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If you are reading this and have not signed up for your free subscription to the Poetical Journal, please click here.
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In this issue
enjoy pictures
taken on Oahu
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Surfing Pipeline on
the North Shore |
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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 2: Sunday, March 20, 2008 – Issue #79
Welcome to Part 2 of the Hawaii Issues
CONTENT
- Welcome & Online Version
- Opening Comments from Bob: Calling India, etc.
- Two Lighthearted Poems: Oh God, will this ever end? and An Ode to Jet Lag
- My Latest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available.
- Vignette: A Life Remembered: Mabel Mertz
- Special: Mabel's Prescription for Life
- 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, April 27, 2008.
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Opening Comments from Bob - Calling India, etc.
I am headed to India on business during the week of April 7. I have a fair number of Indian subscribers. If any of you live in the Bangalore area and would like to be treated to dinner, email me. I would love to meet you. Yes, barring the unforseen, the April issue will focus on my Indian experience.
Each month, the number of premium subscribers continue to increase. If you haven't upgraded, I encourage you to do so. It 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 some 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 go to the link just below. (My goal is not to place a financial hardship on anyone who wants to be a premium subscriber, hence the volunteer service option.)
To learn more about premium membership and what it entails, click here.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
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Two Lighthearted Poems this Issue
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| Oh God, will this ever end?
The elegant woman sits trying to be discreet.
Her face is warm despite the cool blast
as she quietly wipes her brow.
In the car the air conditioning flows at full throttle
as she strikes the shivering man’s hand
away from the controls.
Quietly, she prays,
"Let this too pass,
preferably sooner than later."
Comments: My middle age women subscribers need no explanation. This poem is based on an actual event.
An Ode to Jet Lag
Biological clocks convey more than time –
like the meticulous watchmaker,
they modulate our internal rhyme.
Though you try to fake them out,
it takes awhile for tic-toc balance
to come about.
Alas, no matter how you struggle,
dozing off amid Fantine’s solo
can occur.
Or, you leap out of bed
craving those specialty pancakes –
suddenly noting it’s 3 a.m.,
and you’re wide-awake!
But alas, just as our timepieces
are once more aligned,
homeward we go to start over again.
Comments: For those who travel multiple time zones, they understand how jet lag can be an inconvenience with which they have to deal. Though there are methods to limit its impact, still time is required for the internal clocks to catch up. Nothing is more embarrassing than being at a dinner party with important clients and fighting the urge to drift off amid the second course. I will never forget, as part of a business trip, going to one of my favorite plays, Les Miserable, and falling asleep during the second act – at least it wasn't during the dinner.
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| Walkway in the Foster Botanical Garden |
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| Early morning Waikiki |
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| Enjoying the beach |
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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 Life Remembered – Mabel Mertz
The two sisters sit looking through a treasure trove of memories. Giggling, laughing, sighing, and on occasion becoming silent, a tear or two in the eyes. Only days before, their ninety-eight year old mother had passed to the next life. They are beginning the task of cleaning the single room in the assisted care facility – removing the remaining physical remnants of a long and useful life. The sisters are her daughters Janice, my wife, and Marcia. The deceased is Mabel Mertz, my mother-in-law, a strong-willed woman who taught for decades. 'Giving' and 'Doing' were her mantras. In fact, Mabel into her late eighties delivered Meals on Wheels to those less fortunate and years younger. She was also an avid poet who distributed her muses to families and friends on birthdays and life celebrations.
As the two remembered long forgotten pictures and events, I contemplated how family lives are interwoven by those mutual events. For the two, the memories were only pleasant ones – loving parents raising fine children into adulthood. I, too, experienced similar events growing up in a house of warmth – so blessed compared to many in this vast world.
When death visits a loved one, one's mortality rears its head causing the bigger picture to come into focus. As I listened to the daughters reminisce and later when I read emails and cards from Mabel's friends and her students from decades before, I smiled warmly. At the funeral service, the pastor eulogized on her love for this small town church and her years of dedicated service. All reaffirmed my belief that positively touching lives are the greatest gifts we can bestow upon others. "Well done my good and faithful servant" are undoubtedly words that Mabel heard when she took that next step.
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.
Special: Mabel's Prescription for Life
My mother-in-law had a great prescription for life. Enjoy reading about it by going here.
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| Recommendations
Oahu, Hawaii : Last month, I focused on suggestions for Maui. This month, the focus is on Oahu.
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To Do: When I speak with individuals who have traveled to Hawaii, they talk about how glad they were to "get out" of Honolulu and go to one of the other islands. For me, I thoroughly enjoy Waikiki and Honolulu, always spending a day or two there before moving on. (I use the first night there to help catch up with some of the jet lag.) Quality restaurants and lodging abound in a concentration found in only a few other U.S. cities. The city is also filled with a fascinating history. One way to learn more about it and observe the sites is to take the Waikiki Trolley. It picks up at most of the hotels and provides an overview tour of the city. There are on and off privileges that permit you to stay as long as you want at the stops. Yes, there are some of the inevitable tourist shopping stops, but you can ignore or enjoy, depending on your mood. This time I concentrated on several stops that I had bypassed before. Foster Botanical Garden is a tranquil respite in the center of the city. Gorgeous! The Buddhist temple at the entrance is worth a respectful visit. Last month, I offered the poem Hey Joe that described our Chinatown experience. Be sure to stop and meander among the shops and restaurants. The Arizona Memorial and the Mighty Mo are also definite stops for first-timers. Finally, be sure to rent a car or take public transportation to the interior and the North Shore of Oahu. The scenes will equal or exceed any you will find on the other islands. During the winter months, you can spend hours watching the surfers on Pipeline. Though I have visited the Valley of the Temples (7-200 Kahekili Highway) over a dozen times, I still enjoy stopping for some quiet time and remain in awe of the overall setting. There are worship places for each major religion. However, the most architectually memorable is the Byodo-In Buddhist Temple, a replica of a 900-year-old temple in Uji, Japan.
A Place to Stay: Though there are hundreds of places to stay, I continue to return again and again to the newly renovated Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel. (It was a Radisson before.) It is a block off of Waikiki, centrally located, and has a very friendly staff. I will especially mention Frills who has worked at the location for many years. As she efficiently checks you in, be sure to say "Hi" from Bob.
Food: In Waikiki (Honolulu) there are so many restaurants from which to choose. (Of course, there are the ubiquitous chains, but why travel to the Islands to eat at the same places that you can visit any day at home?) Keo's Thai Cuisine at 2028 Kuhio Avenue is one establishment where I have eaten many times. The food has always been excellent 8+/10 every time. If you have a choice, ask to have Kristine be your server. Her friendly service will add to your dining enjoyment. When traveling the North Shore area, stop at one of the many shrimp wagons. Prepare to get your fingers messy as you devour the seasoned shrimp. On a hot or rainy day, enjoy world famous Matsumoto's shaved ice located in the small village of Haleiwa on the North Shore.
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"Pearls lie not on the seashore. If thou desirest one, thou must dive for it." – Chinese saying
"Tomorrow's wind blows tomorrow." – Koji (8th C. Zen master)
"You wander from room to room hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck!" – Rumi
"All human beings should try to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why." – James Thurber
"If we don't turn around, we just may get where we're going." – American Indian saying
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.
Management Quotes
Editor: A while back, a magazine was asking readers to send in real quotes from statements made or memos sent by the management where they work. Here are a few "classic" examples. (I am not listing the companies, but you would be surprised.)
As of tomorrow, employees will only be able to access the building using individual security cards. Pictures will be taken next Wednesday and employees will receive their cards in two weeks.
What I need is a list of specific unknown problems we will encounter.
E-mail is not to be used to pass on information or data. It should be used only for company business.
This project is so important, we can't let things that are more important interfere with it.
We recently received a memo from senior management saying: "This is to inform you that a memo will be issued today regarding the subject mentioned above."
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 March 22, 2008, the following has been pledged:
- Total Monetary: $2,102
- Total Volunteer Hours: 793 hours
- Number of Premium Subscribers: 23
To learn more about premium membership and what it entails, click here.
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.
Former guest poet Janice Bumbalough Marler has returned with an Easter appropriate
poem entitled In the Garden.
"Greetings my friend and thanks for the 78th, excellent as usual. The photos made me envious. Wonderful tribute to your friend Henry Millward, Bob. Here we are with two months of the 'Year of the Rat' shot to bits already. I shouldn't squeak, so it's upward and onward if a tad slower. . ." – Jerry from Victoria, Australia (Ed.: As always, thanks. We both hope for world improvements.)
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"This is just a short note on receiving your latest edition of Poetical Journeys. . . How much pleasure your journeys give to your readers, whether to an art gallery, a winter scene, or best of all to a tropical paradise. There is always peacefulness to be had in both words and photographs in your reports and a real respite for your readers among the hub-bub of our urban lives. May your next one be as happy and successful a visit. . .” – Elsie from Quebec (Ed.: Such generous comments – much thanks! Elsie also shared with me her joys of visiting London and became a premium subscriber.)
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"In reading a new website, I discovered this stunning poem by John O'Donohue written as a blessing
to his mother on the death of his father and thought you, too, would appreciate it's wonder: And when your eyes / freeze behind / the gray window / and the ghost of loss / gets into you, / may a flock of colors / indigo, red, green / and azure blue / come to awaken in you /a meadow of delight. Such a rainbow of thoughts for a snowy day, almost certainly one of grief somewhere." – Elinor (Ed.: I thought you might enjoy this poem that Elinor sent.)
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"After reading this month's PJ and enjoying the pictures, I totally agree with Jerry from Victoria, Australia. I needed the sobering and calming effect the pictures and your poems provided. . ." – Mavis from Ohio (Ed.: Thank you. Mavis also shared poignant additional thoughts.)
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"The Hawaii issue of the PJ has been a favorite of mine, for some years now....at least five I think! The ocean, the scenery, and the wonderful gardens captivate the senses…to be a bit poetic. Wouldn't it be nice to have that setting for all your yoga mornings...to write...to let the mind wander. Enjoyed the humor of Hey Joe and the meaningful lines for your dear friend Henry. I may just have to order some lavender products...very tempting..:-) Thanks again for the beauty of this issue," – Sharon from Mexico-Texas (Ed.: Sharon is a frequent contributor. Her comments are always appreciated. Regarding the "lavender," she is referring to Ali'i Kula Lavender Gardens mentioned in the last issue. You can order online at http://www.aliikulalavender.com)
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, April 27, 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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