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Manifesting Positive Outcomes
Interview
The Color of Dreams follows a struggling craftsman at a crossroads in life, facing challenges in his marriage, career, and sense of purpose, who encounters a mysterious “angel” that reawakens his belief in magic and possibility. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
For years, I have used the Law of Attraction in my life to help me manifest positive outcomes that help me and many others. I wanted to find a way to share these incredibly powerful laws with others, and it occurred to me that telling a story of a little angel—a magical being—would be the perfect vehicle to deliver this message. Over many years, I perfected the story and wrote (and rewrote) this book and it is now ready to help others manifest the life that has always called to them.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Absolutely! I don’t think any author has been able to keep pieces of himself from entering their work. This story takes place in 1988, and one of the things my main character, Ben, has to do is search for work, and he does this through looking through (and avoiding looking through) the classifieds ads in his weekly paper. I still remember having to do this over and over again myself over the years. It was a grind for sure! Another event was having to deal with an aging and beloved pet. There is a very emotional scene in the book that pained me to write, and I sourced my experience around losing my cat Starlite. In fact, the publishing imprint I created is called “Starlite Books,” in memory of her. There are many others, but I’ll save them for another day.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Definitely the idea of the Source that pervades everything in the universe. Whether you call this Source God, or the Spirit of the Universe, or whatever else, there is a Presence that is always there, always available to draw strength and direction from. Another is the Law of Attraction, as mentioned earlier. A key component of this Law is the idea that “Thoughts are Things.” I learned decades ago that you can’t think one thing and create another, and that you have to change what you think about and dwell on before you can make any changes in your life. Another key theme is the idea of choosing faith instead of fear. Faith in your dream, in what truly inspires you, and then to dwell on the positive outcome and feelings of that coming true—rather than on what can go (or currently is going) wrong. We always have a choice about how to direct the creative energy of the Source, and we do that by first becoming aware of what we are constantly focusing on. Remember, thoughts are things. What are you thinking about right now?
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
Great question! I have two options: The first is to write a follow-up to The Color of Dreams, where the angel returns to Ben to teach him more lessons about life and letting go. I will write that book if this current book takes off and there is a demand for it. The other option, and one I’m leaning towards, is to write a book about my father and my grandfather’s experience in WWII. My family is from Warsaw, Poland, and they bore the brunt of the Nazi invasion in 1939. My father escaped to England and fought the war in the RAF, while the rest of my family remained in Warsaw and fought—and died—in the uprising in 1944. Some of my family members survived the war, and I’m currently doing research on what happened with them all. So, two possible books to write, and no timeline yet. BTW: If anyone is interested in life lessons, they should definitely check out my previous book: The Owner’s Manual to Life: How to Worry Less and Enjoy Life More. It offers 100 life quotes and short essays on how to get the most out of each day. People can also sign up to receive three free quotes every Wednesday by visiting my website and signing up!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Ben Davidson’s life is unraveling. He loses his job unexpectedly, his family is slipping away, and the dream he once shared with his father is on the verge of collapse. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, a magical encounter with a glowing little angel reveals six powerful spiritual truths. Will it be enough to help Ben turn his life around before it’s too late?
Set in the late 1980s in the Pacific Northwest, The Color of Dreams weaves an enchanting tale of perseverance, love, and the mystical forces that shape our reality. As Ben embarks on a journey of self-discovery, the angel teaches him lessons that challenge his deepest fears and awaken his long-buried faith in himself.
In this life-affirming novel, readers will be drawn into Ben’s journey as he learns:
How dreams are born from a higher source
Why thoughts become reality
The power of choosing faith over fear
How to “Imagine better than the best you know”
How to trust the “why” of your dreams and let the “how” unfold
And most of all, how to help others by letting your inner light shine
Will Ben be able to apply these life-changing lessons to rebuild his broken life, rekindle his family’s love, and revive the dream he thought was lost? With heartfelt moments of inspiration and a touch of metaphysical magic, The Color of Dreams is a soul-stirring story that reminds us of the power of believing in ourselves and the beauty of second chances.
Perfect for fans of metaphysical fiction, spiritual transformation, and heartwarming stories of redemption, this novel will leave you inspired to chase your own dreams and embrace the possibilities of life’s unseen magic.
The Color Of Dreams
Michael Zajaczkowski’s The Color of Dreams unfolds as a poignant narrative of second chances, self-discovery, and the rekindling of lost ambitions. It follows Ben, a struggling craftsman who finds himself at a crossroads in life, facing challenges in his marriage, career, and sense of purpose. When a chance encounter with a mysterious “angel” reawakens his belief in magic and possibility, Ben embarks on a journey to reclaim his dreams, rebuild his relationships, and confront the obstacles that have kept him tethered to mediocrity. The book is set against the backdrop of the late 1980s in Tacoma, Washington, and offers a mix of domestic drama, emotional depth, and moments of magical realism.
One of the strengths of the book lies in its intimate portrayal of Ben’s struggles. Zajaczkowski writes with a natural, almost conversational tone that makes Ben’s internal conflicts feel raw and relatable. Ben’s frustration, Emily’s cautious pragmatism, and the unspoken emotions beneath their words are so well-rendered that I felt like an invisible participant in their conversations. The author’s ability to navigate complex marital dynamics adds depth to the story, grounding its more whimsical elements.
The book also excels in its descriptions of Ben’s craft and aspirations. His passion for woodworking, creating intricately detailed mailboxes, serves as a powerful metaphor for his desire to build something meaningful in his life. Scenes like Ben’s visit to the farmers’ market, where he secures a booth and imagines the bustling possibilities of showcasing his work, brim with hope and determination. These moments made me root for Ben, even as his self-doubt and external pressures threatened to derail him.
Zajaczkowski’s attention to detail in describing Ben’s workshop, tools, and creative process added an authentic layer that made Ben’s dreams tangible. Ryan’s manipulations and Ben’s indignation are initially compelling but become predictable over time, detracting from the more nuanced aspects of the story. On the other hand, the inclusion of the “angel” character provides a refreshing touch of mysticism, though her role occasionally feels underdeveloped, leaving me wishing for a deeper exploration of her significance in Ben’s transformation.
The Color of Dreams is a heartfelt exploration of resilience and the enduring power of belief in oneself, in others, and in the unseen forces that shape our lives. Zajaczkowski’s writing captures both the beauty and the messiness of pursuing one’s dreams, offering readers an emotional journey filled with relatable struggles and moments of quiet triumph. This book would resonate with anyone who has ever felt stuck or doubted their ability to overcome life’s challenges. It’s an inspiring read for dreamers, creatives, and anyone who appreciates stories about rediscovering hope in the face of adversity.
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0DNRG6ZKG
The Life and Spiritual Journey of No One
R. J. Fidalgo’s The Life and Spiritual Journey of No One is a contemplative exploration divided into three distinct parts, chronicling the author’s personal path to spiritual awareness. The initial segment delves into Fidalgo’s formative years, reflecting on his sense of isolation during childhood, his educational experiences, and the early stirrings of his moral and spiritual consciousness. It follows his journey into adulthood, highlighting the challenges and milestones as he forges a family and continues his quest for spiritual enlightenment. The latter two sections shift focus to practical aspects, with the second part concentrating on what Fidalgo describes as a ‘spiritual diet.’ This includes discussions on exercise, nutrition, fasting, and gut health, presenting these as integral components of spiritual well-being. The final section broadens the scope to encompass various spiritual concepts, narratives, and deities, offering a richer tapestry of spiritual knowledge and practices.
Fidalgo’s writing is accessible and engaging, successfully conveying the struggles and triumphs of his spiritual quest. His narrative demonstrates a commitment to deep self-understanding and an acknowledgment of the diverse paths individuals may take in their own spiritual pursuits. The book resonates with a sense of humility and respect for the unique nature of each person’s journey. I found the insights offered in The Life and Spiritual Journey of No One to be both meaningful and versatile, applicable in various ways depending on the reader’s personal context.
Fidalgo’s willingness to share his deeply personal experiences is commendable, and the book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual connection and understanding. Fidalgo’s approachable writing style, combined with his honest reflections and respect for individual journeys, creates an inviting and enriching reading experience.
The Spiritual Journey of No One, by R. J. Fidalgo is a thoughtful and comprehensive guide that not only charts the author’s personal journey but also extends a hand to readers looking to navigate their own spiritual pathways. It’s a book I would recommend to those on a quest for a more spiritually fulfilling life.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0C4LG4DKV
I Want People Asking Questions
Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible is an in-depth study of African proverbs and their correlation to Bible verses. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I had been collecting compilations of African proverbs for 30 years. Then, about 6 or 7 years ago, as I mention in the book, I came across a book series that compared teachings on topics such as forgiveness or compassion across the great spiritual traditions. There was no African volume in that series, and I wondered about that.
Have you ever seen the posters that compare the Golden Rule across the great spiritual traditions? Next time you see one, look for one of the African versions of the Golden Rule. Chances are, you won’t see any included.
As far as I could tell, there was nothing quite like this. Almost 30 years ago, Archbishop Desmond Tutu published An African Prayer Book (Walker and Company, 1996), with prayers, poems, stories, and some African proverbs, but not compared to Bible verses. I think seeing the proverbs and verses together offers an opportunity for reflection and insight.
Can you share a little about the research process required to pull together such an informative piece?
I started with the compilations of African proverbs that I had, then expanded to other books and websites (which are all listed in the book). Then, as an extra step, I engaged about 30 African collaborators from multiple countries to corroborate the proverbs, provide additional context, and in some cases, share any meanings that could get lost in translation to English. That became a real collaboration, as they offered more proverbs as well as other Bible verses, shared information about context and meaning, and provided more specific attribution than the sources I had used. There was such a generous and gracious outpouring of support, and they have enriched the book tremendously.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
As someone who respects asking questions, I hope they come away with more questions! I hope it piques their curiosity to learn more, and I do include some suggestions for additional reading for those with an interest.
Beyond that, I hope they come away with an appreciation for the individual wisdom traditions featured in the book, and the way they are passed down like a legacy. For too long, there has been a pernicious, unchallenged notion that there is nothing to learn from African cultures. Nothing could be further from the truth.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
One thing I would love to do is issue translations of this book into French and Portuguese, which, with English, are the principal official European languages of Africa—as well as Spanish, to reach diaspora communities. My collaborators tell me there is nothing like this in their countries.
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Chris Morehouse was compelled to write the book after exploring the Parallel Sayings books, which juxtapose insights from the great religious traditions with their counterparts from Jewish and Christian scriptures. These books explore resonances between Christianity and Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism.
The author began to wonder why there was not a similar volume exploring corresponding insights from Africa’s traditions. In this book, you’ll discover:
•African expressions of the golden rule;
•versions of loving one’s enemies and welcoming the stranger;
•insights about losing your way to find your way—and much more.
The African idea of sankofa—“go back and get it”—tells us that we can go forward by looking to the past. Find common ground and get tools to face the future with the insights in this book of African and biblical wisdom.
Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible
In Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible, by Chris Morehouse, readers delve into the world of African proverbs and their intriguing parallels with Christian Bible verses. This meticulously researched nonfiction piece features sayings from diverse regions of Africa and South America, rooted in traditional African spiritual traditions. The striking resemblance between these proverbs and Christian teachings unveils the rich and layered spiritual heritage Africans held long before European colonization. Central to this discourse is the philosophy of ‘ubuntu’, underscoring our collective interconnectedness. This tenet teaches that causing harm to another invariably harms oneself, and conversely, disseminating love and compassion will be reciprocated.
One of the standout features of Legacy is the set of reflective questions at the end of each chapter which provides thought-provoking discussions suitable for book clubs or Bible study sessions. Each chapter delves into specific spiritual themes, such as pride or anger, prompting readers to assess their actions against these ancient teachings. Engaging with a proverb daily, as the book suggests, could indeed be transformative for those on a spiritual quest. Written in an accessible language, Morehouse ensures a smooth reading experience.
The book also ignites curiosity, leaving one yearning to explore further. How do traditional African religions manifest across different regions? Is there a repository of wisdom from ancient spiritual practices, or have they been predominantly assimilated into religions like Christianity or Islam? While Legacy stands as a commendable work, it also paves the way for a deeper exploration, perhaps in a sequel. I feel that incorporating real-life applications of these proverbs would amplify their relevance. All in all, Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible is a must-read for spiritual enthusiasts across the globe.
Pages: 286 | 
LITERARY TITAN 