My most recent novel, What's Next~An Epic Journey, is available on Amazon or can be ordered through your local bookstore. The book is a sequel to the The End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey. You can purchase now byclicking here. (Scroll to the correct title.) Either book is a fine read for the broad-minded or the spiritual seeker.
To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey is available via Amazon and Kindle. It will grab you from the start and carry you to places you have never been. The book contains many diverse ideas and is a great love story filled with adventure and intrigue.Questions? Email me.To go to Amazon, click here.
Click hereto link to a You Tube radio interview about To the End of Time. (Friend David Riggs produced it for me. To link to his book, click here.)
A number of individuals have sent some wonderful reviews. You can read some ofthem in the Forum Section below.
PJ Demographics – Subscribers in 21 states and 12 countries
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I am pleased to have you as a reader. If you enjoy the PJ, please encourage others to subscribe.
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The next Poetical Journal will be out on Sunday, February 26, 2017.
Tulips, Thanksgiving Point (April Issue)
Opening Comments from Bob
What's Next ~ An Epic Journey and Beyond Time and Back: An Epic Journey: Both novels are available on Amazon. To go to Amazon, click here. What's Next is a sequel to Beyond Time and tackles a topic that impacts us all. Both books are intriguing reads for the spiritual seeker and/or the broad-minded.
This Issue: This month, we enjoy pictures taken over the last year, PJ Year15. I always choose some of my favorites. I also list the issue in which they appeared. The three poems this month are Lost in Time, Silent Music, and Asking For. Each in its own way speaks to the mystical. The vignette speaks to family. There is also the traditional content that appears in each issue. I hope you enjoy!
Subscriber Residence:PLEASE let me know if your state, providence, or country is not listed in the demographic section at the end.
Next Month: The next issue comes out on February 26, 2017. It will be our Maui Issue.
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Dock area at Clear Fork Reservoir, Ohio (November Issue)
.Three Poems this Month
Lost in Time
Listening in quiet thought, undisturbed,
I peer at the clock, the minute hand has ceased its circular journey.
Batteries dead?
Moments later, the hand moves on.
Comment: This event actually happened to me, almost mystical.
Silent Music
The music for meditation plays softly asking the mind to hear but let go– an imperial dichotomy.
To where does emptiness lead?
Is inner peace truly obtainable?
The music plays on.
The mind refuses to let go as sleep overtakes the soul.
Comment: You interpret.
AskingFor
The mother holds the newborn to her breast nursing the child.
For now, asking for nothing.
The hero leaps, saving another, expecting nothing in return.
The seeker seeks, traveling a path often lonely and forbidden.
In the end asking only for answers.
The pure spirit walks the earth offering love, spreading kindness, asking for nothing.
Comment: There are many more examples that could have been added to the poem. However, there are few who exemplify the last stanza.
This time of year many bougainvillea bushes are in bloom and seen along the road and yards on Maui. (February Issue)
Some of my tai chi students enjoying a Chinese feast following our local celebration of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day on April 30. (May Issue)
Enjoying beach life late in the afternoon in Waikiki (November Issue)
A very enjoyable Tahiti Mana dance presentation (15 seconds) - Waikiki (November Issue)
My books and products are purchasable online.
My work currently appears in seven books. Four are offered for sale online. To order any of the four, click here. The newest books, What's Next? (2016)and Beyond Time and Back (2015) are currently available through Amazon.
A Respite in Time (2012) This 184 page book consists of vignettes, mostly one or two pages in length, which provide thoughtful comments on life. They have appeared in this newsletter over the years. The costs are $15 (PB) and $24 (HB) plus shipping. To order, click here.
Lit Bit (2011) is a small anthology that includes three of my poems and three of my photographs. The cover photo is also mine. The cost is $10 plus shipping. (No longer available.)
A Slice from the Apple with the Taste of Poetry (2010) is an anthology of poems written by members of the Apple Valley Poets, a very talented group that formed almost eleven years ago. This book contains a wide variety of poetical genres and will appeal to all lovers of poetry. The cost is $10 plus shipping. (No longer available.)
An Oasis in a Cluttered World (2006) is a book that allows you chapter by chapter to immerse yourself in a quiet refuge as you forget the chaos of the world. Through poems, vignettes, and recommendations it beckons you to let go, relax, and savor life’s many riches. The cost is $11 for paperback and $18 for hardcover. To order, click here.
Wisdom from the Journey (2004) As stated on the cover leaf, “My wish is that this reading journey will provide you with a bit of respite from everyday life, generate a few laughs, cause good feelings about yourself and humanity, encourage introspection, and at certain times twinge your conscience on critical issues and thoughts. Upon reading the last page, I hope you will smile and say, That felt good! The cost is $10 for paperback and $17 for hardcover. To order, click here.
The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey (2002) is my first book. You join me on my around the world trip that I took in 2001. The cost is $5.50 for soft cover. (I have sold out of the hardback version. It still can be ordered through Author House.) To order the soft cover., click here.
Supporting the efforts of the Poetical Journal is greatly appreciated! To support, click here.
To view the product page of other unique gifts, pleaseclick here.
A panoramic picture of Baby Beach (far end of Baldwin Beach) on Maui (March Issue)
The Tulip Festival displays over 250,000 tulips including over 100 varieties. (April Issue)
Vignette this Month: My Family
When I moved to Utah, I promised my now 93 year old mother that I would try to return for a visit every 6-8 weeks. Over the last 3.5 years I have attempted to fulfill that promise though sometimes a bit late. Thus, Christmas became that time for a return visit.
These visits entail more that seeing mom. They involve my family My youngest sister Pat, who serves as mom's full-time caregiver always provides a touch of humor and a reality check for me as she selflessly gives her love to a woman who has weathered many battles and is in need of constant care. Though mom lost her ability to speak clearly due to a stroke six years ago, somehow Pat understands what she wants.
My middle sister, Joy, exemplifies what her name says. Despite pain and tribulations she smiles and laughs as if her body remains the same as her youth. Her family and commitment to her responsibilities are always her priorities. Trying to get her to sit down and rest is a true challenge.
G. Larraine, my oldest sister, has strong opinions but a soft heart, especially when it comes to family. She loves and would give her life for her grandchildren. Her creative talents abound; mine pale to hers.
My father, who passed years ago, left a wonderful, indelible mark on each of us. As I grow older, I find that I have inherited many of the idiosyncrasies that I use to raze him about.
Despite our diverse personalities, different political leanings, and varied health issues, we are and remain a family, ready to defend each other and face the world and all it offers and throws at us. When comedians joke about the dread of spending holidays together, I feel sorry that they don't have a family like mine. The word "blessed" describes my life.
I would enjoy hearing from you about your families.
If you have a guest vignette you would like to submit, please do so. Not only will I enjoy reading it, but if agreeable with you and space permitting, I will print it in a future issue. The vignette should be written in paragraph form and relate a personal story or event. Equally important, it should fit the overall tenor of this newsletter. Ideally, it should not exceed twenty lines. Please send to bob@poeticaljourneys.com.
Turtle Bay Resort – the ocean put on quite a show for us. (November Issue)
Recommendations
Restaurant: The Empire at 138, Tiffin, OH: We returned to Tiffin to visit a friend. (We lived there for 2.5 years.) To our surprise a new restaurant has opened, The Empire at 138. We were surprised by the fine service and high food quality at this beautifully remodeled facility. It would compete favorably with most top notch restaurants found in large cities. Jan's bourbon braised short ribs were delicious and my black'n tan rice saute provided wonderful nuances of flavor. The creme brulee was the best I have ever tasted, and I am not a novice having tasted this favorite dessert at many restaurants throughout the world. I highly recommend that if you are in the area for dinner that you make a reservation (419-448-7733) to dine there. If Gaby is working, ask for her to be your server. (Closed Sundays and Mondays – picture courtesy of their website)
Movie:Hidden Figures is a beautiful but sad story that has been conveniently left out of our school history books. One of the best movies I have seen in recent years. A brilliant story!
Book: Astrophysicist and television personally Neil deGrasse Tyson's My Favorite Universe is a fascinating read. He artfully tweaks the imagination as the mind tries to grasp the enormity of space. I have pulled a few of those facts below. If they interest you, then you will probably be enraptured with the book.
Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.
A field of yellow below the Wasatch Mountains
The Stream Garden in Schnormeier Gardens. "The focal point . . . is a four hundred foot long, six hundred gallon per minute roaring mountain stream cascading through densely planted adjacent beds and falling fifty feet in that distance." (June Issue)
Above: Schnormeier Gardens – The Japanese tea house designed to scale (June Issue)
Below: July Issue
–..Quotable Quotes
"We tend to daydream all the time, speculating about the future and dwelling on the past. . . We are beset by both the future and the past, and there is no reality apart from the here and now." - Peter Matthiessen (Ed.: 20th C. American novelist, naturalist, and wilderness writer. A cofounder of the literary magazine The Paris Review, he was the only writer to have won the National Book Award in both fiction and nonfiction.)
“Kids need time to be bored. That's how creativity is born.” - Melanie Jean Juneau(Ed.: A mother of nine who blogs on the joy of nine.)
"To me, photography is an art of observation. . . .I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them." - Elliott Erwitt (20th and 21st C. American advertising and documentary photographer known for his black and white candid shots of ironic and absurd situations within everyday settings— a master of Henri Cartier-Bresson's "decisive moment".)
"Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift." - Mary Oliver (An American poet who has won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. The New York Times described her as "far and away, this country's best-selling poet." )
"Whatever causes night in our souls may leave stars." - Victor Hugo (French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. He is considered one of the greatest and best-known French writers.)
There are a number of falls along old Rt. 30 in OR. Pictured is Multnomah Falls (July Issue)
Red among the aspens (September Issue)
Winter chill (December Issue)
Guardsman Pass (October Issue)
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
What you want to hear:
After dying in a car crash, three friends find themselves at an orientation to enter heaven. Each one was asked, "When you are in your casket, what would you like to hear your friends and family saying about you?"
Sean says, "I would like to hear them say I was a great doctor and a great family man."
Karl says, "I would like to hear them say I was a wonderful husband and an excellent teacher who made a difference in children's lives."
Juan says, "I would like to hear them say, 'Look! He's moving!'"
Tahiti Mana is a dance company interested in preserving their culture. (November Issue) Below Mt. Rainier as we were leaving Washington (August Issue)
Below: I had a wonderful time offering this 90-minute introductory workshop. My former yoga instructor and friend Claudia helped set these events up. They were held at a beautiful new facility, Mind, Body and Align. (Both sites are worth a visit!)
Following the introductory workshop, I invited some of my former Ohio students to join me in a reunion practice. I enjoyed renewing tai chi friendships. (November Issue)
Tulip Festival, Thanksgiving Point, Salt Lake (April Issue)
Enjoy the Christmas lights at Temple Square, Salt Lake City (December Issue)
PJ Forum
If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please e-mail them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com. While I often cannot print everyone, I personally respond to all.
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Thank you to all who sent best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year via emails, ecards, Christmas cards, and Facebook.
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"Wouldn't it be wonderful to experience real peace in our world. Your poem reminded me of the John Glenn Memorial service. As he knew the end was near, he planned many parts of his service. For the last song, he chose, Let There Be Peace on Earth. Those words touched my heart and should be sung by everyone: 'Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.' Thanks for all you do to make the world a better place," - Bev from Ohio (Ed. Bev, I always appreciate hearing from you. Many thanks for the comments on John Glenn and me.)
To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey Review taken from Amazon
"The new novel, To the End of Time and Back is a skillful account of two lovers on an 'Epic Journey,' racing through time and history to learn life-changing truths. Their spectral mentor, Arundel, sends them through difficult travels, but their relationship endures and remains strong despite physical, and psychological stress. Powerful emotions such as fear, anger and happiness, combine with lust, pain and sexuality to help them learn. Written in verse form, the story is an epic poem, painted to portray the duality of mankind throughout dimensions of human history that is sometimes cruel and horrific. The reader will come to know and understand what is being described and will certainly enjoy the stimulating elegance of the story and the philosophy. A thoroughly enjoyable read that is certain to make you think." - David from Utah
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Other Reviews (They have been edited for length. Thank so much to each of you.)
"I finished your book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was much easier to follow by having the whole thing in front of me, and reading as much as I wanted at a time. I felt pretty weary after bouncing around in time for many hundreds of years, but I was relieved to know that at least part of the world survived 'Armageddon'. What a feat you have performed." - Jim
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"I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your latest book To the End of Time and Back. When I bought the book I had no idea what to expect. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. I had fun reading it from A to Z and everything in between." - Art from Park City, UT
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"Your book touched places deep within my soul. I could read it over and over again, Bob. Job Well Done!" - Bobbie from Texas
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"Well, Bob! I am rather blown away by your book. Finished it yesterday, and it only took four days, which means I was intrigued and wanted to know how the book ends. I'm a slow, deep reader and since my profession is writing and editing, I edit continuously as I read. Can't help it! But this book was worth dropping everything for and reading to the end. I admit to cynicism about your claim that it would change me, and I don't know that it has just yet but it won't be leaving my heart and head for a long time, and change could happen. I'm impressed that the book actually lived up to your claims for it. . . . I'm intrigued by this book because it rings so true, and I am therefore tempted to believe you actually were given the gift of this dictation. But if not and this is fiction, you have written one hell of a book, masquerading amazingly as non-fiction ... which is indeed one of the goals of fiction." - Kimberly
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"WOW! WOW! WOW! I read it in one sitting and found so many things you wrote about 'true' for what I know and feel about past lives I've lived. Actually, the chapter about the Holocaust was something I couldn't bear to read–too sad and painful. (I've always felt that way about that period of history.) . . . it was very well done, Bob. Just beautifully done. I'm looking for the movie. . . I'm sure others will feel connected to this book just as I did. AMAZING. Just AMAZING. I couldn't put it down. There was so much anticipation with each chapter it hooked me from the very beginning. . ." - An Ohio Reader
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"I read your book a couple weeks ago. You are lucky we don't live close enough for me to call you to discuss it! It was interesting and easy to read. I liked the format. It reminded me of Many Masters, Many Lives by Brian L. Weiss (which was not that quick to read). Have you read that? . . . Anyway, kudos on the book -- on all your books. . ." - A Reader from Arizona
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"Your newest release takes the reader to places deep within. It makes one ponder all things about life itself. Many authors have written about reincarnation, but yours goes deeper. Through an eternal relationship between two souls, you describe all the human emotions one can feel. The book takes you to historical times and places around the globe, making you feel as if you are part of the beautiful relationship of A~ and Z~. After reading, they will become a part of you." - A Reader
Reader Demographics
States- AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, NC, ND, OH, OR, SC, TX, UT, VA, WV, and WI;
Canadian Provinces - BC, ON, and QC;
Countries - Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Turkey, UK, U.S., and Venezuela.
.....................................................Changes in this section will be updated each month.
If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.
To read some of the back issues of the PJ, go to here.
The next issue will go out on February 26, 2017.
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
PJPolicies Guest Poetry: Often readers send me a poem stating they would like it included in the PJ. Many of the poems are well written. Although I enjoy reading them, at this time I do not include guest poetry as part of this newsletter. Instead, I suggest that they submit them for inclusion in the Guest Poet section of my web site. A number have chosen to do so. However, time limitations and quality govern the number that will be accepted. I currently am not accepting poetry from minors. ----------------------------- Guest Vignettes: On occasion, I publish guest vignettes submitted by one of my readers. If a guest vignette is submitted and selected, the author understands that there is no remuneration provided; the vignette will be included in the e-mailed and web site versions; and will remain posted until I choose to remove it from the site. In all cases, the guest vignette remains the property of the guest author who has given permission for its usage as described in sentences one and two.
----------------------------- Privacy: I take it very seriously. Your name will never be sold to a third party nor will we disclose at any time your subscription information. ---------------------------- Unsolicited Mailing: The PJ is never sent unless requested. If you believe you received the PJ unsolicited, please notify me. I will unsubscribe you. ------------------------------ Reproduction and Forwarding: While the material is copyrighted, you have permission to forward all or part of this newsletter. You may also quote from it. Out of common courtesy (We will forget all the legal jargon and requirements.), I would appreciate at least a mention or a footnote. -- Much appreciated!
------------------------------ Recommendations: All recommendations are personal ones offered for your information. I receive no remuneration of any kind from the sources or individuals being recommended – other than when I recommend purchasing my books. Actually, many are never aware of their listing. One may ask, "Why do you provide recommendations for specific establishments or locations, especially since many of your readers are worldwide and may never be able to use the information?" The key word is "may." When I travel, I plan much of the itinerary myself. This planning includes reading and listening to recommendations from professional and personal sources. My wish is that any suggestions provided will assist some readers as they make their plans. (Incidentally, I have already received feedback that readers use them.)
Subscription: To unsubscribe, click on your individualized unsubscribe e-mail at the end of this newsletter. (Not appropriate for this web page.)
here for 2.5 years.) To our surprise a new restaurant has opened, The Empire at 138. We were surprised by the fine service and high food quality at this beautifully remodeled facility. It would compete favorably with most top notch restaurants found in large cities. Jan's bourbon braised short ribs were delicious and my black'n tan rice saute provided wonderful nuances of flavor. The creme brulee was the best I have ever tasted, and I am not a novice having tasted this favorite dessert at many restaurants throughout the world. I highly recommend that if you are in the area for dinner that you make a reservation (419-448-7733) to dine there. If Gaby is working, ask for her to be your server. (Closed Sundays and Mondays – picture courtesy of their website)
