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In this issue
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Spring from
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Spring along the
bike trail
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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 5: Sunday, June 29, 2008 – Issue #82
CONTENT
- Welcome & Online Version
- Opening Comments from Bob: Thanks and Jerry
- Become a Premium Subscriber
- Two Poems: Eternity (2) and The Knell
- My Latest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available.
- Guest Vignettes: Readers reflect on the seasons
- Suggestions
- Quotable Quotes
- A Bit of Humor
- Contest #23 Winners
- Surprise Contest for Web Viewers Only
- Pay It Forward Update
- New Premium Subscriber
- 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, July 27, 2008.
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Opening Comments from Bob - Thanks and Jerry
First, thanks to those who sent me birthday greetings on the 29th. Nice to be remembered. Secondly, I enjoyed meeting subscribers who visited during the two-day open house at Schnormeier Gardens. An estimated 2,000 guests experienced these unique, magnificent gardens. Also, thanks to all who entered last month's contest. Other than my calendar contests, the number of entries was the largest ever. You can read some of the comments in the Guest Vignettes below. Finally, thank you to Alison for updating us on Jerry's progress. Please read on about one of my favorite Aussies.
Jerry from Victoria, Australia has become a friend over the years, though it be a distance one. Since subscribing close to seven years ago, Jerry has seldom failed to write or comment on an issue. We have exchanged emails on a variety of topics. He has great passion, sometimes irreverent, for fairness and a belief that one can improve the world. If you regularly read the PJ Forum, you are well-aware of who Jerry is. You will note in the forum at the end of this issue that he was going in for open heart surgery. Since this newsletter is being written well into June, he has had the surgery.
Alison, Jerry's wife, sent me a detailed email that started with, "Jerry asked me to get in touch with you after the op. It's been fourteen days (Ed. June 3rd). . ." Alison explained that the surgery was successful but complications developed following it. He will be in extensive therapy for a number of weeks, the recovery taking some time. Thus, his familiar forum comments may not be with us for awhile. I am looking forward to their return. Until then, for those so inclined, I would ask that you remember him in your thoughts and prayers.
I will forward to Alison any emails of support I receive.
You may enjoy reading the poem that I wrote for Jerry on his 75th two years ago.
Become a Premium Subscriber
I continue to encourage you to upgrade to premium membership. I make no profit from it, and you are helping others. To upgrade is very easy. For U.S. and Canadian subscribers, in 2008 make a special $20 donation or more 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 have, 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 non U.S. and Canadian 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.
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Two Poems this Issue
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Eternity (2)
Is it like the incessant waves
Rolling from the sea?
Or, is it like their constant roar,
Sometimes louder, other times quieter,
But always there?
Upon awakening someday,
Will what one sees be changed forever,
Or will it be a mere step
Into nothingness but everythingness?
For now, this moment,
Breathe in and breathe out.
Eternity can wait.
Comments: The "2" signifies that it is my second effort at addressing this eternal question.
The Knell
Waiting for her last breath to escape
....allowing the soul to transcend human form,
....the daughters reminisce.
The photograph of the now long-gone
....beloved husband and father
....rests at the bedside.
“Here, he has glasses on, and here he doesn’t.”
The two sisters talk and laugh
....about childhood adventures.
Pictures long-saved by their mother
....are passed back and forth.
Bits of frozen time come alive again.
On, into the night,
....they listen to their mother’s faint breaths.
Comments: This poem was written during my mother-in-law's last day upon this earth. As she lay in her bed, Janice and Marcia went through the many pictures and mementos that Mabel had brought with her to the extended care home.
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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
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Vignette: Comments from Contest #23 – Favorite Season
Below are some of the comments received regarding these subscribers' favorite seasons. Most have been edited. Sorry, not all could be included.
Winter
"My favorite season is winter. To me it is a time of rest and introspection. While the world is sleeping and resting, I like to rest and look deep inside myself at what has occurred over the past 3 seasons and what I can start to change in anticipation of the future season of spring. It's like the cold car battery that is cold and quiet, and then you turn the key and it generates energy to warm you up! " – Michelle from Converse, Texas
Spring
". . .after a bad winter it is so good to see the leaves coming on the trees and the birds . . .singing their best tunes. Then also you can open your windows and let the fresh air in. . ." – Corrie from Bridgenorth, Ontario, Canada
". . .Spring has come in Montreal too, the return of the birds, the flowers and the smells of newly turned earth are a panacea for those of us who live in a city. Small plots of greenery with lily-of-the-valley and other spring flowers, trees that are covered with white, pink give a lift to one's spirit. This, in a busy city otherwise known for heavy traffic, with the tooting of car horns and the resulting air pollution. How I wish that you had been here last summer when the hollyhocks were in bloom. They were showing so very many colours white, pink, rose and dark purplish–the bees had a wonderful time. In fact, there were a great many honeybees that visited these flowers, where they came from I do not know as this garden plot is small and in the middle of the city. However, the bees must have been very tired after a long flight as many of them were seen to be sleeping in the centre of a blossom. The bees would gather the nectar and then settle down for a snooze, often staying in the same flower for at least 10 minutes before flying off to some other place. This is the second year that the behaviour has been observed. Hopefully, they will come again this year and for a repeat performance. . ." – Elsie from Montreal
Summer
". . .I am choosing summer for my favorite season. I imagine a few people will make this their selection. My reasons are more nostalgic, than the mere weather factor. As a child, I spent all my summers with my grandfather, who has since passed on. We did everything together, from camping to trekking to the local library. Every Sunday he would take me to McDonalds for a pancake breakfast. Granted not the best in the World, but as a child it was a five-star meal. Since losing my grandfather to Alzheimers, I have become very humbled during the summer months. I always am taken back to those times I loved so much. I have decided that this year I will do these things again, but with my nephews instead. I hope to instill in them the same feelings I have this time of year. For me, summer is all about family. . ." – Freda from Hamilton, Ontario
". . .I like to garden, pick wild berries in the mountains, catch salmon in the river, fish for trout in creeks, camp outside, and play my guitar–its such a sensational time for me to unwind. No internet, cell phones, radio, TV, electricity, or wristwatches for a couple weeks in the wilderness–just plain Mother Nature and my family!!! Home made music with my guitar, horses to ride (park vehicles). My favorite season!!! Can`t wait!!" – Vi from Barons, Alberta, Canada
Fall
"Crispness in the air, the smell of wood smoke–first time using the fireplace. Thanksgiving - Favorite holiday, just goes along with the Fall season. Leaves turning brilliant colors. Buying new clothes. October - my birthday!" – Bobbie from Pearland, Texas
". . .I feel like it is a rebirth of all the seasons. Maybe because I was born in October. I dearly love the bright colors of the trees at that time of year, walking through the crackling leaves, and the many birds winging their way to warmer states." – Coral from Lake Tapps, Washington
"I've always found autumn the loveliest time of year, certainly my favorite. For me, the changing colors, the falling leaves, the cool briskness of the breeze, all reflect the slowing down of the world from the newness of spring and the boldness of summer. I think it is best said in the words of Albert Camus - Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." – Sharon from Texas/Mexico
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
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- Whatever your favorite season, take time to enjoy now.
- A special is being run on several Poet Prints. Take a peek.
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"If there is to be any peace, it will come through being, not having." – Henry Miller (an American writer and painter)
"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." – Dalai Lama
"If a man reaches the heart of his own religion, he has reached the heart of the others too." – Mahatma Gandhi
"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." – Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) An artist, teacher, and master of Abstract Expressionism who created the Push Pull Theory of Abstract
". . .Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. . ." – Robert F. Kennedy
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.
As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him,
"Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on I-280. Please be careful!"
"Heck," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"
(Again, special thanks to Tom and the Alcove Restaurant Loyalty Program in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.)
Contest #23 Winners
I mislabeled the last contest as #22. It was actually #23. However, it made no difference in the winning selections.
Congratulations to the following winners: Vi from Barons, Alberta and Michelle from Converse, TX won autographed copies of The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey; Coral from Lake Tapps, WA, a PJ mug; Freda from Hamilton, Ontario, a PJ pen; and Bobbie from Pearland, Texas, my last Peace Candle. Sharon from Texas/Mexico will have $20 donated in her name to the American Heart Association. The grand prize winner was Corrie from Bridgenorth, Ontario who won the poet print, There for All. I am pleased that many of the contest winners are sending pictures that will appear later on the Grand Winners Page.
By clicking on this link you can see winners from earlier contests. 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.
Surprise Contest for Web Viewers Only
Win the newly designed PJ Ballcap. The first five (5) who respond will automically win. Deadline is July 4, noon EST. To enter: 1) You must be a PJ subscriber; 2) Send an email to me and type in the subject line "Hat Contest 3". (All international subscribers are urged to enter.) You may add additional comments in the body, but that is not required. Ideally, you will also send me a picture of you wearing the hat to go on my winners' page. BUT, that is not required either. I am trying to test how many move from the text email to the web mail. Good luck!
As of June 28, 2008, the following has been pledged:
- Total Monetary: $3,847
- Total Volunteer Hours: 945 hours
- Number of Premium Subscribers: 31
To learn more about premium membership and what it entails, click here.
Welcome to New Premium Subscriber
Welcome to new premium subscribers Erin from Fredericktown, OH; Michele from Converse; TX, and Robert from Colorado Springs, CO.
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.
There are two guest poets this issue. Be sure to take time to read.
Erin Farrell Salva's Faith Community Garden
JB Whalen's Itzamana (foam of the sea)
"Greetings mon ami, the Spring issue arrived two days before I'm admitted for open heart surgery, and I want to thank you most sincerely for your thoughts and prayers. There's no doubt it's going to be a testing time but with the strength of Alison's love, and the sincere good wishes of so many will make my recovery very much easier. . ." – Jerry from Victoria, Australia (Ed.: Several of you sent well-wishes which I forwarded to Jerry.)
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"I love the pay it forward membership plan…what a beautiful and simple way of translating poetical thoughts into action ~ for the months of MAY and JUNE . . .” – Erin from Fredericktown (Ed.: Thank you, Erin. As she explained in her email to me, it is a community garden created by a faith community of several churches. The food will then be used to help support the hot meals program in Knox County.)
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"This is just a short note to thank you for your latest poetical journey. How fortunate you are to live so near to such superb gardens, and your talent for photography really shows them beautifully. . .It is very sad to hear that Jerry has a serious health problem, rest assured that he will be in the prayers of many of your readers. Hopefully things will be better for him soon. ” – Elsie from Montreal (Ed.: Thanks you, Elsie. You can read her remaining eloquent email comments in the contest section above.)
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"Wow, Bob, it has been quite a long time. Thanks for all the wonderful newsletters and opportunities for contests. . .I wish you nothing but good things in the future." – Freda from Hamilton, Ontario (Ed.: Thank you, Freda. Her additional comments are included in the Guest Vignettes.)
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"Just read Issue #81 of PJ. It looks as though you had a wonderful trip to Hilton Head, what with Tai Chi with sea gulls and narrow brushes with death you will have more than enough in experiences to go well beyond this issue! I did so enjoy your piece, Recital, and the short recording of it as well. Very well done! Sounds as though you ate well on your trip. Thank you by the way, for sharing Schnormeier Gardens. I had never heard of it. I am going to try to take my wife and daughter on June 14th or 15th . It looks quite inspiring! . . ." – Michael from Marion (Ed.: Thanks you, Michael. Michael is a new subscriber and am pleased that he enjoyed the issue. The gardens are definitely worth the trip. He is also a talented poet.)
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"I'm glad your friend was running late; I enjoyed the poem, Arriving! Also I had not heard about this split second which was the topic of your vignette, and I'm certainly glad a higher power was watching over you! Must be a PJ fan! . . ."– G.L. from Cincy (Ed.: Yes, I am very happy to be breathing. I will relay your thanks to my friend ..:-)
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"Thanks for the information on the garden tour as flower gardens are always on my agenda. Makes me feel happy and peaceful when surrounded by flowers. Was wondering if you might suggest a place for lunch while we are up in your area as you seem to know the nice spots to eat around the world! Always enjoy your newsletter,"– Bev from Ohio (Ed. Glad you are coming over this way. I was able to offer her several dining suggestions.)
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"As promised – am sending a few comments on the PJ. I found the India issue interesting in the cultural diversity of the old man by the side of the road shelling peas/beans, a modern motorcycle in the background, the open display of market produce, and then the packaged chips and bottled drinks of today's convenience store. The traffic congestion and maneuvering through it remind me of some large cities in Mexico. A ride through downtown Mexico City is a real experience, where drivers use their horns to clear a path...seems as though the ones who honk louder and more often get the right of way. Amazing - few if any accidents. The photography in the Spring issue was, as always, quite lovely. Your pictures have captured the mystery and fascination of the sea and the peaceful beauty of the gardens. In the words of Gladys Taber: We need time to dream, time to remember, and time to reach the infinite. Time to be." – Sharon from Texas/Mexico (Ed. As always, great to hear from you. Your skill as a professional writer always comes through in your comments.)
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"I just sat and enjoyed your latest issue of PJ and reread the previous one on India. What a joy! . . .it seemed as if we were having a conversation. And I loved the music recording of the young man from the poem. . ." – Nancy from Carey (Ed. Nancy is a new subscriber. I am pleased that she is enjoying the newsletter.)
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". . .I REALLY look forward to your journal every month. It is a one of my 'slow down and smell the flowers' time while I read and savor the new issue!!!. . ." – Michele from Converse, TX (Ed.: I am glad that the PJ gives you some respite from the pressures of everyday life.)
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, July 27, 2008.
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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