains a compelling and enigmatic figure in the realm of mystical literature. 

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H.G. Wells

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Herbert George Wells, known as H.G. Wells, was a prominent English writer born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, Kent, England. He is best known for his science fiction novels and works of social commentary. Wells was born into a working-class family. He struggled with health issues and financial constraints throughout his childhood. Despite facing challenges, Wells won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London, where he studied under Thomas Henry Huxley. He later earned a degree in biology.

Wells began his writing career as a novelist and journalist. He gained fame with works like “The Time Machine” (1895), “The Invisible Man” (1897), and “The War of the Worlds” (1898), which established him as a pioneer of science fiction. In addition to his science fiction, Wells wrote extensively on social and political issues. Works like “The War in the Air” (1908) and “The Shape of Things to Come” (1933) reflected his concerns about humanity’s future. He was known for his unconventional personal life. He had numerous affairs and marriages, including his relationship with writer Rebecca West. As he grew older, Wells’ writing shifted towards non-fiction and social criticism. He continued to write and lecture on various topics until his death. He is considered one of the founding fathers of science fiction and a key figure in the genre’s development. His works have had a lasting impact on popular culture and continue to be studied and adapted today.

H.G. Wells passed away on August 13, 1946, in London, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that has inspired generations of writers and readers. 

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