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.
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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, April 29, 2017.
A small uke group I enjoy playing with at Lahaina United Methodist Church.
Opening Comments from Bob
What's Next ~ An Epic Journey and Beyond Time and Back: An Epic Journey: Both novels are available on Amazon. 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 again visit the island of Maui. There are three poems this month, The Union, Makena Beach 2, and Pastor Paul. The vignette is a unique one, Thompson Road.
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 April 29, 2017.
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The last undeveloped beach on this part of Maui. Notice the lack of crowds. There is about a third more beach
behind this location shot.
Three Poems this Month
The Union
A meander along a worn path leads to a sacred place where the morning ritual begins.
First the warm ups then the dance begins under the shaded hau tree.
Over thirty minutes pass though the dancer is oblivious to time.
Somewhere amid the memories there is a sea of blue before the eyes and the sound of waves, soothing, transporting.
An ocean of air envelops the seeker caressing and welcoming.
Lost in the moments, the present, the dance of tai chi unfolds.
The infinite touches the soul as life is embraced in mysterious ways– beyond mortal words which only the soul and the Creator comprehend.
Comment: When one learns the form to the extent that thought plays a minor role, one enters the realm of the mystical. Be sure to view the accompanying video on the right.
Makena Beach 2
Endless blue-greens stretch seaward.
Soft sand massages the feet.
The waves roll across them.
Undeveloped, this beach represents old Maui before the invasion of $1200 a night hotels and second homes seldom visited.
But here, only the peace of rolling waves reign.
Comment: A cursory read of this poem could make one think it is a mere "fluff" poem. But a deeper read will show there are two deeper thoughts hidden within the words. See if you can figure them out. If not, simply enjoy the images. Be sure to enjoy the two pictures of this beautiful beach found in this newsletter.
Poet video on The Union (You can also view it on YouTube.)
Tai chi on an isolated part of Makena Beach
Mother and child enjoying a respite in an isolate tidal pool on Makena Beach.
Comment: The below poem is dedicated to a magnificent human being.
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.
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Wailuku, Maui: Despite the weathering, I still appreciate the beauty of
this old
Congregational church.
Vignette this Month: Thompson Road 4
This month, the vignette is not your traditional one. Instead, I take you on a short walk on a favorite one lane road in Upcountry Maui. This road is so beautiful that a world renown philanthropist built a house at one end of it. I love it for its quietness and tranquility. As you will see, the views are spectacular. This is the fourth video I have created of this special spot. Enjoy! (You can also view it on YouTube.)
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.
A quiet area often used by fishermen and kayakers
Another view of the same area, note the fisherman.
Keolahou Hawaiian Congregational Church, Kihei, Maui: Every Thursday ukulele enthusiasts
gather to play. Nine years ago, Jarret Delos Santos started the 808 Uke Jam group to foster
Hawaiian heritage. The group has grown from a handful to 75-100 on a given night during the winter months. In recent years hula practitioners have begun to play a crucial role. Many
come just to listen, sing, and watch. Most songs are sung in Hawaiian. An excellent immersion
into Hawaiian culture, and it is free! I love it! (You can also view it on YouTube.)
Recommendations
There are so many I could give over my dozens of visit to this island. Click here to read more.
A perennial rec is Monsoon India–delicious food and wonderful
views of the water and sunsets. For outstanding service be sure to ask for Sheryl as your server. Under the leadership
of Hari Reddy this is the 5th year to recommend this restaurant.
Sala Dang Thai Cafe, Haiku, Maui: This neat little restaurant is located just as you come into the least visited town on Maui, Haiku. (You have to look closely for the TukTuk sign as it is not easy to spot.) The food is delicious–large servings. Good value for the money. The origin of the restaurant began with a food truck called Tuk Tuk Thai. Following its success, the restaurant came into being about three years ago. Food will be spiced according to your desires. This is my second recommendation for this restaurant.
Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.
Lahaina, Maui: The largest banyan tree in the world. It started as an 8 ft. transplant in this whaling village in 1871. It now covers over an acre. The dangling fibers are actually roots seeking to reach the ground and establish another trunk base. On Sundays, there is often an art fair below its limbs. (I took this pano pic in an effort to capture its size, note the multiple trunks that formed over the decades.)
Thompson Road, Upcountry, Maui: Those who have followed me over the years know that this is one of
my favorite walks on Maui. This one lane road offers spectacular views of the island.
A small inlet on west Maui beyond Lahaina. On bigger wave days you will also see surfers.
Quotable Quotes
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift." - Eleanor Roosevelt
“Leap and the net will appear.” - Zen Saying
". . .Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house. Do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you blew an aneurysm one afternoon or found a lump in your breast?" - Anna Quindlen (American author, journalist, and opinion columnist. Her New York Times column, Public and Private, won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992. )
"Remember that you are this universe and that this universe is you. Remember that all is in motion, is growing, is you." - Joy Harjo (Native American Muscogee poet, musician, and author.)
"Men and women should own the world as a mutual possession." - Pearl S. Buck
Rugged coastline on West Maui. The island of Lana'i is in the background.
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
When Gas Men Run
Two gas company servicemen, a senior training supervisor and a young trainee, were out checking meters in a suburban neighborhood. They parked their truck at the end of the alley and worked their way to the other end.
At the last house a woman looking out her kitchen window watched the two men as they checked her gas meter. Finishing the meter check, the senior supervisor challenged his younger coworker to a foot race down the alley back to the truck to prove that an older guy could outrun a younger one.
As they came running up to the truck, they realized the lady from that last house was huffing and puffing right behind them. They stopped and asked her what was wrong.
Gasping for breath, she replied, "When I see two gas men running as hard as you two were, I figured I'd better run too!"
I never tire of seeing this flower, Bird of Paradise
You can't close your final pictures on Maui without a sunset that started this newsletter.
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. (On editing: I often eliminate the paragraphing to save space.)
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"Happy 15th journal anniversary!!! Wishing you many more to come!" – Freda from Ontario, Canada (Ed.: Many thanks! Freda has been a subscriber for twelve years.)
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"Utah, the place you left, is just as beautiful as Hawaii...in its own way. While Hawaii calls to you, those red rocks of Utah make me feel at home. Each of us have our own special place in the world. Always enjoy seeing the balancing rocks. How do they do it? Thanks for your beautiful pictures" – Bev from Ohio (Ed.: Thank you for your comments. I couldn't agree more. Regarding the balancing of rocks, patience is the answer, like much in life. Bev has been a subscriber for fourteen years.)
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"Morning Bob - just now getting around to this issue - 16 years? Gosh! And how many years have I subscribed? I have forgotten, seems like a lot. You are having a grand old time and I'm happy for you! Keep up the good work my friend." – Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: As always, many thanks! Thank you for your loyalty and continued feedback over the years. Bobbie has subscribed for almost fourteen years.)
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, CA, 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 April 29, 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.
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------------------------------ 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.)
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