Michael Kannengieser's Substack Page

April 26, 2025

Everything Is As It Seems

                                    A painting, a dream, and a message: everything is as it seems.


  Can a dream carry a message from loved ones beyond this life? In this true story, I share a mysterious experience that brought comfort, chills, and a sense of peace after loss.


 A friend of my sister’s — a college professor — once told me, “Your father knows more about American history than most history professors I know.” It was quite a compliment, especially considering that Dad was a mechanic. My parents were voracious readers. Mom loved novels and was also a talented watercolor artist. Dad devoured books about World War II, World War I, and the American Civil War. His shelves were lined with illustrated bird books — a reflection of his love for birdwatching.

  After their passing, my siblings and I found about a dozen pairs of Dad’s binoculars tucked away throughout their house. Mom passed away in September 2006. Dad left us in May 2009. Being without a mother and a father at any age is an empty feeling, at best. At the time, I worked in the college’s IT department.

  Weeks after Dad’s funeral, a dream came to me. I walked into the Registrar’s office at work. Behind the counter, wearing a hospital gown, stood my father. We were alone in the large, silent room. He noticed me immediately. I stared at him, stunned, trying to understand how he could still be alive. Dad leaned forward across the counter, looked me straight in the eye, and said, clear as day: “Everything is as it seems. All rumors are true.”

  As he spoke, a brick wall rose from the floor behind him, reaching to the ceiling.
Immediately, I woke up — flooded with sadness that he was still gone, and haunted by the strange words he had spoken.

  Later that day at work, I told a friend about the dream. As I spoke, he quickly typed Dad’s words into Google. At the very top of the search results, an image appeared:
a watercolor painting of birds in a tree — hauntingly similar to my mother’s style.
Beneath the tree were the words: Everything is as it seems. A chill ran down my spine.
Goosebumps covered my arms.

  When I got home, I tried to find the image again but couldn’t locate it.
The next day at work, my friend and I searched again — and again, nothing.
It had vanished. Despite the mystery, I took comfort in believing it was a message:
a sign that Mom and Dad were together and at peace.

  In the end, I’m grateful that Dad visited me in my dream, and that his message — however ephemeral — remains with me. Though, to be honest, I often wish he had included the winning Lotto numbers too.

                                                                             The End

  Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If it touched you, inspired you, or made you reflect, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Your time and presence here mean more than you know. — Michael J. Kannengieser

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with someone who might find comfort or inspiration. 


The Last Two People: When peaceful aliens transform Earth, a heartbroken man races across upstate New York to win back his ex — but unexpected loyalties and a brewing rebellion force him to choose between love, friendship, and the future of humanity.

The Art of God: After losing his wife in a tragic accident, Alan Vaughn awakens from a coma with a divine calling to create a masterpiece — but as pain, doubt, and outside pressures threaten to consume him, he must embark on a journey to rediscover his shattered faith.

The Heart of Velletri: Haunted by the secrets of his father's wartime past and his family's criminal legacy, police officer Michael Koenigsmann embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his father's survival in World War II — and ultimately finds healing, forgiveness, and redemption across generations.

Michael J. Kannengieser is a retired New York City police officer and the author of The Heart of Velletri, The Art of God, Burning Blue, and other works of fiction. His stories explore themes of redemption, faith, and the enduring power of human connection. He lives on Long Island with his family, where he continues to write heartfelt fiction that inspires and uplifts readers.


April 13, 2025

Cemetery


 


Cemetery

The scent of fresh cut grass enhances this orchard of granite.

Meticulous hands cultivate its emerald-green lawn.

Beneath the grassy cover, a city of the mourned remains frozen in a cacophony of reminisced love and grief, by those beholding each monument.

I am among them; a bereaved onlooker, besieged by sorrow – and grasping an acceptance of inevitability.

Blossoms enliven this melancholic setting; ephemeral gifts signifying hopefulness and adoration. They too, wilt and perish like their intended recipients.

Crystal-azure heavens, dotted with wispy-cotton puffs, suspended above, as if dabbed there by an artist’s inspired stroke, guide each soul to an inviting light.

I shield my eyes, head craned and eyes squinting, unable to peer directly into the luminous gateway.

My soul will enter there soon; and my corpse shall die infinitely in the harsh earth for which lush, clipped grass shall provide no relief.

-7/3/12 Michael J. Kannengieser

Author Michael J. Kannengieser’s books are available on Amazon

Michael J. Kannengieser is a retired New York City police officer who lives on Long Island, in New York with his wife and two children. Michael worked as the Managing editor for fiction at The View from Here Magazine; a U.K. based literary publication. Michael's first two novels, The Daddy Rock, and Burning Blue, were published by Decent Hill Publishers. Dreaming Big Publications released his novel, The Heart of Velletri, in 2019. Michael's novel, The Art of God, was published in July, 2023. His latest book is a sci-fi novel The Last Two People.

April 11, 2025

The Last Two People: Book Trailer





Trevor and Sheila's breakup pales in comparison to the chaos that ensues when extraterrestrials suddenly appear on Earth. As these beings surprisingly bring peace and harmony by resolving conflicts, Sheila follows her heart and leaves with Clyde, a captivating alien. But for Trevor, the sudden disappearance of his ex-girlfriend is just the beginning of a perilous journey through upstate New York. With the help of Sheila's loyal friend, Debbie, and a compassionate alien named Barbara, Trevor sets out to find the runaway couple - only to discover a violent confrontation between the aliens and Earth's Resistance. Caught in the midst of a battle between love, loyalty, and unexpected choices, Trevor is forced to make a decision that could determine the fate of not only his relationship with Sheila, but with Debbie and Barbara as well. Fans of gripping sci-fi adventures will devour this thrilling tale of love and survival.

Author Michael J. Kannengieser is a retired New York City police officer who lives on Long Island, in New York with his wife and two children. Michael worked as the Managing editor for fiction at The View from Here Magazine; a U.K. based literary publication. Michael's first two novels, The Daddy Rock, and Burning Blue, were published by Decent Hill Publishers. Dreaming Big Publications released his novel, The Heart of Velletri, in 2019. Michael's latest novel, The Art of God, was published in July, 2023.

March 30, 2025

The Last Two People Book Trailer

 



Trevor and Sheila's breakup seems insignificant when Earth faces an unexpected invasion from aliens. As these extraterrestrials unexpectedly bring peace and harmony by resolving conflicts, Sheila follows her heart and leaves with Clyde, an intriguing alien. Desperate and determined, Trevor teams up with Sheila's loyal friend, Debbie, and a compassionate alien named Barbara to chase after the runaway couple across upstate New York. However, their quest takes an unexpected turn when a confrontation between the aliens and Earth's Resistance results in violence. In this gripping tale of love, loyalty, and unexpected choices, Trevor finds himself at a crossroads, forced to make a difficult decision that could determine the fate of not only his relationship with Sheila but with Debbie and Barbara as well.

The Heart of Velletri Book Trailer

 

Buy The Heart of Velletri in Kindle and print on Amazon

Michael Koenigsmann is a police officer and the son of a World War II veteran. Michael spends his life investigating how his father was wounded in battle, left for dead, and nearly buried alive during the Italian Campaign. His father, Gene, won’t reveal what had happened to him while overseas. Michael is fascinated when he learns that his late grandfather, Alphonse, was a gangster during the Great Depression. Also, Alphonse was a veteran of World War I. Michael’s journey begins with him trying to discover how his father survived the war and came home to lead the life of a devout Catholic, rather than be influenced by the criminal lifestyle of his father. At the end of his life, Gene tells Michael his story. He honors his father by arranging for a congressman to present Gene with his Purple Heart which he never received for nearly dying in the Battle of Velletri. After Gene’s death, he must accept his own shortcomings as a father and as a husband to move on with his life.

The Art of God Book Trailer


  Are you ready to embark on a journey of faith and redemption? Join Alan Vaughn, a man whose life is forever changed after a tragic car accident takes the life of his beloved wife, Janet. In a coma for weeks, Alan awakens with a newfound purpose - to create a masterpiece that will touch the hearts of all who see it. But as he delves into this daunting task with unfamiliar tools and excruciating pain from his injuries, Alan's faith begins to wane. And when his finished artwork attracts the attention of those seeking to profit from it, and reporters looking to tell his story, Alan must confront his inner demons and embark on a personal quest to find his faith once more.

  Set against the backdrop of a small, tight-knit community, "The Art of God" is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and the power of art to heal and inspire. If you enjoyed "The Shack" by William P. Young, you'll be captivated by this gripping story of one man's journey towards spiritual awakening.

  Don't miss out on this deeply moving and thought-provoking novel. Grab your copy of "The Art of God" now. And prepare to be swept away by a story that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.

March 16, 2025

Sci-Fi Novel "The Last Two People" Available for Pre-Order!

Pre-order Now! Print Edition will be available April 2nd!

Description: Trevor and Sheila's breakup seems insignificant when Earth faces an unexpected invasion from aliens. As these extraterrestrials unexpectedly bring peace and harmony by resolving conflicts, Sheila follows her heart and leaves with Clyde, an intriguing alien. Desperate and determined, Trevor teams up with Sheila's loyal friend, Debbie, and a compassionate alien named Barbara to chase after the runaway couple across upstate New York. However, their quest takes an unexpected turn when a confrontation between the aliens and Earth's Resistance results in violence. In this gripping tale of love, loyalty, and unexpected choices, Trevor finds himself at a crossroads, forced to make a difficult decision that could determine the fate of not only his relationship with Sheila but with Debbie and Barbara as well.


March 2, 2025

Remembering Ronnie James Dio - The Last in Line [Live at The Spectrum 1984]


I was lucky enough to see Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow when I was in high school. AC/DC opened for them, and Bonn Scott was amazing. Still, I was there primarily to see the man himself, Ronnie James Dio. While I already loved Rainbow, it was Dio whom I worshipped. His powerful voice made him larger than the rock chords blasting in the background. Those who know me will recall my love for Led Zeppelin. But as unique as Robert Plant’s voice is, Plant often forgot song lyrics in concert, and slurred his words both live and recorded. Dio’s voice was both strong, and measured. He left nothing on the stage and gave every performance his all. Singers and vocal coaches regale his style and technique to this day. Whether in Rainbow, Black Sabbath, or solo, Ronnie James Dio was a giant among giants. We lost Ronnie in 2010. But I will always be a fan. To The Man on the Silver Mountain, RIP. - M.J. Kannengieser