Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: dreams

  • Dreams for Sale

    Dreams for Sale

    In the preface of the anthology, Dreams For Sale, Jay G says the poetry has been stripped bare from its first writing, sanitised in a manner of speaking, as it was mainly written under the influence of drugs and always in a different country.

    The style of writing is spare, the wording sharp, clean and driven as each piece is revealed: the ramblings of a man who is hiding from life, or the words of a man who is striving to make sense of life!

    The title Dreams For Sale is a phrase that offers his inner vision to those who care to take the time to look, so see each piece as a dream, a wish, a hope that things change, that by being in the moment, all-be-it an hallucinogenic moment, the many issues of life are laid bare, clear and untrammelled.

    This is not comfortable poetry, quite the opposite; the words on the page are confrontational, opening doors to worlds that do exist just not to everyman, which leaves a sense of disturbance after the reading.

    Those who enjoy eclectic poetry, who live on the edge and see the world though many and varied lenses will relate to the work, others will be offered a choice as they turn the page.

  • Caught in a Hazy Dream

    Caught in a Hazy Dream

    Contemporary Tanka Poetry

    Tanka and Haiga combined make a memorable and beautiful essay in short form poetry moving comfortably between seasons, emotions and lazy dreams of delicate gossamer.

    Caught in a Hazy Dream from Tiffany Mackay captures fleeting moments forever with gentle wording, which can be read as singular pieces or over several pieces to gain an impression of seasons changing, dreams forming then slipping soundlessly into the ether.

    One hundred small but perfect poems capture many of life’s special moments, some as simple as a smoke filled sky or a misty morning overlooking a lake, to the astounding beauty of a towering maple trees, to introspective moments which we all, at some time in our life journey, contemplate.

    Tiffany Mackay was facing change in her life, passing through a period of introspection which offered her the time to sit and observe; to be able to watch nature at work, the changing seasons and the often unnoticed emotions captured in the fragmentation of time.

    Over this time she has, in delicate strokes, used the time old form of Tanka poetry to create what she considered as often spontaneous moments of inspiration.

    The journey through Caught in a Hazy Dream is one of comfort, as each piece has been carefully wrapped in delicate washes of colour, following the traditional Japanese art form of Haiga which makes the perfect pairing. It is her hope, that the words reach out and invite all who indulge in the moment to pause, allow nature to touch and transport you to a place of refreshing energy,

    Contemporary, timeless and a collection to be returned to time and time again, Caught in a Hazy Dream is pure elixir for the soul.

  • Thirty-Eight Days of Rain

    Thirty-Eight Days of Rain

    It’s raining when Androullah is diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and understands what it will mean to her ability to eventually have a baby. She is young, aged twenty-four, in love with her husband Giannis and still believes in the chance that she will be granted Cypriot citizenship, as will Giannis: eventually.

    As she and Giannis try to come to terms her diagnosis, he must to return to Australia as his visa has expired. While he is in Australia waiting for his new Visa, Androullah decides to experiment with extra-mariatal sex, a decision which, even though we are left unaware of what happened, almost destroys her marriage.

    Over one year the story unfolds, wrapped around the challenges of dealing with Immigration, the dreams that fail to come to fruition, the book that is almost but not quite accepted for publication and the dreariness of days of what seems like endless rain; 38 days to be precise.

    As Androullah emerges from the self-centeredness of young adulthood, to the more mature perspectives that sorrow and past tragedies bring, she becomes a far more dimensional character; a woman who eventually comes into her own strength and purpose.

    Thirty-Eight Days Of Rain is a delicate balance between growing up and grown up, which after a somewhat torturous beginning, moves into a better flow, as Androullah and Giannis finally understand what it is that is really important in their lives; parenthood, becoming Cypriots, family, their life together or chasing what seems to be an impossible dream.

    Eva Asprakis has chosen polycystic ovarian syndrome (POC), a condition that affects between 8-13 percent of young women of childbearing age, while up to 70 percent of women remain undiagnosed as the nucleus of story.   

    Within the structure of the story she details the effects, treatment of POC and the emotional toll it can take on young women trying to fall pregnant, while shining a light on what the World Health Organization considers as one of the most undiagnosed, common causes of infertility affecting women.

  • Dreams Beyond

    Dreams Beyond

    Haunting beautiful, this delicate work from Sverre Knut Johansen, Dreams Beyond, simply transports to another realm; a realm far beyond the everyday to a place deep in the mysterious mountains of Norway, a place of rebirth, peace and also in some ways a touch of melancholy.

    Beginning the journey with Tatra Mountains (introduction) the gentle journey begins with natures influence in Awakening in the form of birds delicately interspersed within the electronic fields, adding the touch of reality that is often required in electronic music.

    Dreams Beyond takes the vibration far deeper with a sense of almost awe developing that entices, enchants and moves the journey a long a little bit further, but at the same time encourages a slowing of the senses, better to enjoy the moment.

     Tatra Mountains the full version simply helps the thread continue once again with an almost ethereal ambience created that is almost mesmeric in intent. What magic lies in those mountains is still to be discovered!

    The final song Human Connection returns the listener to the world of everyday with immense gentleness and a richness of tone added by the ‘cello played with a delicate precision that winds the notes around the ‘synth’ field with perfection.

    Dreams Beyond is a work which will transport from the everyday world to that of the surreal for a delicate, almost dainty time of peace, relaxation and dreams. The work is a tapestry of delightful pieces interwoven into a journey to create a little magic, a sense of mysteriousness to the dreams to be found within the emotions when they are simply allowed to flow.

    Perfect for relaxation, meditation and simply for focusing when there is a need, Dreams Beyond is a totally immersive journey or ‘dreamscape’ there to be enjoyed.

  • INSIDE YOUR DREAMS

    INSIDE YOUR DREAMS

    AN ADVANCED GUIDE TO YOUR NIGHT VISIONS

    Dreams area regular nightly event even though they are not always recognised, understood or considered as important, but as Rose Inserra goes on to explain in her latest book Inside Your Dreams, dreams are considered vital to your health and well-being.

    Dream Sharing was considered as a vital element in the Roman Empire, as it was considered vital to the safety of all who de welled within the towns, and often foretold of cataclysmic event about to occur. The Egyptians also considered dreams vital to their general wellbeing.  It is only in the more modern times where dreams have been considered as of no real consequence; a lot of superstitious nonsense!

    Over the chapters of Inside Your Dreams, written for the layperson or simply the inquisitive soul, much is explained that relates closely to the world in which we live, and is particularly relevant to the troubled and unsecure times of the COVID pandemic.

     Deliberately divided into sections the work investigates what Inserra refers to as ‘collective dreaming’, which takes a look at the history, cultural, archetypical dreams and synchronicities that are involved in the somewhat mystical or mysterious world of dreaming and dream interpretation.

    Inside Your Dreams can be read cover to cover or section by section in whatever manner appears to be relevant or necessary, with Activity Pages place at the end of most sections which adds an extra level of understanding to the reading material, particularly if is being read as a workbook.

    Fascinating, insightful and well written Inside Your Dreams is a work not to be taken lightly, but one that encourages acceptance and understanding of dreams and their symbols, as well as their link to ‘universal consciousness’ which is becoming ever more important.

  • Karmic Dreams

    Karmic Dreams

    For all of the downside attached to the devastation that is the Corona virus, the other side of the darkness is beauty, rich and magnificent; ethereal and majestic, peaceful and meditative. Facing his own personal battle with all-be-it a mild dose of Covid-19, Michael Whalen was compelled to create his second album of 2020. Karmic Dream, a collaborative work with Rasaul, known also as Blue Monk, based in Malaysia, is the result of this time spent in isolation in New York, with both musicians combining their skills through modern technology.

    Blue Monks’ immense talent with the flutes enchants the electronic ambiance created by Whalen as they draw forth from the very essence of an almost Zen like existence, a rare and beautiful meditation album that is elegant, purposeful and transformational.

    In a plethora of electronic based meditation works that have been born throughout the year 2020 as people struggle to come to terms with the new reality, with musicians offering the solace of music to bring relaxation and a sense of peace to many, Karmic Dreams stands very, very tall, as there is a subliminal feeling of vulnerability underlying the compositions which offers a reminder that our time on this earth is all too short; a precious gift that should be treasured.

    The Secret Garden welcomes you into a world that is unexpected, as it is when you enter your secret garden, a place of timeless enchantment; flute, bells and gongs dance within the boundaries of the electronic medium, creating a fascinating, surreal piece that is a fitting match for the title.

    And so the journey has begun into a wondrous place only you can visit via The Way of the Samurai, to feast the senses on Cherry Blossom Heart, a piece as delicate as the title infers. Moonscape leads into The Trance, a subtle and gentle piece morphing into Boundless Love a haunting, ethereal blessing before ushering in the final melody.

     Karmic Dream, the final track on this absolutely divine work is sublime, powerful; a musical essay into spirituality and creativity even in time of crisis. Out of the darkness comes true beauty; out of change come fresh frontiers, out of closures come new beginnings, all of which can be discovered hidden within the secret garden you are bid to enter in Karmic Dreams – exceptional.

     

  • Temple of Dreams

    Temple of Dreams

    In a change of style from her Pandora trilogy Carolyn Matthews has set her latest novel Temple of Dreams between modern day Britain and ancient Greece, which as a setting for a tale between two worlds is ideal.

    The main character Sebastian (Seb) is trying to come to terms with the death of his adopted parents in a Motorway pile up. He has no real idea about his birth parents: the only clue he does have is a distinctive broach left pined to his blanket at the Maternity Hospital.

    It is fairly obvious that he has a somewhat different ability in his life, as when he is first met, he is stuck in a narrow lane due to a vehicle breakdown. He uses his strength to singlehandedly move the car out of the way, thinking nothing of this ability, other than it was needed to get him to his destination on time.

    He is on his way to undertake a course in natural medicine which has been modelled on ancient Greek healing. After spending the night in the Temple in the gardens of the Clinic, he dreams he has returned to Greece, which eventually leads him into unchartered and undiscovered realms.

    When he meets Fliss, who saw him shift the car, a relationship begins to be established that means a lot to them both. As his birth past is a mystery, she encourages him to try and discover who are his birth parents, to consider whether it may have any bearing on the dreams and time travel he is experiencing.

    The pace of the work tends to be set for a slow read, but can be either undertaken as a cover to cover, or little by little, which is perhaps the preferred option, as it gives the script time to settle, become established and therefore the nuances, which in some instances are somewhat subtle, time to be absorbed.

    Much evolves in this storyline which can almost be overwhelming and therefor, runs the risk of becoming dysfunctional as a work that appeals largely to a broad imagination. Perhaps Temple of Dreams could have been created as a trilogy as many of the scenario’s are such that they would make an ideal standalone book.

  • Dreams for a Better Tomorrow

    Dreams for a Better Tomorrow

    Alejandro Santoyo describes himself as a bit of dreamer, who through his music, hopes to encourage a better tomorrow in a world filled with distress and worry. He hopes through the gift of music, to generate a feeling of well-being and love, as well as the spirit of acceptance and kindness.

    In his latest massive body of work Dreams for a Better Tomorrow, the music reaches out with a delicious beauty that captivates, beginning with the all-encompassing soundscape Legends of Love, a rich orchestral piece which commences the dream, as it is based loosely on the romance of Romeo and Juliette, a Shakespearian play in which love does eventually triumph.

    As the work unfolds the tracks deliver an interesting and very enjoyable journey through the emotions, all the while maintaining a complex simplicity, which touches the emotions softly and gently. This is particularly noticeable in Nenita, a solo hymn in tribute to women everywhere.

    But, returning to the earlier tracks there is a delightful triplet of Amore, Hope and then Awaken which can all so very easily be translated into a life event. Amore, a gentle solo piano piece is all about falling in love. Hope is there that the love will grow, and is presented with a vigorous and joyful piece which then grows into Awakening, when the scope of love shows what can be achieved. A lovely element of electronic is introduced in this piece which expands into a catchy, up-tempo piece showcasing another element of Santoyo’s vast talent.

    The March of Time arrives with the beat of the drum, the sombre notes of the piano and then morphs into a fully-fledged, rich bodied string orchestra piece created to portray the ‘inescapability of time’. Deep, brooding and intriguing this is a piece that demands to be taken seriously and at only 3:56 long, does exactly that!

    Almost hesitance is Happenstance, a light, catchy and romantic piece followed by Just Us, which helps set the scene to the finale, which the final piece The Miracle of Love, most certainly is, with all the drama and excitement that announces the end of the entertainment.

    The Miracle of Love is a symphony with an evocative, haunting beauty that draws together all the elements of the previous tracks in a rich and glorious celebration of the power of life, love and music with which to create positive change in the world of today.

    A sumptuous, gloriously beautiful album of love, joy, healing and hope.

  • Hushabye

    Hushabye

    Rick Sparks is in a mellow, tranquil place with Hushabye, his latest ambient album placed firmly in the genre of lullaby, as he encourages the wonderous ability to ‘sail away into dreamland’.

    Well known for his ambient and dreamscape music of piano, synthesiser and layers of strings blending with wordless vocals, his music crosses boundaries, never fitting specifically into any one particular category.

    Hushabye consists of eleven tracks, some well-loved traditional favourites and others straight from the heart of Rick Sparks, commencing with the new song under the traditional title My Soul To Keep, taken from the children’s prayer, Now I lay me down to sleep, well known and beloved of children down through the centuries.

    The second track Love Can Make You Happy (J. Sigler) came from a peaceful time spent at Woodstock in 1969, when ‘three days of peace and music’ have become treasured memories. Wordless vocals, with delicate piano notes interwoven throughout the melody make this a timeless song of peace.

    As each of the delicately constructed tracks unfold the music simply flows, morphing into one continuous lullaby, the notes of the flute changing the melody here, the synth blending layers on another song.

    When The Stars Come out entwining flute and piano together, creates a dainty tune reminiscent of so many of the old lullaby’s and perfect for encouraging a good sleep. A favourite Sunday school song Jesus Loves Me has been revamped courtesy of synth and piano, along with some wordless vocals, which evolves into almost haunting tune that simply drifts.

    A traditional organlike sound introduces the final track We Are Loved, a measured, complex piece encapsulating the sentiment that we are all loved both by God and many others in our lives.

    It is not often albums could be recommended for their ability to introduce a deep and peaceful slumber, but Hushabye certainly fits the bill as, by the end of the final track, if you are not asleep, you are certainly relaxed, at peace and ready to tumble into the world of blessed dreams, just as orchestrated by Rick Sparks.

  • Mackland Ave

    Mackland Ave

    Mackland Ave, like the house on the street that provided the inspiration for the tracks of the album, contains a little bit of everything, showcasing the diverse talent that is Mike Woodlark on this his second album, but the first under his own name.

    Listening to the Pines is a tune that was named by his grandmother, as to her, it represented to the sound of the wind as it creates a musical melody, lazily sighing amongst the trunks, leaves and limbs.

    Dark Locomotion perfectly captures that timeless pulsating sound of steam locomotive powering its way down the tracks to a final destination.

    The quirky track title An Elephants Soul is dedicated to Woodlarks’ mother whose totem animal is an Elephant. His gentle vocals reflect time spent with her on the porch looking at the stars, something so many have done and will continue to do both as children and adults.

    A powerful and wide soundscape is Legends of the Southwest inspired by western movies, outlaws, cinema and in his words, simply gave him permission to jam with himself. A fun and sweeping piece reminiscent of the days of the Wild West and Hollywood.

    Vincent Van Gogh gets a look in on Hey Vincent, introduced with guitar, with lovely vocalisation that pays tribute to the artists life story, his amazing work. The question is posed should they meet, what would Van Gogh think of him, in this very modern world. A second, stripped back and original version of this song completes the album.

    Rainshine dances across the keys presenting a pop synth flavour, before a deeper more brooding tone is introduced perfectly capturing the elements of a rainy, stormy day, when the heavens simply appear to be unable to decide what to deliver. Once again, some lovely worded vocals add a depth to the piece.

    Changing emotion once again is the classically inspired piece Graceful Grim, a beautiful piece for solo piano that transforms with its elegant simplicity. When followed by Dreameries and Home Cooked Dinner, a rather jaunty little piece, a wonderful soliloquy of thoughts, feeling and emotions has been presented.

    Mackland Ave is a fast paced, synth-based piece which is very up-tempo, catchy and bouncy, perfectly reflecting his time spent living on Mackland Ave; a place of dreams, love won and lost and above all learning about and living life.

    A great album to be enjoyed time and time and gain.