Lost in Space & Notes from the Universe Reviews by Dawn Brunke       Lost in Space by Michael Dooley (1998, TUT Enterprises, softcover, $6.95; see www.tut.com for more)   “Not all that long ago, in the nether reaches of ad infinitum, there formed a council of fearless explorers who had become bored with perfection, infinity, and all the trappings so familiar to those who art in heaven…” So begins Mike Dooley’s engaging little book designed to help us remember why we’re playing this incredibly awesome game of hide and seek anyway. Or, as he says, it’s the story of wildly successful creative adventurers on a mission: “to have as much fun as could possibly be imagined.”   Although the book is slim (55 pages) and small (4.5” x 6”), it packs a powerful wallop by offering a bright review of how reality as we know it came to be. This includes general mysteries, such as the Secret Pattern Adventure for Creative Enlightenment (or, SPACE for short), and more specific amusements, such as when the creative adventurers Hid Under Matter Animated in the Now. You get the picture.   There’s no doubt that Dooley’s book is clever and entertaining. But it is also one of those books that calls you to read it again. And maybe again. There’s a funny kind of truth peeping up between the words, playfully nudging us, reminding us of things we had long ago forgotten. The story rings with a deep, genuine tone and yet tinkles with sparkly, thoughtful humor. As such, it’s perfect for just about anyone—from know-it-all teens and misguided politicians to crusty old mystics sitting on mountaintops. And in that there’s a funny kind of truth as well: the Pleasure Experienced by Accepting all Creation as it Exists.       Notes from the Universe: Books 1 – 3 by Mike Dooley (2003, 2005, 2005, TUT Enterprises, hardcover, $21.95 each or $59.95 boxed set; see www.tut.com for more)     Every weekday morning, I get A Note from the Universe* in my e-mail box. This has been going on for quite some, and each morning the small note brings me—at the very least—a chuckle, raised eyebrow, nod, or good long hmmm.   Notes from the Universe, books 1 through 3, are a collection of several years of notes. Each book is subtitled “new perspectives from an old friend,” and this is exactly what the notes offer. Very short stories, ponderings, encouragements, motivators, confirmations and more—all designed to spark the divinity within (and without), while bringing a sly bit of universal humor into the deal. Here’s a few examples:   “Is it just me, or does it all seem far too good to possibly be true? And among other things, how many different flavors of chocolate does one really need?”   “How to make anything happen…Act as if it already has, and never look back.”   “If, way down deep, you can even slightly comprehend that time is an illusion and that space is just a stage, then it shouldn’t take much of a leap to realize how safe you are, how much magic there is, and most importantly, that there must exist a super-consciousness with wishes and dreams all its own…that include you.  Let’s get this party started!”   Although you can purchase the books separately, the set of three comes in a particularly nice case, all black space and starry cosmos with a photo of our earth, looking especially beautiful, on the cover. There’s also a huge LOVE on the bottom of the case, as if to remind us that the Notes…and the Universe…are grounded in what this word represents.    Or, as Dooley puts it, “If you only knew just how literally true all of these “notes” are—concerning your power, your strength, and your divinity, about the love, the magic, and the infinite possibilities—for the next few days, you’d see the rest of the world…through tears. And you’d never stop giving thanks. Ain’t life grand?”   *Daily e-mailed “Notes from the Universe” are free, courtesy of Mike Dooley and the TUT website. See www.tut.com for more.   Dawn Brunke is the editor of Alaska Wellness and author of Animal Voices and Awakening to Animal Voices. See www.animalvoices.net for more.