Opening Comments from Bob
This Issue: Due to the COVID, I have not been going out and taking a lot of pics. Hence, I am using some from the past.
These were taken while on a river cruise on the Rhine and Mosel in Europe. The newsletter includes two poems, Culmination, a review of life, and Haiku 2, three short examples. The vignette focuses on Brandon Leake's poetry performed on America's Got Talent.
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 October 25, 2020.
My Facebook account is again open.
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Village of Riquewihr: Just outside a small French village during the wine harvest.
Main Street in the French Village of Riquewihr.
Two Poems this Month
Culmination
Oh, glorious journey
the walk has been a pleasure.
Yes, like all,
pain has visited,
sometimes too frequently.
Love has surrounded me,
becoming my dearest companion.
As a young man
I yearned for greatness,
honors, and recognition.
In the end,
they were not my destiny.
Though I have often faltered,
I sorrow not.
For what else can one ask
but be surrounded
by family, friends, respect,
and a sense of worth.
I live satisfied and complete.
Comments: Some personal thoughts on life.
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Haiku 2
A forest stands alone
No one lies on the pine bed
Trees remembering smile
The rose blossoming
Opening to the sunlight’s warmth
Awaiting a new day
He stands awaiting
Arms and soul outstretched to her
What path will she walk
Comments: While I don't write many haiku poems, I thought you might enjoy these three.
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Stumbling Stones, Germany: On the cobblestone walks of Koblenz and other German cities, "stumbling stones," 4 x 4 inch engraved brass blocks, are appearing. These slightly raised blocks catch the attention of walkers. Each block commemorates by listing the first and last name of a Jew and the members of the family who perished in the Holocaust. It is an effort to warn that this genocide not be forgotten.
Alps: One of the trams that transports skiers, tourists, and hotel
guests up the mountain. |
Another view from the small French Village of Riquewihr
View taken from the resort/ski area located in the area of the Three Peaks, the Eiger, Monch, and Jung mountains. Note one of the trams far below.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Luxembourg: Almost every city of any size has a cathedral. I found this one especially beautiful. The cornerstone was laid in 1631 and completed 8 years later,
Vignette this Month
This month's vignette differs from previous ones. I heard on America's Got Talent a poet perform a deeply touching, thought provoking presentation. I decided to share it with you, just in case you hadn't seen it. Click on the link to hear and see Brandon Leake perform: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaM-OrZi6IA (Persevere through the ad.)
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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Luxembourg: For some reason this small country really intrigued me. I even considered spending a summer
there, using it as a base to explore Europe.
Recommendations
Stay safe and healthy!
.........Please take a look at the gift page.
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle on the Rhine in Germany: It was constructed from 1326 to 1327. Note the vineyards
on the hillside. They go on for miles.
The Mosel River flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany. It is a left tributary of the Rhine.
Vineyards for miles.
Quotable Quotes
Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do. – Voltaire
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I ended up where I intended to be." – Douglas Adams
To see things in the seed, that is genius.– Lao Tzu
I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains. – Anne Frank
At port stop along the Mosel River. We spent several hours walking around this small village including enjoying
a pastry or two.
View taken from a canal boat while cruising Strasbourg, France
From high on a hill looking down on a small village next to the Mosel River
Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
Family Business
One day, after a man had his annual physical, the doctor came out and said, "You had a great checkup. Is there anything that you'd like to talk about or ask me?"
"Well," he said, "I was thinking about getting a vasectomy."
"That's a pretty big decision. Have you talked it over with your family?"
"Yeah, and they're in favor 12 to 1."
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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"Hi Bob! I have always enjoyed your poetry, and this one is so sweet! I'm so glad you're enjoying the little clock, and I so appreciate your support! I would love to use your poem (with your byline of course) in my social media marketing, and I am happy to link back to the online version of your newsletter. I've been enjoying your European vacation pics too. Someday I will get back there, perhaps as an ex-pat! - Sally from VA (Ed.: Many, many thanks! I have shopped at Sally's shop for years, in person and online. She was reacting to my poem last month My Special Clock. If you have time, click on her link www.HarmonyMoonGifts.com.)
" How fortunate we have been to travel without our freedom being controlled. The pictures of your cruise bring a smile to my face. What beauty exists if we open our eyes! Since we have no idea what tomorrow holds, let us enjoy each moment we can today." - Bev from OH (Ed.: Bev has hit on an important thought, seize the moments while we can. Who would ever have thought that we would be in the middle of a pandemic? As always, thank you for your 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, October 25, 2020.
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Midway, UT 84049
bob@poeticaljourneys.com