This month we continue our fall journey of reds in the Midway, UT area and then some gorgeous pictures taken in Bend, OR. There is also a bonus link in celebration of Thanksgiving.
At the request of several subscribers, I have created a 2018 Utah Calendar. SOLD OUT!
My third novel Adelyn: An Epic Journey in the Epic Journeys TrilogyIS AVAILABLE on Amazon. (Above is a 65 second clip about the book.) It will take you on quite a journey! Though the third book of a trilogy, it is also a standalone novel.
One reader from Ohio wrote: 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.
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My first two books of the trilogy,To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey, and the sequel, What's Next~An Epic Journey can be purchased through Amazon byclicking here. (Scroll to the correct title.) Your local bookstore can also order them for you. All these books are fine reads for the broad-minded and/or the spiritual seeker. What a reading adventure you will have including many diverse ideas, a beautiful love story, adventure, and intrigue. (All three are also available in Kindle version.)
Click here to link to a YouTube radio interview about To the End of Time and Back. (Friend David Riggs produced it for me. To link to his book, click here.)
A number of individuals have sent wonderful reviews on the first two books. You can read some ofthem in the Forum Section below.
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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, December 24, 2017.
...............Colors on Empire Pass near Midway
Opening Comments from Bob
Adelyn: An Epic Journey is the third in the series and can also be read as a standalone book. Beyond Time and Back: An Epic Journeywas the first in the series followed by the second, What's Next ~An Epic Journey. Each tackles a topic that impacts us all. Any of the three books are great gifts to the open, spiritual seeker and/or the broad-minded. All three of the novels are available on Amazon.
This Issue: Pictures of fall in Midway and travels through the Bend, Oregon area abound. I traveled to Bend to take a tai chi course on Yang 24 from world renowned tai chi master Dr. Paul Lam.
Besides the usual format, there is also a Thanksgiving Bonus Page of Fall colors in Provo Canyon, UT.Click hereto view.
The two poems this month are Inward and Insignificant which I hope you find thought provoking. The vignette relates to a recent holiday celebrate in the U.S.
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 December 24, 2017.
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Colors in Lime Canyon in Midway, UT
Two Poems this Month
Insignificant
Almost 130 million light years* away ......in a nearby galaxy, ......two neutron stars collided ......dispersing more energy than our sun ......since the beginning of time ......along with showering the universe ......with 200 earth masses of gold.
A small ripple is felt here ......despite the unfathomable distance.
Who says, “We are not connected.”
Despite this monumental event, ......I still worry about this and that.
My insignificance still seems significant.
* 64,221,298,513,869.005011 miles
Comments: I was fascinated with this stellar event which occurred last month. Here is some additional information. A single teaspoon of a neutron star could weigh a billion tons. A blast of gamma rays from such an entity, despite the incredible distance, could wipe out all life in its path, including Earth. This particular blast bypassed us.
Inward
As the tai chi movements flow ......with a focus on smoothness ......and stability, ......the cares of the day ......begin to fade.
Soon the ocean of air ......assumes shape, ......caressing ......as arms and feet flow.
In rare moments ......it too disappears ......as one dwells inward ......oblivious to all around, ......lost for moments ......in the vortex of time.
No matter which journey ......the dancer travels, ......one returns ......revitalized and refreshed.
Comment: I recently attended a tai chi workshop in Bend with Dr. Paul Lam. As I thought about my tai chi journey of over 20 years, this poem evolved. I also realized the gift it has been to my life.
Another shot taken on Empire Pass
Taken in Lime Canyon
As I was taking pictures of the beautiful park in downtown Bend, this gentleman walked by. Halloween is a major celebration in the Bend area.
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, Adelyn: An Epic Journey (2017), What's Next? ~ An Epic Journey (2016), and Beyond Time and Back: An Epic Journey (2015), are currently available through Amazon.
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Fall colors in full glory above the golf course at the state park on the outskirts of Midway.
A favorite place to visit in the summer, even has sand beaches! We enjoyed the quiet time of fall. Clockwise from the top:
crossing on the causeway; view from the ranch, one of the oldest in Utah; the island is along a huge migratory flyway for
birds; and a herd of buffalo which roam freely on the island. As you would expect from the name, there are also antelope.
The area is part of the Great Salt Lake on the edge of Salt Lake City..
Vignette this Month: Thanksgiving 2017
For my foreign subscribers, we recently celebrated Thanksgiving. How does one write about this holiday without repeating frequently used phrases such as We have so much for which to be thankful.? Over the decades millions of words have extolled the importance of being grateful. Family, health, freedom, and life's abundance are only a few often mentioned. Many trace this desire to express gratitude through their religious heritage while others simply feel a moral obligation. Yet, we also recognize that many suffer due to poverty, oppression, and tragedies. As I write, I think of a subscriber in a foreign land who is experiencing such oppression. My heart goes out to that wonderful human being and the person's family.
For my family, we spent the day together feasting and giving thanks. A special moment for me was watching our two granddaughters enjoying life. We also took a moment to send out love to those in need. In some ways, that seemed like a feeble effort but perhaps if enough of us do that we can change the world.
I will close by simply saying, "I am so thankful for the gift of life and age and for you, my loyal readers."
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.
My morning wake-up view in Redmond, Oregon, a few miles from Bend.
Below: Taking the back road into Bend from Redmond, a view of one of the Three Sisters
(3 mtns. interlocked), appears dead ahead.
Broken Top (far left) and the Three Sisters (Faith, Hope, and Charity)
Recommendations
Cafe Sintra in Sunriver, OR: An accidental discovery! I have never had
Portuguese food before but definitely want to experience it again. The
soup and food were incredible. We were going to share a
dessert but quickly changed our minds. We ordered two more
to go, one for each of us. This place was a delectable find. We
only wished we could have returned again
Wild Rose Cafe downtown Bend, OR: This is an extremely popular Thai Restaurant. My son Craig recommended it as a favorite of his and his friends.
It is definitely worth a stop. The servers are more that happy to adjust the spice heat level according to your tastes.
Rt. 20 to Bend, OR: I loved the contrast of the red barn against the backdrop of two of the Sisters so much I did a U turn and went back for the shot.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Gorgeous scenery! Mt. Bachelor rose into view as one topped the hill.
I took this panorama shot near the top of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway..
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: One of the beauty's of this drive is the abundance of small lakes created by volcanic eruptions eons ago and fed by a huge watershed from the snows. Due to the snow and
lack of four wheel drive, we could not drive back into many of them but were able to visit two.
Pictured is Devil's Lake.
Quotable Quotes
"Life is a dance . . . and the dance goes on with us and without us." - Osho
"Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it." - Eckhart Tolle
"A thing long expected takes the form of the unexpected when at last it comes." - Mark Twain
"The Idea of a life gets in the way of my life." - Sylvia Plath
Elk Lake, just another of many on this scenic byway
This Cascade Lake watershed was originally created thousands of years ago by volcanic eruptions that now capture the winter snows.
If you haven't already done so, click here to view some additional astounding fall shots in Utah. A Thanksgiving gift to you.
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
Security
Working as a secretary in an international airport, my sister had an office adjacent to the room where security temporarily holds suspects. One day, security officers were questioning a man when they were suddenly called away on another emergency. To the horror of my sister and her colleagues, the man was left alone in the unlocked room.
After a few minutes, the door opened and he began to walk out. Summoning up her courage, one of the secretaries barked, "Get back in there, and don't you come out until you're told!"
The man scuttled back inside and slammed the door. When the security people returned, the women reported what had happened. Without a word, an officer walked into the room and released the very frightened telephone repairman.
Pictured above and below: Downtown Bend has one of prettiest parks I have ever seen. We saw parents
bringing their children and rakes to rake piles of leaves and have their kids jump into them.
Just outside of Bend–this museum provides a comprehensive look at the history and the current fauna and flora of the area. A number of animals are visible along with sculptures.
As many of you know, I teach tai chi. My students are really my friends and provide me with many hours of enjoyment, which I treasure. I long ago discovered that food and dining together builds bonds and relationships. At least twice a year my classes come together to celebrate. Pictured below are some of my students who joined me in our Thanksgiving Chinese Feast.
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 every ones, I personally respond to all. (On editing: I often eliminate the paragraphing to save space.)
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"I think Al’s is where we stayed on our Yellowstone trip. Not fancy, but a decent clean place to spend the night. I would never call Yellowstone my favorite park, but it does have it’s own unique, fascinating points of interest that you won’t see at other parks out west. . ." - G.L. from Cincy (Ed.: Thank you for writing. I agree regarding majestic beauty and also agree regarding some of the uniqueness that exists there. As mentioned in my rec last month, Al's has been remodeled. I think you would approve.)
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"Beautiful Fall pics Bob! And you created a nice calendar. Would love to go to that pancake house! lol" - Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: Many thanks as always! May peace be with you.)
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"I realized after seeing that this issue was #194, that I have read all but maybe the first 40 of them :-). I have enjoyed them all :-).
I hope all is well with you." - Jeannine from Ohio (Ed.: Thank you! Yes, life is going well. I am pleased that you have been a loyal subscriber and reader. I hope you continue. Best to 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 Sunday, December 24, 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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