Items related to A Gathering of Dreams
Synopsis
Mount Taishan, China 1486 BCE
Humanity’s first recorded comet, Lao-Tien-Yeh 老天葉 finally reaches Earth. Estimated today, to have been four times brighter than the full moon.
An old monk climbs Mount Tai to greet the new star. An insignificant reunion with something along the way introduces the monk to what will become the base tenets of Universal Truth. Principles that later become the foundation of Buddhism. He will not have the chance to tell anyone though, for an ancient force has also awakened with the nightless day.
It takes a thousand years for the Buddhist doctrine to be discovered again.
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Three Days Ago...
While caring for a recently rescued kitten, an accident occurs that blurs the delicate lines between imagination and reality. Everything that has ever visited Calvin in dreams has come home. Every Grumpmuffin, Goblin, Adamsville Fairy and Menehune expects to have their say. It has been a long time since a human has been in a position to have a conversation and they intend to make the most of it. Harsh questions will be asked. Secrets will be shared. Truths will be revealed.
A childhood promise made to a grandfather forever linked to a ragged old cat weaves through time. Clotho, the sister who spins the threads of life and destiny for the Fates, has placed a single strand to connect them all. But like the Chinese monk before him, Calvin will not have the chance to tell anyone, for the ancient forces once again stir.
Although Twain, Tesla, Barrie, Warhol, The Apollo 12/Intrepid Landing Module, Perun--the Slavic God of Thunder, Some Quantum Foam and a wee bit of lost faith all make appearances ... it may not be enough.
Comet Lao-Tien-Yeh 老天葉 is now designated 12P/Pons-Brooks, and it is fast approaching.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
I have been many things in this life. On September 30, 2011, I walked into an ASPCA in Florida and discovered Leonardo Garfield. The circumstances of how and why I was there, I will tell at another time. What you need to know here ... is that I had no intention of adopting a seven-week-old kitten and writing a novel. Sometimes though, the universe does not respond to the 'intent of the observer.' It has other plans.
In caring for him, I found a story. Days of constant care and observation revealed not just the beauty of his journey, but also one of wonder and play. Searching for aid and answers led me down a rabbit hole of discovery. The world is much more than you think. History, patterns, connections, science, fable or fact, are all leading...this morning, I am unsure. Know this, however, it is beyond our wildest dreams. I know the science behind the curtain. At least I thought I did. We are entering an age of discovery that is going to change all that we know.
This book is the completion of a promise I made to Cugh Meek ... My Grandfather. I gave him my word in the summer of 1966 after he bought me a journal to inspire my creativity. He wanted me to write for him ... a truly tall tale. Adamsville, Tennessee had other adventures planned for us though, and I never got to it. This is that promise fulfilled. This is that story... It is a modern fable, for the world has changed since then. It is a tale of remembrance; of choices and consequences; of the lost and newly found; of discovery and redemption; of hopefully ... finding our way out of the darkness that is growing.
In the end, it still is a story that I would like the opportunity to tell. I am a storyteller now and some stories just want to be told. I would hope to have my readers enjoy the few hours they spend with me. If I could make them smile, wonder, and realize that magic was always just a matter of perspective ... it would be enough.
This is my first novel.
May 21, 2018
From the Back Cover
I wrote a book, a simple fable. I wrote about what I knew, of caring for kittens, of Buddhism and life, of karma and debt, of right and wrong, of memories long unused. I wrote of dreams and desires, ignorance and insight, of those I loved, of those I lost ... of those I missed. I wrote a story of hope. Of facing the day and overcoming the challenges of life that randomly stalk us all. I wrote of the serendipity, of the coincidences that led me to write a book. I wrote of Leo. I bounced the story between timelines. I allowed a monk to speak Cantonese in the opening chapter knowing that the pay off would be worth the wait. I hid Easter Eggs, seemingly misspelled words, lines from Saturday morning cartoons... In this version are links posted on the Copyright Page that tie the book to the reality that has been my life. I also included hyperlinks to information, pictures, and videos. I worked hard to fulfill a promise I made more than fifty years ago as a child. A promise made to a grandfather who loved me more than life. This is who I am now, who I've become thanks to him. I taught myself to write, edit and publish. I tried to remember the rules of grammar and failed. Still, despite my shortcomings, I poured everything I've ever loved about reading into my little fable. I love what it became. I showed you my heart, I gave you all that I have. The mistakes are truly mine, and for that, I apologize. Now that you're here though, please come inside. I would love for you to read what I have written, for this is only the beginning...
From the Inside Flap
There are no accidents. You have most likely acted in an extremely foolhardy or stupid manner. Unless the universe has sent you a lesson. A lesson you needed to learn for the further advancement of your soul. Regardless which caused it, lessons are often difficult. Persevere, you will survive, Remember this, A wish is just a wish until it is wished.
Surprises only happen to the unobservant. Live with intent and in the moment--pay attention. Put down the phone and concentrate on the task. Whether it be eating or love, savor the flavors.
Many a soul walks through life focused upon the ugliness and drudgery of daily existence. Most are blind to the simple beauty and wonder that surrounds every single thing. Close your eyes ... open your heart ... and really see.
Everything within a hundred miles will come to your assistance if you have lived a life of joy and simplicity. Likewise, no one will come within a hundred miles of an ass or someone who refuses to have a command over proper hygiene.
A troll comes along only when you have been selfish, mean or loud. They are attracted to arrogance and aggression. In essence ... bullies. Lack of kindness, understanding, and compassion, are anathema to a troll, even more so to a Grumpmuffin. A great pizza with anchovies--offers only the slimmest opportunity at a second chance.
Magic is green, so is money. Money cannot buy magic. Magic has always been biased by perspective, it's how the Magician moves from illusion to reality. Magic is made from within. Create something, improve something, help someone, grow something ... This is magic ... it will bring money.
Life has a system. Either go along to get along, or think grandly and change it. Rarely does anything other than nature, ever improve on its own. See something differently and where possible, improve upon it. Some things, however, cannot be improved upon ... genuine smiles, an honest laugh ... you will learn to recognize all. Don't waste your time trying to improve someone. They're already perfect, just not for you.
There will always be Dragons.
Catharpin is pronounced Cat-harpin by the locals, not Ca-tharpin. The locals know how to pronounce the area that is their home. Especially if it has always been their home. A stone, however, is just a stone, even if it is a diamond.
A liar will always lie. Just as a thief will always steal. A fictional novelist is the only honest profession for a both. A white lie helps no one. Ignorance often fades given time. You have to work hard to remain stupid...
The world is lost due to inattention and greed. Nurture and care for all. See that others have all that they need to prosper. Walk gently and with grace together, with all that cross your path.
There is no going back. Time here, within the boundaries of this world, is a one-way street. One that you should travel with kindness and respect. A moment only ever has its moment.
One only makes a discovery by stepping into the unknown. Discover a new place, a new culture, a new friend. Discover your true self. Look inside and out, look around, look over and under, look where you've never looked before: I promise you ... something wonderful waits.
Love requires no explanation. It has neither expectation, nor expiration. Loving someone is the greatest gift you will ever give to yourself.
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