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Pictured: Gulls near,
Lake Tuapo, North Is.
Most of the other pictures
in this issue were taken
on the South Island.
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Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey
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Mission: To provide poetical and
...............................thoughtful comments on life
VOLUME VIII – ISSUE 3: Sunday, April 26, 2009 (92nd issue)
Welcome to the New Zealand Part 2
CONTENT
- Welcome & Online Version
- Opening Comments from Bob: Haere mai again
- Poems: Spring and Feryerith's Exhilaration
- My Latest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available.
- Vignette: Aotearoa Part 2
- Recommendations
- Quotable Quotes
- A Bit of Humor
- Contest Winners from the Past
- Pay It Forward 2009
- PJ Forum
- Reminder: If you are filtering...
- PJ Demographics – All 50 states and 71 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, May 31, 2009.
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Opening Comments from Bob - Haere mai again
As promised in the last issue, we are continuing our New Zealand theme, starting with a traditional Maori welcome Haere mai. The flight from LAX is a long one, approximately 12 hours. However, no one I know who has visited NZ has ever told me that it wasn't worth the journey. (Besides, if you don't want to sleep or read, these long Pacific flights include a bevy of entertainment options on the seat consoles that should keep you mesmerized or numbed for most of the way.) In case you "haven't gotten enough" of your New Zealand fix, you can also visit my blog via this access page.
Premium Subscribers: I am pleased that two others joined in the past month. Help others by becoming a premium subscriber.
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Two Poems this Issue
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Spring
The long stark darkness fades
As the sun inches higher above the horizon.
The chill of the winter air dissipates
Gradually replaced by warming rays.
The many harbingers of spring return.
Daffodils poke their yellow bonnets
Above once frozen earth.
In preparation for summer
A pair of nomadic bluebirds
Again build their nest.
Through all the impermanence
Nature’s cycle continues
Oblivious to all the wise words written.
Comments: Not a very original title though I have never written a poem simply entitled Spring. There are probably thousands with this title. Most, like me, attempt to paint a word picture of the miracle of new life returning or leaving dormancy. At the end though, I tried to take a less traveled road. However, don't misinterpret, the last line is not saying that nature's cycle cannot be altered by human misuse of the environment.
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Feryerith's Exhilaration
The day starts in a rush.
My face is flushed and tense.
........“Oh, God, where is the bus?”
........“I can't afford to be late.”
Muscles tighten
...as frustration deepens.
........“Where is it!”
The high-pitched roar of a motorcyle arrives
... before the image of the unseen friend.
........ “Sure, I will accept the ride.”
........“It will be my little secret.”
My friend, and I on back, dart into traffic,
... the vibrations of the engine
... soon reverberate through my essence.
Exhilaration rises
... as the cacophony of cares and stress
... melt, dissipate into oblivion.
The wind, passing
... through the once combed
... silky black hair,
... tangles and toys,
... offering a careless sense of freedom.
Nary a bump or a honk
... disturbs the tranquility
...flooding my being.
Vibrant vistas pass before my eyes,
...as if in slow motion.
I become absorbed in the oneness
...of the universe
...and gratefully accept the gift
...bestowed upon me this day.
Comments: One of my favorite people emailed me one day about a motorcycle ride she had taken that morning, which went beyond a mere transportation convenience. She explained that there was a bus strike, and she was afraid of being late for work. Suddenly, a friend, whom she hadn't seen for awhile, came up on his motorcycle and offered her a lift. She found the ride quite exhilarating. Based upon her email, I created the above poem. Having ridden motorcycles as a young man, I could clearly identify with her experience, all except the hair part.
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| Enjoying lunch in downtown Nelson |
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Inside the Nelson Cathedral
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Waiting for the water taxi
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Day trippers including hikers, sunbathers,
and kayakers boarding water taxi
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My 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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Tower of the Nelson Cathedral
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A few Marlborough vineyards
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Vignette: Aotearoa Part 2
New Zealanders enjoy a very high standard of living. Part of this is due to the social contract that exists between the people and government. Socially, there is also an emphasis on personal responsibilities. Here are a few snippets of observations I have made over the years of living and traveling there: True universal health care is part of that social contract. The testing mania has not yet hit their schools, though there are rumors that it may eventually arrive. The arts are still considered an integral part of the curriculum and important for developing the whole person. Kiwis are competitors. The national rugby team, the All Blacks (nothing related to race but to the black color of the team uniform), dominates the sports news during their international contests. But, being more reserved than Americans and their Australian cousins, crowd behavior is rather tame. What I most appreciate about NZ sports as a whole is the overall emphasis on good sportsmanship. I witnessed a lad being removed from a soccer match for stamping his foot in anger. The behavior was considered unseemly. In short, winning isn't everything. Kiwis, as a whole, cherish the out-of-doors. Laws were enacted early on to protect public access right to beaches as well as strong anti-pollution regulations. There are a series of hiking (tramping) trails that are networked throughout the country. Since there are no snakes and only one very rare poisonous spider (the katipo), the abundance of open lands is a hiker's paradise. Although, in parts of the South Island you have to put up with some biting sand flies. But, they don't stop thousands from hiking the Milford Track, world famous for its beauty.
Kiwis do not tip and frown upon the fact that Americans continue to try to introduce the custom. If you want to get my Kiwi friends riled, bring that issue up. Servers, porters, etc. are paid a reasonable living wage. In Auckland in particular, when your American accent is heard, the particular server or porter will not turn down a tip. (When I first arrived there in the 80's, servers were offended if you tried to tip. Now, they take the money and inwardly smile.) I must admit I fell prey to the custom on several occasions at the Auckland Hilton. But honestly, if my friends are correct, and I believe they are, ignore those Travel Leisure tipping suggestions of 10-15% for NZ.
In closing, if you want to read some more on this gem of a country, go to my blog access page.
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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Marlborough pasture land
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| 3 of 17 million |
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| Recommendations
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Visit New Zealand: As I stated last month, I will offer a few more recommendations should you visit this beautiful country.
- The Perfect Souvenir: NZ has over 17 million sheep and produces some of the world's best quality wool. If you are in the market for woolen goods, one of my favorite places to visit is the Kaimai Woolshed, Cafe & Garden Centre at 1603 State Highway 29. 3021 Tauranga. Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Main phone: 64 (7) 543-0750. I always enjoy a chat with owner Kerry Moore. Kerry has high ethical standards and sells only the finest products. If you want a remembrance of NZ that will provide years of wear, his shop is the place to go. Also, enjoy a cup of tea as you browse. While there, listen to his knowledgeable advice; he won't steer you wrong. To save transport problems, many customers have him ship the goods to their home addresses.
- Vineyard and Winery: Over the last three decades, the quality of New Zealand wines has gained an international reputation for excellence, especially their whites. During previous trips, I visited many of their wineries. However, this was my first trip to the Nelson area and the Marlborough region. Touring NZ wineries is like visiting the small wineries of Napa and Sonoma twenty years ago–small crowds, friendly welcomes, and no charge for tastings. Next time I plan to spend more time exploring the wonderful small wineries in the Marlborough. The setting alone is one of the most beautiful in the world. I would like to recommend two that you may want to visit. Redoubt Hill Vineyard in the Nelson area is recommended for two reasons, the picturesque view from the home and sales room and the friendliness of the owners. Co-owner Lesley Jackson spent forty minutes frankly describing her wines, challenges, and future dreams. The vines are young so the wines are just coming into their own. I project a fine future for this small vineyard. The wines are made off premises and sold at the vineyard. The second suggestion is a visit to Hunter's Winery in the Marlborough region. It is an established boutique winery that creates wonderful varietals. Expect a very friendly welcome to the tasting room. Frankly, I could not believe the caliber of wines you were allowed to taste including my favorite, the Hukapapa 2007 Riesling Dessert Wine. I had to bring a bottle back. I would have purchased far more if transporting back to the States wasn't such a problem.
- Ice cream: The U.S. makes some fine ice cream. However, we are so health and diet conscious that some of the pizzazz, the decadence, has left ours. In NZ, there is plenty of rich cream that reminds you as to why you enjoy this "sinful" delight. I enjoyed my share of milkshakes and cones while there. One stop rose to the top. I almost missed it. Travel SE out of Nelson on Rt. 60 through the small town of Richmond. As you leave the community and just pass the Waiamea Winery, you will see the sign Berryland (an expansive name for a small fruit market). Indulge yourself! First, pick the size and type of cone and berries you like. Next, a chunk of vanilla and the selected berries are put into the machine. This delectable, decadent mixture is then scooped into the cone. Oh my! You can also purchase fresh fruit and produce there.
- The special continues on Poet Prints. They make wonderful holiday gifts.
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Tasting room at Hunter Winery
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View of Redoubt Hill Vineyards
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Redoubt Hill co-owner Lesley Jackson
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Berryland, not much to look at but YUMMY
place to visit
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If you are a kayaker, NZ is the place for you
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Great spot for a picnic (also a famous mussel harvesting area)
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Roughed coastline south of Nelson (a kayakers and hikers paradise)
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Sea kayaker setting out from a secluded beach
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"Our lives . . .are but little while, so let them run as sweetly as you can, and give no thought to grief from day to day. For time is not concerned to keep our hopes, but hurries on its business, and is gone." – Euripides (B.C. 484-407/406) Greek playwright of tragedies.
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." – Lao-tsu (Sixth century B.C. Chinese philosopher).
"Losing an illusion makes you wiser than finding a truth." – Ludwig Borne (1786-1837) German political writer and satirist.
"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring." – George Santayana (1863-1952) Philosopher, poet, literary, cultural critic, and a principal figure in Classical American Philosophy.
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.
Who has a better car?
This man in a Ford Granada pulls up next to a guy in a Rolls Royce at a stop sign. Their windows are open and he yells at the guy in the Rolls: "Hey, you got a telephone in there?"
The guy in the Rolls says, "Yes, of course I do."
"I got one too... see?"
"Uh, huh, yes, that's very nice."
Then the man in the Granada says, "You got a fax machine?"
"Why, actually, yes, I do."
"I do too! See? It's right here!"
"Uh-huh."
The light is just about to turn green and the guy in the Granada says, "So, do YOU have a double bed in back there?"
And the guy in the Rolls says, "NO! Do you?"
"Yep, got my double bed right in back here — see?!"
The light turns and the man in the Granada takes off. Well, the guy in the Rolls is not about to be one-upped, so he goes immediately to a customizing shop and orders them to put a double bed in back of his car. About two weeks later, the job is finally done and he picks up his car and drives all over town looking for the Granada. He finally finds it parked alongside the road so he pulls his Rolls up next to it. The windows on the Granada are all fogged up and he feels a little awkward about it, but he gets out of his newly modified Rolls and taps on the foggy window of the Granada. The man in the Granada finally opens the window a crack and peeks out. The guy in the Rolls says, "Hey. Remember me?"
"Yeah, yeah, I remember you. What's up?"
"Check this out — I got a double bed installed in my Rolls."
And the man in the Granada says, "YOU GOT ME OUT OF THE SHOWER TO TELL ME THAT?!"
Contest Winners from the Past
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 April 25, 2009, the following has been pledged:
- Total Monetary: $20,330
- Total Volunteer Hours: TBA
- Number of Premium Subscribers: 6
Welcome to our most recent premium subscribers, Anonymous and Adelle from Ohio. If you are interested in becoming a premium subscriber for 2009 or to learn more, click here. (Specifics will be provided when more have joined.)
PJ Forum
If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please email them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com. While I often cannot print all of the comments, I respond to everyone's.
Enjoy reading Lisa Ann Bonfiglio's new poem The Light within The Soul.
Lisa is a talented artist as well. Samples of her work are shown on her site.
Congratulations to last month's guest poet Robert Hinshaw
who, as part of a regional National Poetry Month contest, had his poem selected
from over 1,000 entries. It will be included in a new book and was read
by him on the Colorado Springs public radio station.
"Greetings Bob, thanks for the truly splendid photos of this beautiful country, and words that aptly described it. My daughter. . ., her husband . . ., children . . ., . . . and . . . live in Wellington. Did you get there perchance? We intend to visit them later this year. " – Jerry from Victoria, Australia (Ed.: Wellington is a picturesque, delightful city to visit. However, on this trip I did not have time to pay a visit. My last one there was in 2001. Keep me informed when you make your trip.)
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"Good evening from sunny Nelson (still sunny but a little bit chilly in the early mornings and late evenings). Nelson is still busy and the sun is still shining, but we are aware that winter is nearing. . . Thank you for staying with us at Palazzo and for your kind comments. We were delighted to hear that it was one of the best motels you have ever stayed in. It is really lovely to hear such words from our guests. I hope you both enjoyed New Zealand and have many wonderful memories from here . . . please, if you are ever in Nelson, pop in and say, 'Hello' to Kiara and Bob." Oh, we have had a look on your web site and read some beautiful work, especially the poems regarding your son. . ." – Kiara and Bob from the Palazzo Lodge, Nelson, NZ (Ed.: I appreciated the thank you. The stay was a wonderful one. Any readers who travel to the area, please consider a stay there. You won't regret it. In case you missed the link last time, here it is again – The Palazzo Motor Inn.)
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"Bob - This is one of the best issues in a long time - photos are fantastic, love the poems too. Thanks for this one." – Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: Glad you enjoyed!)
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"Another great newsletter, well-worth the read. I was mesmerized with both poems. Your writings have the ability to take me within and past the words on every line. Thanks so much" – Lisa (Ed.: Thank you, Lisa. Lisa is also our guest poet this month. Visit Lisa at http://www.dynamicarthouse.com.)
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"When would you steer your touring ship the African route. We are full of surprises you know." – Chookie (Ed.: I replied that he should send me information about his country, and I might head that way. Africa has been on my list for awhile. Later, he intrigued me with details and suggested sites about Nigeria.)
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"I picked my gift up from the post office yesterday and was so very thrilled with the treasure in the packing box! I sincerely want to thank you for my Dance of Life print. It epitomizes my beliefs of life, . . . Your "Dance" was enjoyed by all of my family too!. . ." – Steffanie from Vancouver (Ed.: I am pleased that you enjoyed the print. Also, thank you for sharing your other thoughts that were in your email.)
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, Zambia, 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, May 31, 2009.
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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