Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: time

  • Time Traveler

    Time Traveler

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    2002 or the wonderfully talented duo of Randy and Pamela Copus have released their 2024 album Time Traveller, a small masterpiece in ambient music, which in composition and styles spans the years since their first release Wings in 1992.

    Since those early years their distinctive sound has changed, influenced by many varying style of music being incorporated into their compositions. The most notable over the past eight years is, the addition of their daughter Sarah to the group, a young, multitalented performer within her own standing.

    Time Traveller takes a whimsical journey across the seas of time in a beautiful craft woven of magic and gossamer, to discover destinations yet unfound. Casting off with The Morning Breeze, a rich and sumptuous piece of violin, guitar and flute the sails are set, the delicate craft then to be led by Falling Stars, charting a course of harp, soft percussion and soft ambient wash.

    Time flows by and the Seasons Fade floating by on delicate colours of change, each season captured in small but perfect segments woven into one singular thread created with the use of harp, piano, synth and guitar.

    Love of my life is gently discovered with the use of flute, piano and washes of sound in an etheric song of pure romance, hinting at a time long ago when romance was celebrated in heartfelt song and verse.

    Is the Time Traveler the one of dreams and mystery or a nebulous form that is sought in reflective moments in time? Only you, the journeyman will know before The End of the Journey arrives in dulcet tones, the little craft coming safely into a world Beyond the Veil; a place peace and great beauty.

    But the Essence of a Dream is palpable, floating tantalisingly within recall, but distant, captured in a dreamy, almost mesmeric song.   Adrift in Memory offers a safe haven to reflect, to return to years past in acceptance and wonder before the final song Where Are You is discovered; a song of lightness, clear purpose and perfect for returning the soul to the mortal realm, guided by the pure voice of an angel.

    Time Traveler is a story in song which takes the emotions of the listener on a journey into a world of wonderment, peace and reflection. Whether 2002 intended the music to have such a profound effect is unknown, but the emotion and pure love encapsulated within each song will make this a deeply personal time of enjoyment and reflection, as the music softly wraps you in a gentle barque upon which to sail the seas of life.

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  • Hands of Time: A Watchmaker’s History of Time

    Hands of Time: A Watchmaker’s History of Time

    Humans have been measuring time for over 40,000 years. Award winning Dr Rebecca Struthers, master watchmaker, restorer, historian and now author has collated her comprehensive knowledge, years of experience as an passionate antique watch restorer into her fascinating debut book ‘Hands of Time – A Watchmaker’s History of Time’, which not only re-counts the progress in accurately measuring time but also her development as a renowned horologist.

    ‘Hands of Time’ is a comprehensive, thoroughly researched journey through watchmaking’s history from the earliest attempts at time keeping, to the breakthroughs in engineering to the first watch. It beautifully chronicles not only the inventions, which have resulted in current time pieces, but also the stories of those like the innovative Abraham- Louise Breguet and of famous watches such as Mary Queen of Scots’ skull watch. It even contains a detective story, as the author relates her attempts to uncover the identity of the mysterious ‘John Wilter’ whose name appears on eighteenth century watches of various qualities.  

    Although the subject would appear to be too niche for the regular reader, this book is an enthralling mix of memoir and history, which make it accessible to a wide range of people. The author draws not only on her own practice but also the mechanical progress being made over the years. Her husband’s intricately drawn diagrams and the beautifully executed photos greatly add to the readers’ enjoyment of this remarkable narrative.

    Dr Rebecca Struthers, a global authority, and the first person in the United Kingdom to earn a Ph.D. in Horology, is dedicated to preserving and pushing forward traditional watchmaking; keeping alive artisanship and craftsmanship by sharing her research and educating others about the craft. 

    Reading this enchanting book is time well spent.

  • The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat

    The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat

    Now, you would have to ask yourself why would it be a dangerous thing to be Trilby Moffat, a rather intelligent little girl who likes school, loves doing crossword puzzles and is simply trying to cope with a life that has suddenly gone a bit, well for want of a better word, mad.

    Trilby’s room is on fire; yes, really, which is not at all fair as she was having some wonderful dreams at the time when she realized something was badly wrong; like her room was on fire. Not only that but there appeared to be a rather tall man in a top hat there as well who was trying to murder her!

    How could things possibly get worse, but they do indeed. Her mother, like so many others is suffering from the Dream Sickness, which not only makes people go to sleep and perhaps not wake up for many years, but talk in ancient languages, try and create seriously disgusting food to eat and more.

    Her mother comes awake long enough to take Trilby away from their home, via a long train journey, to a town where she meets a tiny little lady called Thumbelina, who lives in the most amazing antique shop ever. She also notices a strange stripped creature who is in the window, whom as it turns out, is a legal expert and narrates the story, or buts in from time to time with sage advice, as extinct Thylacinus are wont to do! He actually considers this book as a LEGAL document!

    The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat turns out to be all about time; time that has become dangerously unstable and needs to be stabilized to undo all the very sad and strange things that have been going on in the world.

    But it is not that simple as the very tall man in the top hat, Mr Collin is out to definitely murder Trilby, who with the help of Xipil and Koji, very special keepers of the secret, have the most dangerous adventure, before they can all set things to rights, which makes you think there is a happy ever after ending, but may not.

    Fabulously intriguing and a completely zany read for that particular age group who love completely mad books, The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat certainly fits nicely into the left of center category. One more thing, each of the chapter titles is a crossword clue for you to try and guess or better still work out the answer. See how you go as you join Tribly Moffat in her definitely dangerous adventure.

  • The Aging Machine: A Young Adult Adventure Story

    The Aging Machine: A Young Adult Adventure Story

    Young adults who love a thrilling read, who ponder possibilities and follow fast action, will love The Aging Machine. The whole concept of an aging machine is quite foreign to us, but Paul Robert Schreyer has come up with a sound use for this machine in a very poorly run society. Money is the basis for re-election of the Mayor, and saving money is his key platform. Can he use this machine to his advantage?

    There are two young men who want to thwart his plans, but they have been set up and placed in the machine unwillingly. The now 75-year-olds, John and Taylor, need to find the true designer of the aging machine to stop its further use. Time is running out and the Police are represented by an overzealous and angry officer, who has had his machine gun sights on the two men several times.

    Fortunately, a young and eager journalist, Amy, believes that the men are innocent of their accused crime, and comes to their aid. There are car chases, and car and train altercations, which leave the reader holding their breath. The ever- present danger of Officer Quincy, and his obsessive attitude, follow John, Taylor and Amy as they seek to minimise the potential harm this machine could cause. When the trio catch up with the designer of the machine, there are more surprises to follow.

    With the fast pace of this novel, and the serious and thought-provoking consequences of the men failing to contain the machine, the story could be rather dour. However, it has some splendid humour which lightens the mood. Two fifteen-year-old boys (now physically 70) have a car, but neither has ever driven. Their antics make any driver wince and chuckle. This is a real page turner.

  • A Week to Remember

    A Week to Remember

    A Week to Remember  from Esther Campion is certainly reminiscent of Maeve Binchy’s style of writing. The story is set in Ireland and the landscape, the language and the customs are predominant. Although the characters hail from English speaking parts around the world, they all have a deep connection with Ireland. Each of them has a back story which is slowly revealed. We find out who they are and why they have come to West Cork.

    Ellen, a local, has renovated an old farmhouse, with the help of an interior designer. It is now an upmarket guesthouse. All the characters have booked into this haven for a week. The ambience is wonderful, the food superb, and the hostess is friendly and amenable.

    When Aisling and Mick arrive, it is clear that there is an issue between them. They should be celebrating Mick’s birthday and their wedding anniversary. Next to arrive is Mia. She needs to seriously consider whether she wants to continue to be an invisible sidekick to her husband.

    Then Katie arrives. She is angry and clearly does not want to mix with the other guests. She grew up in this town and has not been back for twenty years. Katie’s mother is getting quite old and needs help while her other daughter has a holiday. Declan the dentist is just lost.

    As the guests get to know each other, they begin to form friendships and mingle with the locals. The solitude of the guesthouse allows the characters to reassess their thoughts and families back home. Contemplation of their futures and clarity of thought provides interesting problem solving.

    Human behaviour at its best and worst is examined; with fortitude, dreams are set aside for a happy reality. A Week to Remember is a satisfying and comfortable read.

  • Eff This! Meditation

    Eff This! Meditation

    Everything feels right about this book. The title is amusing and curious, the size is good for holding something sturdy, and the introduction comforting. The author has some fine points to make in the introduction and suggests that it is more to do with a sick society, than our own perspective that gets us down. Rather than focussing on what’s wrong about you, she suggests that we find ways to cope with the broken world we live in. She also suggests there are many ways to use the book. One can read it right through or just select the interesting parts, or open at random pages. It sounds easy and satisfying to use this in your own way and time.

    There are some key threads woven through the exercises. They are, “Meditation, Nature, Movement, Breathing, and others. This book is aimed at helping the reader to make the best of themselves and to be gentle with themselves. Now we have relaxed and can accept the fact there is no pressure to perform or memorise. The first part of the book has one-minute exercises. If you only have one minute there are some quick fired ways to be calmer and actually slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. These exercises have been scientifically tested.

    When a little more time is available, there are five-minute exercises to practice. There are simple yoga stretches, breathing techniques, and lists to make. Exploring essential oils sounds like fun, and if there is a perfume that you really enjoy, a diffuser may be set up. Mindful eating is another fun thing to do for those who love their food.

    There are twenty-minute practices, hour long practices or longer ones. As the author suggests, you can just flip through the book and find what works for you. The Helpful Tips section at the bottom of each page is certainly worth reading. One of them suggests you name the emotion that is bothering you then ask it to leave. I have the feeling that this is a wonderful book to have for all of us who have anxious moments. However, it seems that younger people may find many of the simpler tasks and suggestions as revelations. Only good and healing ideas can be produced by reading and acting on the suggestions given.

  • Time Not Forgotten

    Time Not Forgotten

    Dancing across the keyboards the delicately constructed song Dancing Through My Memories introduces the latest Album from solo pianist Rhonda Mackert, Time Not Forgotten; the name in itself a gentle hint to the delightful journey to be undertaken.

    A gentle light feeling follows on with Walking Among Giants, a piece in which it is very easy to imagine walking through tall timbers, lost in the moment, in awe of nature and the perfection created in the seeming disarray of nature. A gloriously peaceful song to simply be enjoyed.

    With Time Not Forgotten the work changes tempo to be a more definitive composition, slightly sharper, deeper, perhaps a little more poignant in the emotion imbedded in the creation.

    A very real change of pace is Monsoon introduced with sharp, single notes before building to a crescendo, strong bass notes clearly painting a picture of these majestically destructive storms as they begin with a small breeze, building to raging tempests before calming, moving on as once again a gentle breeze; a metaphor for so many aspects of life.

    Chasing Fireflies is a happy, effervescent song, dancing across the keyboard bringing with it joy and happiness, perfectly depicting the fun to be had when wildly chasing the uncatchable fireflies; such fun to be had.

    Sedona, that magical land of wide-open spaces, incredibly immense scenery and a special form of magic, is paid homage too in Dreaming of Sedona, a lovely, melodic, peaceful composition, with shades of light and dark, peace and relaxation woven throughout.

    Drawing an enchanting album to a close is the softly entrancing piece Floating Free, which is evocative of so many perfect moments in time, that first glimpse of a new dawn, the delight of floating on the breezes, the soft glory of a perfect sunset, or just allowing the mind to float free of the everyday, to simply be in the moment.

    Rhonda Mackerts’ work is captivating, enjoyable, relaxing; painting a picture in the mind of times remembered, and the very real beauty to be found in the moment with nature and life itself.

  • Beyond Measures & Time

    Beyond Measures & Time

    Familiar and yet unfamiliar the opening strains of the lovey collection Beyond Measure and Time from acclaimed pianist Steve Rivera is one to be enjoyed without boundaries, expectations or pre-conceptions. It is simply music to wrap around the body and soul in the intimate manner in which it has been created.

    In the beginning the flowing piece Suspended Dreams welcomes you into a world of feeling, of shadows, subtle nuances of sound designed to change the atmosphere of the song, which is a delightful prelude to Passing Shadows highlighting the many shades of dark and light to be found as time passes by, flowing endlessly and effortlessly to the final destination. Once again, a piece that feels like an old friend returned to visit, one not seen for many an along year.

    Dancing across the keys Rivera’s fingers bring to life the beautiful Spectrum of Thoughts, a light, intricate piece, delightful in its construction and drama.

    Romantic and thoughtful Falling Closer can be interpreted in many ways, which adds an element of spice and the unknown, that could be likened to falling in love for the first, or tenth time, when there is that delicious period when all is new, fresh and undiscovered building, to a richer, more lasting understanding.

    Dark Tides is just that; a dark, brooding piece reminiscent of stormy days and difficult challenges. Deep powerful and immensely enjoyable, it balances out the previous songs perfectly, adding a balance required in this style of presentation and emotion.

    Measures and Time introduces the culminative piece, jauntily opening with the deconstructed notes of the piano representing the deconstructed nature of the album, the cover photo, the concept behind the project and the wide and varied range of emotion present on every track in this album; emotion that is pure and heartfelt, from an artist whom Will Ackerman describes as a ‘brilliant artist’.

     

  • Time and The Rose Garden Encountering the Magical in the life and works of J.B. Priestley

    Time and The Rose Garden Encountering the Magical in the life and works of J.B. Priestley

    The works of JB Priestley were considered either fabulous or peculiar or in some cases inflammatory, but like so many works of great literature, they tend to come back into favour many, many years after publication. In Priestley case, perhaps the time is right in today’s world to grasp fully where he was coming from when he wrote many of this great pieces such as the much loved novel The Good Companions in 1929, Let the People Sing in 1939 and The Magicians in 1954 amongst the many.

    In Time and the Rose Garden an interesting and informative Forward has been written by his great grandson Luke Goaman-Dodson where he comes to the conclusion that to really understand JB’s works, perhaps you need to be slightly older. Even though J.B. had become well known for his works based in Edwardian times and the social comedy of those years, there was much, much more to his writing than was apparent.

    Noted for writing long and in his words ‘self-indulgent essays’ such as Man and Time in 1964, he was also a much loved broadcaster and social commentator with the BBC, particularly during WWII. It was noted that he was the second most listened to man after Churchill. As a playwright he had a different platform to enjoy with Dangerous Corner produced in 1932 and perhaps his best known play An Inspector Calls in 1945. It is considered his plays are far more diverse than his novels with his passion for the Theory of Time forming the basis for Time and the Conroy’s in 1937.

    Anthony Peake has done a masterful work in researching this diverse author who firmly believed in the Jungian theory of Collective Consciousness, dystopian reality and time slip. He also discusses Priestley’s beliefs in what he referred to as the ‘Immortal Observer’, his muse, of which Priestley said could be considered as located in the Sixth Dimension and was largely responsible for his phenomenal output over the years.

    That J.B. was a prolific writer is undisputable, that his work was always well received is defiantly debatable, that he left a legacy of words, created from the times in which he lived, as much as by his somewhat radical beliefs and lusty lifestyle, is considered a treasure now only really being understood.

    For anyone with a serious interest in literature, or written works that were always slightly different, this in-depth dissection of the life of John Boynton (JB) Priestley OM (13 September 1894 – 14 August 1984) and his beliefs is well worth reading.