Enjoy your Hawaiian visit.

(All pictures taken on Maui – more next month)
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The transition in February from freezing Ohio to warm Hawaii is a big Mahalo!
Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey
Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life

VOLUME VI ISSUE 1 - Sunday, February 25, 2007 – Issue #66

CONTENT

  • Welcome
  • Opening Comments from Bob: Starting Year Six
  • Four Poems: Returning to the Primal; Resting by the Sea; Sinning at Komodo Bakery in Makawao, Maui; and Makena Beach
  • My Newest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available
  • Vignette: Thoughts on Larry and Elinor
  • Guest Vignette: Diet, a Four Letter Word by G. Larraine Rush
  • Suggestions (Mainly focussed on Maui)
  • Quotable Quotes
  • A Bit of Humor
  • Surprise Calendar Contest #3 Winners
  • PJ Forum
  • Reminder: If you are filtering...
  • PJ Demographics – All 50 states and 69 countries
  • PJ Online
  • PJ Policies
  • Subscription information
E Komo Mai (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!

The next issue will be out on
Sunday, March 25, 2007.

Opening Comments from Bob - Starting Year Six

As you read through this issue, you will quickly realize that the focus is on Hawaii where three of us spent ten days this month. However, before moving to "aloha" topics, allow me to review briefly the Poetical Journal history during its five years of publication. This issue starts its sixth year. Five years have passed since the first issue was emailed on February 10, 2002. Over those years, the PJ has gone through a number of major changes that include shifting from twice a month to monthly; growing from two printed pages to ten plus, depending on the issue; and adding new topic areas such as quotes, jokes, and guest vignettes. The web version has gone through a major metamorphosis, especially this past year, with extensive use of pictures and now Quicktime movies.

During the five years, over $2,100 in prizes and $270 to charities have been awarded.

Readers have been very loyal. Of the close to 11,000 current subscribers, twenty-three percent have been with me since 2002 and an additional thirty-nine percent in 2003 making for a total of sixty-two percent who have remained subscribed for three years or more. That is phenomenal when you look at other e-zine retention rates. The monthly unsubscribe rate is less than .4%, which again is extremely low. On the downside, the new subscriber rate has dropped significantly over the last year. (I no longer do mass marketing – too expensive.) Less than thirty new subscribers joined in 2006. That rate must increase if the Journal is to survive. (Due to outdated addresses and stricter filtering, I lose more subscribers than I gain.) You can serve as my best sales reps by encouraging friends to subscribe. Some of you already do, and for that I am thankful.

But enough with statistics! I thoroughly enjoy publishing the PJ and interacting with you, the subscribers. The diversity and background of readers continue to fascinate me. I plan to continue to enrich and improve the Journal during year six. I look forward to having you along on that journey. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Four Poems this Issue

Yes, four poems in this anniversary issue – two rather serious and two lighthearted.
Returning to the Primal

The spongy Maui grass inches between the toes.
Movements of Tai Chi and yoga asanas
Bring one closer to Mother Earth and primordial memories.
Thoughts of youth flood the mind
Of hours spent in the summer sun
With nary a shoe nearby.

The grass is moist from last night’s shower
Adding new senses to tender naked soles.
The soothing, rolling Pacific waves
Add tranquility to the moments
As one turns inward,
Forgetting worldly events
Becoming lost in nothingness.

Time returns.
My soul's refreshed,
Wishing that more barefooted moments
Existed in life.

Comments: I spent much of my early childhood during the summers running around barefooted. Those were times before the hyper hysteria over getting cuts, germs, and infections occurred. Yes, you could even walk barefoot into a grocery store or restaurant without fear of being asked to leave. My recent Maui experiences brought back those simpler time memories.

Resting by the Sea

Time passed so quickly.
So much was left undone.
Now I spend eternity
Resting by the sea.

Comments: There is a small private graveyard near the cottage where we stayed. One of the graves was a short distance from the beach.

Sinning at Komodo Bakery
in Makawao, Maui

Upon first bite,
....the warm, sugary, Portuguese dough,
....a secret recipe from the homeland,
....releases its essence.
Sweet tropical nectar of guava,
....a gift from the demigod Maui,
....teases already aroused taste buds.
One weeps for lost diets
....as another bite only begins
....to fill the craving
....for these delectable malasadas.

Comments: Malasadas from this family bakery are incredible small doughnut like pastries. See the picture to the right. Sorry, technology has not yet been developed so that I can let you smell the fresh baked aromas or taste these marvelous confections via the Internet.

Makena Beach

Black rocks from molten past
....mark your boundaries.
A mile of fine pale sand
....lies between.
Isolated tidal pools
....teem with life.
In the distance, Molokai
....towers above the blue expanse.
Sun worshippers pay abeyance
....as they arrange their mats
....to best absorb the Maui sun.
A few shy tourists
....hover under iron trees,
....breaking in slowly
....their untanned skin.
Other bronzed bodies
....expose every legal inch.
A mother and small child
....play, kiss, and hug
....as if the only ones
....in the world.

Comments: Makena beach is the last major beach on Maui that has NOT been developed. Locals are vigorously fighting to keep it that way. It is a place of beauty as well as a poet's dream – so many stories were going on. I chose to focus on the mother - child interaction that was occurring about ten feet away. (See the picture to the right.)
The view where Returning to the Primal was written
Start of beach 50 yards from above setting
The inspiration for Resting by the Sea
Malasadas at Komodo Bakery
Mother and daughter on Makena Beach
Makena Beach from under the tree

The exciting back road to Hana
Haleakala Crater (Windy 41F degrees that day)

My Newest Book, An Oasis in a Cluttered World, is HERE!

An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available. If you enjoy the Poetical Journal and this web site, you will enjoy this book. It includes vignettes, poems, recommendations, and guest submissions. (If you order through my web site, you will save a bit, and if you so wish, I will sign the copy.) For more information, go to

A few copies of Wisdom from the Journey are still available.

Copies of my first book, The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey, may also be ordered.

Eye of the Needle
Vignette: Thoughts on Larry and Elinor

On our first visit in the fall of 1998 to the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, a handsome, distinguished, tall, thin gentleman, probably in his early seventies, strolled up to me following the service. He smiled broadly as he shook my hand and welcomed me, adding that he may have forgotten my name from another visit, but he appreciated us attending. He went on to say that he no longer remembered many things but that he still loved working with wood. "Did I have any interest in joining him?" That was my first meeting with Larry. Later, I learned that Larry was a former pastor of the church in the 60's and that he and his wife Elinor had returned following retirement to the congregation they loved. I also discovered that Larry had Pick's Disease ( a close relative to Alzheimers), a robber of memory and much of what we define as "self." Within months, Larry no longer attended as he had to enter a long-term care facility. While I never got to know Larry very well, I came to know Elinor as we worked extensively on church matters. The term "class" defined her as she handled publicly with amazing grace the gradual loss of the man she deeply loved. As the years passed, his condition deteriorated. Despite this, Elinor maintained a positive smile and on several occasions shared with me warm memories of the man who once was. On January 28, Larry became whole as he moved on to the next life. When I read of his passing, that momentary meeting we had in '98 flashed across my mind, and I smiled remembering his welcome and also the woman who stayed with him, "Until death do us part." I wonder what wood masterpiece Larry is creating now?

Guest Vignette: Diet, a Four Letter Word

G. Larraine Rush is back with a new guest vignette. I hope you enjoy! You may contact her at g_larraine@yahoo.com.

Sometime after the hustle and good cheer of the holiday season has faded into memory, I begin to notice where all those yummy cookies and huge festive dinners have settled. After weeks of putting it off, I eventually step on the scales, and no matter how quickly I jump off (as though this helps!) the numbers shout at me. I've often wondered why the great creator gave me a chunky person's appetite and not the mind set to go with it. Something to do with discipline and all that fun stuff, I guess. So if I'm going to get these pounds off, I have no choice but to diet. Let's face it, anything that begins with d-i-e cannot be fun! Celery sticks instead of chocolate, petite salads instead of large plates of pasta, and veggie burgers in place of the real thing. Very healthy, but not a real mood elevator.

After months of pure torture and not a very pleasant disposition ( Yes, my friends have been avoiding me ), I actually lose all those unwanted pounds. I celebrate by going out and buying lots of new clothes. (Yes, my old ones NOW fit, but "Heck, that's no fun!" ) But take heed my friends, Easter is fast approaching with all those candy eggs and chocolate filled bunnies. I fear I will be chomping once more on celery sticks sometime in the near future!

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, printing 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.

Recommendations
One cannot travel to Hawaii without coming back with many suggestions. Some are based on revisits while others are new. This month's focus will be on Maui. Next month's issue will include additional ones from the "Land of Aloha" including favorites on Oahu.
Funky Mambo's
Sign outside the cafe
Malasadas at Komodo Bakery
Restaurants: Even though Paia (the town where we traditionally stay) is a small community – thus, no need to directions – there are a number of exceptional restaurants within the downtown area. Dress is always informal. Most feature seafood as a specialty. However, most also offer excellent vegetarian as well as other meat options. The first group below are establishments I have suggested in the past, have revisited on this trip, and still believe they offer superb food, 8/10 or above. A favorite is Charley's, named after a dog – the late Charley P. Woofer. It is rated "the best breakfast on Maui." The Paia Fish Market for informal sit down or carry out provides great value - the food every bit as good as the much pricier Mama's Fishhouse down the road. For a Mexican twist, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Milagros Food Company. Another favorite is Cafe Mambo. As with everyplace in funky Paia, its service is laid-back and friendly. You will see many locals dining there, for me, a sign of good food. The tapas, paella, and fajitas are delectable. Finally, for a delectable gourmet experience, have at least one meal at the Hali'imaile General Store (tel. 808/572-2666). Many restaurant critics rate Bev Gannon, the chef - owner, as the best in Hawaii. Based upon our several lunch visits, we could not agree more. This Epicurean experience is located upcountry, about a 15 minute drive from Paia.

There are two new endorsement this year, both downtown Paia. The first goes to Cafe des Amis. The crepes are marvelous, the dessert ones – decadent, especially the chocolate with nutella. We paid two visits there on this trip. For incredible pizza containing all organic produce, visit the Flatbread Company near town center. The crust is unique in the most positive way. Visit its web site at http://www.flatbreadcompany.com.

Bakery: Komodo Bakery in Makawao, a small artist community upcountry from Paia, is where you can enjoy decadent malasadas (take my word – you will love them). Arrive in the morning while they are still warm. The cream puffs are also wonderful! (The poem above on "sinning" was inspired during my one of several visits there.)
Coffee: Frankly, I am not much of a coffee drinker. I prefer tea. However, my trip companions, Janice and Barbara, love their morning brew and are very particular about its taste and strength. They claim that some of the best cups of java that they have ever had were at Anthony's Coffee Company on the main drag of Paia.
Gardens and Gallery: 1) On my last trip I recommended and continue to recommend a visit to the Ali'i Kula Lavender Gardens in Upcountry. Getting there is as much fun as the gardens themselves. What views! Incidentally, if you plan to eat lunch there, reservations are a must. Besides viewing the flora, be sure to take home some special jams with hints of lavender. 2) If you love watercolor as I do, then a visit to Sherri Reeve's Gallery in Makawao is a "must add" to your list. Sherri's paintings are filled with vibrancy and details uncommon to many watercolor artists' work. She has done so many creative things with her art that any budget can afford examples of it. A real plus, the staff are very friendly and accommodating. Sherri on specific days is in the studio and will sign her work, whether it be a large limited edition print or a small art tile.

For more info on the lavender gardens, click here.

For more info on Sherri Reeve's, click here.
Artist Sherri Reeve at work
  • To read previous suggestions regarding Maui including places to see.
  • Purchase my latest book, An Oasis in a Cluttered World – I guarantee that the book will give you a chance to enjoy a momentary escape to a quiet oasis.

Quotable Quotes

"The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom in a happy mind." – Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919), an American author and poet. Her best-known works were Poems of Passion and her autobiography, The Worlds and I.

"Knowledge comes but wisdom lingers." – Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892), English poet often regarded as the chief representative of the Victorian age in poetry.

"What is beyond, is that which is also here." – Ancient Indian Aphorism

"Too much talk will include errors." – Burmese Proverb

A Bit of Humor

A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.

A police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street.
"But officer," the man began, "I can explain,".
"Just be quiet," snapped the officer. "I'm going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back..."
"But officer, I just wanted to say..."
"And I said to keep quiet! You're going to jail!"
A few hours later the officer looked in on his prisoner and said, "Lucky for you that the chief is at his daughter's wedding. He'll be in a good mood when he gets back."
"Don't count on it," answered the fellow in the cell. "I'm the groom."

Surprise Calendar Contest #3 Winners

Our winners are as follows: The two pocket calendars - Michele from Converse, TX and Claudia from Greenwood, SC; Bob from New Port Richey, FL won a wall calendar. Congratulations to each of you!.

PJ Forum

I regret that I cannot publish all of the comments. However, I personally responded to each one. Below are samplings of comments received this month. If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please email them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com.

Special Thanks to Fer Dumont in Venezuela for encouraging others to subscribe.

Rob Joseph's Book V in his science fiction series is in pre-publication stage. To learn more

"Stunning start to the 2007 journeys Bob, marvelous photography and subjects and the poetry ain't too bad either. Well done old friend. A happy new year to 'the family' all over the world. " – Jerry from Victoria, Australia (Ed: Thanks much, Jerry. Don't forget to checkout Jerry's book, Hard Labour. To purchase, go to http://www.lulu.com – type in "Jerry Hughes" to locate the book.)
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"Great edition, Bob. Loved the movie and the music by Char. Also, the pictures from Florida were glorious and especially after my invigorating Nike+ipod walk in the 31 degree temperatures. Keep up the good work," – Haven from Ohio (Ed.: Thanks much! This month in Ohio you certainly have had opportunities for snowy, invigorating walks..:-)
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"This month's PJ is particularly wonderful...enjoyed both the poems and the the QT movie! Thanks for sharing!" – Andy from Ohio (Ed.: Much appreciated!)
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"Thanks for publishing my response re Annie Dillard's book... Please carry on with this glorious and colorful newsletter. I've given up on mine...I...now refer folks to your publication and that of Nina Sweeney." – Joe from Dover (Ed.: Thanks, Joe. I really appreciate everyone who encourages others to subscribe, now my primary marketing source. Joe published a fine informational newsletter regarding literary happenings for four years. Some readers may remember my recommendation regarding The Pale Horse Press. I was sorry to see the newsletter end but realize the tremendous amount of time and energy that is required.)
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"I agree with you about the Ohio State game. If we all put such energy toward the world's issues, maybe we wouldn't be where we are...in another war. I've been to the No Name Pub. I had a fish sandwich there! Yummy! I've been to Key West twice now and just loved it!!! . . . I read your latest book. It is - again - wonderful! Each poem takes the reader to another world, another time, another place...My imagination was satisfied again upon reading it! Keep on writing..." – Island Woman (Ed.: Due to space, I combined comments from two emails. Yes, the Keys are a wonderful place to visit. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the many events that inspired it.)
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"The Toll of Time is beautifully poignant, your article about the BCS championship game is profoundly true, and Annie Dillard is one of my favorite writers. Thanks for an excellent issue of PJ." – Jim (Ed.: I always appreciate Jim's comments. He is an excellent poet and writer in his own right.)
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"I absolutely love your newsletters. Sometimes I save them to read several times until the next one comes. Thank you sooo much." – Tina from Michigan (Ed.: I am sooo glad you enjoy them!)

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 odds 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, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, & Quebec), Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Ghana, 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, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad - W.I., Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, 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, March 25, 2007.

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. 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.
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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.)


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Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Fredericktown, OH 43019
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
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