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 22 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, June 25, 2017.
Mountain sheep along the Enchanted Circle Byway that circles around Mt. Wheeler near Taos
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 pictorially travel to New Mexico. There are two very serious poems this month, Flashes and Dreams 2. The vignette discusses a perilous problem of which we need to address as human being, Humanity and Technology.
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 June 25, 2017. The pictorial focus will be on New Mexico.
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Cottonwood Canyon, UT: Yes, spring has arrived despite the snow in the mountains. Note the quiet mountain stream which will soon rush with the snow melt. (Our one pic this month from Utah)
Two Poems this Month
Flashes
Another time of sipping,
enjoying a biker’s lunch
at familiar Galleria.
Many are struck with awe
by views of the mountains and sea
but miss the everyday moments of quiet
while staring off into the distance
or pondering nothing.
These flashes between thoughts
calm the spirit
and console the soul.
Comments: A few thoughts between sips.
Dreams 2
Strange tableaus
dance through the night
conjuring bizarre screenplays
which like phantoms
disappear with the dawn.
When walking the day,
new dreams emerge.
These fragile jewels of hope
create the persons we become.
Like followers of the Star of the East,
the wise dance with the light
from one to another
into eternity.
Comment: No comments.
The Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continually inhabited homes in the world, over a 1,000 years, is divided into two sections. Pictured are several residents selling their wares to the tourists.
Rt. 64, the high road to Taos
Marvin Martinez, potter, holding the small bowl I purchased
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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Turning off of Rt 84 to Rt. 64, New Mexico: This high country road–passed less than 10 cars during the 76 miles to Taos (no cell service)–includes extraordinary vistas. I am sure the road is more highly traveled during the summer and ski season, when it is open.
Vignette this Month: Humanity and Technology
The Dalai Lama suggests that the spiritual and mental aspects have become unbalanced. We spend far more time focusing on the external via technology, e.g. messaging, Facebook, and noses stuck in our phones versus reflecting on the internal and communicating one to one. Key elements of the internal include love and mercy. In fact, many become uncomfortable in the quiet and immediately seek noise to distract from inner thoughts. "As a nation, we seem to see one another less and less . . . as human beings who are a sacred source of life . . . and more and more as objects." Look at the hatred that is spewed on someone because of a remark made on a chat page or on Facebook. Anonymity allows hatred to erupt. The haters do not see the person as a human being but an object toward which to direct anger.
Here is a cute story about our focus on social media trivia. "I have given up social media for the New Year and am trying to make friends outside Facebook while applying the same principles. Every day, I walk down the street and tell passersby what I've eaten, how I feel, what I did the night before, and what I will do tomorrow. Then I hand them pictures of my family, my dog, and me gardening. I also listen to their conversations and tell them I love them. And it works. I already have three people following me–two police officers and a psychiatrist."
Don't misunderstand, this article is not anti-technology. Instead, it is about controlling it to the extent that we do not lose our humanity. The simple act of talking face-to-face with one another and recognizing the sacred within each of us is a beginning. If the exponential growth of technology is allowed to gain more and more control over us, the future does not bode well for the humanity of humankind.
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.
Rt.64, NM: Continuing our journey over this high road toward Taos. Still plenty of snow.
Rio Grande Gorge just outside of Taos
Above and below taken on the Enchanted Circle Byway that goes around Mt. Wheeler near Taos
Pictured: Jeri Samora – Spent an hour with this wonderful human being.
If you are interested in purchasing Taos Pueblo pottery, this is the
person to see. Extreme talent and reasonable prices.
You can easily find her as you walke the village.
Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.
............................. Just a few miles outside of Santa Fe, hundreds of these unusual rock formations.
Above and Below: High Road from Taos to Santa Fe
Quotable Quotes
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." - Native American Proverb
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." - Alan Watts
"The thing is to be happy . . . .No matter what. Just try that. You can. It gets to be easier and easier. It's nothing to do with circumstances. You wouldn't believe how good it is. Accept everything and then tragedy disappears. Or tragedy lightens, anyway, and you're just there, going along easy in the world." - Alice Munro
"Your heart is the light of this world. Don't cover it with your mind." - Mooji
Taos Pueblo, NM: One of the most fascinating visits included this pueblo two miles north of the city of Taos. It is one of the longest continually inhabited communities in the United States, close to a 1,000 years. 1) The Tiwa People still inhabit it; 2) Catholic church-religion is a mix Catholicism and ancient Tiwa beliefs; 3) In 1847, the U.S. calvary shelled and burned 100+ women and children as they sought sanctuary in their church (Church remains preserved in their honor.); 4) North Pueblo (not pictured South Pueblo); and 5) Red Willow River–source of their fresh water (from Blue Lake and mountain snow)
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
Bosses
A boss hosted a dinner party for people from work and everyone was encouraged to bring their children. All during the sit-down dinner one worker's three-year-old girl stared at the boss sitting across from her. The girl could hardly eat her food from staring.
The man checked his tie, felt his face for food, patted his hair in place, but nothing stopped her from staring at him. He tried his best to just ignore her but finally it was too much for him. He asked her, "Excuse me little girl, but why do you keep staring at me?"
Everyone at the table had noticed her behavior, and the table went quiet for her response. The little girl said, "I just want to see how you drink like a fish."
Earthship, just outside of Taos, NM: These off the grid homes are built using the latest technology from tires and recyclable materials. Though they exist all over the world and in every state, the largest concentration is here. The goal is to have minimal environmental impact. Large sections are covered by earth to provide installation and protection from storms. Water via a high tech system is reused 4 times. Electricity is provided by DC, rechargeable batteries. One side of the home is a greenhouse where food is raised along with providing natural oxygen. An enlightening place to visit!
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day was celebrated in Heber City on April 29. Some of the participants pictured.
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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"Beautiful as always. Are We Listening? One of your best poems ever Bob. You left me wanting more." – Kathleen from Portland, OR (Ed.: As always, many thanks for your kind comments. I am always pleased when one of my poems touches someone.)
"Hi Bob - Enjoyed 'my trip' through Colorado! lol Seriously, it is beautiful there." – Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: Good to hear from you again. Glad you enjoyed the trip.)
"So great to hear from you and thank you for another great Poetical Journey. Take care!!" – Haven from Marion, OH (Ed.: Always my pleasure. Thank you for writing.)
"Definitely got a Rocky Mountain High from your pictures. Don't you just love finding flowers blooming from a crack in the rocks? Gives us hope that even when things seem rocky in our lives, we can find some bright moments if we look carefully. Thanks for the PJ" – Bev from Ohio (Ed.: Thank you, Bev! Yes, Rocky Mountain High is now more than mere words in Colorado ...:-)
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 June 25, 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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