Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: silence

  • The Silence of Grace

    The Silence of Grace

    How many ways are there to describe perfection other than to say the music of Deborah Martin and Jill Haley come pretty close to the definition of ‘the state or quality of being perfect’ with their sublime The Silence of Grace.

    The small booklet that accompanies the work is an excellent lead into the music, as each song is accompanied by some beautiful words that in a single line or two shares the majesty of nature that inspired the composition. Deborah Martin is well known for her subliminal electronic compositions that drift and float on the ether.

    Jill Haley, Oboist, English horn player as well as a pianist and composer, blends the sounds of her instruments into the electronic soundscape in a manner that is as seamless as it is perfect. Both women have a deep bond with nature, a love of walking through nature, of sitting allowing nature to inspire their magnificent compositions.

    Initially the effect of the music was as if a bubble of light formed encapsulating the spirit, which then drifted timelessly through time and space on a journey only the listener could understand. Upon reading the words in the booklet the impression lasts as when walking through the majestic forests deep in the green world of peace and calm, a feeling of encapsulation forms to protect and nourish.

    Each individual piece gently drifts into one blissful journey which is exquisite and totally perfect for deep mediation or simply drifting and best described by these two lines:

    ‘Be still just for a moment .. do not want to loudly.. Instead, chase the mists quietly and gently..’-Deborah Martin.

    And from Jill Haley; ‘Grace is a gift bestowed on us..unasked for and gratefully received.’

  • Silence Speaks

    Silence Speaks

    Goldman’s poetry is always intriguing and in so many ways inspiring as in its simple format, the words remain accessible to anyone who chooses to pick up the book and simply open the page to enjoy the words discovered.

    Silence Speaks is a work containing much comfort, fun and simple enjoyment and as with all of his anthology’s it is a work that should be opened at any page, allowing the words to speak directly to you, to the place you are emotionally at the time of seeking; unless of course you enjoy beginning and traveling through each page until the final word is read, following a journey of discovery, a journey that, as with all poetry, is personal, soothing and thought provoking.

    Silence Speaks offers a gentle, graceful tone couched within the words that grace the pages, that is lovely, refreshing and in many instances a smile, occasionally wry, is encouraged as memories of past events in life are refreshed.

    Divided into three distinct parts Inside Silence, Outside Silence and Inside Again, with each of the segments specific to their title as in Conversations of One, where Goldman looks at the inevitability of having a conversation with one’s self and whether this wonderful seductiveness of voice still serves the same purpose. A little internal introspection is required here!

    The beautiful, deeply spiritual piece I Surrender can be discovered in Outside Silence, beginning with Hemmingway’s quote reflecting on chance, before moving into the spiritual words tripping back the emotions to discover the wonderful, ‘I Am’. On the facing page is the quirky piece On Glory’s Road, which while it is full of mixed metaphors, brings a smile in its summing up of a small slice of life, courtesy of a small, shiny red tricycle and a row boat.

    Ordination is perhaps written to be used as a contemplation on life, an affirmation to accept that everything in life is ordained. In Gratitude, Lest You be Forgotten there is the reminder that we do need to remember to be grateful for the blessings we are given on a daily basis.

    Silence Speaks has been created to be delved into, knowing whichever piece selected in will resonate, remain with you, encouraging a deep connection with all that is spiritual.

    An absolute tapestry of feelings, emotions which are steeped in spirituality sees Goldman in a very reflective phase, one that is delightful, enjoyable and in his words, ‘ecstatic’.

     

  • We See the Stars

    We See the Stars

    Simon is an eleven year old boy and like most kids his age he is struggling to make sense of the world he lives in, and the life and people around him. He has Mental Health issues, which make things even harder to sort out. As Simon is the narrator of this story we spend time seeing things from inside his thoughts and ideas.

    Kate has set this story in rural Australia in a small town. It is after the Vietnam War in the 1970’s. The story begins with Simon and follows his life for a stretch of time. We discover his family, his local neighbourhood, and his school. The family are not affluent, and sacrifices have to be made. Dad, Grandma, and his brother Dave all live together. Not much is mentioned about Mum, but there is tension in the family which Simon internalizes.

    Quickly we learn that Simon is able to express his inner emotions differently. He reacts by imagining a honeycomb with bees building and moving honey inside his chest. Simon hasn’t spoken for a long time, and at school he is assumed to be weird by the other children and a source of annoyance by the teacher. However, a new teacher comes to the school and befriends him, and they become so close that Simon says, “I like your class.”  They share some secrets that will later save a life.

    One of the other children in the class is Cassie. She has a deformed hand and would be tormented by the other kids, but she is fearless and strong and would beat them up. When Simon shares some food with her they develop a slow friendship. Tragedy strikes the small community and, in his head, Simon is pretty sure he knows how to solve the problem. Being a very poor communicator, he sets off by himself, to do what no one else can.

    At times this narration by Simon is a little confusing. We must remember that he thinks differently and try to adjust to his wavelengths. His view of the world is puzzling and a little sad. He has Superman for comfort. We are reminded that the world is a confusing place for us when growing up but add in a family trauma and a health issue and suddenly it becomes unmanageable. The descriptive writing in this book shows the author’s compassion and understanding for children with difficulties.