5 Pillars of the Gypsy [Paperback]

Lesley Fletcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Share in the journey of a Gypsy as she grapples with her role in the Universe. Escape into a mystic world, becoming privy to the songs of Angels, a healing message in a bottle and the re-birth of the Unicorn. Touch the desert sands, embark on a Pilgrimage, dance with the Devil and delve into the curiosity of War......Page after page bursts with vivid imagery, compassion and mystery. This book grants you permission to sing, to dance and to cry along the way. "5 Pillars of the Gypsy" is a collection of poetry and art that will awaken your spirituality and heighten your senses. Lesley Fletcher's dramatic, exciting artwork bursts off the page, stirring strong emotions while providing the perfect backdrop to her provocative verse. Lesley is a self-professed 'Gypsy' - in her mind..

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

My poems and artwork are a product that came into being as a direct result of listening. There were no intricate schemes involved. No wondering if I was getting it right. No need for worries or for doubt. Nothing lay between myself and the emotion put into my craft. Listening has afforded me diversity, understanding and a deeper knowledge of myself and others. Sharing naturally completes the process. I thank you all.
 
The four years spent compiling this book have likely been the most challenging years to date in my life. At this time I would like to acknowledge and thank those who have supported, cajoled, laughed, danced, listened and cried with me along the way. Big thanks to those I have met from all parts of the world who educated and charmed me as well as those who joined me in my adventures if only in their imaginations and in my heart. While they may have been the most challenging times I feel certain they will also be held in my memory as being some of the most fulfilling.
 
This idea of this book at inception was triggered by a quote that said, (translated) "I cracked my heart for every time I laughed in my life" 
... a statement that ended with:
"In spite of all that I love life." -  Of which I thought -             Hey! That sounds like me!

About the Author

My travels and experience in life have had a profound effect on my writing and my art. Whenever possible I put time aside to work at a studio, expanding my printmaking experience. '5 Pillars of the Gypsy' is my latest release which combines art and verse and stands as a mixture of spiritualism and emotion. Over the past three years I have managed two trips with Habitat for Humanity - Global Village; one to Tajikistan and one to Jordan. Each of these trips included short stops in Istanbul. As a result I had the privilege of learning about Islam and its parallels with Christianity along with cultural customs. As a volunteer with Literacy Unlimited I support and encourage education as a way to break barriers too, through knowledge and understanding. The adventurous laid back spirit in me has enabled me to become very adaptable to a variety of enjoyable experiences and delight in every one of them. My biggest pleasures are my biggest motivators. 'Prom Girls: A North American Rite of Passage' is my first book. Having gained valuable experience through my first publication has provided the ground work and motivation for her upcoming books. My second book,' All I Want for Christmas Is a Wishmas Tree', tackles the ever more present problem of families integrating into a different culture and still retaining their own. My third book is 'Hey Angel!' (www.hey-angel.com) which is an early reader that focuses on self-esteem. It is written in rhyme and has quickly become a favourite with the very young and their parents. Young readers along with their parents are invited to the accompanying website to 'ask the Angel' a question which is then answered on the site. I can be found on Twitter @gypsyles, LinkedIn, Google+. I take delight in making new friends in our ever changing world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Inspiration Import (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0986533246
• ISBN-13: 978-0986533242
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,921,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My travels and experience in life have had a profound effect on my writing and my art.

In each book I strive to connect on a personal level with the reader, the same way I would if we met personally.

The adventurous laid back spirit in me has enabled me to become very adaptable to a variety of enjoyable experiences and delight in every one of them. My biggest pleasures are my biggest motivators.

'5 Pillars of the Gypsy' is my latest release which combines art and verse and stands as a mixture of spiritualism and emotion.Each poem tells a story. Each story is meant to awaken and inspire the inner you to add meaning to your own events in life.



'Prom Girls: A North American Rite of Passage' is my first book. Having gained valuable experience through my first publication has provided the ground work and motivation for her upcoming books.
My second book,' All I Want for Christmas Is a Wishmas Tree', tackles the ever more present problem of families integrating into a different culture and still retaining their own.
My third book is 'Hey Angel!' (www.hey-angel.com) which is an early reader that focuses on self-esteem. It is written in rhyme and has quickly become a favourite with the very young and their parents. Young readers along with their parents are invited to the accompanying website to 'ask the Angel' a question which is then answered on the site.

I can be found on Twitter @gypsyles, Linkedin, Google+. I take delight in making new friends in our ever changing world.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The flow of Gypsy took me through life's changes. May 2, 2012

By Jean Ann French

Format:Paperback

5 Pillars of the Gypsy spoke to me like no other book has before. Each story moved me along my life's path, including the highs, the lows, and introspection.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Pillars of the Gypsy June 4, 2012

By Ruth Ann Hixson

Format:Paperback

5 Pillars of the Gypsy
By Lesley Fletcher

5 Pillars of the Gypsy is a book of poetry and abstract art. Ordinarily I would write a review telling about the book, the plot and the author. 5 Pillars of the Gypsy is no ordinary book. It hits me on a personal level so that is how I shall write the review.
The Art - I don't particularly care for abstract art but some of Lesley's work struck a chord with me. My favorite is Mixed Emotions. This painting brings to mind autumn leaves whirling in the breeze on a warm Indian Summer day. The gray background seems to portend the coming winter.
Another I like is Enchanted Forest where ghostly spirits seem to be emerging from among the trees. In the lower right hand corner is a figure seemingly bent forward in the direction she is turned. However if one looks closer, there is a second face where she is looking back over her shoulder.
Lesley is a master at subtle hidden meanings in her paintings using fine white lines that seem to disappear until one studies the paintings. Is the figure in the center of Swallowed a human head or an erect penis? Very thought provoking.
Sea Of Good Wishes is a beautiful painting that imparts a feeling of goodwill.
The Poetry - Lesley writes poetry that hits one in the heart, mind and soul. While her writing is spiritual it is not directed at any one religion but rather all reli-gions. It celebrates love, life and peace, touching the heart and uplifting the soul.
Lesley herself is the
Gypsy as one can read in The Gypsy Restored, the finale of the book. This is a book that one can return to for peaceful succor and soulful healing. The combination of art and very good poetry touched my heart and awakened soul to soar through mystic clouds of love and peace.

By Ruth Ann Hixson, Freelance Reviewer

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully expressed June 3, 2012

By Linda Parkinson-Hardman

Format:Paperback

I have found myself reading more poetry recently as a result of finding new and inspiring writers around the web and Lesley is one such person. I was fortunate to be given a copy of her new book, 5 Pillars of the Gypsy and found myself stunned by the combination of imagery through her paintings and words through her poetry. It is a beautifully explored subject and left me feeling fulfilled and inspired. This is a journey both emotional and spiritual towards a sense of redemption and understanding and acceptance.