My most recent novel, What's Next~An Epic Journey, is available on Amazon or can be ordered through your local bookstore. The book is a sequel to the The End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey. You can purchase now byclicking here. (Scroll to the correct title.) Either book is a fine read for the broad-minded or the spiritual seeker.
To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey is 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 go to Amazon,click here.
Click hereto 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 ofthem in the Forum Section below.
PJ Demographics – Subscribers in 24 states and 12 countries
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I am pleased to have you as a reader. If you enjoy the PJ, please encourage others to subscribe.
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The next Poetical Journal will be out on Sunday, August 27, 2017.
Father and son enjoying fishing along a small lake on the Parkway
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 for the spiritual seeker and/or the broad-minded.
This Issue: This month we again return to North Carolina as we pictorially travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are two serious poems this month, Within and The Beyond. The vignette discusses some little known facts about this newsletter.
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 comes out on August 27, 2017.
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Two Poems this Month
Within
High above the clouds
I long to write.
To capture these feelings
of personal history.
Sadness looms
for I possess no pen or paper.
My computer remains stowed
for the flight duration.
Instead I savor the moments
understanding that pen and paper
cannot capture the within.
Smiling,
I no longer feel sorrow.
Comments: Several of the quotes in this issue also touch on this topic.
The Beyond
As one enters the autumn of this journey–
for the Chinese the springtime of life–
one ponders the beyond,
the infinite, the unknown.
Science claims
we are eternal,
turning into dust,
atoms for the stars.
But we desire more,
to reunite with those who have gone before.
Some claim to know.
Bless them.
But a Chinese Proverb
is also wise.
“To say you don’t know
is the beginning of wisdom.”
Comment: You interpret.
We took a quick break at Altapass where ice cream was being served and an opportunity to dance or simply listen was available..
Floral trees greeted you along the Parkway.
Despite the impending rain, a young woman models by standing on top of a bear proof trash bin. Lucky for her, it didn't tip. Frankly, I expected to capture a picture of a falling model.
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.
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Blue Ridge Parkway: We begin our tour at Asheville, ending at Blowing Rock. We started in clouds and rain.
Vignette this Month: Dan Ritchey
All of us somewhere in our lifetime have had an individual or individuals impact us and perhaps even change the directions of our lives. In past PJs I have written about several individuals who changed the course of mine. This month’s vignette is about one such man.
Dan Ritchey will always have special place in my heart for the role he played in my teenage life. At the age of 12 I fell in love with photography and in high school I learned much more from my mentor Dan Ritchey after I joined the photography staff of the Galion High School yearbook. (I being the staff. Dan was the photographer for the local newspaper and graciously volunteered his time.) Dan introduced and tutored me in the use of the old Graflex camera, at that time the workhorse for photojournalists. With that camera I needed to learn of then foreign concepts of f-stops, depth of field, and shutter speed. Plus you also built up your arm strength due to its weight. There was none of this point and shoot and magically a fine picture occurs. He also spoke of composition and the importance of a picture conveying a message. As a very shy teenager this role as yearbook photographer helped in many ways prepare me for my future. Seeing my photos from the Friday night football game appearing in the local paper enhanced my self-esteem and sense of pride. The ability to organize groups for a yearbook picture helped build my confidence. I remember well one assignment where I had to pose the cheerleaders for their yearbook shot. Despite my nervousness the picture turned out great. I could go on and on.
Because of Dan my original college major was photojournalism. Later, I returned to my hometown and taught school. I was privileged to have had Dan’s children in my classroom and in my way tried to pay him back for all he had done for me.
Today, photography is still an important part of my life, largely due to this man, Dan Ritchey, who over the decades continued to contribute so much to his beloved community. He passed at 90 years of age.
If you had an individual impact your life and want to share in the PJ, please email me with your narrative.
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.
The rain clouds began to lift generating a portrait-like image.
The rains eventually dissipated providing a magnificent view of the vast green landscape and a cloud layer
second to none. Note the sunlight reflecting off the clouds.
The Parkway is cut through the rock cliffs.
Recommendations
If you happen to be traveling in North Carolina, here are some suggestions for good eating!
Village Inn in Blowing Rock, NC: We were lucky to get a table at this legendary
restaurant–a local favorite. It was Father's Day–delicious food and wonderful service.
Open breakfast/lunch - You walk down this picturesque lane to the seating area.
Mint Restaurant in Boone, NC: If you want to enjoy superb Indian food flavored to your taste, here is the place.
Miguel's in Charlotte, NC: A hole in the wall but delicious, authentic Mexican food–inexpensive and very popular.
Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.
Above and Below: A sea of greens
Table Rock off in the distance
Quotable Quotes
"It must be a disappointment to God if we are not dazzled at least ten times a day." - Mary Oliver
"The simple act of being completely attentive and present to another person is an act of love, and it fosters unshakable well-being." - Sharon Salzberg
"Life always gives us / exactly the teacher we need / at every moment. // This includes every mosquito, every misfortune, every red light, / every traffic jam, every obnoxious supervisor (or employee), / every illness, every loss, every moment of joy or depression, / every addiction, every piece of garbage, every breath. // Every moment is the guru." - Charlotte Joko Beck
"Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now." - Eckhart Tolle
Blowing Rock, NC: This rock formation is located near the resort community of Blowing Rock. It is
". . . an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge, 3,000 feet below.
The phenomenon is so called because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which
the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void."
For a link to the legend http://www.theblowingrock.com/legend-of-the-blowing-rock/
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
What a Dog
A guy walks into a restaurant with a small dog. The waiter says, "Sir, I'm very sorry, but we don't allow dogs in here."
The guy replies, "But this isn't just any dog ... this dog can play the piano!"
The waiter responds, "Well, if he can play that piano, you both can stay and have a meal on the house!"
So the guy sits the dog on the piano stool, and the dog starts playing. Ragtime, Mozart ... and the waiter and patrons are enjoying the music. Suddenly a bigger dog runs in, grabs the small dog by the scruff of the neck, and drags him out.
The waiter asks the guy, "What was that all about?"
The guy says, "Oh, that was his mother. She wanted him to be a doctor."
Above & Below: This pictorial views were taken from the Blowing Rock observation deck.
Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock, NC
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. (On editing: I often eliminate the paragraphing to save space.)
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"Thank you. Is that Utah in the background? Awesome commentary." - Michael from Buffalo, NY (Ed.: Thank you Michael. He is a new subscriber.)
"A lot of memories from NC, and I visited Biltmore several times. Great issue!" - Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: Thank you, I always enjoy hearing from Bobbie, one of my most faithful readers.)
There were several responses too personal print. However, I am so grateful for them. THANK YOU!
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
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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
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"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
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"Your book touched places deep within my soul. I could read it over and over again, Bob. Job Well Done!" - Bobbie from Texas
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
Reader Demographics
States- AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, NC, ND, NY, OH, OR, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WV, and WI;
Canadian Provinces - BC, ON, and QC;
Countries - 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.
To read some of the back issues of the PJ, go to here.
The next issue will go out on August 27, 2017.
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
PJPolicies 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.)
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