I started writing these notes/essays in 2001, and then in 2009 I started writing my blogs, which I publish on my website, www.davidcpearson.co.uk . The two sets of writing had a different purpose. I originally wrote Threads and Patches for myself, though in the back of my mind
I also thought that they could be left for posterity.
That sounds like a grand statement and is not intended to mean more than that for those who come after me who have any interest in how I spent my life, then here is at least some account of some of the themes and some of the adventures and some of the thrills and some of the pleasure that I have had.
The blogs I originally wrote to drive traffic to my website, of which the purpose was to market myself in my portfolio career. But that purpose also changed as the blogs took on a life of their own. I have written over 500 blogs covering a great variety of topics in over 700,000 words. By contrast, the Threads and Patches are mainly about me and family, friends and colleagues. I have decided to publish the book to mark my coming of age, i.e. my three score years and ten in 2020.
Any profits will be donated to Samaritans.
My idea was not to write a chronological tale but rather to develop themes – ‘threads’ in computer speak – and to embellish them with ‘patches’, which in computer speak means fixes or Band-Aids. It is not an autobiography but it is autobiographical.
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We know that 'system change' is deserately needed, but what does 'system change' look like?
And who is going to make it happen?
The 'Local Food Ecosystem' is a new concept in food suppy chain coordination which conforms to an alternative and more forward-thinking economic model. It is founded upon principles such as balance, wholeness, circularity, diversity, and interconnectivity, resulting in a food system which is less wasteful, more equitable, much kinder to our planet, much better for citizens in terms of the quality and healthiness of the food we get to eat, which nurtures food entrepreneurism to create vibrant local food economies, and which is, in every sense of the word, sustainable.
moreAnthony Trollope remains one of English literature’s favourite authors, writing novels, short stories, biographies and travelogues. Many of his works have
been televised.
Pamela Marshall Barrell has been a devotee since the 1970s, rereading both his own books and books about him and visiting and painting the many places associated with him.
Using his own work as well as other sources, contemporary letters and quotations, she has sought to find out why it seemed that when he began his Autobiography, he dwelt solely on the dubious times. She hopes to show that in later life, he had begun to appreciate some of the difficulties his parents faced.
It remains a labour of love for Pamela, who hopes to show others how Anthony Trollope’s life experiences inspired many of his plots, locations and characters. Several years of study, research and painting have resulted in the completion of
this pictorial biography, tracing Trollope’s travels and family life, and providing insights into places he saw for himself and some he imagined.
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Lisa Bond’s affluent lifestyle seems to be perfect: a large house in a rural setting, a husband, two adult daughters, a circle of friends and plenty of activities to occupy her time. Why, then, does she suddenly drive away and leave it all behind?
Taking up residence in a motel, she realises her identity has been lost and she has nothing to really call her own. A rollercoaster of emotions hits her and in her turmoil she finds some solace in work, and in some new and unlikely friends. She begins to rediscover old interests.
Then Karim comes along. Swept along on a tide of romance, Lisa thinks she may have turned a corner. Is this the new future she wants? Can it actually happen? Life does have a way of levelling things out …
But Lisa still has a long journey ahead in her search for the peace of mind she craves.
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We recognise the difficulties authors face - If you’re a first-time author, then only one thing distinguishes you from a professional author. It’s not talent. It’s not dedication. It’s simply that first-time writers will have difficulties in getting their manuscripts published.
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