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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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Two years and growing!
VOLUME III ISSUE 1 - Sunday, February 29, 2004
CONTENT
• Welcome & HTML Version – 3661 New Subscribers
• Opening Comments from Bob: Celebrating the 2nd Anniverary
• Three Poems this Issue: My Secluded Beach, Maui Senses, and Leviathans of the Sea
• The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey Available
• Vignette: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
• Recommendations
• Quotable Quotes
• Contest #14 Coming in March
• PJ Forum
• Reminder: If you are filtering?
• PJ Demographics - 50 states and 63 countries
• PJ Online
• PJ Policies
• Subscription information
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E Komo Mai (Welcome)
As you will discover, this issue has an Hawaiian flavor. I am pleased to have you as a reader. A special welcome to the 3661 new subscribers. If you enjoy the PJ, please encourage others to subscribe. Also, if your country is not listed in the demographic section at the end, please let me know so I can update the list. Thanks much!
To view the HTML version along with accompanying pictures go to (You are already there.):
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com/pj31.htm
If somehow you received this newsletter without personally subscribing, please accept my apologies. Information on how to unsubscribe appears at the end of the newsletter.
The next issue will come out on Sunday, March 28, 2004.
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Maui from offshore
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| Typical coastal scene |
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Opening Comments from Bob - Celebrating the Second Anniversary
Aloha,
As I write this introduction, I continually look up from my padded Adirondack chair and marvel at the huge rollers coming in from the Pacific. Palm trees are on both sides, and our private cottage just outside of Paia, Maui is behind me. The sun is just rising over Haleakala, the major dormant volcano on the island. What a place to write an introduction for this celebratory issue!
On February 10, the Poetical Journal (PJ) celebrated its second anniversary. (The original journals came out twice a month rather than monthly.) The concept regarding the PJ evolved from a trip I took around the world in 2001. (My book, The Wanderer, focuses on that journey.) During that adventure, I emailed about 20 of my family and friends periodic summaries of my adventures along with accompanying poems written about my myriad of experiences and observations. Just short of a year later, on February 10, 2002 the inaugural issue of the newsletter was emailed to slightly over 50 people, all family, friends or close acquaintances. Since I did not want to be guilty of sending unsolicited email, I explained that to receive a second issue, the individuals would need to subscribe. About 31 decided to give this fledgling e-zine a try, especially since it was free. Word of mouth added a few more subscribers. The second issue was sent on February 24 to 78 subscribers. This anniversary issue was emailed to 19,236 subscribers. The early editions averaged two printed pages. Today's PJ runs nine. Through 13 contests, winners have had a total of $290 donated to a wide variety of charities. Because of reader responses, I have individually corresponded with thousands of subscribers. A few have become dear Internet friends with whom I correspond regularly. The newsletter mission has always been To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life. I write each issue with that in mind. From the responses I receive, many of you believe that occurs. As I stated in my first anniversary introduction, I also “try to share my joy for life…provide a brief respite…pique your curiosity and occasionally touch your conscience.”
For the future, I am conversing with friends on ways to expand the PJ concept. In the March Issue, I will offer a survey asking for your input. Until then, I hope you enjoy this anniversary issue with a definite Hawaiian theme. Oh yes, thank you for subscribing and for your support. I trust many of you will still be with me for the third anniversary issue – the Creator willing, etc.
Mahalo
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Three Poems this Issue (All with Hawaiian themes.)
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My Secluded Beach
The stylized clouds
....rest gently upon the Pacific horizon
....as the blue-gray sky awaits first light.
Haleakala rises behind
....where the demi-god Maui1
....again holds the sun at bay.
The isolated white sand beach
....stretches around the cove.
The once molten lava, now black,
....is worn smooth by thundering waves.
Able to restrain the sun no longer,
....Maui again lets go.
Quickly, the first beams of day hit the breakers
....reflecting brilliant whiteness.
Soon the coal black rocks sparkle and gleam
....as if turned into exquisite diamonds.
Reaching up, I can almost touch the blue sky.
In return for this awe-inspiring gift,
....all I can do is exclaim,
....“Thank you! Thank you!”
Comments: We all have special memories. This poem is written about such a memory on our first day on Maui. The secluded beach is about 160 yards from the cottage where we stayed. (To read more about the origins of this poem, please read the vignette below.) A version of this poem was also written into the Kai Hale (our cottage name) Logbook. (Please see Recommendations for comments about the cottage.)
1 Hawaiian legend tells the story of the god Maui climbing up Haleakala to trap the sun. The purpose was to force the sun to agree to longer days for part of the year and shorter ones for the remainder, thus, creating the seasons.
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Beach entrance just at sunrise
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| A portion of the beach |
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| Rocks reflecting early morning sun |
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Some of the best windsurfing in the world
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| Lunch at the Ulupalakua Ranch General Store |
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| Back road to Hana (NOT for the timid) |
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Maui Senses
Days are filled with tropical hues,
....azure, magenta, coral, indigo, to name a few
Scintillating scents of
....gardenia, ginger, tuberose, and more
....permeate the air.
The brilliant blue above
....matches the Pacific far below.
Pitch-dark nights are
....broken only by natural light.
Coastal towns
....from busy Lahina to laid-back Paia
....offer a multiplicity of ventures.
Beaches welcome every ilk and kind,
....even au naturel for those so inclined.
The greens of Upcountry
....shade the steps to the past –
....100 year old churches,
cattle country, ranches,
....and small general stores.
From above, Haleakala stands watch
....over all.
Comments: If you have been to Maui, you understand what a special place it is. The air has a fresher smell and the colors more intense. We chose to move away from the hustle of Lahina and stay in Paia. For my morning Tai Chi lessons I drove to my instructor’s home located in what is called Upcountry, the area along the sides of Haleakala. While Paia is laid back, Upcountry marches to an even slower pace. Of course, the abundance of beaches and adventure options assure you of many choices and options. But wherever you are on the Island, you cannot escape the influence of Haleakala – from the weather to the simple act of driving from one location to the other.
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Leviathans of the Sea
These leviathans cause mere humans
....to pause in awe
....as whales merely do what they do.
How can such majestic creatures
....glide so smoothly through the water
....and yet with a few strokes of their tails
....breach 30 feet or more into the air?
Some argue, they are more intelligent than humans.
If so, one humpback,
....like a great Shakespearean actor,
....plays the crowd,
....breaching again and again
....smiling at the antics of those watching
....graciously accepting the cheers and adulation.
Comments: A variety of Alaskan and Japanese whales choose to winter in the straits around Maui. The reason is that the warm waters allow the young to grow strong before having to weather the cold of the north. You can park at a number of lookouts along the road and observe whale activity. But, choosing to take a whale sighting tour allows you to observe these creatures in close proximity. The particular tour we were on turned out to be quite spectacular. One humpback breached (rose out of the water) 15+ times. We cheered at the spectacle. Even the captain of the boat was quite astonished, stating that she had never seen such a display.
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The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey
If you enjoy the PJ, you will enjoy my book. For more information, go to:
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com/book.htm or
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=8802
The book may also be ordered through Amazon, Borders, or your favorite bookstore.
Vignette: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff |
For our seven days on Maui, we stayed in a beautiful cottage named Kai Hale. Rising before sunrise on the first morning, I decided to take a short walk to a secluded beach for a time of quiet and thanks. At the last minute, Jan decided to join me. As she shut the door, she exclaimed, ?The door is locked!? The problem was that the last tenets had taken the key with them so we had no way to get back in. Also, the time was far too early to bother our hosts who were soundly sleeping in the house next door. Perhaps you are better than I, but I muttered a few unpleasant comments both inwardly and outwardly. Following a bit of mutual finger pointing, we decided, ?What the heck!? We strolled to the beach and welcomed the sun rising over Haleakala. Ninety minutes later we returned to our cottage and found Phillip, one of our hosts, outside readying for work. We sheepishly hung our heads and explained the situation. He laughed, walked over to one of the windows, removed the screen, stepped in and opened the door. All this took less than three minutes, a far shorter time than we had earlier bemoaned our plight. I thought about how often we complain and worry over issues that ultimately are very trivial. If we had not chosen wisely, we could have missed a magnificent first morning and the sun rising. The draft of the poem My Secluded Beach was also written that morning.
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If you have a vignette you would like to submit on any theme that fits the tenor of the PJ, please email it to
vignette@poeticaljourneys.com
Not only will I enjoy reading it, but if agreeable with you and space permitting, printing it in a future issue. The vignette should be written in paragraph form and relate a personal story or event. Ideally, it should not exceed fifteen lines.
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| Recommendations |
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As you probably already guessed, today's recommendations focus on Hawaii, an area I return to again and again. (As a reminder, these are personal ones for which I receive no remuneration.) Should you travel to that part of the world and use them, I would appreciate feedback. Please let me know whether you agree or not.
1) Maui
Be sure to – watch the windsurfers from Hookipa Beach, travel the entire road around Hana (not for the timid), ride a bike from the top of Haleakala (You only need to pedal about ten times until arriving in Paia.), take a whale watch tour (winter months only), and of course, simply chill.
Housing – Kai Hale is a reasonably priced cottage offering a million dollar view. It is located just outside of the small community of Paia. A small secluded beach is nearby and larger public ones within a few minutes drive. The hosts, Beverly and Phil Binney will make you feel welcomed. We plan to return for a longer stay. For more information, click here.
Restaurants – Even though Paia is a small community, there are a number of exceptional restaurants in the area. Dress is always informal. All of these feature seafood as a specialty. However, most also offer excellent vegetarian as well as other meat options. A favorites is Charleys, named after a dog – the late Charley P. Woofer. It is rated 'the best breakfast on Maui.' Others include Jacques Northshore for dinner, and the Paia Fishmarket (great value - the food every bit as good as the much pricier Mama's Fishhouse down the road) for informal sit down or carry out. For a Mexican twist enjoy Milagros.
Located in the nearby art community of Makawao Town is a small laid-back restaurant called Cafe del Sol – great spot for lunch. You need to ask a local for directions as it is hidden back in among a group of shops.
Finally, for a delectable gourmet experience, have at least one meal at the Haliimaile General Store (tel. 808/572-2666). Many restaurant critics rate Bev Gannon, the chef - owner, as the best in Hawaii. From our lunch experience, we could not agree more. This Epicurean experience is located in Upcountry, about a 15 minute drive from Paia.
Bakery – Enjoy decadent pastries, especially Maui-Sadas (take my word - you will love them) at Simply Sweets Bakery, 150 Hana Way. #102, Kahului, Maui.
2) Oahu
While much of the focus has been on Maui, I must mention our newest eating discovery on the Northshore of Oahu. (It is the sister restaurant of Haleiwa Joe's at Haiku Gardens that I recommended in earlier edition.) The restaurant is Haleiwa Joes Seafood Grill in Haleiwa – wonderful food, superb service, and romantic setting. By the way, request for prompt, knowledgeable, friendly service Christian C. to be your waiter.
3) As always, I encourage you to visit my web site at
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com.
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Quotable Quotes
All the quotes today are Hawaiian proverbs taken from The Columbia World of Quotations 1996.
"Things will not mourn you, people will."
"A rat eats, then leaves its droppings."
"A fallen tree does not rise again."
"Life is in the mouth; death is in the mouth. "
"It is the space inside that gives the drum its sound."
"One can think of life after the fish is in the canoe. "
"Always clung to by barnacles." (Said to one who is a constant attraction to the opposite sex)
Contest # 14 – Coming in March
Originally, I was going to sponsor a special anniversary contest. However, I decided to hold off a month to tie it in with survey participation.
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PJ Forum
Below are comments from readers. Because of space, I have abbreviated some. My gratitude to all who submitted. I enjoy hearing from readers. If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please email them to comments@poeticaljourneys.com
A special thanks to the following who shared their poetry with me – Wendy W., Stacie, L. Alyson, Brenda, and J.M.Also, thank you to everyone that wished us a safe journey on our trip!
"As my cup of Earl Gray cooled, I was reading the newest journal and appreciating the ice sculpture photos and poem. My mind wandered to the awesome ice castles built in St. Paul, MN, for the annual winter carnival and would highly recommend that one of your goals be a visit there in late January for a fabulous and unusual experience. One that was lighted with colored lights at night will always remind me of being there with friends and my dear spouse on a very chilly evening. Of course! Then there have been the years when too warm weather canceled the Disney-like structures or tons of ice had to be hauled in for their construction. No matter our high 'goals', or even those of an historic winter entertainment event, our being in charge is suddenly scuttled by the whimsies of nature or the mysterious Being with which we are inextricably entwined. Congratulations on this huge enterprise that continues to spiral upward!" – Elinor (Ed.: Elinor is a faithful reader. Her comments are always articulate and welcomed.)
After reading your vignette on tea, I'm wondering if I should switch back to tea from coffee. My morning coffee does wake me up, but I'm not getting the same pleasure you're getting from your tea! Hot chocolate might come close, but then I think of the calories and that takes care of that! I liked reading about the ice sculptures. They can be really amazing! Hamilton, Ohio has a display every January and when we went to see them last year we were quite taken with them...." – G.L. (Ed.: I roared with laughter after reading G.L.'s comments. For those who missed it, the reference is to my vignette last month on the pleasure of drinking brewed tea.)
"Bob, nice newsletter, enjoyed Ice Sculptures. The gleam is not all faceted fire, but perhaps our 'persistence of memory.'" – Kathleen
"I love every part of your Journal and look forward to it every month since happening on to your site! Very inspirational!" – Bobbie
"Is there any way I could get a poem for a paramedic or for paramedics..." – Linda (Ed.: I responded that I will write commissioned poems. Linda wanted one for her daughter-in-law's graduation from paramedic school. She commissioned me to do one, which I did with pleasure.)
"I think the journal is full of fresh talent and you have a great way of writing humor......I look forward to receiving it! Most of my poetry is way too long for an online magazine, but I like to do poetry where the first letter of each line has a nice little message.... Your newsletter is great!" – Robin (Ed.: I appreciated Robin's generous comments. I requested one of her poems, which she sent. Thoroughly enjoyed it!)
"A group of us gathered at our favourite Chinese restaurant last Friday, January 23, to celebrate (that was our excuse), the Chinese New Year of the Rat. Totally, our ages, the 6 of us, added up to 421 years. And I consider myself extremely privileged to be a part of Australia's living history." – Jerry of Victoria, Australia (Ed.: May you have many more years!)
"...Hope you have a wonderful trip. Sure would be nice if you could share some photos when you all get back. Have a wonderful time and enjoy every minute being together." – Norma (Ed.: Norma wrote a very kind email with some personal comments. Yes, you can go to my site with the accompanying poems above to see pictures of an American paradise.)
IF YOU ARE FILTERING
Like you, I receive many unwanted e-mails. However, sometimes some e-mails I want to receive are filtered for a variety of reasons. May I suggest that you place the following in your address book or approved senders list: poetjournal@poeticaljourneys.com This process will increase the chance of you receiving your issue.
READER DEMOGRAPHICS
Geographically, every U.S. state is represented. Subscribers also live in Albania, Argentina, Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, & Western Australia), Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario & Quebec), Chili, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad - W.I., Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, and Zimbabwe.
If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.
PJ Online
To read or copy back issues of the PJ, go to http://www.poeticaljourneys.com and click on the Poetical Journal icon in the left frame.
I plan to send the next issue on Sunday, March 28, 2004.
Until next time - Mahalo,
Bob
PJ Policies
Guest Poetry: Often readers send me a poem stating they would like it included in the PJ. Many of the poems are well-written. Even though 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 govern the number that can be accepted.
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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.
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Unsolicited Mailing: The PJ is never sent unless requested. However, if you believe you received the PJ unsolicited, please notify me. I will unsubscribe you.
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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!
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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 book. Actually, many are never aware of their listing. One may ask, "Why on occasion 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 have used them.)
Subscription: To unsubscribe click on your individualized unsubscribe e-mail at the end of this newsletter. (Not appropriate for this web page.) Or send a BLANK e-mail (Be sure not to write anything in the subject or body) to
leave-poetjournal@pro.netatlantic.com
If you are not already a subscriber, to subscribe go to
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com/subscription.htm.
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Fredericktown, OH 43019
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com
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