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In this issue
enjoy pictures
of Maui
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Off the western coast
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Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey
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Mission: To provide poetical and
...............................thoughtful comments on life
VOLUME VII – ISSUE 1: Sunday, February 24, 2008 – Issue #78
SIXTH ANNIVERSARY
Welcome to the Hawaii Issue
and the start of Year 7 for the Journal.
CONTENT
- Welcome & Online Version
- Opening Comments from Bob: Starting Year 7 – Times have changed
- Three Poems: Footprints, Henry, and Hey Joe
- My Latest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available.
- Vignette: A Morning Constitutional
- Suggestions
- Quotable Quotes
- A Bit of Humor
- Contest coming soon!
- Pay It Forward Update
- PJ Forum
- Reminder: If you are filtering...
- PJ Demographics – All 50 states and 69 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!
The next issue will come out on Sunday, March 30, 2008.
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Opening Comments from Bob - Starting Year 7
......................................................– Times have changed
February starts the seventh year of this publication. Of my current subscribers, over six thousand have been with me for five years or more. I am grateful for their loyalty. While I realize that many do not open the newsletter every time, I appreciate those who read it. I always smile when I receive an email from ones who open a copy after a hiatus and write that a particular article, poem, or comment "grabbed" them. Like you, I subscribe to a number of newsletters, some which I always read and some that I only open occasionally. But, I definitely read cover to cover the ones for which I pay a subscriber fee.
If you have been reading recent issues of this newsletter, you are aware that I moved from the "pay Bob concept" to the "pay it forward" one. In the last issue I had a group of readers pledge either money or time to jumpstart their premium membership which will be good until February, 2009. (Many of the new premium subscribers also received this year's Poetical Journeys calendar.)
To become a premium subscriber is very easy. For U.S. and Canadian subscribers, in 2008 make a special $20 donation to a charity of choice, or you may volunteer two or more hours toward a charitable effort. Notify me of the fact, and you will reach premium membership. Easy enough! Ideally, your donation will be a new one, not one you were going to give anyway. If you so choose, as two subscribers did, you can donate in the name of Poetical Journeys (The address is at the bottom of this newsletter.). That is cool because it lets charities know of our PJ efforts. For other subscribers, please choose the monetary amount or time you wish to donate to your charity of choice, and let me know. That will move you to premium status as well. (My goal is not to place a financial hardship on anyone who wants to be a premium subscriber.)
To learn more about premium membership and what it entails, click here.
Finally, I trust you will enjoy this expanded anniversary issue.
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| Footprints
In the sand a meandering line of footprints
.....testify to the remembrance of a life
.....passing through.
As the waves roll in,
.....the imprints soften, fade,
.....and then disappear,
.....as if never there.
Will that be my story?
Comments: I was walking on Makena Beach on Maui and noticed footprints that were disappearing with each wave. At that moment, I asked the question that many of us do.
Henry
A friend died.
My heart weeps
And smiles
As I remember
Who he was
And the life led.
Comments: A very brief poem summarizing my feelings about a very complicated individual whom I was privileged to know. Forty lines could not say more than what is encapsulated in these. Rest in peace, good friend Henry Millward.
Hey Joe
Lost in Honolulu,
.....seeking Chinatown,
.....we ask strangers
.....where this mystical place is.
We were sent there–then there–
.....but still not there.
Upon our third try,
.....a dapper Chinese gentleman
.....provided precise directions,
.....“One block over and five down.”
Off we trod in search of the fabled East.
Two blocks later, still in doubt,
.....our paths cross again.
Joe's his name.
He smiles, “Follow me,
.....my wife sent me to purchase
.....some rambutans.”
"What?” Our education begins.
Four blocks and an hour or more later,
.....we have tasted this fruit from the East,
.....bitten into its soft spines,
.....and knew the best place to buy–
.....all following dining at Joe's luncheon place.
Ready to depart
.....we asked one last question,
“Hey, Joe, how do we get home?”
.....He smiles.
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| Joe, sister Joy, husband Harvey, and our rambutans |
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| Comments: This poem is a somewhat humorous look at 'being lost' and some of the discoveries that occurred. We arrived in this situation because the 'on and off' tour bus departed before we finished our shopping at Hilo Hattie's. (I think that was part of their plan.) Rather than wait the 40 minutes for the next bus, the three of us – my sister Joy, brother-in-law Harvey, and I – decided to make our own way to the next stop, Chinatown. There we wanted to have lunch and then would board the bus at the Chinatown stop for our ride back to the hotel. Through helpful advice, we arrived near our targeted destination but began receiving conflicting information. As the poem states, Joe, a retired civil servant, personally led us there. On his advice, we enjoyed several options that would not have occurred without him. He served as our personal guide while visiting his area of Honolulu. In short, Joe, you are one fine fellow! |
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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.
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Vignette: A Morning Constitutional
When I travel on vacation, I have an early morning routine that includes a series of yoga asanas (stances-forms) and Qigong (chi gong) exercises. I usually end with a short form of Tai Chi, meditation, and journaling. In Hawaii there is a favorite park near the Honolulu Zoo that I like to perform the initial routines before going over to the beach area benches to journal. Since I usually do these shortly after sunrise, my activities cause minimum public notice. This year was especially rewarding as I was able to introduce my sister Joy and brother-in-law Harvey to the joys of very basic yoga and chi gong stances. They were faithful students as we practiced almost daily. On our next to the last day, we were in for a real treat. We were at the park and well into our forms when I noticed three Orientals, two women and a man, observing us from the sidewalk about twenty-five yards away. Two of the women were imitating some of the yoga stances. Soon, they were walking our way, smiling and unabashedly discussing our activities among themselves. After a few bashful moments, they joined our practice. Granted, their yoga postures were not exact, but who cared–we were having fun. I quickly discovered that their English was limited and my Chinese nonexistent. Nevertheless, we exchanged greetings, communicating mainly with smiles and gestures. As I moved into the Tai Chi form, I realized the gentleman was far beyond my skills. They continued their practice with us until we closed. As they walked away, the fellow continued to perform extremely graceful moves. It was my turn to follow and mimic. Believing he did not see me, I copied as Joy and Harvey laughed. The roles had reversed. To my surprise, he turned around and smiled, knowing that I had been mimicking him. We bowed and separated. Strangers brought together by universal understanding.
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.
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| Recommendations
Maui, Hawaii : Faithful readers know that when I travel to Hawaii, I always return with recommended 'musts' should you visit that part of the world. This year is no exception. This issue will focus on Maui. Next month I will focus on Oahu. As always, most of my suggestions are not the traditional ones around the congested Lahaina-Kihei-Wailea areas. Instead, they are where the crowds aren't.
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To Do: Besides driving the road to Hana, seeing the view from the top of Haleakala, taking a whale watching boat tour during the winter months (the Lahaina area), enjoying the many beaches, especially Makena, be sure to take the drive to Tedeschi Winery in Upcountry. A fun time even if you don't drink wine! Be sure to stop along the way to take pictures and visit the little shops and stores. Enjoy lunch (very low key and informal) at The Ulupalakua Ranch Store just across the road from the winery. (If Johnny is cooking, tell him that Bob sent you.) But don't turn around there, as most tourists do; instead drive at least 10 miles farther down the road to see the dry side of Maui and the black volcanic remains. The farther you travel, the more isolated you become. Eventually, the road becomes unpaved and single lane. Sadly, you can no longer complete the back circuit to Hana due to a huge landslide.
A Place to Stay: Finding a place to stay in the Paia is becoming more and more difficult. There is an anti-tourist wave hitting the Islands even though it is a major source of revenue for many. This year we stayed at the Blue Tile Beach House with million dollar views and feet from the ocean. The prices were reasonable for that part of the world. We plan to stay there again. If you stay there, be sure to tell them that Bob sent you.
Food: Even though Paia (the town where we traditionally stay) is a small community – thus, no need for directions – there are a number of funky restaurants serving delicious meals 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 establishments below have been suggested in the past and continue to receive that status. They offer wonderful food, 8/10 or above. 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. At Cafe des Amis the crepes are marvelous, the dessert ones – decadent. We paid two additional 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.
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 one of the best in Hawaii. Based upon our numerous lunch visits, we could not agree more. This Epicurean experience is located upcountry, about a 15 minute drive from Paia. (The evening pricing is much steeper.)
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! Despite the distance, we always make several visits there during our stays.
For coffee drinkers I continue to recommend Anthony's Coffee Company on the main drag of Paia. Two companions claimed it to be the best coffee they have tasted.
Gardens and Galleries: 1) Ali'i Kula Lavender Gardens in Upcountry is a wonderful, almost meditative place to visit. Walking the grounds can be serene with expansive views of the Maui coastline below. 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. Over the last several years, these gardens have continued to expand. In speaking with the owner, Alii Chang, he has just begun! 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. Ask for Eloise to assist you. 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. 3) A new gallery recommendation this year, though I have visited it many times, is The Curtis Wilson Gallery located downstairs from the Kula Lodge Restaurant. The gallery is small but contains some of the most magnificent images of Maui or of anywhere else I have seen. Though I cannot afford a traditional print of this talented artist's works, I have purchased beautiful cards and small framed copies that are within everyone's budget. Incidentally, the restaurant above serves very good food with a stunning view.
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Haleakala Crater
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| Tedeschi Winery |
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| Road beyond winery toward Hana (dry side) |
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View from Blue Tile Beach House room
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Ali'i Chang giving talk
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Ali'i Kula Lavender Garden
includes large picture below
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"Silence is a friend who will never betray." – Confucius
"Be not afraid of growing slowly. Be afraid of standing still." – Chinese Proverb
"Even our enemy is useful to us because, in order to practice compassion we need to practice tolerance, forgiveness, and patience, the antidotes to anger." – Dalai Lama
"When work is a pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is slavery." – Maxim Gorky (1868 – 1936), Russian playwright.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." – Leonardo da Vinci
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.
A guy was lonely and so he decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. He went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet.
After some discussion, he finally bought a centipede (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for its house. He took the box back home, found a good location for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to a restaurant to have a meal.
"Would you like to go to Frank's with me and have a bite to eat?" he asked the centipede in the box. But there was no answer from his new pet.
This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked him again, "How about going out and having a snack with me?"
But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask him one more time–this time putting his face up against the centipede's house and shouting, he said, "Hey, in there! Would you like to go get some food with me?”
A tiny little voice came squeezing out of the box in reply, "I heard you the first time! I'm putting on my shoes."
(Again, special thanks to Tom and the Alcove Restaurant Loyalty Program.)
Contest Coming Soon!
By clicking on this link you can see our top winners from the last contest, #21. Anyone who has won a poet print in the past and would like to be pictured on the Grand Winners Page, please send via email a jpg of you holding the print.
As of February 23, 2008, the following has been pledged:
- Total Monetary: $1,807
- Total Volunteer Hours: 585 hours
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.
"Bob, my good friend, a very happy, rewarding, and fulfilling new year to you, and yours. When the PJ for 2008 flashed up on the screen in this my 77th year, two things crossed my mind instantly – how lucky I am to have the unquestionable love and devotion of a very special lady, my Alison. The second, how lucky we PJ'ers are to have your input month after month as a sobering and calming influence on our lives. Thank you, mon ami. May your god always walk with you. . ." – Jerry from Victoria, Australia (Ed.: Happy Birthday to you, Jerry! Also, thank you for your very generous comments.)
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"I trust this message finds you well and in good spirits. Thanks so much for including me on your mailing list. The first time I received your newsletter, it kind of caught me by surprise. However, after reading through the newsletter and also checking out your poetry, I remembered meeting you last April in Columbus when I read for the Ohio Poetry Association. . ." – Okantah (Ed.: Thank you! Okantah is a wonderful, very talented poet. A visit to his web site is well-worth your time.)
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". . .I loved the winter pics from Ohio. I miss the seasons, even snow and ice, but I have found that having lived in the Houston area for over 20 years, my body doesn't tolerate the cold like it used to. . ." – Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: Thanks, Bobbie. I am not sure if this Ohioan tolerates it any better.)
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"This morning's frosty scenes imitate the beauties in your newsletter. My "pay-it-forward" membership, a
noble idea I applaud, is a contribution to The Justice League of Ohio, with a note honoring your website and nurturing of poetry for all. For several years my grandchildren have responded enthusiastically to this altruistic idea, with my gifts to them going forward in their choices for Heifer International: 'the best gift of all, Grandma!' What more to hope for than to have your children grasp this idea of kindness and compassion. Here's one thrilled grandparent. Thank you for photos, inspiration and dedication." – Elinor (Ed.: Thank you! I printed your entire comment as I wanted subscribers to read of your gift idea with your grandchildren.)
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"My mom shared with me your poem about the Monet painting. I, too, went to the Columbus Museum of Art to see the exhibit. Monet is an artist dear to my heart. I have several of his paintings hanging in my apartment (in poster form, of course). I feel so honored to be able to see the 'real deal.' He is truly an inspiration for recognizing the beauty of nature. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words!" – Megan (Ed.: I am pleased that you enjoyed the poem. I am also appreciative that your mother forwarded you a copy of the newsletter.)
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"Just a note on the PJ. I enjoyed the January issue, especially your poem on Morning Mists by Monet and the winter scenes in Ohio. You certainly get your share of snow, ice, and cold weather. :-) On a visit to NYC, we went to MOMA where Monet's Water Lilies were on display; of the Impressionists, he's a favorite of mine. . ." – Sharon from Mexico-Texas (Ed.: As always, thank you so much!)
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 Sunday, March 30, 2008. It will be the annual Hawaii Issue as well as the Seventh Anniversary one.
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.)
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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