This month we return to a pictorial visit to the Utah area near where I live.

 

 

Above: Ducks taking in the sun along Silver Lake, UT Below: Wildflower

Opening Comments from Bob

On This Page: We pictorially spend some time in an area less than 14 miles from where we live. There are two poems this month, 2 Minutes and A Bit of Wisdom. There is also a third poem for those who desire a bit of controversy. There is also a third poem for those who desire a bit of controversy. The vignette discusses whether you want to write a book.

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Silver Lake, UT

Two Poems

2 Minutes

The age of high tech reigns
    where cell phones out number people
    and backup mirrors and tablets abound.
Ubiquitous video games of every ilk
    stimulate the senses.
Yet, on August 21,
    all become irrelevant
    as eyes peer heavenward
    at Nature’s magnificent show–
    once viewed as “A shadow of doom”
    but now welcomed
    as a spectacular spectacle.

Comments: I was lucky enough to be in the air during part of the eclipse. No worry about clouds!

 


 

A Bit of Wisdom

Flowers possess beauty
    that bewitch the eye.
Rich colors
    make it difficult
    to glance away.
    while fragrances
    entice one to abandon
    trivial thoughts.

Yet, we often pass by
    without a mere notice.
Perhaps the individual
    who first said,
Take time to smell the roses.
    was indeed a wise person.

Comment: None needed.

 


Click here if you want to read a poem that focuses on today's issues. Otherwise, stick with the two above...:-) (The link at the bottom of this specific page does not take you back to this page.)

 

Couple men fishing on Silver Lake.

Ground squirrel striking a pose.

Taking in the view up Snake Creek Road – enjoyed a picnic there

 

Another view of Silver Lake

Vignette this Month: So you want to write a book?

In polite conversation with strangers or individuals I have just formally met, the question often raised is "What do you do?" I mention that I am a tai chi instructor and eventually comment that I am also a writer and poet. They frequently ask, "What type of books do you write?" My current response is that I just completed my seventh book and provide a bit of description. Of course, they have never heard of any of my titles. Invariably, the next comment goes something like this. "I have always wanted to write a book." and then their rationale. Depending on what they say, I sometimes respond, "Why don't you?"

Assuming you have the discipline, time, and dedication to tell your story in written form, bringing your thoughts to print has never been easier. Of course, I am speaking of "self-publishing." This method, often frowned upon, is currently the way to bring your completed book before traditional publishers. However, many prefer sticking with self-publishing versus traditional for a number of reasons. First, to have a traditional publisher bring your finished product to fruition is often a minimum of two years. Unless you are Stephen King, you also still do your own promotion. More importantly, your profit per book is greater. Traditional publishers often only give you $1 to $2 in royalties while self-publishing generates anywhere from $3 - $5 per sale depending on where it is sold.

Many choose to tell their story, not for the money, but to provide a legacy, often for their family. While those stories are of little interest to others, to family members the words are precious. Others desire to see their names in print while others dream of the jackpot. A best seller can make someone instantly rich. For the latter, the competition in today's market is incredible. In one month alone, over 15,000 books are published in the U.S. Hence, when someone says that they have never heard of my books, I smile.

A couple years ago, I started a small company called Journeys Publishing that has helped people tell their story. If you have a story to tell, email me, and we can talk further.

 

 

 

 

Through the wildflowers on a mountain bike ride

Recommendation

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Silver Fork Lodge in Brighton, UT: Enjoying breakfast on a sunny summer day! We love taking a short drive up the mountain to Big Cottonwood Canyon for breakfast or lunch. We always enjoy the food, the views, and the occasional hikes. It is also a neat place to stay overnight.

Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.

 

View from the picnic area

Looking down Snake Creek Road

Picnic view into the valley

Above: Silver Lake view. Below: All the pictures to follow were taken at Silver Lake

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