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Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey
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Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life
VOLUME IV ISSUE 6 - Sunday, July 31, 2005
CONTENT
• Welcome & HTML Version
• Opening Comments from Bob: The Land of the Hibiscus
• Blogging or Not
• Two Poems: Bermuda and Father of the Bride
• My New Book – Wisdom from the Journey
• Vignette: Bus Stop at Somerset by Bob
• Recommendations
• Quotable Quotes
• A Bit of Humor
• Contest #17 Winners along with vignettes
• PJ Forum
• Reminder: If you are filtering...
• PJ Demographics – All 50 states and 67 countries
• PJ Online
• PJ Policies
• Subscription Information
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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. Thanks much!
Again, I encourage you to read the html version. (You are already there.)
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, August 28, 2005.
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Opening Comments from Bob - The Land of the Hibiscus
Much of this issue will focus on a recent visit to Bermuda, an island nation where flowers, especially the hibiscus, rule. One of the joys of traveling is meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. This trip was no different. I have visited Bermuda twice before, the last time in ’76. While there were some familiar sights, there were far more changes. The climate is still hot and muggy and blessed with sunshine and spectacular cloud displays. The beaches are still sandy white but far more crowded due to the increased number of cruise ships that dock there. A total of five, including one mega ship, were in port at three different locations. Due to the fact of the winding, narrow roads and everyone driving on the left, visitors are prohibited from renting cars. A wise decision by the government. However, tourists can rent mopeds, which multiply by the thousands when the ships arrive. Likewise, the emergency squad runs increase proportionally. The standard of living is extremely high, a fact of which Bermudans are quite proud. The large increase in tourism and vacation homes purchased by outsiders has changed the appearance of the countryside. It is now covered with pastel white roofed homes. Very little undeveloped land remains. But one thing has not changed, the people remain friendly and welcoming. If you enjoy the Caribbean type climate and a clean, safe environment, you may want to add Bermuda to your tour destinations. Incidentally, if you enjoy gourmet eating experiences, some of the best I have ever experienced were during the five days there. (My recommendation section mentions several locations.)
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Blogging or Not
Out of the many emails I received on last month's issue only one person responded to my request regarding whether to create a blog or not. That individual did not believe that blogging fit the overall tenor of the PJ. I still have not made a decision on the issue. However, since that June issue, I spent five days, as part of my paying job, at Apple Computer in Cupertino, California. While there I had a glimpse into the future. Wow! I picked up a number of new ideas that will be incorporated into this newsletter and my web site in the coming months. I believe you will find them to be a quality addition to furthering the mission of this modest enterprise.
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Bermuda
White roofs and pastel painted homes
rise along the deep green hillsides
of this island nation.
Turquoise, translucent water
and white sandy beaches
are its signature.
The humid heat envelops
and the cooling ocean breezes
bring relief.
With twilight fall, tree frogs begin
their unbroken all night chorus.
Mopeds by the thousands
zip in and out along the winding roads,
all driving on the Commonwealth left.
Honks and beeps,
especially among bus drivers,
signal amicable greetings.
A smile soon follows.
The Queen’s English rules,
with proper dress decorum of course.
Where else do national shorts
and long socks serve as business attire?
Conversations flow easily
on this friendly isle,
a cosmopolitan blend
always willing to share the Bermuda Spirit.
Comments: I hope you enjoyed this word portrait of this beautiful land.
Father of the Bride
A tuxedoed man walks among the crowd,
a subtle sense of loss on his face,
almost asking, “Can it be?”
There is a void
for he comprehends
that his life has changed forever.
His once little girl is a woman,
a new bride.
Soon, he again becomes
the doting father
shaking hands and greeting
those who have come to celebrate
the two lives now joined.
Comments: I recently attended a friend's wedding of his only daughter. During the reception my eyes were drawn to him for a few moments. He appeared lost and melancholy. Suddenly, the mood passed, and he was again smiling and shaking hands. I scribbled the draft of this poem on a napkin during those moments of observation. Later, I gave him a poet print of it that included a picture of his daughter. He smiled and said that it captured the feelings he was experiencing at the time.
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| Pastel painted homes |
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| Locals talking before buying ice cream |
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| Arriving St. George's Harbor |
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| A small section of Horseshoe Beach |
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A typical Bermuda view in Somerset
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My New Book: Wisdom from the Journey
Wisdom from the Journey can be ordered through most book stores including Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com. It is a compilation of the "best" of the Poetical Journal including opening comments, poems, vignettes, guest vignettes, and recommendations. The book would make a great gift. Check out the following to read more and obtain ordering information. (If you order through my web site, you will save a bit, and if you so wish, I will sign the copy.). For information, please click here.
Copies of my first book, The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey are also still available. For information, please click here.
Vignette – Bus Stop at Somerset by Bob
Sometimes the potentially mundane becomes the pivotal point to an adventure or simply generates a feeling of “I am glad that happened.” Such an event occurred during a recent visit to Bermuda. In July, it is hot and muggy, humidity at 84% or more. Thus, a bit of shade providing a momentary respite from the sun is a blessing, especially if you catch a cooling offshore breeze. Even the bus stops serve as momentary oases. On such a day, following a brief lunch and a short walkabout in the small village of Somerset, we headed to the nearest stop to catch a ride to Horseshoe Beach, ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. As we waited, we eavesdropped on a conversation occurring between two Bermudans. From my observations, a Bermudan has never met a stranger. The friendliness of the people is easily recognizable by the frequent friendly honks to the constant laughter. Apparently, most know each other or a friend that does. Gradually, we worked ourselves into the conversation. Within a few minutes, you would think we were old friends sharing life experiences. One gentleman was the former head of the prison system within the country and is now semi retired. He had a story or two to tell! The young woman was a nurse. When she discovered that I was a writer, she quickly offered to talk with her husband about taking us around the island via boat, something we had hoped to do but had not figured out how to accomplish. With the arrival of the bus, we parted, I feeling much better about humanity and more knowledgeable about the politics and island life. The following day, I received a call from her husband, letting us know he was trying to line up a boat. But alas, an electrical outage and the loss of phone service came between us and the tour. However, the fact that this total stranger went to the effort to try to make our stay in her beautiful country more meaningful was deeply appreciated. Since I gave her my card, I hope she is reading this and understands the appreciation I feel for her kindness. Perhaps someday, I may be able to take her husband up on that offer of a water tour along Bermuda's beautiful coastline. Though the scenery is incredibly picturesque, the people who inhabit this friendly isle are the true beauty of this country.
If you have such a memory and want to share it in a vignette, please e-mail it to me at
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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| Coral Beach (much less crowded) |
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| Recommendations
As you might guess, the recommendations focus on Bermuda. The first naturally is, if you have an opportunity to visit this friendly isle, by all means please do so. Upon arriving, to save expense, I highly recommend that you buy a multiple day pass that allows unlimited use of the public bus and ferry system. The public transportation is frequent and dependable.
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| 1) Horizons and Cottages: This upscale, exclusive resort located a few minutes outside of Hamilton has a panoramic view of the ocean and countryside below. Beautiful Coral Beach is a few minutes away. The hotel provides a golf cart shuttle on a regular basis. If you are traveling to Bermuda for the first time, I would encourage you to take advantage of their meal plan, excellent value for this food expensive island. The dining options and meals are some of the best I have experienced in my lifetime. One of the meal options is to dine at the sister resort Waterloo House. The experience is a true culinary treat. Horizon's daily afternoon tea is quite scrumptious. Men, expect to wear a coat and tie in the evening. This former 18th C. plantation and now the prestigious Relais & Chateaux rated resort prides itself on friendly service. I found that the staff met my highest expectations. If you purchase one of their packages, you also have free access to the golf course and tennis courts. While not inexpensive, H & C is good value for this upscale island. We met a number of people who have been returning to this resort yearly. One couple was spending their thirteenth season there. To learn more go to: http://www.horizonscottages.com |
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2) Bermuda Rum Cake Company: For some fun, enjoyable taste treat, and unique gifts for the family, visit this specialized bakery located at the Royal Naval Dockyard (an old fort-dock site that has been turned into a shopping area - an easy ferry or bus ride from Hamilton – suggest taking the ferry there and the bus back). The owner told me he is selling anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 cakes a week. While there, in the same building, be sure to watch the young glass blowers do their magic. For more information, go to http://www.bermudarumcakes.com.
3) Talk to the people: Even if you are a bit shy, try to be bold and speak to the people. You won't regret it. We had some amazing and enriching conversations with locals.
4) As always, I encourage you to visit my web site at
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com
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Quotable Quotes
"The travel writer seeks the world we have lost—the lost valleys of the imagination." – Alexander Cockburn (b. 1941), Anglo–Irish journalist.
"Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection." – Lawrence Durrell (from Bitter Lemons, Dutton, 57)
"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilization, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints." – Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894), Scottish novelist, essayist, poet.
A Bit of Humor
Do you ever have the feeling that there are too many laws? Here are more samples of actual laws that are still on Ohio's books.
More of Ohio's Crazy Laws
- If you ignore an orator on Decoration Day to such an extent as to publicly play croquet or pitch horseshoes within one mile of the speaker's stand, you can be fined $25.00.
- The Ohio driver's education manual states that you must honk the horn whenever you pass another car. (Imagine the racket on the four lane highways.)
- No one may be arrested on Sunday or on the Fourth of July.
- Bexley city ordinance number 223, of 09/09/19 prohibits the installation and usage of slot machines in outhouses.
- In Cleveland, it's illegal to catch mice without a hunting license!
If you think Ohio has some strange laws still on the books, our neighbor Indiana isn't any better.
I will quote only one law.
Compliments of http://www.ahajokes.com
Contest #17 Winners
With each contest the competition becomes stiffer. A new entry record was set. Also, many wrote personal comments which added to my reading enjoyment.
The WINNERS are Freda from Hamilton, Ontario – a signed hardback copy of The Wanderer; Rachel from Fredericktown, OH – a signed hardback copy of Wisdom from the Journey; Georgia from Victoria, TX – signed paperback copy of The Wanderer; Nick from Brampton, Ontario – signed paperback copy of Wisdom from the Journey; Pat from Apple Valley, OH and Dimples from Old Fields, WV – each win a PJ mug; and Julie from Turlock, CA – $20 donated in her name to the American Cancer Society. The Grand Prize Winner is Bobbie from Pearland, TX who chose the numbered, framed print for the poem The Stream of Life ($85 value).
Below are just a few of the many comments. There were so many GREAT stories but not enough space. Thus, I created a special web page for you to read the complete versions plus some that are not included below. To enjoy, click here.
(Ed.: Several submitted poems which I enjoyed reading. However, per policy, guest poetry is not included in the PJ.)
"...my childhood memories, the best of which occurred on the island of Aruba. As I'm sure you are aware, this is a big, controversial issue at present. The media has monopolized on the missing girl to an unbelievable extent...Having grown up on this wonderful island, I am distressed, to say the least, about the defamatory press...the twelve years I spent there were picture perfect, an unspoiled, beautiful and happy existence. We had no fears or worries; life was a bowl of cherries, so to speak. One cannot take away the beauty of the beaches, the friendliness, and generosity of the Aruban people. continued on web page" – Sharon from Texas
"One of my favorite childhood memories is playing catch with my dad. I couldn't catch the football at all that day until my dad started putting money on the line. At first it was, "If you can catch this ball, you will win $10." Now, I made sure that it was ten DOLLARS and not BUCKS since my dad liked to use that little loophole and proceed to buck me 10 times if I won. Of course, having the heart of a true professional football player, I caught the ball. My dad, not liking to lose, gave me a double or nothing chance at more money. I, of course, took the risk and continued on web page" – Craig Casey (Yes, my son submitted this round)
"From being raised in a VERY VERY small town in Missouri, my fondest memories are of the July 4th celebration in that small town. Tables and chairs would be set up on the main street, with red, white and blue everywhere! continued on web page" – Bobbie from Pearland, TX
"If the weather wasn't nice enough to play outside, we could always find something fun to do inside. One thing that brings back pleasant memories is playing covered wagon on our beds in the "girls' bedroom" upstairs. My best friend Georjean and I would pick the big, bouncy, double bed for our wagon and my sister Joy (the youngest and you know how that goes) would get the twin bed in the corner. We'd pick out "dress up "clothes from Mom's wardrobe continued on web page" – Larraine from Cincy
"My most favorite childhood memory is the special love I felt and still remember of my Nana when she and I walked hand in hand to pick up my much older cousins from Brownies. She had bought me a pair of white moccasins, which had beading on the top part of the shoe, and I felt like a fairy princess walking in them. continued on web page " – Steffanie from Vancouver
"One of my favorite childhood memories was when I was allowed to get my own kitten. My grandmother's cat had just had a litter of kittens, and she let me pick one. But, my mom said it had to be female. Being the youngest child of three, I picked the runt. I still have the cat to this day. Her name is Boots, because of her black body with a white belly and white paws. She is like my baby girl, and sleeps with me at night." – Julie from Turlock, California
PJ Forum
Below are samplings of comments received this month. If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please email them to comments@poeticaljourneys.com.
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Our guest poet this month is Rachel Blevins. She is the first guest poet to submit Haiku. To read her work, click here.
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"Your photo of an incredible sunset awed me! Throughout our years of camping I was always urging Larry to photograph sunsets for me, from the Canadian Rockies to Cape Hatteras and Cape Breton Island, never tiring of the intricacies of pattern and gorgeous palette of color from a Master's touch... And I will never cease to search for the sunset among the trees to validate God's creation. What food for the eye and the soul!" – Elinor (Ed.: Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this issue's URL version with accompanying photographs.)
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"Very good! I really enjoyed reading this one, and agree 100% to what it says." – Velma (Ed: Velma is referring to my mother-in-law Mabel Mertz's poem from last month, Prescription for Life.
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"I loved the poem by your mother-in-law, Mrs. Mertz! What a remarkable lady she must be with such a positive outlook on life. Indeed, we must all open our hearts to friendship, the giving and the sharing that provides the warmth and happiness to each one of us. How naive it is to think that we can go through life alone, and how empty such an existence would be. One of my dearest friends is my high school English teacher, a friendship that has lasted for over 40 years. Mrs. Mertz's words are not only a prescription for life, but a perspective on life, one that only comes with age, a time to reflect upon just who and what we are. Please relay my appreciation to her for sharing this delightful poem and thanks to you, as well, for sharing so many journeys along the way." – Sharon from Texas (Ed.: Mabel was very grateful for your comments. Also, Sharon's poem The Time of Year will appear on the Dana Literary web site http://www.danaliterary.org, August 1st.)
[Here is Mabel's poem again in case you missed it: http://www.poeticaljourneys.com/guest41.htm]
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"...Yes, I remembered about July 5th since much earlier than the previous PJ issue (which, by the way, was simply great. Very enjoyable! ...) In fact, I told you that all Venezuelans celebrate our Independence Day on that date and also promised to remember you and say a little prayer over you and your loved ones every year along that specific day. That date is a marked one on my "mind calendar" since, my friend...." – Feryerith from Venezuela (Ed.: I was very touched that Feryerith sent me an e-card on July 5. Some of you may remember from earlier issues that July 5 is celebrated as my second birthday, the day I was given additional years in this lifetime.)
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"It was really nice to read the poem Lakeside Redux ... Thanks a lot, I agree with you in this view that upon reflecting, the summation of life is often a culmination of special memories. Sweet memories are always with me, just like the strength of life. I have some sweet memories that are always mysterious….I could not visualize those fully but just could feel in my own depth….when the day ending light with all its golden-orange brightness enlightened me with lots of soft feelings. ... I should try my best to write about Mrs. Mabel Mertz's poem in another email. It was superb!...perhaps something more! to read her Prescription for Life could be a real prescription to the people of this frustrated world!!!!"– Tultul from Bangladesh (Ed.: I am always fascinated by Tultul's comments. She also shared poetic thoughts on her trips to Sundarbans.)
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"Mon ami, lovely photography, great poems, how... do you keep the momentum and enthusiasm going? ... Loved Ohio's laws, they're priceless." – Jerry of Victoria, Australia (Ed.: One of the aspects of writing the Journal that I most appreciate is the expectation that forces me to write and publish by a specific date. Otherwise, I would procrastinate, especially when I have a million other things to do. Secondly, the feedback I receive fuels some of that enthusiasm.)
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, subscribers reside in all U.S. states. Subscribers also live in Albania, Argentina, Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, & Western Australia), Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, & Quebec), Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Ghana, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad - W.I., Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam, 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.
The next issue will be out on Sunday, August 28, 2005.
Until next time - joy and peace,
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 and quality govern the number that will be accepted. I currently am not accepting poetry from minors.
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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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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. 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 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.) 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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