Note from Lartha: The introduction to "The Book of Dreams" that I wrote, was to represent everyone in the VB. I hope, in some small way, that it speaks for you about Michael Flatley and his influence on your life. Lartha, Windsor, CT

Michael, we are a garden of July flowers, sprung into full bloom from seeds you have planted within each of us. We come to your website’s Visitors’ Book, perhaps only once, sometimes three or more times each day, for we are drawn there to passionately voice our thoughts about you and this magic you’ve created, The Lord of the Dance. There, we search for and share knowledge about, you…this man who has stirred our souls, leaving us in breathless wonder.

Michael, we are a garden of love for you. Our multi-colored, various-shaped petals reflect the diversity of age, race, religion, color, gender, nationality and education among us in the Visitors’ Book. And as such, we represent all those around the world who have seen The Lord of the Dance live, or through film. We each have our story to tell…how your magic has profoundly altered our lives…how it has allowed us to let free the dreams within us. Most importantly, how it has given us the courage and strength to leap forth onto our own life stage to achieve what we know in our hearts we can do. These are gifts you have given to us, and now, our friend, we give to you.

Michael, we offer you this, our Book of Dreams, in celebration of your life among us. These pages lovingly tell how the light from the fire within you has lit a spark that will forever burn within each of us.

With deepest love and respect, we wish you Happy Birthday, Michael, and Godspeed.

From your friends in the Visitors’ Book
July 16, 1997

From Terry - Denver show, July, 1997:

I was just lucky enough to be the first person to ask him about the book one week after he'd received it. So here's verbatim: When he got to me, I said, "Michael, did you like the Book of Dreams?" He looks at me, beaming, and with an emphatic nod of his head, "Oh, yes, very much, thank you!" He put his hand behind my neck, pulled me to him and planted a kiss on me I'll never forget. Then he said, "Things like that so rarely reach me..." (yay to Juliane's persistence and a little divine guidance);"I was amazed to get it. But I'm reading it, and it's very beautiful!" Remember that, although I was the messenger (thank you, Lord!), this kiss was meant to express his appreciation for the Book of Dreams and the whole VB.
Terry Portland, - Wednesday, August 13, 1997

From Marty - Denver show. McNichols Arena, July 25, 1997:

We got back just in time for me to clean up a little and join the crowd for an encounter session. As Michael moved in front of me he glanced up because I didn't have anything in my hand for him to autograph. Mustering my courage I said to him, "Michael, I'm so glad you like your Book of Dreams because one of the pages is from me." He looked surprised and pleased and said "Oh, you're so sweet."He put his arms around me and gave me the sweetest, warmest hug and kiss. Then he took both of my hands in his, looked into my eyes and talked to me: "You know, I don't have much time to get on the computer because I'm so busy, but my people do and they tell me. I know how much all of you in the visitors book love and support me when you send me something like that birthday book. It's beautiful. Please keep loving and supporting me because that's what keeps me going." Then he squeezed my hands and moved on to give other autographs. The shirt I had on is sealed in a ziplock plastic bag and it still smells of "Eternity" and, yes, I have washed my hands since.
Marty - Fayetterville, NC August, 1997

From Lartha - Boston show - August 1997

At last, my turn! "Michael, I am honored to meet you. Thank you for the joy you bring to so many of us. I'm glad you liked 'The Book of Dreams,'…I wrote the introduction." Instantly, he draws me near him. His beautiful face beams at me and his blue eyes hold mine as he says, "You did, did you now, Darlin'! I loved it, it was beautiful! "Then his soft lips kiss me. Humbly, I add, "I also wrote these two poems for the book. Will you please sign them?" Michael looks down at the duplicate of the poems and artwork that appear in his book, gives me a knowing smile, then buries his hand into the curls at the back of my neck. As he plays with the curls (and I'm trying not to pass out) he says, "Ah, you wrote these, too, Darlin.' They are very beautiful. Thank you, Angel"
Lartha - Windsor, CT Thursday, August 14, 1997

Saturday, August 23rd 1997 Dear Book of Dreams contributors I am writing from my dressing room overlooking the Canadian National Exhibition on Saturday night, August 23rd, where we've just finished performing at the beautiful amphitheatre. In addition to the amphitheatre seating there were thousands of people seated on the lawn under the stars. It was another wonderful night for Lord of the Dance. We perform here again tomorrow night before leaving for the Meadowlands in New Jersey and then on to Baltimore for the final dates on this leg of the tour. We start again on September 18th in Atlanta. I wanted to take this time after the show to write to everyone who contributed to the Book of Dreams, to tell you that I was overwhelmed by the beauty and kindness of your gift. This has been a very special year and a birthday I'll never forget. Follow your dreams as I have mine, and I hope to see each and every one of you at some time in the future. With love, respect and gratitude, Michael Flatley

We are in New York doing a few pre-show interviews and were on Buzz 105 radio this afternoon. Two television interviews being aired tomorrow are The Crier Report, with Catherine Crier and WOR-TV with Pat Collins. So keep watching the TV, reading the press and listening to the radio!! - EM
Emma Pitcher slip129-37-112-141.pa.us.ibm.net
New York, NY - Tuesday, August 26, 1997 at 17:44:51 (PDT)

Interview with Michael!

For more of what Michael said about "The Book of Dreams" see the Exclusive Inteview that our fellow VBer, Mitzi, had with Michael!