If you've been moved by the wondrous stories offered in these pages by Joyce and Barry Vissell, stories of miracles that inspired a lifetime of love, be sure to find MEANT TO BE, their collection of thirty-eight true, heartwarming ones that show "the miracle of love" [happening] "in the most amazing ways."

Truly romantic in the best way, the stories included in this book will open your heart. Grouped under Miraculous Meetings, Miraculous Healings and Miraculous Passages, each story is offered with the belief that it can awaken in readers "a higher trust in the miraculous in human relationships." "You don't need to sit back and wait for a miracle. You have every right to ask for one. Not only ask, but open yourself to receive the loving guidance you are seeking." Far from being merely accounts of the experiences of others, the stories show the way to "being fully present in this life, making every day count, and [knowing that] living from the heart is a noble and worthy goal." (200 pages, $14.95, Conari Press.)

THE COUPLE'S TAO TE CHING: A New Interpretation brings to modern lovers the ancient inspirational advice that's been passed on since the time Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu compiled it. Now in a form that speaks to couples in relationship, it brings light and life to the dance of relating. The "gentle wisdom and penetrating insight" passed on to us by William Martin (also responsible for The Parents' Tao Te Ching) is from the highest realms, revealed in simple words and rhythm. Hank Tusinski's brush painting graces almost every page, transforming this delightfully restorative book into a charming work of art. (123 pages, $13.95, Marlowe & Company.)

by Stan Schultz

Sammie Thompson is one of those people who was fortunate to have discovered her gifts early, explored them thoroughly, and has given a lot to this world as a result. She is a born musician. When I first met her 15+ years ago, she was playing the piano professionally and singing. She has a wonderful voice and many of the compositions were her own-wonderful, accessible, melodic music. We lost track of each other and in the interim, she became an international performer and recording artist--but she recently reappeared with some wonderful surprises.

Sammie has taken up and mastered the harp and is now creating music which she aptly calls "musical massage." She has focused on developing the healing qualities in her music with magnificent results. In addition to public performances, she frequently performs in hospitals and for hospices, helping to heal. Hospice patients and associates who have been comforted and nurtured by her music named her the Music Lady. She has a really impressive resume; check out the website, musiclady.net.

Sammie Thompson has produced two wonderful CDs, all solo harp, accompanied on some tracks by sounds of the ocean and the wind. No doubt about it, the music really is healing, made up of original compositions played in her unique style, tending to be slow, deliberate, richly toned and very melodic. Even though the melodies are her own compositions, they all seem familiar. She has clearly tapped into some universal healing energies that she is manifesting here for our benefit.

There is a line from an Arthur Lee song that her music clearly exemplifies: "…with your heart in heaven and your feet upon the ground." The music is somehow both earthy and ethereal at the same time . . . perhaps this is how it heals. Just like a good massage, really moving muscles . . . but motivated by love, it relaxes, refreshes and soothes. This is delicious stuff. A natural for body workers and other healers, it also makes great dinner music, comforts a wakeful baby, is just right for lovemaking and any time you just want to relax and unwind.

The two CDs, Journey into the Heart and Journey to the Ocean are available from her website or by mail order from the Music Lady, PO Box 962, Milton, WA 98354, or phone 253/848-2386. The price is $20 for each CD or $12 for each cassette, plus $2.50 shipping.