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I wanted to share the Author’s Notes from the end of Lost Among the Stars. They explore why I felt called to write about Fred Noonan, the history that shaped the book, and the spiritual practices that guided its creation.

Author's Notes:

A book about Fred Noonan has lingered in the back of my mind for most of my life. I have memories from my 1970s childhood of watching an episode of "In Search Of," hosted by Leonard Nimoy, about the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. But her navigator, Fred Noonan, was barely mentioned, overshadowed by Amelia’s immense publicity machine. (Her husband and public relations manager was the publisher G.P. Putnam.)

Yet Amelia didn’t make the journey alone. Fred Noonan was by her side every step of the way. As her navigator, he charted the course for their attempt to circumnavigate the globe. In many ways, I believe his job was even more difficult.

Working in the cramped rear cabin of the Lockheed Electra 10E, stripped down for extra fuel, Fred’s station was uncomfortable and loud. Verbal communication with Earhart was nearly impossible. They passed handwritten notes and relied on hand signals.

To my knowledge, no biography has ever been written about Fred Noonan. His lack of recognition is, in my opinion, a disservice to his legacy. I cannot claim this book does him justice, but perhaps it is a first step toward shining a light on an aviation pioneer whose skill and bravery deserve to be remembered.

Fred’s early life, marked by the death of his mother and a childhood of instability, is drawn from historical record. His time aboard the Crompton, his service during World War I, and his pioneering aviation work are all grounded in fact. His two marriages are also part of the historical record, and I have aimed to portray both wives with care and respect. Although I have taken some fictional liberties, such as the creation of Captain Henshaw, these were included to help illuminate Fred’s story while remaining true to the essence of his life.

Even Amelia and Fred’s final flight follows the known facts. The U.S. Navy did search Gardner Island (now called Nikumaroro), but found no trace of wreckage. While I depicted the island as small, it is actually 3.7 miles long and 1.2 miles wide. The lagoon entrances are narrow and blocked by a reef at low tide.

Later, the island was briefly colonized by the British. Skeletal remains were discovered but never conclusively linked to Earhart or Noonan. In 2019, ocean explorer Robert Ballard (who found the Titanic) led an expedition to the island. But no wreckage was found.

Coconut crabs are very real. Weighing up to 9 pounds and spanning over 3 feet. They are the largest land crabs on Earth. They are opportunistic, powerful, and likely a vivid presence for anyone stranded on that island. Also, the island's lagoon serves as a nursery for blacktip reef sharks. There are currently even more sharks around Nikumaroro than I depicted.

Water’s arrival on Earth is one of the great mysteries of science, but the leading theory suggests much of it came from space. Around four billion years ago, during the Late Heavy Bombardment, Earth was struck by countless asteroids, many carrying water and organic molecules. These cosmic collisions may have delivered the water that now fills our oceans and with it, the seeds of life.

Between September 2023 and May 2024, I was honored to be one of the founding students in Rebecca Campbell’s Inner Temple Mystery School. Over nine transformative months, I learned to deepen my relationship with the unseen world. One of the practices I found most profound was Kything, from the Scottish word kythe, meaning “to make visible.” It is the art of entering into a conscious connection with the soul of another, such as a rose, a tree, or a drop of water.

Parts of this book were received through Kything with water, flowers, trees, and other living presences. This practice has forever changed how I see the world. It is alive with voice and presence, if we are willing to listen.

David Scott Coleman June 21, 2025

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The ocean took him. The stars called him back.

July 2, 1937: Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan vanish without a trace.

Stranded on a remote island in the vast Pacific, Fred Noonan fights to survive.

He faces hunger, thirst, infection, and the possibility that he is losing his mind. With no rescue in sight, each day becomes a struggle not just for life, but for meaning.

As days stretch into nights and his body weakens, reality begins to shift. The island whispers. The stars speak. And Fred’s journey transforms into something far greater than survival.

Lost Among the Stars is a haunting blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and spiritual revelation. It offers a profound reimagining of Fred Noonan’s final days, where the human soul meets the mystery of the universe.

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Everybody Here Is A Cloud

Water’s Essence: Both clouds and humans are primarily made of water, the fundamental element that sustains all life. Clouds are collections of water vapor, while humans are composed of about 60% water. This shared essence reminds us of the life force that connects all living beings and the natural world.

Constant Change: Just like clouds, humans are always evolving, shaped by experiences, emotions, and circumstances. Clouds shift their forms in the sky, and humans continuously adapt to the world around them.

Interconnectedness: Clouds are formed from water vapor that comes from various sources like oceans, rivers, and lakes, connecting different parts of the planet. Similarly, humans are deeply interconnected through relationships, societies, and shared experiences.

Diversity in Form: Both clouds and humans exist in many different forms. Clouds range from fluffy cumulus to towering cumulonimbus, while humans come with unique personalities, perspectives, and appearances.

Reflective and Reactive: Clouds can reflect sunlight, cast shadows, or produce rain, reacting to environmental factors. Humans, too, reflect the energies around them—whether emotions, ideas, or actions—and can influence their surroundings.

Ephemeral Nature: Clouds are temporary, dissipating and reforming in different shapes. Human life is similarly transient, with moments that pass by, emphasizing the importance of the present.

Shared Origins: The water in clouds and in humans is ancient, cycling through Earth’s systems for millions of years. This reminds us that we are part of a greater story—connected to the same molecules that nourished life long before us, carrying the past within us and contributing to the future.

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Solitude

We must become so alone, so utterly alone, that we withdraw into our innermost self. It is a way of bitter suffering. But then our solitude is overcome, we are no longer alone, for we find that our innermost self is the spirit, that it is God, the indivisible. And suddenly we find ourselves in the midst of the world, yet undisturbed by its multiplicity, for our innermost soul we know ourselves to be one with all being.

~ Hermann Hesse

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it’s very out of the blue, but I feel like you might have an answer: do you mind sharing a way to ground or open your sacral chakra? I was told that might be something I need to work on but engaging with it eludes me

Hello, Friend,

First, let’s clarify a few concepts:

Grounding refers to becoming more centered in your body and present in the moment. It's about connecting with the earth to bring your energy down from the upper chakras and distribute it evenly throughout your body. Grounding stabilizes and connects you, forming a foundation for removing blockages and allowing energy to flow freely through your chakras.

Opening a chakra, on the other hand, is about activating and energizing the chakra.

As a reiki healer, I have worked with clients who have experienced different blockages — overactive (which can feel hot) and underactive (which can feel cold) chakras. In my experience, while reiki and sound baths can support chakra healing, the most significant progress happens when clients actively engage in their own healing process. This work requires patience, consistency, and commitment to a daily practice.

I am curious why you specifically mentioned the sacral chakra. Understanding your experience with this chakra could help identify what might be blocking it and how best to balance it. Below I will speak in broad general terms about my experience with grounding, the sacral chakra, and ways people recommend to balance it.

The Sacral Chakra: Creativity, Emotional Expression, and Sensuality

When the sacral chakra is unbalanced, it can manifest in various ways:

Emotional instability Insecurity and anxiety Addictive behaviors (overindulgence) Resentment and guilt Lack of creativity Feeling unmotivated Lack of desire

When this chakra is balanced, you feel emotionally grounded, creatively fulfilled, and physically vibrant. You are inspired, creative, sensual, passionate, playful, energetic, joyful, balanced, and connected.

Grounding Techniques When I work with clients on grounding, we usually use meditation, breathwork, and visualization.

Tree Visualization/Meditation: We hold hands, close our eyes, and synchronize our breathing. I then guide them to imagine themselves as a tree, with roots extending deep from their feet into the earth. They feel the energy from the earth rising up through their roots, stabilizing and centering them. Their arms and hands become branches reaching for the sun, feeling its nutrients invigorate them. They imagine their branches swaying in the wind, taking in carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. Their body is the tree trunk, feeling strong, connected, and supported — energy flowing freely.

Barefoot Walking: Another effective grounding technique is walking barefoot on natural surfaces like the earth, grass or soil. Whether it’s a walk in a park, forest, or beach, this direct connection with nature can be incredibly grounding.

Connecting with Nature: Touching nature, hugging trees, talking to plants, and listening to their responses are other powerful ways to ground. Gardening can also be a deeply grounding practice, even if its just potted plants inside of your home. If you don't have any plants, visit a plant nursery and become a plant parent. If you are nervous about being a plant parent, start-off with a small succulent. They tend to be easier to care for, although a few have died while in my care.

Physical Exercise: Physical activities like swimming, walking, or going to the gym can help ground your energy and bring awareness to your body.

Water Connection: Water is especially beneficial for grounding. Whether it is taking a dip in a stream, river, ocean, spa, swimming pool, or even a bath or shower, water can help you reconnect and stabilize your energy. Practice luxurious bathing. Water is my personal #1 healing & spiritual practice. (It is not out of the ordinary for me to take 3 showers a day.) If I don't swim every day, I feel it. I just got back from a multi-week silent meditation Buddhist retreat in the mountains, and I brought with me a glass bottle of my swimming pool water to anoint myself everyday. (I also used it to water some of the trees and plants around that I was connecting with.)

Dance: Movement is another way to ground yourself AND release blocked energy. Don’t worry about how you look—just move! Create a playlist of three songs that get your body moving, and let your body guide you. Dance as if no one is watching, allowing your intuition to lead the way. (Here is a link to a Spotify playlist of songs for intuitive dancing.)

Sensory Connection: Engage in activities that bring pleasure and engage your senses, like:

Enjoying a favorite meal mindfully. Turn off the TV and electronic devices. Close your eyes and take your time to chew slowly, savoring each flavor as it unfolds on your palate. Pay attention to the sensations of eating, how the food feels in your mouth, and how your body responds to it. Allow yourself to be fully present, appreciating the nourishment and pleasure that each bite provides.

Mindful Tea or Coffee Drinking. Make a ritual out of it. Pay attention to the sound of the water boiling, the aroma as it brews, and the warmth of the cup in your hands. Sip slowly, savoring each flavor note and texture, and allow yourself to be fully present in the experience.

Textural Exploration. Spend time exploring different textures with your hands. This could be anything from soft fabrics, like silk or velvet, to natural textures, like stones or leaves. Close your eyes and really focus on how each texture feels against your skin, allowing yourself to be absorbed in the sensation.

Opening & Balancing the Sacral Chakra involves a combination of the grounding techniques (above) and also some suggest the below:

Color and Crystals: Some believe that the sacral chakra’s association with the color orange means that eating orange foods (like oranges, carrots, mangoes, and cantaloupe) or carrying orange crystals (like Amber, Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Gold Tiger’s Eye, and Moonstone) can help balance it. This also includes wearing orange clothes, perhaps a new orange scarf or shoes? October is coming up!

Yoga Poses: While I am not trained in yoga (and only practice sporadically) certain poses are often recommended for opening the sacral chakra, such as Mountain Pose, Tree Pose, Warrior Pose, Crescent Pose, Goddess Pose, Forward Bend, Bound Angle Pose, Triangle Pose, Pigeon Pose, and Butterfly Pose. Aromatherapy: Mindful breathing with scents. Using essential oils like jasmine, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, orange, or patchouli can also support sacral chakra healing.

Creativity: Expressing yourself creatively is key to sacral chakra health. Write, draw, paint—let your creative energy flow. Even if you are not feeling particularly inspired, just start. A single brush stroke or word on a page can lead to more. Make creativity a daily practice, whether it is doodling, writing a sentence, or something else.

And probably the most important recommendation on how to balance your sacral chakra—

Emotional Exploration: Since the sacral chakra is closely tied to your emotions, consider exploring any underlying emotional issues or traumas that might be contributing to the imbalance. Journaling daily, therapy, or talking with someone you trust can be powerful tools in this process.

Even though I tried to be as thorough as possible above, I should note that I am NOT actually an expert in the chakras. I disagree with the common western belief that there are only seven chakras. I believe that there are A LOT more. Each finger has at least four! Chakras are energy vortexes. And I have a lot of opinions about them.

But like I mentioned above, doing the grounding work that I mentioned along with a daily practice, should help you.

If you want to come off Anon and send a personal message, I will be happy to provide more thoughts on the subject specific to your circumstance.

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"It really makes no difference what

sadhana you practice, whether you practice Zen, or Taoism, or mystical Christianity, or Cabala. What you practice makes no difference. But what are you doing with the practice? Are you really diving deep within yourself and finding your own reality? Or are you still reading many books, going to many lectures, becoming totally confused?

Leave the world alone. Do not try to correct the world.

When I say correct the world, I mean correct people, places or things.

Everything has a tendency to balance itself. There are certain laws in this universe that take care of itself.

There's a power and a presence that knows the way, and you are told to surrender to this power, to this presence.

Complete surrender. Not my will, but thine. This is the highest teaching of any system.

When you give up your ego, totally surrender, and allow the powers that be to direct you, and guide you, and take care of you and unfold as you, everything will work out."

~ Robert Adams, (The Collected Work of Robert Adams)

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Forever in our hearts. December 8, 1966 - July 26, 2023

Song, "It's All Good" from the album "She Who Dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High Shall Abide Under the Shadow of the Almighty" (2003)

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Anne de Marcken, from It Lasts Forever and Then It's Over [ID'd]

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“You have to have the love, and you have to have the magic.”

~Toni Morrison

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take a picture of yourself right now. don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair... just take a picture. post that picture with NO editing. post these instructions with your picture.

It’s too early to ask for selfies. 😭