The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly

About the Book

In the not-so-distant future, there is a lake surrounded by a meadow, in a valley enclosed by very tall, very steep mountains blanketed in a dense forest of old trees. The valley is magical and one of the last places on Earth left untouched by humans.


After his morning transformation from a nymph in the water, a little blue-eyed dragonfly admires the beautiful valley before him. He is thinking about what his purpose in life is and what lies beyond this life on earth. A kind grasshopper suggests he go on a journey to the giant willow tree across the lake to see the Mantis, a wise and mysterious prophet who should be able to help him with his questions.


Along his journey for answers, the little dragonfly meets a gluttonous and greedy toad, an egotistical and power-hungry red dragonfly, a beautiful but narcissistic butterfly, and a hungry but empathetic bird. The little dragonfly challenges their thinking. They test his courage and determination. He finally reaches the willow tree and meets the Mantis. He finds the purpose of his journey. His questions are answered.


This enchanting fable of self-discovery and resilience will captivate readers of all ages, inviting them to reflect on life’s journey and the search for purpose.

Watercolor illustration of a pond with pink lotus flowers, green leaves, and two dragonflies, one red and one blue, perched on a leaf.

One of Nine Interior Illustrations

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin” I saw this quote on a bumper sticker a very long time ago. I’m not sure I even understood it at the time, but I never forgot it. Like many people, I feel like the little dragonfly, seeking the same answers throughout my life that he did—wondering about the purpose of our lives and what lies beyond our Earthly existence. Why is there so much suffering in the world? Why can life be so difficult and challenging, often causing us to question our beliefs? Sometimes it is hard to see how much beauty and love there still is in the world because of the suffering. Sometimes we just have to open our eyes.

My beliefs are still changing and evolving, and I imagine they will continue to do so for the rest of my life until I’m ready to meet the Mantis again. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I did writing it, and that it helps you along your journey. There is so much more to discover.

Thank you,

John

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