Wednesday, February 03, 2016

February IWSG - Do You Believe In Coincidences?

IWSG SITE
Welcome every one to the February IWSG! Our awesome co-hosts for today are Allison Gammons, Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Rachel Pattison, and Ann V. Friend!. Please visit and thank them!

My post this month is different from the usual because I need to share this, write about it, mull over it, and, it is in keeping with our theme of growing as writers and being there for each other.

I've started reading a book called The Alchemist. I'm sure many of you have read it. Why do I say that? Because...
 
It "started" with a call from my mother telling me I needed to read this book, she raved about it. She was very sure I would love it. So, I ordered it from Amazon in paper back and when I got it I saw I'd gotten the 25th Anniversary edition (PB), and that his name seemed familiar to me. I began to read the foreward, written by the author, Paulo Coelho, whose name kept stirring something in my brain, and within minutes sat up straight and gasped, literally.

Now, on Facebook I sometimes follow people I don't know if I like what they post. For the last two years, or maybe more, I have followed a man named Paulo Coelho because his words speak to my heart, his silent photos speak imagery, emotion. I have "followed" Paulo Coelho because I liked his Facebook presence and when I signed on to Instagram last year, I followed him there too.

So, holding The Alchemist in my hand, I grab my phone, look up Paulo Coelho on FB and yes, they are the same person, AND the very first photo he posted yesterday (when I began reading his book) was the 25th anniversary edition of The Alchemist. (On the NYTBS list for over SEVEN YEARS) I have followed the man for 2 years online. I never made the connection between him and his most famous body of work. I don't know how that happened but it feels mystical to me.

Reading this novel now I see how blind I was to this "omen." I wasn't ready yet to know this story. I am obviously ready now. If you want an experience, as a writer and a reader, that you won't forget, The Alchemist is a must read. Paulo Coelho hears the many languages of the World and speaks to your heart. He has been helping me for two years without even knowing it, to find my Personal Legend.

This post is too long. I apologize for that. But now my eyes and my heart are seeing/hearing new lessons and I had to share them with you.



Images from:
popculture-y.com
www.prweb.com

22 comments:

  1. Great post, Lisa. It's like being smacked in the head when you make a connection (esp. one everyone knows). My turn to check out the book.

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  2. I have heard of The Alchemist, but I've never read it. You have a very cool story attached to it.

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  3. Well, you know now!
    Although that's a real fear. Someone following you for ages, never realizing you're an author...

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  4. I've heard of this book but haven't read it yet. It's actually on my TBR list. Maybe I need to get to it sooner rather than later.

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  5. That is a weird and freaky coincidence. Or was it fate? Sounds like the set-up for a story in and of itself... ;-)

    IWSG February

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  6. Anonymous2:21 PM

    I've heard of both the author and the book, but have never read it. Now I'm so intrigued I'm going to have to! Putting it on my list asap. Love you! Enjoy the rest of the day! Eva, IWSG Co-host
    http://lilicasplace.wordpress.com

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  7. I can hear your excitement in your post. I have this book on my shelf but haven't read it yet. You've convinced me.

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  8. I don't think this was too long at all! Fascinating story. Sounds like an interesting book, too!

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  9. What a wonderful thing to click on several levels. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  10. That's so awesome. I'm hoping that happens to me some day :)

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  11. Coelho is one of my top authors. I've read the Alchemist a few times! :-)
    http://www.yvettecarol.wordpress.com

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  12. I love that feeling of surprise connection, when it happens. How very special. Enjoyed the post. Happy Belated IWSG Day
    Juneta Writer's Gambit

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  13. Hi human, Lisa,

    That is a most pawesome, pawsitive coincidence, my kind human friend. It seemed to be a destined situation that is most inspiring.

    Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses,

    Penny xx

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  14. Gotta love those kind of 'coincidences'. I call it serendipity. :)

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  15. Hi Lisa - I get your 'feeling' because I was (out of the blue) sent a book ... and I must see that is the post I need to put about 'my book' .. it's of a relative to The Alchemist - which I have and had read. I now need to read both these books and write about them ... linking back here ... I don't do FB, or similar - but as you say what a co-incidence ... amazing way life hauls us around ... cheers and so good to see you around again - Hilary

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  16. That is so cool. I have read the book many years ago. Maybe it is time to revisit it.

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  17. What an amazing connection. The universe works in mysterious ways for sure. I have had The Alchemist on my shelf for quite some time. I haven't gotten to it yet, but I am looking forward to it! Thanks for sharing. :)
    ~Jess

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  18. Lisa, I'm glad The Alchemist made such an impression on you. And the backstory re. Paulo would have added to the impact. It is definitely a story you have to be ready for. I read it years ago and it thrilled me then and continues to resonate. Now I recall I reviewed it on my blog including some quotations. I read his stories on Wattpad too. He's very generous for an A Lister.

    Lovely to catch up Lisa.

    Denise:-)

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  19. I've had a similar experience with an unexpected connection, it certainly makes an unforgettable impact. I've heard of The Alchemist and now I am intrigued, I may have to go find a copy and read it.

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  20. Your post wasn't too long. It was as many words long as you needed to share the story :)

    That is awesome. Carrie has said it takes seeing something 5 times for it to stick. Or maybe it's more now that we're so busy.

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  21. It sounds like I need to borrow my daughter's copy of this one....and read it. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  22. Wow that's amazing. I've never read it, but I'm putting it on my To Read list right away!

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