I love surprises as long as they are positive. When they are, I feel like a little kid in a candy store in which I am told that I can have whatever I would like. According to Deirdre Hade, author of the newly birthed The (not so) Little Book of Surprises, “a surprise is a doorway, an opening into something new. A new what? A new thought, a new reality, a new you.” The coffee table tome with glossy jump off the pages images offered by artist and photographer Endre Balogh ushers the reader in through that portal. It beckons with come hither fingers which assure that indeed pleasant peek- around- the -corner delights await.

The book was compiled by Will Arntz, who in addition to being the producer and director of the iconic film What the Bleep Do We Know?  is Deirdre’s husband.

The author herself is referred to as “a Modern-Day mystic who uses the mediums of poetry, music, and art to impart wisdom from the ancient traditions and inspire others to connect to their soul’s purpose.” That is evident as both celestial and grounded energy pour forth in descriptions such as:

“We are here as mystics. If you are here, you are a mystic. You were born a mystic and you will die a mystic. And there’s no way you will get out of it.”

She challenges the reader with this invitation:

“You are at a choice point. One of the rare times in the incarnation of the human where you choose what the next million years are going to look like and your generation, and the generations of the next twenty years. You are the generation that has been given the duty to choose.”

Hade uses the metaphor of honey in a honey jar perhaps to speak of the sweetness of life, our essential nature and our connection with the Divine. The golden images of bees, honeycomb and the dripping nectar itself show up throughout the book.

‘Surprises’ inquires,  “How do we know if it’s God’s voice or not?” and offers direction such as, “Now go clean up the mess.” This, Hade expresses has to do with her relationships, wanting to be in integrity with them. When she needs guidance, she turns to her Source and asks, “God, this situation is something I am going to have to revisit. Help me today to find clarity. Stay with me. Guide my actions. Walk beside me,” all words to which most readers will likely relate.

Hade came by her gifts naturally and from an early age and as a result, worked with her mother to create a healing modality that was put to use when her mother was ill. It contributed to her living 13 years longer than expected. That same energetic imprint is present in the book. When holding it, it feels as if love is pouring through.