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Vignette this Month: Schnormeier Gardens

As promised in the last issue, we pictorially return to Schnormeier Gardens near Gambier, OH. I have featured these gardens in the past. However, this time we had a special guide, Ted Schnormeier, visionary and designer of this gardening masterpiece. Before his wife Ann's passing, she played a critical role in the evolution of the gardens. Over the last 25 years this showplace "has grown to include fifty acres of manicured lawns, ten lakes, a variety of discrete garden areas and several waterfalls." These Japanese gardens are home to an unusual combination of rare conifers, plants, flora, and sculptures that bring visitors from all over the world to study, savor, and enjoy. One could easily argue this combination is unique in the world.

Before moving from Ohio, Ted allowed me to visit the premises and take photographs. (I was especially honored since the premises are usually closed to the public and individuals except by appointment.) Many of my shots appeared in his award-winning book SCHNORMEIER GARDENS – PEACE, HARMONY & SERENITY. Practicing Tai Chi near the teahouse was one of innumerable wonderful remembrances.

When Jan and I decided to return to Ohio, we hoped to visit the gardens as it has been close to six years since the last one. We contacted Ted, and he graciously agreed to give us a guided tour. The day was gorgeous, cool, and sunny–almost too much sun (Photographers will understand.) The pictures that follow, with the exception of two, were taken that June day during our two-hour tour.

The overall garden is divided into the Waterfalls Garden, the Chinese Cup Garden, the Stream Garden, the Serenity Garden, the Woodland Garden, the Hosta Garden, the Quarry Garden, the Meadow Garden, and the House/Japanese Garden. Each garden has a specific purpose and theme.

There is much more that could be written. If you would like more information, go to the garden website listed below.

I would also be remiss if I didn't express my public thanks to Ted for his friendship and generosity in providing us this memorable event.

(Special note: Quotation marks in a picture description indicates quotes taken directly from the Schnormeier Gardens website.)

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Poetical Journal ©by Bob Casey

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Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life

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PLEASE! Supporting the efforts of the Poetical Journal is greatly appreciated!
Any amount of donation is appreciated. To support, click on the link and scroll down
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Epic Journeys: Paperback $13.99 Kindle $3.50 and the Blast Series: $12 per book
To learn more, go to Amazon.

During the pandemic, I wrote two additional novels under the pen name Leon Pashi. Both are romantic and erotic. I especially like the second one, Zahin and Anoop. I believe it's my best. Regarding that book, here is a portion of a great review from M.L. of Kansas, "What a beautiful, eloquently written love story! . . . a welcomed diversion and bright spot during this time of isolation during the pandemic. The plot kept me interested and excitedly turning the pages to the end. . . hot, passionate intimacy with incredibly warm tenderness which validated sacredness. . ."

Janice M. regarding Blast Book Four ". . . I loved the book.  There were so many ideas floating around in my head from your writings, and I understood everything you wrote about.  I saw the visions while traveling through the pages.   Thank you for your inspiration. . . ."

 

Please click here to go to the Amazon link to learn more about my books.
Books 1 - 6 of the Blast Series are also available.

Supporting the efforts of the Poetical Journal is greatly appreciated! To support, click here. (Scroll down to the donate button.)

For Unique Poetical Gifts click here!

Questions? Email me.

There were no new geographical information at this month.

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VOLUME XX – Issue 6: Sunday, July 25, 2021 (239th Issue)

Welcome

I am pleased to have you as a reader. If you enjoy the PJ, please encourage others to subscribe.

If your country is not listed in the demographic section at the end, please let me know so I can update the list.

The next Poetical Journal will be out August 29, 2021.

Ted Schnormeier, creator of world famous Schnormeier Gardens, taking a brief break

Opening Comments from Bob

This Issue: On our recent visit to Ohio, we were blessed to have Ted Schnormeier, the visionary behind the world-class Schnormeier Gardens, provide a personal tour of the grounds. Enjoy some of the photos taken during that tour. The poems, Citrus Grove and A Sprinkle, are two I enjoyed writing from pleasant memories. The vignette above provides pertinent information regarding Schnormeier Gardens. A new guest poet, John Lemon, has been added to my site.

Subscriber Residences: PLEASE let me know if your state, providence, or country is not listed in the demographic section at the end. There currently are subscribers in 27 states, 3 provinces, and 13 countries. See complete list near at the newsletter.

Next Month: The next issue comes out on August 29, 2021.

To become a friend on Facebook, click on this link.

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PLEASE! Supporting the efforts of the Poetical Journal is greatly appreciated! Any amount of donation is appreciated.

To support, click here.

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The Chinese Pavilion in the Chinese Cup Garden is now surrounded by foliage. When I first started photographing
the pavilion 8 years ago, it was fully visible.

Two Poems this Month

Citrus Grove

Walking through the grove,
   the glorious scent of citrus
   kisses the soul.
Fruits of deep orange
   cling to the trees,
   a visual temptation
   for all to see.
Meandering,
   the pace beyond slow,
   sensually absorbing
   the bounteous gifts flow.
In the distance,
   a hint of yellow appears.
Soon the scent
   of lemon
   brushes the nostrils.
Fragrances blend.
Perhaps a lesson
   for all to learn.

 


 

A Sprinkle

The rain gently falls
   not the deluge that soaks
   but the sprinkle
   that refreshes on a warm day.

One dances
   in the coolness
   of the moments.

Far in the distance
   a rainbow forms
   symbolizing the gift
   just bestowed.

Comments: Inspired by a brief walk in a recent rain in drought laden Utah.

 

The fish gather quickly near the deck-pier in the small lake when Ted does his daily feeding.

Ted and Jan talking while touring the gardens.

One of the fifty sculptures found throughout the gardens.

 

Peering from the garden next to the house across the small lake to the Chinese arch bridge

View from the small deck-pier toward the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home. Each of the two floors covers 4,000 square feet.

The Meadow Garden contains the zigzag bridge across the pond.

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New Guest Poet: John Lemon. I have not added a new guest poet to my site for over 8 years. John, a friend and prolific writer has traveled the world and written many poems and essays. I hope you enjoy his poem Senses.

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"There are several hundred cone bearing conifer trees in the Serenity Garden that have originated from the
far corners of the world." A serene ambiance is created by the artful blending of natural and man-made elements.

 

Water lilies on the lake.

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Recommendation

See the beauty that envelops you.

Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.

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The Stream Garden offers the tranquillity of a flowing stream surrounded by flora. "The focal point of the Stream Garden
is a four hundred foot long, six hundred gallon per minute mountain stream cascading through densely planted
adjacent beds and falling fifty feet in that distance."

Over fifty different varieties of hostas call the Hosta Garden home.

Scenes from the Waterfalls Garden

Quotable Quotes

"“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

"Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” – Will Rogers

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou

“Security is mostly a superstition. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller

The red Chinese arch bridge is visible from many sections of the garden. You will often see it in the background of my
photos. It actually connects the larger property to the very small Swan Island.
The teahouse below is next to the bridge.

 

A Bit of Humor

A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul

Lady (to her doctor): "What l am worried about is my height and not my weight."

Doctor: "How come?"

Lady: "According to my weight, my height should be 7 feet, 8 inches."

Compliment of A Joke A Day

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br2

The teahouse and bridge peering toward the Waterfalls and Quarry Gardens

br1

Looking across the lake from the house. Note the Chinese arch bridge and the teahouse to the right.

Tai Chi Corner

Take some time to learn tai chi. Contact Bob.

PJ Forum

If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please e-mail them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com. I personally respond to all. (When editing the comments for publication, I eliminate very personal comments and edit for spacing.

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"As usual loved the pictures and comments. Since there is so many places I have never ventured you seem to always take me away to beautiful places. Also really liked the quote from the Dalai Lama - so very true!" - Sarah from Heber City, UT (Ed: Thank you for your comments. I hope to continue to take you on new travel adventures.)

"Thanks again for sending. I’ve really enjoyed all of the pictures you shared on FB! I so appreciate it." - Billie from OH (Ed.: I have a lot of fun sharing them with readers and friends. I am pleased you enjoy them.)

". . . Thanks so much for such a positive review. I appreciate you pointing out the fact that most books are about the leaders, and George was just an ordinary soldier telling of the struggles in his brigade. I felt like I knew him personally by the time the book was finished. . ." - Bev from OH (Ed.: Bev sent me a comp copy of her book. The content portrayed the Civil War through the eyes of a Union private. One of the pluses is that the content is based on facts taken from the soldier's journal. If you are a Civil War buff, you will enjoy Beverly Wencek Kerr’s Life in the Mississippi Marine Brigade.)

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Reader Demographics

States - AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, NC, ND, NY, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, and WI     

Canadian Provinces - BC, ON, and QC;   

Countries - Albania, Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Turkey, UK, U.S., and Venezuela.

........Changes to this section will be updated each month.

If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.

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Book Reviews

Blast Series: Review by Janice M. regarding Blast Book Four: . . . I loved the book.  There were so many ideas floating around in my head from your writings, and I understood everything you wrote about.  I saw the visions while traveling through the pages. Thank you for your inspiration. . . ."

General: JJG wrote: I've read Bob's "To the End of Time" trilogy twice, each time gaining deep and deeper insights into the human condition. The three small volumes hold their own as good stories but also provide a unique glimpse into a new religious paradigm. Would that it could come to be.

Specific Book: To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey

David from Utah: "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."
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Jim from Mt. Vernon: "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."
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Kimberly from Ohio: "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."
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An Ohio Reader: "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. . ."
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Specific Book: Adelyn: An Epic Journey:

Ohio Reader: "In his book, Adelyn: An Epic Journey, Bob navigates the reader through a challenging journey in the time space continuum while exposing both the weaknesses and strengths of humanity. As Adelyn is exposed to the infinite love of The Source, the reader is challenged to understand how personal beliefs and actions often have more to do with cultural rather than spiritual influences. In a time and world filled with political anger and personal indulgences reading Adelyn offers the open-minded promise. It would make a great book study."

Specific Book: The Tao of Momentary Thoughts

Doug from Ohio: ". . . I was not prepared for page 116 Should have been because of the extremely personal nature of the entire book. Please understand that the unusual length of time to finish your book (especially for a binge reader like me) was because it screamed to be read thoughtfully in increments. For me that was 10-15 pages every weekend, often in quiet . . .Thank you for "putting pen to paper" and sharing your soul. Those of us who have followed Poetical Journeys will recognize much of the content. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to share part of your journey really feel a part of it."

Charles from Park City: "Hi Bob….I just picked up your The Tao of Momentary Thoughts.  It’s wonderful . . I love your book."

Ed from Seattle: The Tao of Momentary Thoughts: "I was smiling all the way through the reading . . .I think I will reread it again during the next week."

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PJ Online

To read some of the back issues of the PJ, go to here.

The next issue will go out on Sunday, August 29, 2021.

Until next time - joy and peace,

Bob

 


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Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Midway, UT 84049

bob@poeticaljourneys.com

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