It seems that 'Leaves of Dreams', despite an initially successful start, has run into difficulties and unless they get a serious wind fall by the end of the week they are going to have to close. Obviously this not only has a knock on effect on my own career but I know the people who opened it last month. They both have struggled due to disability to just receive a 'proper' job and opened 'Leaves of Dreams' in an effort to become self-employed and stop having to live off what benefits they could scrape together.
Despite what Ian Duncan Smith and Rupert Murdock would like you to believe, most people on benefit would like to be off it, if nothing else so we can stop having to listen to the government sanctioned libel that gets spread our way. If you printed some of the stuff that has been in the news recently about disabled people only aimed it at non-white people instead then you would be done for inflaming racist violence. Why is it that being disabled means that we are expected to just sit here and take the verbal and written slander? Oh yes, I'm sorry, I forgot we can't fight back so that makes it alright to kick us around. What is it about people in positions of authority that means that they want to be bullies to those that don't enjoy full mental and physical health?
One of these days I'm going to have to write a story in which a 'supreme leader' views those with handicaps and disabilities as valuable members of society that, if given the correct help, can drive their country to being the greatest empire in existence. Could be a new take on the legend of Hephaestus, the Ancient Greek God of Smiths and workers, who managed to make many of the miraculous devices of the Parthenon, despite having a leg so badly crippled that he had to ride a donkey when ever he wanted to travel away from his forge.
The only thing is, I think I'd have to make the 'supreme leader' the villain to fit in with societies accepted norms. Or I could go totally AWOL and actually write it how I want it with the 'supreme leader' being the hero trying to build a better world for everybody, with structures in society that help those who struggle understand the chaos, while the other countries lambaste him for being a dictator. Could even have it that he only allows people to immigrate to his country if they have a disability. I'm liking this idea more and more. What do people think?
Any way, back to the matter in hand, if you want to help support 'Leaves of Dreams' then they are located at:
Leaves of Dreams
47 High Street
Watton
IP25 6AB
They can also be emailed at leavesofdreams.venture@gmail.com
As well as their facebook link, https://www.facebook.com/Leaves-of-Dreams-1883563641867952/?fref=ts&__mref=message_bubble
And their tumblr, what ever one of those are http://wedreamoftrees.tumblr.com/
I don't like do the whole begging thing on my blog but this venture is directly getting two people off benefits and is helping many more to do the same. Even just a few messages of support would be welcome right now.
I love your story idea. I do hope you'll write one of these days.
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