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Enjoy another
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trip to Hawaii
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A beach along Oahu's
north 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 8: Sunday, September 28, 2008 – Issue #85
Hawaiian Issue
CONTENT
- Welcome & Online Version
- Opening Comments from Bob: What Happened?
- Become a Premium Subscriber
- Poems: Throw Away and Ahh . . .
- My Latest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available.
- Vignette: Imagine No Stoplights
- Suggestions
- Quotable Quotes
- A Bit of Humor
- Pay It Forward Update
- New Premium Subscriber
- PJ Forum
- Reminder: If you are filtering...
- PJ Demographics – All 50 states and 70 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.
The next issue will come out on Sunday, October 26, 2008.
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Opening Comments from Bob - What Happened?
Delivery Issues: Late August was a wonderful time for me, which you will read about in this issue, but a dark day for this newsletter. Over two thousand of you did not receive the August newsletter. For whatever reasons, it was blocked by services such as Hotmail and Yahoo. According to my host company, Net Atlantic, they have resolved the issue so that all subscribers should receive this one. One of the best ways to guarantee that the PJ always arrives in your mailbox is to whitelist bob@poeticaljourneys.com in your list of acceptable emails. If you didn't have a chance to read the last issue, please go to
The Premium Blog is online. If you are a premium subscriber and have not received your access code, please contact me.
Two Weeks of Travel: As mentioned last month, I had the privilege to attend the Maui Writers Conference on Oahu. Also, I had my first official major magazine assignment to interview, photograph, and write a story on vanilla and cacao growing in Hawaii, primarily on the Big Island. Following two glorious days on Maui and a very early morning flight to the Big Island, I traveled north to interview Jim Reddekopp regarding his innovative vanilla operation and then ninety minutes south to interview Hawaii's only producer of 100% Hawaiian chocolate, Bob Cooper. Both provided me with warm hospitality and an abundance of fascinating information. (Once the articles are published, I will provide you with specific information.) After spending the night on Hawaii, I spent four days on Oahu attending the conference–learning much and savoring the ambiance of this often overlooked island. Upon returning to Ohio, I spent two days before flying for a one-week photography trip to Alaska. More on that trip in the October issue.
Now, on to our Aloha issue.
Become a Premium Subscriber
It is easy! To learn more about premium membership, click here.
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Two Poems this Issue
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Throw Away
The monstrous, bird speckled “two-ton” T.V.,
...screen dark, void of life,
...rests on the sidewalk.
A new flat screen replaced the bulk
...beaming in the endless abundance
...of trivial.
Plastic cups and Mickey D bags,
...contents having quenched the thirsts
...and filled the bellies,
...clutter the apartment drive.
The beggar sleeps soundly on the walk,
...as tourists pass by–
...some gawk and others pretend not to see.
All, no longer wanted,
...no longer needed.
Comments: Walking to my favorite park for early morning Tai Chi in Waikiki, I saw an abandoned TV on the sidewalk. The basic concept of the poem developed as I walked onward passing a homeless man asleep on the street. Following practice, I sat on a bench looking out over Waikiki beach and wrote the draft. Sadly, I also thought of the disposable society we have become.
Ahh . . .
Roaring, rolling iridescent turquoise, aquamarine blue
...snowcapped with boiling white
...pound onto the milky sand.
The view of the endless sea
...is interrupted by mountainous forest greens
...and scattered reds of southwest Maui.
Waving palms greet passersby
...as sounds of minor birds
...permeate the air.
The luxuriant perfumes
...of the Islands
...create their magic.
Ahh. . .life! Ahh. . .peace!
Comments: Nothing deep but a bit of relief from the serious poem above. On an early morning walk along the Maui shore, I jotted notes which later became this poem.
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| The TV inspiration |
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The view following a short shower as I wrote the poem
(Waikiki Beach early morning) |
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| Part of the inspiration for Ahh . . . and the picture below |
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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: Imagine, No Stoplights
Upon my return from Alaska, the remains of Hurricane Ike made his way into the Ohio Valley. Like he did in Texas, he left a trail of devastation. In Ohio, we are not familiar with near hurricane winds. (Yes, tornadoes but not hurricanes.) Neither are our trees or homes. As the winds howled, branches fell, trees split crashing on to houses, and shingles flew, the forces of nature and the smallness of man became very apparent. Totally beyond our control, we waited out the storm including the passing of the eye. We prayed that the large oak would not fall on the house. Later, it split but fell between the houses. With the winds came the power outages that were to last for over a week in some locations. Early to sleep was the routine for several days. Internet was available only at work so withdrawal occurred at home. Reading by flashlight helped me understand how Abraham Lincoln weakened his eyesight by reading by candlelight.
Later in the week, a business trip took me to Worthington, a suburb of Columbus. To my surprise, the stoplights still were not working. Despite that fact, traffic continued to flow effortlessly. Cars came to intersections, waited as if a four-way stop, and proceeded on. No honking, no road rage, just politeness and respect for each other. I thought, "Amazing!" Such variant thoughts about human potential, so many legal regulations, and hope flooded my mind. Lessons can be learned from no stoplights.
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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| Some of my favorites remain on my list. (One, which will remain nameless) was removed because of poor service.) There are a few new ones. |
| Maui: Ali'i Kula Lavender Gardens (part of the grounds pictured on the right) in Upcountry is a wonderful, almost meditative place to visit. Over the last several years, these gardens have continued to expand. If you love watercolor, then a visit to Sherri Reeve's Gallery in Makawao is a "must add" to your list. Another incredible gallery is The Curtis Wilson Gallery located downstairs from the Kula Lodge Restaurant. Food in Paia – The Paia Fish Market is an informal sit down or carry out restaurant that is great value–the food every bit as good as the much pricier Mama's Fishhouse down the road. Go to Cafe des Amis for crepes–marvelous and decadent. |
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| Big Island: 1) If you get over to the Big Island, be sure to add a visit to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company located in Paauilo, HI 96776 – (808) 776-1771. Signup for the gourmet lunch (by reservation), one of the best I have ever had. Vanilla is integrated into each of the five courses. A tour of the farm is included. Owner Jim Reddekopp along with his family will make you feel welcomed. 2) If you love chocolate, be sure to visit the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory located in Kailua-Kona – 808-322-2626. It is the ONE chocolate grown, harvested, processed and packaged in Hawai'i. Since location of the factory is on a working farm, tours are scheduled by appointment only. Owner Bob Cooper really knows his stuff. |
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| Oahu: 1) Leonard's Bakery at 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, Oahu is a decadent stop for doughnuts or even bettter, malasadas. Be sure to grab a number of napkins as the delectable filling oozes out with your first bite. 2) Hau Tree Lanai Beachfront Restuarant in the the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel on a quiet section of Waikiki Beach is a magnificent location for an evening of romantic dining. The view, as seen on the right, is incredible, especially as the sun disappears into the Pacific. Food: 9-9.5/10; Service: 10/10; View: 11/10. |
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- A special is being run on several Poet Prints. Take a peek.
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This is the one shot from the volcanic Big Island (Hawaii)
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Ubiquitous sunset on Waikiki
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"If you put your heart against the earth with me in serving every creature, our beloved will enter you from our sacred whelm, and we will all be, will all be so happy." – Rumi
"An inch of time is an inch of gold: treasure it. Appreciate its fleeting nature–misplaced gold is easily found, misspent time is lost forever." – Loy Ching-Yuen (1873-1960) One of China's best known Taoist tai chi masters of the early 20th century.
"Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth, 'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky." – Hafiz (14th C. Mideastern Poet)
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.
A father spoke to his son, "It's time we had a little talk, my son. Soon, you will have urges and feelings you've never had before. Your heart will pound and your hands will sweat. You'll be preoccupied and won't be able to think of anything else."
He added, "But don't worry, it's perfectly normal... it's called golf."
(Golfers will understand this one. Again, special thanks to AQuickLaugh.com.)
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.
As of September 27, 2008, the following has been pledged:
- Total Monetary: $3,952
- Total Volunteer Hours: 1005 hours
- Number of Premium Subscribers: 35
To learn more about premium membership and what it entails, click here.
Welcome to New Premium Subscriber
Welcome to new premium subscribers Craig from Maryland and Michael from Marion, OH donated money and time respectively to undisclosed causes. Ginny from Sterling, VA donated money to Victory Junction Gang, a youth camp for seriously ill children.
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.
"Excuse the brevity but there's a reason - one handed typing - but I had to comment on Issue 84 - superb mate!" – Jerry from Victoria, Australia (Ed.: Certainly great to have you back commenting. Continue on that road to recovery.)
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"Thanks keep me on, this is great!. . . " – Poet Mark from Ohio (Ed.: Mark, my pleasure.)
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"I also see that you are publishing some of your Zahra work...very nice!” – Michael from Marion (Ed.: Yes, the whole epic will be available in the not too distant future. Keep watching.)
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"I've signed up for your journal - wonderful - and I'm trying to get life to slow down just a little - while having so much I want to do. Love the tranquil image right above - pier over tranquil water. . ." – Elsa from Montreal (Ed.: Elsa is a new subscriber. Thanks much. You may want to visit her very well-done site, http://www.elsas-word-story-image-idea-music-emporium.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, Iceland, 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.
The next issue will be out Sunday, October 26, 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
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Fredericktown, OH 43019
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
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