Contemplation is a place where people who create, observe, study, consider deeply, and feel deeply gather together. They come because here they find quiet spots, general acceptance, encouragement to excel, and others who listen.

Each of the characters featured here focus on a specific craft or discipline. You can learn more about each on this page.

Behind the scenes Contemplation is a way for me (Ben Bellamy) to gather together the stories and things from my life that I am proud of and want to make available to my family, loved ones, and friends. Each character represents one of the most important areas of my life.

Eldin represents the scientist, philosopher, thinking I try to be. He is a wizard because so much of today's science and philosophy would appear to be magic to previous generations.

Jade represents the theologian. She deals with Christian faith, not only in the traditional sense, but also the fringe topics where faith meets reality, where science meets "religion", where trying to figure out this world we live in and the relationships we have all jumble around together.

Jester represents what I find humors. I have an unusual sense of humor. Part sarcasm, often dark, very often "British", and most often unusual in some way. Clearly not everyone's type of humor, but here it is.

Lora Lee represents my musical side. I have been playing guitar since about 8 and later on keyboards. From the start I focused on composing my own music. I thought that no one else will ever play music I compose, so I had better focus on doing that. I have several eclectic influences and seem to tend towards progressive rock, jazz, and classical. The result is usually, again, unusual but very satisfying to me. I compose for myself, the music I like.

TheBeginning

TPP is The Purple Penguin. That is an inside joke.

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You can refer to a map of this site here.