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 Old, Blunt Saw.

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Once upon a time, a carpenter named Thomas lived in a quaint little village nestled among the rolling hills. Thomas was known far and wide for his exceptional carpentry skills and dedication to his craft. However, one thing marred his otherwise impeccable reputation—his old, blunt saw. Thomas had used the same saw for as long as anyone could remember. It had served him well over the years, but now it had become dull and inefficient. Despite the urging of his fellow villagers to get a new saw, Thomas refused to believe that his trusty tool was no longer up to the task.

“No, no, this saw has been with me through thick and thin. It has cut through countless pieces of wood and helped me create masterpieces. It can’t be dull,”

Thomas would say whenever someone mentioned getting a new saw. The villagers tried to reason with Thomas, showing him how much faster and smoother a sharp saw could cut, but he remained stubborn. He struggled with his old saw, spending twice as much time on each project and producing work far from his usual standard.

One day, a renowned carpenter from a neighbouring village visited Thomas’s workshop. Impressed by Thomas’s skill but dismayed by the state of his saw, the carpenter offered to sharpen it for him. Thomas hesitated initially but eventually agreed to let the carpenter work his magic. When the carpenter returned the saw to Thomas, it gleamed in the sunlight, its blade sharp and ready for action. Thomas was amazed at how effortlessly it cut through wood, making his work easier and more precise than ever before. From that day on, Thomas’s resistance crumbled. He saw the error of his ways and realized that sometimes, even the most trusted tools must be replaced or repaired. He thanked the visiting carpenter and vowed never to let his pride stop progress again. And so, with his newly sharpened saw in hand, Thomas continued to create beautiful pieces of furniture and earn the admiration of all who saw his work. The tale of the carpenter with the blunt saw became a cautionary story in the village, reminding everyone that sometimes, it’s okay to let go of the old and embrace the new.

Jane Austen

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Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist known for her six major novels, which interpret, critique, and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Her works often explore women’s dependence on marriage to pursue favourable social standing and economic security.

Some of her most famous works include:
1. “Pride and Prejudice” (1813)
2. “Sense and Sensibility” (1811)
3. “Emma” (1815)
4. “Mansfield Park” (1814)
5. “Northanger Abbey” (1817)
6. “Persuasion” (1817)

Austen’s novels are known for their wit, social commentary, and keen observation of the manners and customs of her time. Her works have remained famous and influential, and many have been adapted into various films, TV series, and other forms of media. 

The Monster with the Big Heart

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Once upon a time, in a mystical forest shrouded in ancient secrets and whispers of old, a monster lived unlike any other. This monster was feared by all who dwelled nearby, for its appearance was terrifying, with sharp fangs, claws as long as swords, and eyes that glowed like fiery embers in the darkness. Tales of its ferocity and insatiable hunger spread far and wide, striking fear into the hearts of all who heard them. However, most did not know this monster, despite its fearsome exterior, possessed a heart as big as the moon in the night sky. It longed for companionship, understanding, and acceptance, but no one dared approach it, for they only saw the monster’s monstrous form and not the gentle soul that lay within.

One day, a young child lost in the forest stumbled upon the monster’s lair. Trembling with fear, the child expected the worst, but to their surprise, the monster did not attack. Instead, it looked at the child with eyes full of sadness and loneliness. Sensing the monster’s true nature, the child reached out a hand in friendship. To the amazement of both, the monster hesitantly extended a clawed hand in return, its massive form crouching down to the child’s level. From then on, an unlikely bond formed between the two, built on trust, kindness, and understanding. The monster’s true nature began to shine through as days turned into weeks and weeks into months. It showed compassion for the forest creatures, protecting them from harm and helping those in need. The once-feared monster became a guardian, a friend to all who called the forest their home.

Word of the monster with a big heart spread far and wide, and soon, creatures from near and far came to seek its wisdom and guidance. The monster, now known not for its fearsome appearance but for its compassionate soul, welcomed them all with open arms.
And so, the monster with a big heart found acceptance, love and friendship in a world that once shunned it. Its legend lived on for generations to come, a reminder that true beauty lies not in appearances but in the kindness and love that reside within us all.

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Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

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Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language and one of the world’s pre-eminent novelists, is best known for his novel “Don Quixote.” Miguel de Cervantes was born in September 1547 in Alcalá de Henares, near Madrid, Spain. He came from a modest background; his father was a surgeon. Cervantes served in the Spanish military and fought in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, where he was wounded and lost the use of his left hand. Later, he was captured by pirates and spent five years as a slave in Algiers before being ransomed.

He began his literary career after returning to Spain. His most famous work, “Don Quixote,” was first published in two parts in 1605 and 1615. The novel is considered one of Western literature’s earliest and most significant works. In addition to “Don Quixote,” Cervantes wrote many other works, including plays, poems, and short stories. Some of his notable works include “Novelas Ejemplares” (Exemplary Novels) and “La Galatea.” Despite his literary success, he struggled financially throughout his life. He died on April 22, 1616, in Madrid, Spain. Coincidentally, this was the same day as the death of William Shakespeare, although they died under different calendars (Spain used the Gregorian calendar, while England used the Julian calendar at that time). Miguel de Cervantes is often referred to as the “Prince of Spanish Literature.” His work, particularly “Don Quixote,” has had a profound influence on Western literature and continues to be studied and celebrated around the world.

Cervantes’ life was marked by adventure, hardship, and literary achievement, making him a fascinating figure in Spanish and world history. 

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The Balance

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Once upon a time, two siblings, Elara and Alden, lived in a kingdom nestled amidst towering mountains and lush forests. Elara was known far and wide for her physical strength; she could lift boulders and outmatch any warrior in combat. On the other hand, Alden possessed a different kind of strength – he was incredibly intelligent and possessed a keen wit that could unravel the most complex puzzles. Despite their differences, Elara and Alden were inseparable and complemented each other perfectly. Where Elara’s strength failed, Alden’s intellect would prevail, and Elara’s might would triumph where Alden’s mind faltered.

One day, a great evil descended upon the kingdom in the form of a fierce dragon that terrorized the land, laying waste to villages and crops. The king called upon his bravest knights to slay the beast, but all efforts were in vain. It seemed that no one could match the dragon’s power and ferocity. Elara and Alden knew they had to do something to save their kingdom. Drawing upon their respective strengths, they devised a plan. Elara would challenge the dragon to a physical duel, distracting it with her incredible strength, while Alden snuck behind the beast to find its weakness. Elara fought with all her might as the battle raged, deflecting the dragon’s fiery breath and powerful attacks. Meanwhile, Alden searched for a way to defeat the beast. Finally, he discovered a small gap where its scales were weakest in the dragon’s armour.

With a swift and calculated strike, Alden plunged his sword into the dragon’s vulnerable spot, causing the beast to roar in pain and collapse. Elara seized the opportunity and delivered the final blow, vanquishing the dragon once and for all. The kingdom rejoiced at the victory of the siblings, celebrating their bravery and ingenuity. Elara and Alden have shown that true strength comes not just from physical might or intellectual prowess alone but from the unity of both. Together, they overcame the greatest challenges and emerged victorious, proving that strength and weakness are but two sides of the same coin, each complementing the other in perfect harmony.
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