s

 

 

Again, we will take a few moments to escape daily reality and read.


This month, the pictorial section contains pictures of a trip we took awhile back to Banff and Jasper, Alberta, Canada.

Be safe, - Bob

Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey

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Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life

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PLEASE! Supporting the efforts of the Poetical Journal is greatly appreciated!
Any amount of donation is appreciated. To support,
click here.

My newest book #10 just became available on Amazon.
The book consists of poems and vignettes. Cost: Paperback $9.99 Kindle $3.50

To learn more, click on Amazon. Reviews also appear at the end of the newsletter.

Questions? Email me.

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Demographics: No states or countries were added this month. If your resident area is not listed, please let me know.

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VOLUME XIX – Issue 5: Sunday, July 26, 2020 (227th Issue)

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 Poetical Journal will be out August 30, 2020.

Arhabasca Falls

Opening Comments from Bob

This Issue: Besides the traditional content, the newsletter includes two poems, The Flow and Sunrise. The pictures were taken during a trip a few years to Banff National Park.The vignettet provides more wisdom from Deng Ming-Dao.

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 August 30, 2020.

My Facebook account is again open.

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A beautiful hotel in the mountains a few miles outside of Banff.

One of my favorite shots from the trip. One of the many lakes.

Two Poems this Month

The Flow

Flowing, flowing
    the source that was forever
    that ever will be
In our veins
    in your steps
    with every breath
Unexplainable
    undefinable
But there
    in the Song of Life

Deep, abiding love
    that raises the spirit
    beyond self
All encompassing
    all forgiving
Surely humanity’s
    greatest gift

The source    
    flowing, flowing
Come swim in the eternal
    the River of Being

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Sunrise

Purple and reds meld together
    as the sun peaks above the horizon.
Apollo continues
    his endless journey
    started eons ago.
Far below, people rise
    ready or not to meet the day.

 

There is an abundance of wildlife.

 

Whenever I travel Canada, I always enjoy the abundance of flowers.

 

The Banff - Jasper Road

           Cascade Gardens in Banff. This picture appeared in Better Homes and Gardens.

 

Vignette this Month: 2nd Installment from the Writings of Deng Ming-Dao

"No matter how minor or how great, you must make choices each and every minute that passes. The irony of life is that it is a one-way journey. You cannot go back, you cannot make comparisons by trying one way and then another. . ."

The essence of life shall never be known by human beings as long as the person seeks to observe life like viewer and subject. The absolutely essential nature of life can only be clearheaded by merging fully with flow of life, so that one is utterly a part of it.

Immigrants travel from their native land for many reasons, but in general, they all involve expectations for a better life. For this, they will risk uncertainty, exploitation, discrimination, hostility, poverty, and sometimes even separation from family. Those who survive develop an inner fortitude and determination that sees them through their suffering,.

When parents demand without understanding, they thwart development. Forcing children to fulfill parental ambitions destroy individuality. Before parents blame their children, they should first look to how their daughters and sons were raised.


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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Bow Lake

Recommendation

Stay safe and healthy!

.........Please take a look at the gift page.

A view near the highway

Quotable Quotes

Your problem is how you are going to spend this one and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion you have power over circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are. - Ann Lamott

Too much talk will include errors. – Burmese Proverb

Happiness is unwavering peace of mind in daily living. – Roger Castillo

Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see flowers in it. – Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Columbia Icefield: This glacier currently loses depth at a rate of about 49 ft. per year and has receded more
than .9 of a mile and lost over half of its volume in the past 125 years.

Lake Louise

A ski area along the highway

Bit of Humor

A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul

Coast Guard Help

Ralph was towing his boat home from a fishing trip in Jamaica Bay when his car broke down. He didn't have his cell phone with him, but he thought maybe he might be able to raise someone on his marine radio to call for roadside assistance. He climbed into his boat, clicked on the radio and said, "Mayday, mayday."

A Coast Guard officer came on and said, "State your location."

"I-95, two miles south of Cranston."

After a very long pause, the officer asked, "How fast were you going when you reached shore?"

Compliments of Joke a Day

Downtown Banff

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Tai Chi Corner

Qigong

Qigong has become part of the journey.
First came tail kwon do
    than yoga and tail chi,
    the latter still a passion,
Now, the ultimate complement,
    qigong joins my awareness.
There remains much to learn,
    to savor
    to digest.
A small voice led me here.
    “Seize the moment.
    Take a risk;
    Discover the wisdom.”
A decision made
    and now an awakening.

Comment: This poem was written when I had just returned from a qigong workshop. According to some, tail chi came from qigong. This ancient art focuses on breathing and health.

PJ Forum

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 especially, Bob, for "Moments," the quotations (EBB's words are ones I love), and for sharing some of the beauty of Utah!" - Jim from MT. Vernon, OH (Ed.: As always, I appreciate your comments. Jim is a regular respondent to my newsletter.) 

"I loved, loved, loved your poem Am I Welcomed. Very moving. It was a nice surprise to see your photos pop up on on Ins tag ram. - Mary from Ohio (Ed.: Mary, thank you for your generous comments.)

"Thanks for sharing. Yes, we are in unusual times. This does lift my spirits. . . Take care and stay safe!" - Billie from Galion, Ohio (Ed.: Billie wrote much more, but I edited it since some of it was more private. Thank you much for you kind comments.)

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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, August 30, 2020.

Until next time - joy and peace,

Bob


Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Midway, UT 84049

bob@poeticaljourneys.com

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