Opening Comments from Bob
My ninth book, A Poetical Journey (all poetry), and the eighth, The Tao of Momentary Thoughts (combination of poetry, vignettes, and quotes), are enjoyable reads. All my books are available for order from Amazon.
My other books are available on Amazon.
This Issue: We are all going through an experience like never before in our lifetime. Because I have been housebound for eight weeks, I was not able to do my usual jaunts to take pictures. Hence, I will use some from previous years. The two new, deeper poems are Transitions and The Infinity Pool. We also have a thoughtful guest vignette from James Magaw.
Subscriber Residences: PLEASE let me know if your state, providence, or country is not listed in the demographic section at the end. There currently are subscribers in 28 states, 3 provinces, and 13 countries. See the complete list near the end of the newsletter.
Next Month: Barring the unforeseen, the next issue comes out on May 31, 2020.
My Facebook account is again open for a time.
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My books and products are purchasable online.
My work currently appears in nine books. All are offered for sale online. My tenth will go on sale in early May. To order, click here..
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The snow in the valley has finally disappeared. We are having a late spring.
Two Poems this Month
Transitions
Listen to the songs of the night.
The wind rustling the leaves.
followed by rain droplets,
their steady beat
against the windows.
Later, the sounds of crickets and friends
begin their melody.
Listen to the breath
as you inhale and exhale
moments before the veil of sleep
cloaks your being
transporting you
to feats of magic and illusions.
All too soon the light of morning
awakens you
to the mystery of the new day.
Comments: No explanation needed.
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The Infinity Pool
The infinity pool
appears before me
inviting all
to soak one’s feet
or totally immerse oneself.
The day is hot.
Oh how cool
the water would be.
But wait,
the time is not yet.
But soon,
that too will change.
Comments: You interpret. From this writer's point of view, I am speaking of the mystical. |
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Downtown Midway
Thanksgiving Point
Infinity Pool (Imagery for the poem to the left) |
Plenty of water at Bridal Falls due to the snowmelt
Schnormeier Gardens, Gambier, OH
Daffodils.
Guest Vignette this Month: And the Song Will Continue by James Magaw
(Jim has been a long time friend and subscriber for many years. He has had his works published in many newsletters and journals. He is also a well-known poet in the Mt. Vernon, OH area and a member of the Apple Valley Poets. Enjoy these thoughtful observations.)
This morning I awoke early, and for the first time this spring I heard the cry of the mourning dove. I suppose it is a lonely sound to many, but it is always reassuring to me. We are surrounded by the invasion of a mysterious virus that has changed our lives radically, but the dove reminds me that we have made it through another winter. We await the growing warmth that will renew us and will renew the earth. This takes me back to a time four decades ago when I took morning devotional walks in a spacious town park about three short blocks from our home. It was there that I first became enamored of the sound of the morning dove, and it remains a steady sound of hope today.
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, I will print it in a future issue. The vignette should be written in paragraph form and relate a personal story or event. 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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Another scene from Schnormeier Gardens, Gambier, OH
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Recommendation
.........Please take a look at the gift page.
Some view being housebound as an horrendous experience. For me, who has no job waiting, the time has been, in a sense, a gift. I have done many things that I have put off or procrastinated, a more accurate term. Here are two examples. Over the last sixteen years, I had created over 25,000 photographs. Obviously, not all award winners. Thus, I decided to eliminate the ones that did not meet my criteria. I have whittled my list down to slightly over 8,600. Secondly, my tenth book has been on the back burner for several months. I completed Searching and Answers. It will go on sale in May.
If you haven't already done so, I suggest that you take on something that you have wanted to do and enjoy.
Tulips in bloom
Quotable Quotes
"When shall live if not now." - Shirley Jackson
"Do anything, but let it produce joy." - Walt Whitman
"A poem begins as a lump in throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness” - Robert Frost
"“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” Anonymous
Compliments of https://www.yourtango.com/
Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
How to Live Longer
It was Grandpa Jones' 100th birthday and he was still in perfect health. At his birthday party he was asked how he managed to live so long and stay so fit.
He explained, "I put my long life down to spending so much time outdoors. I've been in the open air, day after day, rain or shine, for the last 75 years."
"How do you manage to keep up such a rigorous fitness regime?" they asked.
"It's simple," he said. "When I married my wife 75 years ago, we both made a solemn pledge. We agreed that whenever we had a fight, whoever was proved wrong would go outside and take a long walk."
Compliments of Joke a Day
If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please e-mail them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com. While I often cannot print everyone's, I personally respond to all. (When editing the comments for publication, I often eliminate the paragraphing to save space.) .
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" Thanks again for another poetic and pictorial visit to that beautiful state of Hawaii." - Jim (Ed.: As always, many thanks.)
"We have snow here. Nice to see Hawaiian pictures. Thank you" - Renate (Ed.: I chuckled when I read her comment. We had already returned to Utah and blessed snow. At least we have plenty of water for the summer..)
"Finding a place of peace is a wonderful idea in today's busy world. Even if we can't go to Hawaii, we all can find our own place of peace somewhere near our home here on the mainland. For me, it is a short ride to a lake or river that calms my soul and inspires me." - Bev from Ohio (Ed.: So true, Bev. Thank you for submitting that comment. Bev has been a longtime subscriber.)
"Once again I express guilt that I am not as communicative in reality as I am in my mind. . . Rereading the Feb. Journey reminds me again that you have brought peace and reflectiveness to a large number of people. I am also very sorry that you find it necessary to limit web connectivity - particularly in Facebook. I, also, am frustrated by our widening divisions and have begun hiding posts from a few sources who think they speak for God and Country. The beauty of your photos and publication helps me stay in touch with the peace I want to know. . . ." - Doug from Ohio [Ed.: Wow, thanks Doug! I don't receive many comments such as yours. Really brought a feel-good smile to my lips. (Doug is referring to the fact that I have temporarily left Facebook for a variety of reasons. However, I plan to return soon.)]
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Book Reviews
General: JJG wrote: I've read Bob's "To the End of Time" trilogy twice, each time gaining deep and deeper insights into the human condition. The three small volumes hold their own as good stories but also provide a unique glimpse into a new religious paradigm. Would that it could come to be.
Specific Book: To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey
David from Utah: "The new novel, To the End of Time and Back is a skillful account of two lovers on an 'Epic Journey,' racing through time and history to learn life-changing truths. Their spectral mentor, Arundel, sends them through difficult travels, but their relationship endures and remains strong despite physical, and psychological stress. Powerful emotions such as fear, anger and happiness, combine with lust, pain and sexuality to help them learn. Written in verse form, the story is an epic poem, painted to portray the duality of mankind throughout dimensions of human history that is sometimes cruel and horrific. The reader will come to know and understand what is being described and will certainly enjoy the stimulating elegance of the story and the philosophy. A thoroughly enjoyable read that is certain to make you think."
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Jim from Mt. Vernon: "I finished your book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was much easier to follow by having the whole thing in front of me, and reading as much as I wanted at a time. I felt pretty weary after bouncing around in time for many hundreds of years, but I was relieved to know that at least part of the world survived 'Armageddon'. What a feat you have performed."
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Art from Park City, UT: "I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your latest book To the End of Time and Back. When I bought the book I had no idea what to expect. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. I had fun reading it from A to Z and everything in between."
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Bobbie from Texas: "Your book touched places deep within my soul. I could read it over and over again, Bob. Job Well Done!"
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Kimberly from Ohio: "Well, Bob! I am rather blown away by your book. Finished it yesterday, and it only took four days, which means I was intrigued and wanted to know how the book ends. I'm a slow, deep reader and since my profession is writing and editing, I edit continuously as I read. Can't help it! But this book was worth dropping everything for and reading to the end. I admit to cynicism about your claim that it would change me, and I don't know that it has just yet but it won't be leaving my heart and head for a long time, and change could happen. I'm impressed that the book actually lived up to your claims for it. . . . I'm intrigued by this book because it rings so true, and I am therefore tempted to believe you actually were given the gift of this dictation. But if not and this is fiction, you have written one hell of a book, masquerading amazingly as non-fiction ... which is indeed one of the goals of fiction."
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An Ohio Reader: "WOW! WOW! WOW! I read it in one sitting and found so many things you wrote about 'true' for what I know and feel about past lives I've lived. Actually, the chapter about the Holocaust was something I couldn't bear to read–too sad and painful. (I've always felt that way about that period of history.) . . . it was very well done, Bob. Just beautifully done. I'm looking for the movie. . . I'm sure others will feel connected to this book just as I did. AMAZING. Just AMAZING. I couldn't put it down. There was so much anticipation with each chapter it hooked me from the very beginning. . ."
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Reader from Arizona: "I read your book a couple weeks ago. You are lucky we don't live close enough for me to call you to discuss it! It was interesting and easy to read. I liked the format. It reminded me of Many Masters, Many Lives by Brian L. Weiss (which was not that quick to read). Have you read that? . . . Anyway, kudos on the book -- on all your books. . ."
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A Reader: "Your newest release takes the reader to places deep within. It makes one ponder all things about life itself. Many authors have written about reincarnation, but yours goes deeper. Through an eternal relationship between two souls, you describe all the human emotions one can feel. The book takes you to historical times and places around the globe, making you feel as if you are part of the beautiful relationship of A~ and Z~. After reading, they will become a part of you."
Specific Book: Adelyn: An Epic Journey:
Ohio Reader: "In his book, Adelyn: An Epic Journey, Bob navigates the reader through a challenging journey in the time space continuum while exposing both the weaknesses and strengths of humanity. As Adelyn is exposed to the infinite love of The Source, the reader is challenged to understand how personal beliefs and actions often have more to do with cultural rather than spiritual influences. In a time and world filled with political anger and personal indulgences reading Adelyn offers the open-minded promise. It would make a great book study."
Specific Book: The Tao of Momentary Thoughts
Doug from Ohio: ". . . I was not prepared for page 116 Should have been because of the extremely personal nature of the entire book. Please understand that the unusual length of time to finish your book (especially for a binge reader like me) was because it screamed to be read thoughtfully in increments. For me that was 10-15 pages every weekend, often in quiet . . .Thank you for "putting pen to paper" and sharing your soul. Those of us who have followed Poetical Journeys will recognize much of the content. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to share part of your journey really feel a part of it."
Charles from Park City: "Hi Bob….I just picked up your The Tao of Momentary Thoughts. It’s wonderful . . I love your book."
Ed from Seattle: The Tao of Momentary Thoughts: "I was smiling all the way through the reading . . .I think I will reread it again during the next week. . ."
Reader Demographics
States - AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, NC, ND, NY, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, and WI
Canadian Provinces - BC, ON, and QC;
Countries - Albania, Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Turkey, UK, U.S., and Venezuela.
........Changes in this section will be updated each month.
If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.
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PJ Online
To read some of the back issues of the PJ, go to here.
The next issue will go out on Sunday, May 31, 2020.
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Midway, UT 84049
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
