This is our anniversary issue beginning Year 17. The first issue of the Poetical Journal was emailed in February of 2002. The pictorial focus is on the Big Island, HI.
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.
____________________________________
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 also 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 non-traditional 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.
PJ Demographics – Subscribers in 24 states and 12 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, March 25, 2018.
....If you land on the west coast of the Big Island (Kona airport), get used to seeing black lava fields–stark beauty.
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 topics 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: This month we begin the 17th year of this publication. In the vignette I provide a brief history of the newsletter. We are again in Hawaii, first on the Big Island and then Maui for a winter sojourn. All the pictures have a touch of Big Island Aloha. There are two poems this month, Mokuaikaua Church and A Moment of "Why?". The vignette provides some history regarding this newsletter. A BIG Mahalo to each of you for subscribing!
BIG Contest: Those who have been subscribers for a long time may remember that I offered many contests in the early and middle years of the publication. I quit them because of the costs in product and mailing. However, being the start of the 17th year, I am offering a really good one–$50 or $25 cash prize. However, the following rules apply:
If you have been a subscriber for at least 10 years*, you are eligible to win $50.
If you have subscribed for less than 10 years, your prize amount is $25.
There must be a minimum of 15 entries for any dollar amount to be awarded;
Assuming Rule 3 is met, one winner will be selected by random drawing.
In two to five sentences, tell me what you like most about the PJ.
Only one entry per person.
Deadline to enter is March 15, 2018.
Email your entry to Bob. Type "Contest" in the header. GOOD Luck!
* Please do not email me regarding the number of years you have subscribed. Over 93% of you have subscribed for over 14 years.
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 March 25, 2018. The focus will be on Maui.
To follow me on Facebook, click on Poet Bob, and ask to befriend me.
Enjoy a scenic sail off the Kailua-Kona Coast, Big Island.
Two Poems this Month
Mokuaikaua Church (Built 1820)
Seated in the oldest Hawaiian Church listening to a sermon even older.
The building timbers are nearing 200 years.
A majestic spire rises heavenward above the waving palms while the bench seats test concentration stamina.
Despite all, my mind celebrates the spirits who worshipped here for close to two centuries.
Comments: The steeple in the top picture on the right belongs to the church. Two larger ones appear below.
A Moment of "Why?"
Do you ever sit and ponder, "What is my purpose?"
Why have I been given existence?
Was it by accident, anonymous egg and sperm uniting, mere happenstance?
Or is there a greater being who put everything into motion?
For over six decades, I have pondered.
My conclusion, at least for now, the reason matters little.
Instead, the secret of life and the way to the Infinite is through love.
A life filled with love, the giving and the receiving, is the holy grail to a life well-lived.
Comment: No comments.
Downtown Kailua next to Kona on the west coast of the Big Island. The white background is due to the vog (volcanic smog from Mauna Loa).
Coffee bags from some of the 255 growers Holualoa Coffee grinds coffee for.
Though a bit unpleasant looking, Pele's Hair is actually lava that has air-dried into hair thin fibers.
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.
PLEASE! Supporting the efforts of the Poetical Journal is greatly appreciated! Any amount of donation is appreciated. To support, click here.
To view the product page of other unique gifts, pleaseclick here.
Pictured is the oldest church in the state, Mokuaikaua Church, built in 1820. Pic: exterior and interior
Vignette:A Bit of PJ History
Sixteen years ago on February 10, 2002 the first issue of the Poetical Journal was emailed to a small group of friends. It was two pages. From that first mailing about 31 decided to give the fledgling e-zine a try, especially since it was free. For several months, the PJ came out twice a month. By Issue 3, there was a web version but no pictures. The first pictorial issue started with Issue 40, December 24, 2004. Since then, photographs have played a large role in the web publication. In 2012, new format options were offered to subscribers. They could continue to receive the PJ in the traditional format that had been used since its inception or choose a revised version, which allowed readers to click on links that most interested them. The vast majority chose the revised version. In 2015, as part of a financial decision, the traditional format was eliminated and all subscribers simply receive a general announcement and a web link.
Of the current subscribers over ninety-three percent have subscribed for fourteen years or more. An unsubscribe is rare with less than 12 in 2017. On average at least 36% of the subscribers open the newsletter. I have no idea how long they spend reading it. I sense that most do a quick skim. However, some have emailed me that they read it all, something unusual for an online newsletter or blog especially since the average PJ is over ten printed pages. Click hereto view one of the first web issues–my how times change. (Back then putting pictures into a newsletter was very difficult. Besides high-speed internet was just coming into existence.)
At one time the PJ was one of the largest (if not the largest) online poetry newsletters in the world. Over the decades I have removed thousands from the subscriber list due to the fact that the newsletter was never opened. Also, one year I had difficulties with Yahoo and could not obtain help correcting it. Over 3,000 subscribers were eliminated to take care of that issue. On the plus side, the reductions in numbers saved me hundreds of dollars in emailing costs. Over the sixteen years, over $18,500 have been spent in its publication at no cost to subscribers. Last year two subscribers offered a donation to support the newsletter. These are always appreciated.
The biggest plus is having the opportunity to interact with individuals. Two special subscribers I have watched grow from teenagers to women, both now married. Others have written and shared their poetry. A few of those poems appeared in my book An Oasis in a Cluttered World. Some subscribers have taken me into their confidence when dealing with personal issues. Others on a given moment share their excitement whether it is over birds or the arrival of spring.
The PJ link is also delivered via Facebook and Twitter. Over 5,000 have the option to open the newsletter.
As always, thank you for being a subscriber.
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.
Mauna Kea on the Saddleroad: This road shortens the drive time by over an hour from Kona to Hilo.
Pictured above is a morning shot of snow capped Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano which stands at 13,802 ft. Most of the mountain is underwater. When measured from its oceanic base, Mauna Kea is 33,000 ft., the tallest mountain
on Earth. Below is the volcano taken late afternoon.
Rainbow Falls, Hilo, is an 80 ft. waterfall on the Wailuku River. The falls are named after the rainbows
that are visible in the spray mist on sunny mornings.
Recommendations:
Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery in Hawi, is located in a historic
building serving fine food. The small artist community of Hawi is
also a fun visit.
Aomastuin Hilo was introduced to us by two individuals who
know excellent Japanese food. Following tai chi, they took us there, and we enjoyed some of the tenderest, breaded
pork I have ever tasted. Pictured are the owner and chef.
Cronies Bar and Grill, Hilo: This restaurant serves above average bar food
with very friendly service. Very large portions!
Two other restaurants that I didn't get a picture of are Splashers Grill in Kailua-Kona (Best fish and chips I have ever had.) and Krua Thai Cuisine which serves inexpensive but delicious Thai food.
Above: Mauna Loa from the Saddleroad, an active volcano. Below: A closer view.
_____________________________________
Quotable Quotes
"I have been a seeker and I still am, but I stopped asking the books and the stars. I started listening to the teaching of my Soul." - Rumi
"The most important thing in music is what is not in the notes." - Pablo Casals
"The journey is my home." - Muriel Rukeyser
"The meaning of life is . . . kindness, happiness, and peace." - Ajahn Brahm
"We are all sculptors and painters, and our material is our own flesh and blood and bones." - Henry David Thoreau
Above and Below: Rolling Ranch Land. In my opinion, some of the most beautiful ranch land observed in my travels.
Located near Waimea, the Parker Ranch is one of the largest in the U.S. It also provides excellent employee benefits.
Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
The Bearded Man
From a passenger ship one can see a bearded man on a small island who is shouting and desperately waving his hands.
"Who is it?" a passenger asks the captain.
"I have no idea. Every year when we pass, he goes mad like that."
Kohala Coastline is one of the prettiest on the Big Island. It is located near the far northern tip and was as blue as it appears. (The island often has a vog haze generated from the ash of the active volcano, thus making it appear that the sky is overcast or cloudy. The light is sometimes reflected into this blue appearance.)
Dr. Myrtle Miyamura's Tai Chi Class, Hilo, HI: I enjoyed assisting with tai chi instruction in Hilo. The next day Myrtle and Jon took us on tour of the National Volcano Park. Pictured are a few of her students. (Instructor Myrtle is in blue.) Jon has the rose in the hat. GREAT time was had!
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.) .
_______________________________
"I really enjoy reading your newsletter and looking at those beautiful and breathtaking photo's. . ." - Janice M from Ohio (Ed.: Thank you for your comments and additional dialogue we shared.)
________________________
"Another excellent journal! Love your new book cover, congratulations on finishing it!" - Poet K.C. from Portland, OR (Ed.: As always, much appreciated! I look forward to seeing your finished book. I am sure it will be outstanding.)
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
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, February 25, 2018.
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.)
Subscription: To unsubscribe, click on your individualized unsubscribe e-mail at the end of this newsletter. (Not appropriate for this web page.)
