Tag: journey

  • Everything is Water

    Everything is Water

    Having grown up by a river in Queensland and having spent many happy hours as a boy exploring this environment, it is no wonder that Simon Cleary felt the call of the water. He realizes that his desire is to walk the length of the river from its source to its mouth, to learn all he can and experience its many changes.  The Brisbane River has been in his dreams for a long time, until, after much planning he sets off.

    Because there is no visible path along the length of the River, Simon realises that he will need help to make the walk take shape. He is joined by a Jagera man working to preserve cultural heritage, a professor who specialises in sustainable water, a naturalist brother, his sister and a son.

    He was also joined by a Flood engineer and a journalist. In this way he would gain fresh perspectives about the river and uncover more mysteries about it and the surrounds. Some sections of the river would need to be travelled by canoe.

    Each day at the end of the walk, Simon carefully noted all that he had seen. He also included stories that the Jagera man told him and information from the other members of the group. He describes the wonderful feeling of lying back at night to the sounds of the river and looking at the vast sky above.

    At first the travel is relatively simple, but as the group gets closer to the mouth of the river many obstacles block their path. They backtrack often.

    Everything is Water is a journey of wonder and thrilling moments which concludes with the disappearance of the river into the ocean. This is truly a joyous story and one that will inspire and fascinate lovers of water.

  • BOOTS

    BOOTS

    The Picture Book Boots, tells the story of a pair of boots. The boots are shown looking out of a shop window, waiting to be bought. They dream of living and working in the outback. Many people pass by the window but one day a man pays for the footwear and then the dream becomes reality.

    Set in the Australian outback, the reader is shown the many facets of living on a property through the eyes of the boots. Horse riding and rounding up cattle, helping give water to parched animals, and dancing are some of the activities.

    The time comes when there are fires and drought and boots experiences all of these. When the owner’s children were small they liked to run around in the boots. Eventually the owner and boots become old and tired and boots rests on the grave.

    The illustrations are very appropriate to show the Australian outback and the families who live there. Children could devise their own stories about where their shoes have been.

  • Journey of Life

    Journey of Life

    Composed, orchestrated and created for RipCue Music by the Enchantress of ambient music Kerani, her latest work Journey of Life showcases the wonderful range of music she creates for a wide and varied range of reasons and uses.

    Life is indeed a journey and it is how we choose to travel the pathway that makes a difference. The music captured within the album takes a voyage through the stages of birth, challenge, grief and once again joy.

    Commencing with the delicate and beautiful Lift Me Up, it is reminiscent of her previous albums with her trademark depth of sound and unlimited possibilities encapsulated within a song that seems to soar and dip over the clouds, flying through the ether in a glorious dreamscape of rich hues.

    Slow, eloquent and reflective, the solemn notes of the piano are filled out with a soft backing of ambient sound, neither here nor there, simply present as a part of the delicate Let Them Go; soothing and cognisant of feelings that are delicate, easily shattered but in need of a soothing presence.

    Dreams Falling Apart follows on from Let Them Go to form a delicate two song segment of pure, soothing harmonies which in so many ways offer a gentle reflection on life’s journey; a journey made of the many joys, sorrows and challenges that are present of the pathway well travelled.

    The very gentle, soft and elegant Witness a New Life has captured the awe on witnessing the beginning of life for a babe at birth, the unfurling of a petal on a rose, the blossom of a tree after the cold winter months, a hatchling chick, feathers still wet. A divine if somewhat slightly serious song.

    Short but fascinating is Waiting for Love, a perfect piece with so many applications wherever emotion is required via the medium of music; who is waiting for love, why are they waiting, are they dreaming, ever hopeful of the perfect moment in life to come along. Dreamy and peaceful, the feeling of joy and happiness is eventually discovered in the final notes of the song; Is love found; one believes it may have been!

    Catchy and more up-tempo Always on your side is cinematic within its range of depth and feeling, the cheerful, crisp notes of the piano enhanced with full orchestration, which allows one to travel to a favourite place to rediscover a special memory to enjoy once again.

    Richness of sound, sweeping movements and a happy message have been captured perfectly in true Kerani style, to bring this wonderful collection to a close with the delightful Spread Your Wings; a significant title which represents moving on, reaching out, facing the unknown and most definitely, enjoying the moment.

  • Closer to Love

    Closer to Love

    How to Attract the Right Relationships and Deepen Your Connections

    Love is something that is as integral to the human spirit as is breathing, but is in many ways, perhaps the most challenging of the many emotions experienced as we travel through life.

    We fall in love, we fall out of love, we pine for love, and sadly we often use love to manipulate and control. But what is it about this single, but complex emotion that drives who we are and what we care about.

    Author and spiritual coach Vex King ventures into the many aspects of Love in his latest book Closer to Love which takes a very deep, broad-based look at this emotion and what is means to love; to love yourself in order to be able to love others to the fullest extent of the word.

    He draws on personal knowledge, as well as the wisdom of the ages and asks in a gentle but direct style, to be honest with yourself when falling in love, be it for the first time or once again. By using his personal philosophies of self-reckoning and deep honesty, he will guide you through the many steps to create and be a part of the love, laughter and tears of a healthy, loving relationship.

    Encouraging honesty when viewing your current relationship, past relationships or hopeful future relationships is, he considers, the primary and underpinning element of discovering how to survive after a relationship has ended for whatever reason or changes.  He encourages an acceptance of the truth of the situation which will not only be a healthy way to understand the why and what, but will also create a new, happier and healthier you ready to find another loving relationship in your life.

    Part life journey, part a course in relationship building, Closer to Love could be in many ways confrontational, emotional and in some cases cause distress, but as you read through the pages, a sense of understanding, acceptance and healing will be discovered.

  • The Journey

    The Journey

    There is absolutely no doubt about it; David J Pena and his music are, simply put, becoming better, richer and deeper as the years unfold. Perhaps this is in part to the vastly different perspective on life we gain as we mature, or simply like a good wine, his talent has matured over the years.

    Whatever the reason may be, this latest album The Journey from Pena is gorgeous, carrying with it a wide audience appeal and as each track tells a very relatable story, the album is totally enjoyable from beginning to end.

    The sienna shades of The Journey cover show a GI walking down a long road towards a cloud filled sky, which at first glance makes you wonder about the contents of the album to come; where does the image fit in, what is the significance. Listen carefully to The Journey, immerse yourself in the sound, paint your own picture of strength, joy, sorrow and reflection as a soldier begins the long, long, journey back.

    Commencing with the very upbeat The Sun Will Rise Again it is the perfect piece to lift the spirits and tantalises for what is to follow, namely the catchy Kaleidoscope which bounces off the keys with a distinct attitude, filled out nicely with a rich orchestral background.

    Pena lets go with the fabulously up-tempo Good Feeling which will have the feet tapping and the body swinging to the beat in the first few bars. Full of life, rhythm and pulsating sound makes this the stand out track of the album, at least for me. By the end of the piece a feeling of absolute enjoyment is left in its wake. 

    In compete contrast to the previous track the dreamy Stargazing catches Pena in a romantic mood, as once again, a rich orchestral background blends seamlessly with the notes of the piano. A beautiful piece that is gentle and yet robust, offering time to simply be in the moment, to enjoy the beauty of the night sky; to simply dream.

    Breakout draws a wonderful album to a close with a rich, sweeping, powerful orchestral body of sound, with a distinctive drum beat and some serious guitar riffs, that create so many differing images in the mind. Escape, change, excitement, fresh frontiers and new beginnings. An unusual choice for a final piece but one that is once again full of life and vitality and concludes a wonderful album in a very flamboyant style.

    The Journey is a beautiful album which in many ways depicts the life journey we all undertake.

  • The Unexpected Journey: Embracing the Beauty of Disability

    The Unexpected Journey: Embracing the Beauty of Disability

    I have seldom come across a book such as The Unexpected Journey which has the power to change lives and social conscience. It is clearly written, modelled with love and above all practical. Julie Fisher’s journey with her family speaks to all families and particularly to mothers.

    When Julie was 36, she felt a longing for a third child. She and husband Mick had two sons and a happy, busy life, but felt their family was incomplete. Pregnancy happened fairly quickly; when Julie was 10 weeks, she had her ultra sound and blood tests. It was then mentioned that having a baby with Down Syndrome was a possibility. Later, when this was confirmed, Julie and Mick were given options. WHAT OPTIONS? THIS IS OUR BABY, OUR FAMILY!

    What follows is a way of thinking, of loving, of supporting and reality. As it was explained to the family, it’s like going on an overseas trip to Italy and arriving in Holland. Nothing is what you expect. Julie shares her fears and how the many concerns she had, either didn’t eventuate or could be managed.

    As baby Darcy developed, each milestone he passed was celebrated. He was late in developing many skills and especially late to walk. A walker was procured which gave him a degree of independence, until the day came when he could leave it behind. Kindy was the next milestone for Darcy. Together with the Director and team, support was given to the little boy with his friends accepting his joy for life.

    There is a far greater awareness in our community today for people with disabilities. Julie’s book, attitude and love is inspirational and will help many people. She has added to knowledge and awareness, showing us that people with disabilities have such potential. For all the negative advice put to the family, nothing prepared them for the love and blessings they felt with Darcy.

    It was an honour to read The Unexpected Journey. Thank you for sharing your grace and the journey of your family, Julie.

  • Six Days In Rome

    Six Days In Rome

    It was to be a romantic getaway to Rome. Instead it becomes a solo journey of unexpected self-discovery against the backdrop of ancient historic Rome.

    Emilia, a thirty one year old accomplished artist with a significant following on social media, and her boyfriend had booked an idyllic six day break in Rome, however after a messy break up (he was married), she became a solo traveller. She decided to follow the itinerary which had been meticulously planned to include favourite places she hadn’t visited since childhood, as well as those included by her ex-boyfriend.  As she traveled around the city, Emilia reflected on her past memories; both pleasant and challenging.

    Francesca Giacco weaves the narrative of Six days in Rome in and out of Emilia’s memories, emotions, personal relationships and experiences of Rome. Emilia takes the reader on a journey not only through Rome, the city, but also through her life and loves in New York. She is a deeply observant and self- reflective narrator.

    Her descriptions of food, scenery, and the atmosphere of this magnificent city will transport readers, who have previously visited Rome, back in time; wonderful descriptions of Italian cuisine and the sweltering heat of Rome in July.

    Some readers may find the story line in this slow burn debut novel hard to follow at times, as the narrative jumps back in time, goes off at tangents and then returns to the present. However, Six Days in Rome will definitely resonate with readers, who have ever spent time travelling alone.   

  • Lily Harford’s Last Request

    Lily Harford’s Last Request

    Joana Buckley explains in the beginning of Lily Hartford’s Last Request she has long wished to write about assisted dying. She clearly remembered her much loved Grandfather tied to a chair in his Nursing Home, recognising no-one, bored and so unhappy. Her Father was destined to suffer the same fate but refused medication and died prematurely. Assisted dying a huge topic to discuss and the characters that interact in this story help to give a variety of perspectives.

    Lilly Hartford had been a strong, amazing woman who lost her husband at an early age and raised her daughter by herself. She created an accounting business and was, in all ways, a successful woman. She and her daughter, Pauline, had a special bond, and always cared deeply for each other. Pauline was a school principal, married to Sam, and a very busy woman but she always looked out for Lilly.

    Donna was a worker at the home where Lilly died. For many reasons, Donna was close to Lilly and heartbroken when Lilly asked her to assist with her dying. For all of these characters, the thought of death means something quite different.

    The loss of independence for Lilly was unbearable. For Pauline, the loss of “Her rock” meant her world was losing its base. For Donna, refusing to help Lilly meant watching her slow decline into unhappiness.

    The anguish and agony felt by each of characters is apparent. For all of them, accepting the changes in life is traumatic. Joanna Buckley has used flashbacks in reverse chronology to give an added insight into Lilly’s earlier years. This is a topic that most of us have given some thought to and is also personal journey through the eyes of the characters in this story.

  • The Other Side of Beautiful

    The Other Side of Beautiful

    The Other Side of Beautiful needs to come with a warning. Do not begin to read if you are pressed for time; it is sooo hard to put down. From the dramatic beginning, where Mercy is in the street in pyjamas, watching her house burn down, to her journey afterwards, the story moves swiftly. How fantastic to have her tale set in Adelaide. Mercy’s subsequent travel should be noted by the Tourism Board of Australia. Kim Lock’s descriptions of the outback journey are quite marvellous.

    As the story unfolds, we find the young woman with many dilemmas and problems to solve. As often happens in times of great strife, people make uncharacteristic decisions. In this case, a desperate whim sees her purchase an old Daihatsu Hijet Van. She begins to drive north of Adelaide with her dog and as she travels, we gradually begin to understand why she is so unhappy. This journey has just begun, and it is the progress along the highway, as well as the inner thoughts of Mercy that keep us intent.

    North seems to be a fine direction to travel for the young woman. Arriving at Coober Pedy, Wasabi, her much loved dog, is happy to stretch his legs, while the signpost to Darwin seems to draw her forward. Most nights she stops with friendly grey nomads at Caravan Parks and as her routine becomes easier, she begins to allow her thoughts to centre on the times in her life which prompted her to this dramatic escape. With so much time on her hands she reflects on her mother whose focus in life was to be beautiful at the expense of her daughter.

    The remarkable sights of the outback skies, the peace and the natural beauty of the countryside gradually begin to allow Mercy to put her life into perspective. For some time the reader will travel alongside Mercy, sharing her anguish and willing her to start again. Not a book to put down!

  • Amber & Rye

    Amber & Rye

    A Baltic food journey Estonia Latvia Lithuania

    This marvellous book Amber & Rye is so much more than a collection of recipes. It is written from the heart, in order to, “Take you on a journey  …and to share unforgettable stories and the culture of the people who live in the Baltic region.” The Zuza Zak loved to hear stories told by her grandmother.

    These were a reflection of a by gone era and happy times. When Zuza, had her own child, she decided to travel the Baltic countries and recreate the stories her grandmother had shared. She also wished to experience and write about the cooking and recipes she found there.

    The photos in the book show the author and her daughter exploring the towns and cities in their travels. However, this is followed by the recipes which she has collected along the way. Her journey is one of treasured memories of food, and discoveries of remote places. People would often open their homes for visitors to share a meal, so the recipes are certainly authentic. We follow her along the streets and into remote places. These have been photographed by her partner.

    Amber & Rye is certainly a book for the adventurous cook. Many of the ingredients are not familiar to us, but readily available in Polish food shops. Zuza makes her own pastries and doughs from scratch and gives detailed instructions on how to do this. The recipes are illustrated, with the method and preparation set out clearly. From Noodles with wild boar, to Turnip Gratin with Latvian Green Cheese, there is an exotic range of food to explore. Drinks such as Elderflower & Vodka spritzer also feature in the recipe list.

    Amber & Rye is a complete cultural immersion. The descriptions are written with such joy and excitement; the reader cannot help but enjoy the experience.