reflections of darkness and light
926400
Simply brillant but brillantly simple!! The poetry will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. Enjoy!!
1038915
Through thunder and light by Daniel Maldonada. This is a collection of short stories and poems. He writes about the experiences from a rather depressed and vulnerable male perspective. The authors words are powerful and filled with deep vivid imagery. The topics covered range from loss, love, fear and all the other strong emotions we feel when we fall in love. On the negative side though, some sentences where long and needed rescuing by the odd period here and there. It is however, a very good read aAn nd I particularly liked the stories 'Fifteen' and 'The meaning of Life'
3197248
Like Werner Hertzog's Lessons of Darkness, Invisible sets out to push at our understandings of art and political commentary by refusing to fall comfortably into either category.  Paglen makes use of telescopic photography to produce images of restricted governmental spaces; that the formalist beauty many of these images contain is irrelevant to the content they reach across space to uncover would seem to be the point.  Those looking for hard data and fist-thumping theatrical protest will be disappointed, as will those in search of a traditional exemplar of the photographic aesthetic.  But for those interested in suggestive gazes into the shadow government, and the aesthetics of technology pushed to its limits, this is a book well worth exploring and mulling over. The first step into penetrating the covert machinations of power is to learn new ways to see the apparent world around us; Invisible marks a brave step towards this knowing vision.
3819434
I liked the book a lot. It covers the Dark Night related to different areas of life, which I found interesting.

For anyone interested in the subject, I highly recommend The Dark Night of the Soul by Gerald May as well because he talks specifically about the works of St John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila and Gerald May does an amazing job of synthesizing.
1715911
Between Shadow and Light tells a piano story of a journey to the healing of soul, mind and body.  This piano portrait is dedicated to the Healers who lead those on the path of wholeness and healing. A  musical journey that will lead the listener to an unexpected place of reflection while acknowledging as Mr. Patton says in his introductory comments: the world is broken, and so are we.  Surface Tension is one of my favorites on the CD. This composition is the perfect blend of fast tempo coupled with the crescendo of expectation hinting just below the surface and does not disappoint.  As the liner note says: how can healing begin, unless our wounds are exposed and dealt with? Often times we work hard not to expose our vulnerabilities or weakness but as the song suggests  exposing is a stepping stone towards healing.
My next and absolute favorite is Nocturne (Between Shadow and Light).  This piece really appealed to me for its classical elements and sound.  Chopin is my favorite composer and Nocturne reminded me of a Chopin style lament in both texture and tone.  To me this emotion invoking piece represents the shadow experienced on the journey to healing.  The dedication of Nocturne (Between Shadow and Light) to Mr. Pattons parents made the emotional impact even greater because it speaks of their journey.  Sometimes healing is synonymous with loss.  Nocturne is a very heartfelt piece that chronicles the mastery of this piano artist and his piano; simply breathtaking!  The Long Goodbye is the musical representation of a bittersweet journey through Alzheimers disease.  Many refer to Alzheimers as the long goodbye.  With every note of this piece, may we not forget the travelers of this path as we accompany them and perhaps continue the journey without them.
Another emotional composition and favorite for me was: To Run Again.  This piece was written for a mutual friends pet named Riley.  We all followed the journey of Riley to his healing.  This song and Rileys journey reminded me that often times healing occurs in an unexpected way, leading to where a journey ends.  Riley fought the good fight surrounded with love, hope and prayer.  I absolutely LOVE that Mr. Patton wrote this song for Riley reminding us healing isn't always tranquil and the goal of our healing is not merely the absence of pain, but the presence of life.  This piece was an unexpected energetic representation of Rileys life and I adore it!
 Hope is another favorite piece that is based on Psalms 121:1-2.  This composition brings to mind waiting with gentle expectation.  One of Websters definition of hope is: trust.  We may not associate hope with trust while waiting for healing.  This piece is a melodic blend of unexpected tenderness and is the contrasting piece to shadow which is: light.  I have always admired Mr. Pattons bold proclamation of his faith with and through his music.  Hope for me is the reminder of where help comes from for the journey--the Lord and others.  Well done!  This review was difficult for me to complete because of the absolute parallel this album has to my life and everyday life for many.  Between Shadow and Light is a musical masterpiece by one of my favorite artists: Neil Patton.  His music speaks note by note in the artistically woven piano poetry that is Between Shadow and Light. So get ready to listen!  I very highly recommend this CD!
316251
in the shade is an emotionally penetrating and hauntingly familiar poetic work that speaks to the core of human essence.  In each section, this book balances truth with restoration and reminds us that we all face struggles (some deeper and darker than others), and yet, we can find hope and healing. Dayna is clearly a gifted counselor working towards recovery in the bleakest parts of our condition and bringing light to those struggling in darkness.  I gladly endorse this work for its encouragement and lasting impact.  ~JRF~
4146713
I had the privilege of meeting Jaiya John- He truly carries light where he goes. To share his practice allows us a glimpse into a life of mindful and disciplined intention. Taking time each morning to study, sit, focus and read these reflections reminds me to walk slowly on this earth. Each soul we encounter is a connection to our greater light and somehow, Jaiya puts the healing of our lives into words.
In the midst of our intense lives, these moments and messages soothe.
934008
A beautifully written book with beautiful art and sigil work. It's a great introduction to the path of Maergzjiran magick. I would recommend this book to any who feel drawn to a darker path.
2587414
A truly inspiring, well-writen, and gripping book. A clear seeing into light in the heart of darkness that can be the human experience. I'm surprised it's not better known, as is that other extraordinary work, Man's Search for Meaning. You won't forget this book.
1888804
Koans and stories of the deaths of Masters are scattered throughout the sacred texts of the East.  This book is remarkable in that it brings those many stories together in one place.  By focusing a book on the theme of "death stories", the stories illumine each other, and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.  The stories reveal a wonderfully refreshing way to think about death (and hence, to think about Life!)  Many are solemn, but some are quite humorous.  In each, we see the presence of someone who embraces all of human experience, who says "Yes!" to all of Life, including death.  Many of the Masters give one final gem of wisdom, summarizing their life's teaching, as their last word.  The many photographs of the Masters are heart-warming.  For anyone ready to think about death and mortality in terms of their spritual meaning, this book is ideal.  Ironically, through looking at how the Masters die, we can implicitly understand their teaching on how to be ever more fully alive.
4007607
I believe that there is healing that takes place in all sorts of ways. Marla has shown through poetry, there is a depth to which we can express what is really going on inside- this troubling, the churning of our souls. We bring to light that which is hiding deep within and thereby eliminate the darkness! Beautifully written and thought-captivating.
395940
In the intro to this beautiful collection one writer talks about the concept "McGrief", meaning our tendency in this culture to just want to get through painful experiences of death and loss as quickly as possible. This book is the antidote to that tendency. It reveals the tenderness and humanity and healing that are possible when we can just be with our experience and fully acknowledge it. Each writer has a way of transforming the darkness into light. Highly recommend this book to anyone who's ever felt the pain of loss.
4449725
If we think at a story as a play of lights and shadows, we can have a light story composed by delicate colours, OR we can have a story of violent contrasts between dark tones and light ones. The Moment belongs to the latter. The heaviness of the dark tones makes the light of love definitely stand out.
The contrast makes the story powerful.
This is a book of absolutes. Even if its vivid, it isn't really realistic. Its Evil against Good. Evil is really cruel, without compassion and Good is all-encompassing, generous, heroic. There is no grey scale.
Abuse is sickening, brutal. Jessies life itself is in danger in many ways. She is deeply damaged, her physical and her mental health on the brink of collapse. If you're going to read this book, these things will be there, so please beware. Its not for all.
But this isn't only a story about abuse. Its a story about the power of love. Love in its multiple various forms. Romantic love, parental love, tutoring love, love of friends, love from teachers, from therapists, from tough-as-nails, exemplary people. Its like a barricade of love opposed against abuse. With the sweet, patient, needy romantic love of the other main character, Mia, supervising  everything.
It is indeed a story about the healing power of love.
In conclusion, this book is not perfect, but it is sweet and deeply touching. I loved it.
939822
Howard Zehr does not take flat pictures. Zehr has figured out a kind of photographic alchemy that manages to capture the human spirit not in a static way, but with a dynamism that evokes empathy and a hunger to hear the rest of the story.

Zehr, a writer, photographer and professor at Eastern Mennonite University`s Center for Justice & Peacebuilding (CJP), is considered to be "the grandfather of restorative justice," pioneering in the nascent field in the late 1970s. CJP frames restorative justice this way:

"Restorative Justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by and revealed by crime or wrongdoing. It seeks to involve those who have a stake in a specific offense (the victim, offender, family members, community, or others) to identify and address the harms, needs, and obligations of those involved in order to heal and put things as right as possible."

Zehr, along with Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, has produced yet another work that marries photojournalism and Christian peacemaking to tell the stories of those affected by crime and imprisonment in the United States.  In this volume,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/What-Will-Happen-to-Me/dp/1561486892/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">What Will Happen to Me?</a>, Zehr's third book of portraits, the stories are those of children of incarcerated parents, like teenage Cassandra who shares,  "Sometimes when I'm alone, I sit there and look up and close my eyes and think, `If he were here, what would happen?'  I would have had my full life. It's just half now."

As a foster parent and pastor, I have seen first-hand how the lives of children are continually affected by the incarceration of a parent; their lives must go on, but in many ways share the shackles of their parents. I commend the contemplative photography of Howard Zehr to you as an entry into the world of the least of these, of whom such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Take inspiration from the hope and longing in the eyes of these children and be spurred on by the authors' conviction that the right kind of support and resources can prevent these children from falling through the cracks and can break the stranglehold of multigenerational crime.

Other Howard Zehr books I recommend:
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Little-Book-of-Restorative-Justice-The-Little-Books-of-Justice-Peacebuilding/dp/1561483761/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Little Book of Restorative Justice  (The Little Books of Justice & Peacebuilding)</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Transcending-Reflections-Of-Crime-Victims/dp/1561483338/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Transcending: Reflections Of Crime Victims</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Doing-Life/dp/156148203X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Doing Life</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Little-Book-Of-Contemplative-Photography-Little-Books-of-Justice-Peacebuilding/dp/1561484571/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Little Book Of Contemplative Photography (Little Books of Justice & Peacebuilding)</a>
3332819
The stories  J Lahiri relates resemble captured  still portraits in time. Just as James Joyce's  epiphanys represent moments of revelation  and recognition, some of these sketches  portray pivotal moments,  real turning points in ordinary peoples' lives. One such touching story describes the fragile  first moment of  true communication and recognition of shared grief in a rapidly disintegrating marriage after a stillbirth. This simple but critical event nearly fails to happen. It is ironically brought about by an unexpected series of planned power outages which portend to save this marriage.
  Many other stories  provoke deep reflection and thought, and linger on in our memories.  The essential futility and tragedy which is caused by religious conflicts between the Indian Hindu and the Pakistani Islamic populations  is graphically depicted . The irrationality of religious intolerance is addressed in the ironic dinner scenes of immigrants from these very  two confrontational backgrounds sociably eating  together while watching the evening  tv news coverage of that military conflict. They obviously have become good friends after discovering each other in the US. Lahiri poses that essential rhetorical question - how else are they different?
Each of the stories in this volume is well crafted, sensitive and  meaningful. Lahiri offers us quite  a nice assortment. The fact that these are stories concern Indians in India, returning Indian emigrees from the US, Indian American imigrants and  first generation Indian Americans adds ethnic flavor and interest, but the themes Lahiri addresses are universal.
The format of a short story by nature  demands  brevity  and conciseness for impact. Rarely do short stories leave lasting impressions. Only exceptional writers like William Styron are sufficiently  skilled  to convey  real meaning  so that that brief encouter lingers on  in the reader's memory. The maladies affecting her protagonists which J. Lahiri relates so well will follow us as  we lay down this thin volume  and ponder what we have read, a testimony to her skill and art as  a writer. I look forward her development in fiction to the day she authors her first novel
2664786
Sarah Brentyn had me at the introduction. At one page, the introduction to her Hinting At Shadows is one of the longest pieces in the whole book. A beautiful and thought provoking introduction to the flash fiction that follows, it is also an introduction to Brentyns interpretation and enjoyment of flash. Brentyn compares creating shadows with flash to creating a mosaic from shattered bits and individual fragments, stating, I love the beauty of broken things.
These flash fiction pieces, some only six sentences long, all written with syncopated syntax, rich imagery or spare, stark description, challenge the border between prose and poetry. Presented with snapshots of characters and situations, the reader is left to mull the ideas, to pursue their own conclusions. This is a book to be read over and again. These small stories are multifaceted and each reread will reveal something overlooked in previous reads, a marvel in fiction so short.

*The night moved.
Shadows formed something that crept closer toward us.
He started to run, pulling me with him. But I reached for them.*

This is what Sarah Brentyn does. She hints at shadows, she puts shadows on the page to hint at form; she goes to the morphing, creeping shadows that are within the moving dark of life. She picks up shadows and shards as a curious child, arranges them as an artist creating mosaics with words stories that refract and reflect like a small but multifaceted diamond.
3421930
Ms. Odasso has a talent for being simultaneously direct and evasive in her writing. She does not attempt to guide the reader to a conclusion of her choosing. The result, for me, are strongly imprinted images that evoke powerful feelings at random moments. I think the best examples of this are found in 'Tales You Never Told Me,''Unspeakable,'and 'Journeying.'There is a lot of darkness here, but some great moments of light to serve as a contrast. Highly recommended.