This issue's pictorial focus is on a trip to Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. This month is Part 2 of that trip. Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey _____________________________________________________ Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life ____________________________________________________ My newest novel, What's Next~An Epic Journey, is available to the general public. The book is a sequel to the The End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey. You can purchase now by clicking here. (Scroll to the correct title.) To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journeyis available via Amazon and Kindle. It will grab you from the start and carry you to places you have never been. The book contains many diverse ideas and is a great love story filled with adventure and intrigue. Questions? Email me. To read more click here. To go to Amazon, click here. Click here to link to a You Tube radio interview about To the End of Time. (Friend David Riggs produced it for me. To link to his book, click here.) A number of individuals have sent some wonderful reviews. You can read some of them in the Forum Section below. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This month there are no new geographical destinations to be added to my demographic list. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VOLUME XV – Issue 7: Sunday, August 28, 2016 (180th Issue) Welcome & Online Version Opening Comments from Bob Two Poems: Friendship and Life's Dance Please support my efforts for this publication by donating or purchasing merchandise. Vignette this Month: Remembering the Slave Trade Recommendations Quotable Quotes A Bit of Humor PJ Forum PJ Demographics – Subscribers in 20 states and 10 countries PJ Online PJ Policies Subscription information   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 on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Sunset over Puget Sound, Seattle Opening Comments from Bob What's Next ~ An Epic Journey and Beyond Time and Back: An Epic Journey: Both novels are available on Amazon. What's Next is a sequel to Beyond Time and tackles a topic that impacts us all. Both books are intriguing reads. This Issue: This issue is Part 2 of my recent trip to the Northwest including Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The focus this month is on Washington. The two poems, Friendship and Life's Dance, focus on more serious ideas. The vignette speaks about race and was edited from our church bulletin. Subscriber Residence: PLEASE let me know if your state, providence, or country is not listed in the demographic section at the end. Next Month: The next issue will be out on September 25, 2016. To follow me on Facebook, click on Poet Bob, and ask to befriend me. Astoria Bridge, crossing over from Oregon to Washington .Two Poems this Month Friendship The journey takes us       on roads well-traveled       and some far less. We meet hundreds,       even thousands. Among those are the select;       the ones we bond for a lifetime. The ones we cherish       until our time is no more. Comment: None needed.         Life's Dance Throughout the night       the two dance and frolic       with not a care for the morrow. But alas, the dawn arrives       and the eyes open. The dream ends       for another night. Perhaps life       remains the real dream. One’s never sure       whether awake or asleep. Each can only wish       that the nightmares be few       and the dance prolific. Comment: Are you asleep or awake? The trip was privileged by visiting two sets of friends. We visited David and Renate at their new home in Washington.   Ed, a former college roommate and highly respected professor, and Ellen, his wife and dearest friend of many years, served as our hosts while visiting Seattle.   Enjoying rafting in the Cascade Mountains. My books and products are purchasable online. My work currently appears in seven books. Four are offered for sale online. To order any of the four, click here. The newest books, What's Next? (2016)and Beyond Time and Back (2015) are currently available through Amazon. A Respite in Time (2012) This 184 page book consists of vignettes, mostly one or two pages in length, which provide thoughtful comments on life. They have appeared in this newsletter over the years. The costs are $15 (PB) and $24 (HB) plus shipping. To order, click here. Lit Bit (2011) is a small anthology that includes three of my poems and three of my photographs. The cover photo is also mine. The cost is $10 plus shipping. (No longer available.) A Slice from the Apple with the Taste of Poetry (2010) is an anthology of poems written by members of the Apple Valley Poets, a very talented group that formed almost eleven years ago. This book contains a wide variety of poetical genres and will appeal to all lovers of poetry. The cost is $10 plus shipping. (No longer available.) An Oasis in a Cluttered World (2006) is a book that allows you chapter by chapter to immerse yourself in a quiet refuge as you forget the chaos of the world. Through poems, vignettes, and recommendations it beckons you to let go, relax, and savor life’s many riches. The cost is $11 for paperback and $18 for hardcover. To order, click here. Wisdom from the Journey (2004) As stated on the cover leaf, “My wish is that this reading journey will provide you with a bit of respite from everyday life, generate a few laughs, cause good feelings about yourself and humanity, encourage introspection, and at certain times twinge your conscience on critical issues and thoughts. Upon reading the last page, I hope you will smile and say, That felt good! The cost is $10 for paperback and $17 for hardcover. To order, click here. The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey (2002) is my first book. You join me on my around the world trip that I took in 2001. The cost is $5.50 for soft cover. (I have sold out of the hardback version. It still can be ordered through Author House.) To order the soft cover., click here. Enjoy the convenience of shopping online. Supporting the efforts of the Poetical Journal is greatly appreciated! To support, click here. To view the product page of other unique gifts, please click here. Above more floral beauty at Seattle Pacific Vignette this Month: Remembering the Slave Trade and Its Abolishment (The below was part of the weekly bulletin at church on August 14. For most, this date passed with no fanfare by most Americans. I found the content of the bulletin fascinating as I was unaware of many of these facts. I decided to share the content with my readers.) This date was chosen as a reminder that slaves were the principal agents of their own liberation when they caused an uprising from August 22-23, 1791, in Santo Domingo (today's Haiti and the Dominican Republic), which played a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. The transatlantic slave trade was the trade of African slaves by Europeans that occurred in and around the Atlantic Ocean. It lasted from the 15-19th century. Most slaves were shipped from West Africa and Central Africa and taken to the New World. Some slaves were captured through raids and kidnapping, although most were obtained through coastal trading. Most contemporary historians estimate that between 9.4 and 12 million Africans arrived in the New World, although the number of people taken from their homestead is considerably higher. Some estimates cited numbers as high as 25 to 40 million. Slaves were one element of a three-part economic cycle-the Triangular Trade and its Middle Passage-which ultimately involved four continents, four centuries and millions of people. The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was intended to inscribe the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade in the memory of all peoples. 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. Recommendations Anthony's at Sinclair Inlet in Bremerton, WA: This beautifully located restaurant offers delicious seafood at moderate prices. The view is great.   While visiting world-famous Pike's Place Market in Seattle, look into the original Starbuck's. No need to enter as the coffee tastes the same as in Park City, UT.     Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.   A closer look at the fun tradition of throwing the fish at the fish markets. Relaxing during break along the marina park near Pike Place Market –..Quotable Quotes "I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures." - Lao-tzu or Laozi (Ed.: 6th–5th Century BC ancient Chinese philosopher and writer) "But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?" - Albert Camus (20th C. French philosopher, author, and journalist) "A poem has secrets that the poet knows nothing of." - Eleonora Duse (Ed.: 1858-1924 Italian actress, often known simply as Duse. She is regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time.)   One of the many ubiquitious marinas Long Beach, WA: An almost endless beach (really 23 miles). One of the longest continuous beaches in the world.   A Bit of Humor A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul Driver's Ed: As the new driver's ed student drove through the redlight at the intersection, the instructor admonished him and asked, "Why did you not stop for the redlight?" The student replied, "My brother doesn't." The instructor directed him to return to the school for more instruction before any more driving could take place. On the way back, the student approached the same intersection with a greenlight, he immediately slammed on the brakes shocking the instructor as well as other drivers. "Why did you stop at a greenlight?" The student replied, "You never know when my brother's coming." ............................................................Courtesy of A Joke A Day IN THE CASCADES   View of Mt. Ranier as we were leaving Washington (Picture also appeared in last month's issue.) Final view of southeastern Washington 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, I personally respond to all. _______________________________ "The best things in life seem to happen when we leave the freeway and explore the back roads. It's those little things in life that become important. Your pictures are one of those little things that brighten my day. Multnomah Falls started out as my favorite until I saw the rose gardens. Our world blossoms with beauty. Thanks for continuing to send cheer" - Bev (Ed.: Many thanks for your kind comments. Being the photographer, I found wonderful beauty throughout the trip.) ______________________________ "Thank you for another collection of splendid pictures. As one who no longer travels far, except in my mind, I thank you for enabling me to see such beautiful places. The horse joke (which I had never heard before) was terrific. . ." - Jim from Mt. Vernon, OH (Ed.: Jim, I am pleased to take you on my journeys. Your poetry has taken me on many.) ______________________________ "Love your poem esp. the Now! and so good to read about the book store and Jake's seafood restaurant... been to both of them but not the blue donut. great photos too, and horse talk is great!" - Paul from Australia (Ed.: Many thanks, Paul. I am always appreciative when someone enjoys the whole issue.) ______________________________ "Hi Bob! This issue is glorious! I would LOVE to visit Powell's Bookstore! It looks heavenly - well to me it does because I am an avid reader. And the scenery from your trip........wow! My oldest daughter was born in Tacoma Washington. . .We drove back with an extra passenger - our daughter! Loved the trip. Beautiful states all the way!" - Bobbie from TX (Ed.: Your monthly comments are always appreciated. You will especially enjoy this issue as the pictorial focus is on Washington State.) ====================================================================================== Some Book Reviews To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey Review taken from Amazon "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." - David from Utah ______________________ Other Reviews (They have been edited for length. Thank so much to each of you.) "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." - Jim ______________________ "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." - Art from Park City, UT ______________________ "Your book touched places deep within my soul. I could read it over and over again, Bob. Job Well Done!" - Bobbie from Texas ______________________ "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." - Kimberly ______________________ "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. . ." - An Ohio Reader ______________________ "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. . ." - A Reader from Arizona ______________________ "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." - A Reader PJ Online To read some of the back issues of the PJ, go to here. The next issue will go out on September 25, 2016. 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. ----------------------------- 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. ----------------------------- 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. ---------------------------- Unsolicited Mailing: The PJ is never sent unless requested. If you believe you received the PJ unsolicited, please notify me. I will unsubscribe you. ------------------------------ 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! ------------------------------ 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.) Bob Casey Poetical Journeys P.O. Box 319 Midway, UT 84049 bob@poeticaljourneys.com If you are reading this and have not signed up for your free subscription to the Poetical Journal, please click here. -...Top Click on the icon to go to the homepage.