Thompson Road, Upcountry, Maui: Those who have followed me over the years know that this is one of
my favorite walks on Maui. This one lane road offers spectacular views of the island. (March Issue)
A must visit if you are in the Grand Junction area is the Colorado National Monument. Many drive by and
never realize it exists. (April Issue)
When many think of Asheville, NC, they think of the Biltmore Estate. Pictured is the front view. (June Issue)
Blue Ridge Parkway, NC: A magnificent view of the vast green landscape and a cloud layer
second to none. Note the sunlight reflecting off the clouds. (July Issue)
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Silver Lake, UT (August Issue)
Grand Tetons National Park, WY: The majestic beauty of this national park is hard to beat. (October Issue)
Jenny Lake, WY, is a must see stop in the Grand Tetons National Park. (October Issue)
Elk Lake, OR, just another of many on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (November Issue)
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. (November Issue)
PJ Forum 2017
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.)
Of course, I enjoy hearing from everyone but here are a few of my favorites. Three readers write regularly but I only selected one of their frequent contributions.
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"Wouldn't it be wonderful to experience real peace in our world. Your poem reminded me of the John Glenn Memorial service. As he knew the end was near, he planned many parts of his service. For the last song, he chose, Let There Be Peace on Earth. Those words touched my heart and should be sung by everyone: 'Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.' Thanks for all you do to make the world a better place," - Bev from Ohio (Ed. Bev, I always appreciate hearing from you. Many thanks for the comments on John Glenn and me. (January Issue)
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"How could you possibly not have California listed?? I'm quite offended! (Not really.) Hi! I'm enjoying the PJ so far. I haven't had the chance to read it all the way through in a few months, unfortunately. Hoping to catch up soon! I was happy to catch a glimpse of your family, and I love your pictures as always! Okay, back to reading..." – Julie from California (Ed.: Julie has subscribed with me for many years. She was a teenager then–I believe about 16–and now married and a mother. Julie is one of the two teenagers I mentioned in my history of the PJ. I always enjoy hearing from her. Sorry about the omission of the great state of California...:-) (February Issue)
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Email #1: "Hi Bob, Emily and I are heading to Toledo to see http://www.toledomuseum.org/exhibitions/plexus/ and decided to detour to your new favorite Tiffin restaurant. We are enjoying your good taste and recommendation! Thanks! Hope all is well." Email #2: "Wow...quick reply! And yes, the creme brûlée is awesome. We have enjoyed ourselves! Have a great weekend. Again, thanks!" – Marialice from Fredericktown, OH (Ed.: Marialice emailed that they were following up on a recommendation I made in the January issue. I was excited for almost no one ever notifies me they have used one of my recs so I replied immediately. Thanks for helping to make my day.) (February Issue)
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"Can't believe it's 15 years Bob! Love the photos in this issue - so vibrant and beautiful! Peace. – Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: Bobbie, is one of my earliest subscribers. Thank you for your ongoing responses over the years. She hardly misses a month in which she does not comment.) (February Issue)
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"Thanks for another fine issue. And thanks for your tribute to Dan Ritchey. We had not heard of his death and are sorry to learn of the loss of this good man. Galion would be a better place (as would the world) if there were many more just like Dan" - Jim from Mt. Vernon, OH (Ed.: Thank you, Jim. Yes, Dan was quite a fine human being.) (August Issue)
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""Thank for the newsletter. The "secret " poem seemed poignant to me." - Renate from WA (Ed.: Thank you for those comments. I agree with you. Upon checking the click through rate, there were only a few who took the time to open the page. I am glad you did. In fact, I am running the option again.) (September Issue)
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". . .I travel vicariously with you and your beautiful pictures. . ." - Priscilla from Maui (Ed.: Thanks so much Priscilla! I appreciated your other comments as well. She also provided me the name of a friend who wanted to subscribe. I always appreciate that.) (October Issue)
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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.) (November Issue)
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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.) (November Issue)
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"I found this months edition particularly delightful! Maybe because it was so close to home, maybe because I felt the familiarity ... your photography is magnificent Bob! Would love to have a gallery of your work. Your poems were very deep and meaningful. Happy Thanksgiving. Grateful there are people like you in the world. I would love to sit down and have a deep intellectual conversation with you." - Poet K.C. from Portland, OR (Ed.: Much appreciated! K.C. is an extremely talented poet. She is currently working on her book. Once it is published, I will let you know.) (December Issue)
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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
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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.
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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, February 25, 2018.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Unsolicited Mailing: The PJ is never sent unless requested. If you believe you received the PJ unsolicited, please notify me. I will unsubscribe you.
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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!
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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.)
