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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 5: Sunday, June 28, 2009 (94th issue)
CONTENT
- Welcome & Online Version
- Opening Comments from Bob: Thoughts
- Poems: Enchanted Ride and Dad
- My Latest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is available.
- Vignette: The TCA Experience with Dr. Lam
- Guest Vignette: She Saved My Hide! by Robert L. Hinshaw
- 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 72 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, July 26, 2009.
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Opening Comments from Bob - Thoughts . . .
A Month of Highs: I am blessed in many ways. This month, I spent intensive training time learning how to teach Dr. Paul Lam's Tai Chi for Arthritis I and II. (I have been practicing this particular form regularly for over eight months.) While you were reading the May PJ, I was in Hilliard, OH, where I spent sixteen hours over two days on Form I instruction. Mid-month I spent an intensive week in Olive Branch, MS, reviewing Form I and learning Form II and the additional nine. At the conference I met participants from all over the world. What an event! On talent night, I shared several poems, which were well received. I begin instructing my first formal classes on July 9. (If you live in the Mt. Vernon and Fredericktown area and are interested in learning this "gentle to the body" tai chi form, please email me.) Be sure to read the below vignette regarding The TCA Experience with Dr. Lam.
As you read this issue, I am at Lake Tahoe learning to kayak. A former student, Andy Laughlin, whom I have remained close to over the years runs a ski-kayak shop in Tahoe City called Tahoe City Kayak. A few years back Andy gave up the traditional rat race and decided to live his dream. A few weeks ago, I decided it was time for him to share it with me. (I have wanted to learn to kayak for awhile.) You will hear more next month on this topic. Starting on Monday, June 29, I will be updating my blog with accounts of events and, of course, pictures. (As many of you know, my blog is only updated when traveling or involved in special activities.)
I very pleased: Several subscribers took my advice from the May issue and visited the annual open house at Schnormeier Gardens near Gambier, Ohio. They introduced themselves to me as I gave the welcome orientation. One subscriber, Ray, was so impressed that he plans to encourage a host of friends and workers to visit the gardens next year.
In memory of Tom Metcalf: Many of you have laughed at the monthly bits of humor found in the PJ. Many of those have come from a monthly newsletter sent out by a local Mt. Vernon restaurant, the Alcove. Tom Metcalf was owner, manager, and the force behind the newsletter. Sadly, following a long battle with cancer, Tom passed on to the next phase of life. Thank you Tom not only for the many contributions you made to the community but also for the laughter you brought to us. (I am pleased to note that the newsletter continues.)
Premium Subscribers: I am pleased that another has joined in the past month. Help others by becoming a premium subscriber.
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Two Poems this Issue
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Enchanted Forest
The trail leads into
....the deep greens and shadows
....of the enchanted forest
....as feelings of magic
....flood my veins.
Sunlight pierces through the branches–
....rays dancing off the leaves.
Even Monet could not capture
....these hues and eddies of light.
My eyes stare
....without comprehension.
Surely, heaven could not
....display more beauty.
The wheels of my bike
....appear to levitate
....above the black,
....dampened asphalt,
....transporting me deeper
....into this mystical kingdom.
I am in awe.
Comments: I can't help it, but I love to write about the many sensory experiences I have on the bike trail. This one was particularly intense, different from any I have had before. Though I have ridden through this forested section of the trail over a hundred times, I have never been quite so affected. I wish the same for each of you as you experience creation.
Dad
A tall, lean figure of a man
Slow to anger
Laid-back
His family–his pride
A father of the 40’s and 50’s
Baseball, his passion
Hours spent playing catch
In the backyard
Score keeping his son’s games
And for years after
Trips to see the Indians
Lose another season
Cards and male friends
The Elks
A father of the 40’s and 50’s
A man I respected
A man I loved
One I strove to please
One who left an indelible mark on me
My father, a man of the 40's and 50's
Comments: I was privileged to grow up in a wonderful family–mother, father, and three sisters. In the past I have written about my mother and the extraordinary woman she is. However, my father has not received much mention though he played a critical role in shaping me. Since June is the month for Father's Day in the U.S., I thought that this poem was appropriate to share with my readers. The last line in the first two stanzas refers to a stereotypical image of fathers of that period. In many ways my father fit that stereotype. He set high expectations for me. Like many men of that era, he was hesitant, almost shy, to demonstrate his feelings toward his son. A handshake meant a job well-done. Only on his deathbed were we able to cross some of those boundaries. But, I never doubted the love he had for my sisters or me. Also, there was never any doubt about the woman he loved, my mother. Though Dad passed on in 1986, he lives in my memories and remains a wonderful, magnificent human being.
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| Interior Japanese Garden House |
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Chinese Cup Garden Area
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| More subtle beauty |
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World class sculptures abound
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My Books and Products are now purchasable online.
An Oasis in a Cluttered World, Wisdom from the Journey, and The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey can be purchased from me online. Also, there are other products on the page that offer unique gifts for a special someone including yourself. This is the first time that you have been able to purchase directly online from me.
If you wish to support the efforts of the Poetical Journal, there is also a donation option.
To view the page, please click here.
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Stream Garden
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New Quarry Garden
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Vignette: The TCA Experience with Dr Lam
"The toe should be at 11 o'clock, not 9. The weight should be 70% on the right leg. Watch the bent knee and don't go beyond the front ankle." These comments are not part of most dinner conversations. But they were during a recent Tuesday evening meal. In fact, there were many similar conversations during the week. You may think, "How strange!" For me and approximately 150 other participants, they were far from it. Last week, tai chi students from across the country and from far off countries such as Australia, England, Germany, and Switzerland traveled to a small Mississippi community, Olive Branch (just outside Memphis), to attend Dr. Paul Lam's annual tai chi conference. During my lifetime, I have attended more than a hundred conferences. However, this one was proved different from all of them. First, there was not a stranger in the group–that is after one day–contrary to what I have experienced at several so-called spiritual ones. Secondly, passion for learning the various tai chi forms was evident in every participant I met. Laughter and friendship were main ingredients of the week. I participated in learning the Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) forms developed by physician and world-class tai chi practitioner Dr. Paul Lam. Dr. Lam set the conference tone supported by the master and senior trainers. Dr. Lam had as much fun as us first-timers. The permission to fail and try again was integral to the week. When my TCA class performed before all on the last day, we received a resounding applause despite some minor errors. Perfection was not the goal as much as the striving for calmness, personal satisfaction, and the realization that tai chi is a lifelong journey. In short, one can never demonstrate a perfect form. Not a bad model to apply to life. We are here such a short period, and we waste so much time on the insignificant.
Surprise Contest: In the May Issue, I wrote a vignette on the concept "for every gain there is a loss and for every loss there is a gain." At the end of the vignette I sprang a surprise contest asking readers to submit life examples regarding this concept in their own lives. From the entries two winners were selected. This month we read of Robert L. Hinshaw's gain-loss story. Robert from Colorado Springs is a regular PJ contributor in poetry and the Forum. This is his first vignette contribution. (I believe we will read more in the future.) Next month, we will read the other winning vignette written by Jules from California.
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Guest Vignette: She Saved My Hide! by Robert L. Hinshaw
The Korean War (or as the powers that be called it, "The Police Action") began on 25 June, 1950, when the North Koreans invaded South Korea. (I fought that war dodging seashells on the beautiful Island of Bermuda, but more about that in future vignettes!)
In November of 1951, I returned to the continental United States and was assigned to Perrin AFB, Texas. At about that time, the Air Force was so desperate for pilots that they implemented a program to include high school graduates for pilot training. Ah, I thought, this is a great opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a hot-rod fighter pilot!
I applied for the program and was sent to Lackland AFB, Texas, for three days of intensive screening, which included physicals of parts of me that I did not know existed, plus tough mathematical, psychological, mechanical, radio and dexterity examinations. A few weeks later I was notified that I was accepted for pilot training.
In the meantime, Vera, whom I had met in Bermuda, and I decided to get married. Alas, at that time they would not accept married cadets, so being the forthright feller that I am, I notified the officials that I was married. I still have the paperwork they returned with a huge stamp imprinted on each page, indicating: DISQUALIFIED FOR PILOT TRAINING DUE TO MARRIAGE.
Actually, upon later reflection, I didn't regret the outcome. Being a pilot is not as romantic as it seems to be (marriage has proven to be much more romantic!). It is a tough and demanding occupation. Pilots were trained to fly the F-86 fighter, and upon completion, they strapped a plane on your back and sent you directly to Korea. The Good Lord only knows what the outcome of that little adventure might have been! By consenting to marriage, Vera undoubtedly saved my hide!
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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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Waterfall Garden Area
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| Hosta Garden |
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| Recommendations
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- Learn Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA): Dr. Paul Lam, a physician and gold medal winner in tai chi, has developed a program that almost anyone can learn fairly quickly and will benefit his or her health. There is supportive medical research regarding this particular form of tai chi. In one study, participants showed a 70% reduction in falls after participating in the program. TCA differs from many other tai chi types in its ease to learn and the safety factors that are built into it. The exciting fact about the program is that it good for you, whether you have arthritis or not. It will help build balance, improve mobility, and provide you with exercise fun. There is even a seated version for those who cannot stand. Of course, like any form of exercise, if you have health limitations, be sure to check with your doctor first. For more information on this world-wide program, please go to Dr. Paul Lam's site. If you need help with finding instruction in your area and cannot find it via the web site, please contact me.
- Enjoy my blog regarding Lake Tahoe and Northern California. (Remember that entries do not begin until Monday.)
- Take a look at the new online book and gift page.
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TCA student Jim Mace
perfecting his skills
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Meadow Garden looking toward the Woodland Garden
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Section of the stonewall in the Hosta Garden
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Looking toward the Waterfall Garden
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"More important than learning how to recall things is finding ways to forget things that are cluttering the mind." – Eric Butterworth (1916 - 2003) Canadian born; a minister of the Unity Movement.
"It takes more than good memory to have good memories." – from a Chinese fortune cookie
"Peace . . . comes within the souls of men when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the Universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the Universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere. It is within each of us." – Black Elk (1863 - 1950) Medicine Man for the Oglala Lakota (Sioux).
"Value judgments are destructive to our proper business, which is curiosity and awareness." – John Cage (1912 - 1992) An American composer.
"The face of the wise man is not somber or austere, contracted by anxiety and sorrow, but precisely the opposite: radiant and serene, and filled with a vast delight, which often make him the most playful of men." – Philo (20 BC - AD 50) known also as Philo of Alexandria; a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher.
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.
The $5,000,000 Question
Bob had finally made it to the last round of the $5,000,000 Question. The night before the big question, he told the M.C. that he desired a question on American History.
The big night had arrived. Bob made his way on stage in front of the studio and TV audience. He had become the talk of the week. He was the best guest this show had ever seen. The M.C. stepped up to the mic.
"Bob, you have chosen American History as your final question. You know that if you correctly answer this question, you will walk away $5,000,000 dollars richer. Are you ready?"
Bob nodded with a cocky confidence–the crowd went nuts. He hadn't missed a question all week.
"Bob, your question on American History is a two-part question. As you know, you may answer either part first. As a rule, the second half of the question is always easier. Which part would you like to take a stab at first?"
Bob was now becoming more noticeably nervous. He couldn't believe it, but he was drawing a blank. American History was his easiest subject, but he played it safe. "I'll try the easier part first."
The M.C. nodded approvingly. "Here we go Bob. I will ask you the second half first, then the first half."
The audience silenced with gross anticipation . . .
"Bob, here is your question: And in what year did it happen?"
(A special thanks to A Quick Laugh. Sadly, the site appears to have been attacked by hackers and is down.)
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.
The categorical amounts for Premium Subscribers for 2009 are as follows:
- Total Monetary: $20,380
- Total Volunteer Hours: 1020+
- Number of Premium Subscribers: 8
Welcome to our most recent premium subscriber, Patty from Secane, PA, who donates many hours to CatNIP Animal Rescue. If you are interested in becoming a premium subscriber for 2009 or to learn more, click here.
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.
"Congratulations on another outstanding journey, truly enjoyable pictures and words. . .Pleased to tell you that I am definitely on the road to recovery. . ." – Jerry from Victoria, Australia (Ed.: A year has passed since Jerry had his open-heart surgery. He continues to recover. However, he can always use more uplifting thoughts so please keep him in your prayers.)
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"Started my day with Poetical Journeys alongside my Creation Science Daily and found the poem that was workshopped at Marion Poets. It came out very nicely, and I very much enjoyed the church and chi gong group pictures as well. Have a blessed day and a great weekend!" – Michael from Marion, OH (Ed.: Thank you so much! I have worked with Michael and come to know him. He is an outstanding poet and a dedicated worker and promoter for the Ohio Poetry Association.)
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"This issue is ONE OF THE BEST! The Gardens, poetry, and the humor are superb. Keeping this issue handy as I probably will use a few of the pictures as desktop wallpaper. They are fabulous!" – Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: Thank you! Bobbie is one of my most faithful contributors.)
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"Hello Bob. I hope life has been good to you. . .I just wanted to express my thanks for all the great issues you send each month. It is truly inspiring. Have a wonderful summer my friend, and take good care." – Freda from Hamilton, Ontario (Ed.: Freda, you are so very kind. Very much appreciated!)
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"As always, I truly enjoyed the Journey, but was very concerned about the news of your family member and you! I send my deepest blessings to you both! Vancouver's spring was wonderful this year due to the terrible late winter weather we experienced. The late arrival of spring seriously delayed the first blooming plum trees and the mid-blooming cherry trees; so when all the trees decided that 'enough is enough' and continued their mission, they all bloomed at once! The experience of 8+ thousand trees in full pink bloom in Vancouver was overwhelmingly beautiful. Now, we've got temperatures in the high 20's (70+), my visiting Rufous hummingbirds are busy spraying sugar water on my kitchen window, and all is well. I truly hope that your health continues to improve, and that life's path is a 'rambling 10 mph' for as long as you choose to pedal!" – Steffanie from Vancouver (Ed.: Steffanie was one of several that expressed their concerns over the health issues. Blessedly, they are improving for both individuals. Your description of spring in Vancouver, one of my favorite cities, almost had me hopping on a plane. (Your writing tends to do that to me.) What a magnificent sight the blossoms must have been.)
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". . .The PJ was as excellent as ever Bob. Keep up the good work. " – Jules from California (Ed.: Thanks Jules. Next month, you will have an opportunity to read her winning vignette.)
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, Jamaica - W.I., 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, July 26, 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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