My novel Epic Journeys into Time consolidates the Epic Trilogy into one book and is written in traditional novel format. During the pandemic, I wrote two additional novels under the pen name Leon Pashi. Both are romantic and erotic. I especially like the second one, Zahin and Anoop. I believe it's my best. Regarding that book, here is a portion of a great review from M.L. of Kansas, "What a beautiful, eloquently written love story! . . . a welcomed diversion and bright spot during this time of isolation during the pandemic. The plot kept me interested and excitedly turning the pages to the end. . . hot, passionate intimacy with incredibly warm tenderness which validated sacredness. . ."
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Opening Comments from Bob
This Issue: Pictorially, the focus is my home state of Ohio. The poems, Reflection and Equal, are wide open for your interpretation. My short vignette is about a brief business meeting with Janice Marler. The guest vignette by author G.L. Rush is a humorous look at something we can all relate to.
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 27 states, 3 provinces, and 13 countries. See complete list near at the newsletter.
Next Month: The next issue comes out on July 25, 2021. In that issue, we will revisit the magnificent Schnormeier Gardens.
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This section, pictures from Troy, Ohio
Miami County courthouse and offices
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The Great Miami River flows through downtown Troy and is a tributary of the Ohio River. It is approximately 160 miles (260 km) long and is located in southwestern Ohio and Indiana. The river is named for the Miami, an Algonquian-speaking Native American people who lived there.
The Seventeen Year Cicadas were there to welcome us to Ohio. They were only present in some of the areas we visited. They live underground for 17 years and come above ground to mate and die.
We returned to Ohio on business, see family, and visit with friends. I have three sisters, Gay, Joy, and Pat. Pictured are Gay and her husband Jerry. We joined them for one of their afternoon social hours. |
Troy's renovated town square
Like many small Ohio cities, there is an abundance of churches. I found the architecture
of the First United Methodist Church especially intriguing.
What an empty field and sign? Just a reminder that almost wherever we walk, ancestors have tread before, each absorbed in the daily routines of their lives thinking little of the past, concerned mainly with the future. Someday, others will walk our same grounds oblivious of what went before. This field, Fort Ancient Earthworks, was once home to a vibrant culture of the Ohio Hopewellian people starting around 1000 C.E. and ending approximately 700 years later. The earthwork is in SW Ohio near the King's Island exit off of I-71.
Vignette this Month: Janice Marler
I currently operate three small businesses, one (two websites) focuses on my writing, one on publishing, and the third with instructing Tai Chi and Qigong.
One of the most enjoyable portions of my recent visit to Ohio was to meet with Janice Marler, her daughter Sandy, Janice's pastor, and a friend. Janice and I have emailed back and forth for several years and spoken on the phone many times. She is also a PJ subscriber. I recently published her first book, Grandma's Wisdom Or Not. I will soon be publishing her second one.
While the original purpose of the visit was business related, it soon turned into sharing friendship. She even had a small gift bags for us. My wife Janice and I were treated with the upmost graciousness.
Pictured: Janice is to my immediate left.
Guest Vignette this Month: Good Neighbor
Bio: We haven't heard from author and playwright G.L. Rush for quite awhile. We are pleased that she is back and shared what has now become a humorous event to her. However, at the time, I am sure that was no so.
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The event all started when I decided to have a hot dog for breakfast. (I am not a fan of the traditional breakfast.) Since I didn’t want to dirty a broiling pan in the toaster oven, which would have automatically shut off after the time was up, I put it in a pan of water on the stove to boil. I’m hungry! Hence, I turn the burner up to medium high .
Then, I made the Big Mistake! I decided to go to the basement to find a larger container for my coffee filters. When I reach for the one I want, it falls back behind the three-tiered shelf. Of course, I pull out the shelf, and the other ones fall. I pick them up and, being a neat and tidy person, I also sweep up dust from behind the shelves. Almost done, I hear the blaring of the smoke alarm in our kitchen and hallway which definitely caught my attention . Upon rushing upstairs, I discovered hot dog char broiled and kitchen and family room filled with smoke. Quickly, windows and doors are opened wide until we can see again. About an hour later, I decided to just do toast for breakfast.
Hubby was still in bed during my cooking spree until he heard this new wake up alarm. When I went to the bottom of the steps, I saw him on a stool trying to shut off the upstairs smoke alarm. (It had been known to malfunction.) I told him to forget it as it was the downstairs alarm which was working quite well! I have to hand it to him, no yelling and cussing which leaves me to believe he was truly quite speechless !
I went outside, sat down, and tried to calm myself. Alyson next door who was on her back porch yells over asking how was I today. I said after trying to burn the house down I was fine . She said oh that’s always fun, I’ve done that a couple times... And that’s the kind of neighbors you like to have!
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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, I will print 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.
This section, pictures from Put 'n Bay on South Bass Island. This small island is located on Lake Erie.
South Bass Island, the location of the small resort community Put 'n Bay, is 2.5 by 5 miles in size. It is easily assessable by private boat, small plane, Miller's Ferry, or the Jet Express out of Port Clinton. South Bass is the most famous of Lake Erie's resort islands.
Perry Memorial viewed from downtown Put 'n Bay Harbor
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie that
took place near South Bass Island, in which Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led a fleet to victory
in one of the most decisive naval battles to occur in the War of 1812. The memorial also celebrates
the lasting peace between Britain, Canada, and the United States that followed the war.
Below 2 shots: Downtown Harbor views
Small park town center
Not only did Ohio welcome the cicadas but the annual influx of harmless mayflies
arrived at the lake. The invasion lasts a couple of weeks.
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Recommendation
There are so many recs I could give. Here are just a few.
Port Clinton, OH
For the best perch ever, Jolly Rogers.
Troy, OH
- For delicious Taewanese J's Asian Cuisine(1743 W. Main St; Troy, OH 45373 (937) 703-1333. The hot and sour soup delectable.
- For an extensive and unique variety of candy and soda selections Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop - soda selection pictured below
Port Clinton, OH: With the assistance of my wife's brother-in-law Bruce, I made quite a discovery. A new sculptor and artist studio now is located in downtown Port Clinton near the Jet Express parking area. On my visit, I met sculptor Andy Sacksteder. His work is incredible. I am pictured with a bronze piece I purchased. He works in a building that is owned by the Greater Port Clinton Area Arst Council; 317 W. Perry St.; Port Clinton, OH 43452. It is called TAG, The Arts Garage. Andy's website: http://www.andysacksteder.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.
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The carving of Jose De Rivera St. Jurgo, a wealthy Spaniard who bought
South Bass, known as Put-in-Bay, and Middle Bass islands in 1854.
Gulf carts rule the streets. The Beer Barrel Saloon claims to have the World's longest bar.
Enjoy a bit of Key West on PNB. The key lime pie was delicious!
Quotable Quotes
"There is no reality except the one contained within us. That is why so many people live such an unreal life. They take the images outside them for reality and never allow the world within to assert itself." - Hermann Hesse
"A day is like a whole life. You start out doing one thing, but end up doing something else, plan to run an errand, but never get there . . . And at the end of your life, your whole existence has the same haphazard quality, too. Your whole life has the same shape as a single day." - Michael Crichton
"Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.." - Dalai Lama
resemblance to the famous British fortress at the western end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is affiliated with the O.S.U.
Middle Bass Island is less than half a mile from South Bass Island, home to Put 'n Bay. It's a quick ferry ride from downtown PNB.
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
A soldier serving overseas far from home was annoyed and upset when his girl wrote to break off their engagement and ask for her photograph back.
He went out and collected from his friends all the unwanted photographs of women that he could find, bundled them all together, and sent them back with a note saying, “I regret that I cannot remember which one you are. Please keep your photo and return the others.”
Compliment of A Joke A Day
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The 1896 Port Clinton lighthouse on the mainland
Tai Chi Corner
Take some time to learn tai chi. Contact Bob.
PJ Forum
If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please e-mail them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com. I personally respond to all. (When editing the comments for publication, I eliminate very personal comments and edit for spacing.
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"I'm just reading of your brain surgery!!! I hope you're doing well, from what I read it seems as if you're in much less pain? HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!." - C.O. from Ohio (Ed: Yes, thank you for your concern. Life continues to improve. At least now, I can eat.)
"Bob, I must have missed your earlier writings about your condition. I'm so sorry that you've had to endure something like that for so long. I hope that your procedure puts a stop to it or, at the very least, reduces the level and frequency of your pain." - Don from Wisconsin (Ed: Don and I go way back. Thank you for your concern. Yes, I feel like a miracle has happened.)
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Reader Demographics
States - 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 to this section will be updated each month.
If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.
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Book Reviews
Blast Series: Review by Janice M. regarding Blast Book Four: . . . I loved the book. There were so many ideas floating around in my head from your writings, and I understood everything you wrote about. I saw the visions while traveling through the pages. Thank you for your inspiration. . . ."
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."
______________________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."
______________________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."
______________________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. . ."
______________________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."
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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, July 25, 2021.
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
Subscription: To unsubscribe, click on your individualized unsubscribe e-mail at the end of this newsletter. (Not appropriate for this web page.)
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Midway, UT 84049
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