A couple of days ago, Nathen posted this:
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Hell Todd, these folks seem to like you very much, I just thought you might be fun to hop a few trains with, I did want to remind you that now might be a good time to reread Illusions, one never knows when a roadside attraction just might change an entire journey.
Hang in there Bro.
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I've never read Illusions (Richard Bach) although I picked up a used copy a while ago. Now seems the right time for me to read it. Is anyone with me?

Never read it. Now sounds like a good time to give it a whirl.

Todd and I shared the book as a life style, somedays he was Donald and some days Richard and then we would change around and enjoy the Illusions once more...To be honest with you, I keep checking the boards in case Todd does post once more, he has found the blue feather and he could do it.

Enjoy the book, but it is best read as a living history rather then as a work of fiction, of course as the book and Todd would be quick to point out, everything I have written may be false. But ask youeself what if, what if it happened to me, what if it did indeed happen, what then?

Wherever Todd is, listen carefully while you read the book and see if you do not hear some small wispering of Todd's love.

"Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there.
What you choose to do with them is up to you"

Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah....Richard Bach 1977
ISBN: 0-440-34319-4

<center><FONT COLOR="#000080">--- Edited 1 times, lastly by Nathen on Sep 25, 2002 ---</FONT></center>

I'm in. Great book!

It is one of the last great books that I read. Perhaps it is time to read it again.

Book is ordered. I'm in.

Richard has written several great books, J.L.Seagull is also one of my favorites.

it's one of my favorite books....when do we want to 'meet'?

perhaps one nite after the 2nd church gig weekend?

I think I may have started to read that awhile ago--I'm up for another try. I'll order it from my library today. <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15>

I'm in -- I just requested a copy from the library

Ms Wlydflower, why don't you post a new message from the handbook everyday until you have posted them all, there are not that many and it would be interesting for people to comment on the post of the day....Oh, you want to know why I don't do it? Well, you started the topic, it's your baby, besides I got hit on the head with a 9/16th wrench.

Good thought, Nathen... I haven't got a 9/16" wrench (though I'll consider trying a pancake turner as an alternative!)

I'm typing up the entire first chapter, and will post that later today.

I'll post the first excerpt Richard reads from the "Messiah's Handbook, & Reminders for the Advanced Soul" here and comment on it in a separate post:

<center>Perspective –
Use It or Lose It.
If you turned to this page,
you’re forgetting that what is going
on around you is not reality.
Think about that.

Remember where you came from,
where you’re going and why you created
the mess you got yourself into in the first place.
You’re going to die a horrible death, remember.
It’s all good training, and you’ll enjoy it
more if you keep the facts
in mind.

Take your dying with some seriousness, however.
Laughing on the way to your execution
is not generally understood by less-
advanced life forms, and they’ll
call you crazy.</center>

<FONT size="1">(Richard Bach, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah")</FONT s>

What I find inspiring, first, is that our dear departed friend DID laugh on the way to execution... such grace and dignity under duress, I would hope to find within myself.

And... that the mess I am in is of my own creation, and I HAVE the power to believe it differently. That's something for me to work on - to stop bemoaning the situation I find myself in, and CHANGE it.

Which brings me to another quote, found elsewhere:

No one can make you change.
No one can stop you from changing.
No one really knows how you must change.
Not even you.
Not until you start.
<FONT size="1">- Dr. David Viscott, Author and Psychologist</FONT s>

So I now decide to start to change, and see where that change brings me.

<center><FONT COLOR="#000080">--- Edited 1 times, lastly by Wyldflower on Sep 27, 2002 ---</FONT></center>

I will look for a copy this weekend--if no luck, I'll order it from the library. Apparently, judging from the previous posts, I'm in good company. I, too, have mastered the art of screwing up my life from time to time.

I remind myself often that "There are no victims, only volunteers." (Of course, this only applies to stupid stuff we do to ourselves or situations we allow ourselves to get into. Doesn't count on hormonal days, either.)

While I do not have the handbook handy, I enjoy the fact that any book will do, try it, it really does work.....Has anyone read U.S.Anderson's, Three Magic Words?

Thanks Wlydflower, you are the best