Along with traditional content, enjoy a summer visit to the floral display at Thanksgiving Point in Salt Lake City.

Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey

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Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life

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My third novel Adelyn: An Epic Journey in the Epic Journeys Trilogy IS 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 also be purchased through Amazon by clicking 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.)
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Questions? Email me.

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 glowing review. You can read some of them in the Forum Section below.

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There was no new geographical information this month.

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VOLUME XVII – Issue 8: Sunday, September 30, 2018 (205th Issue)

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, October 28, 2018.

Entrance to Thanksgiving Point

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 Journey was the first in the series followed by the second, What's Next ~An Epic Journey. Each tackles topics that impact us all. Any of the three books are great gifts to the open, spiritual seeker and/or the broad-minded individual. Besides, they are an EXCELLENT read! Reader Steve said he could not put down my most recent novel. All three books are available on Amazon.

This Issue: Today, we enjoy a summer visit to one of Utah's premier gardens, Thanksgiving Point. We have visited there twice before in early spring for their annual tulip festival. As you will see, the summer floral displays are also gorgeous. There are two serious poems in this issue, Poem to the People of Venezuela and When will we ever learn? #2. The vignette this month celebrates two lives.

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 October 28, 2018.

My Facebook account to the general public is closed..

All the pictures that follow were taken at the display gardens at Thanksgiving Point.

 

 

Two Poems this Month

Poem to the People of Venezuela

A faint light glows
    at the end of what appears
    an endless road.
It is dark and dank
    from a recent downpour.
This highway is cluttered
    with debris–
    perils and obstacles
    including anger, anguish,
    upheaval, and even death.
Civility remains
    only a memory.
Many question
    whether they will survive.
Prayers seem unanswered.
People weep and plead
    with famished stomachs
    and parched throats–
    yearning for relief.
Some walk
    as if in a daze
Yet, the distant light beckons,
    glimmering like the burning bush
    described centuries before.
Though faraway,
    one cannot but hear
    the Divine Voice saying,
    “I am HOPE.
Persevere.
All this will pass.
Light will soon shine
    upon your people

Comment: This poem was written to one of my most wonderful subscribers who currently lives in Venezuela. However, this poem could be retitled and speak to conditions in many countries.

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When will we ever learn? #2

A line from a folk song of the 60s.
Young men and women
    still die in foreign lands.
Hunger ravages
    the poor,
    even in our homeland.
Racism, hatred, and prejudice
    raise their ugly heads
    binding us
    like the Gordian Knot of ancient lore.
The rich garner their millions
    while the less fortunate are blamed
    for the ills and evils.
To answer the question,
    “I guess we haven’t yet.”

Comment: The key word is "yet."

 

 

 

 

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, please click here.

 

 

 

Vignette: In Honor of the 50th

The above poems are very serious so I thought I would lighten things a bit. Two friends of ours recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. In honor of their special occasion I wrote poem below. David is a Vietnam vet who met Renate while later stationed in Germany. David is an author of two novels, and the two are progressive activists. I hope you enjoy the poem in their honor. (Pictured below is the young couple on their wedding day.)

David and Renate on their 50th

Life leads to many paths
    as we walk and meander
    along this journey.
Sometimes fate
    guides us to another
    who becomes our partner
    for this lifetime.

Such is with David and Renate
    whose lifetimes merged,
    intermingling two cultures.
Overtime, they have become advocates
    for bettering humankind,
    touching many lives
    along the way.

As they celebrate
    fifty years together,
    one gives thanks
    for all they have done,
    trusting the bonds
    that have united them
    continue to grow stronger
    as they move forward
    along their journey.

~ Bob Casey
...August 19, 2018


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.

Look carefully, you can see another hummingbird.

Recommendation: Same as the last two months, take time to savor creation!

Please take a look at the gift page.

 

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Quotable Quotes

“Just because you believe something is right doesn't make it right." - Fr. Charles Robinson

“"Life is the sum of all your choices,” - Albert Camus

“The way you tell your story to yourself matters.” - Amy Cuddy

 

 

 

 

Bit of Humor

A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul

Chickens

The farmer's son was returning from the market with the crate of chickens his father had entrusted to him, when all of a sudden the box fell and broke open.

Chickens scurried off in different directions, but the determined boy walked all over the neighborhood scooping up the wayward birds and returning them to the repaired crate. Hoping he had found them all, the boy reluctantly returned home, expecting the worst.

"Pa, the chickens got loose," the boy confessed sadly, "but I managed to find all twelve of them."

"Well, you did real good, son," the farmer beamed, "because you only left with seven."

Compliment of A Joke A Day

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Annual Labor Day Celebration in Midway, UT where we reside: The origin of the Swiss Days event date back to the late 1940's as the harvest was being completed, local farmers and ranchers got together for a celebration of bountiful harvest. "Harvest Days" became Swiss Days and presented the opportunity to dress in the traditional clothing unique to the canton or region of Switzerland where the original Midway settlers were born. Tens of thousands flock to our community of 2500 for this annual event. Pictured below are a few shots from the Saturday parade.

Pictured below: Another successful instructor training workshop led by Master Trainer Becky Rahe (first row in dark blue shirt middle) from Ohio was held in Park City over the weekend of September 14-16. This brings our total of Utah instructors to almost 50. Pictured are the participants. If you are interested in learning more about Tai Chi for Health/Arthritis and Fall Prevention, please contact me.

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's, I personally respond to all. (When editing the comments for publication, I often eliminate the paragraphing to save space.) .

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"Will your trilogy ever be available in Audio format? I still spend at least 6 hours a week in the car. Keep up the 'poetical and thoughtful comments on life'." – Rich from Ohio (Ed.: I thanked Rich for the inquiry. However, upon earlier investigation I realized the expense was not feasible based on the returns.)

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" Your vibrant pictures of the wildflowers made me realize just another reason that Utah is a favorite state. Add their beautiful red rock formations, and Utah speaks to me of the beauties of nature that bring peace into our lives if we but take time to notice. So happy to hear an indication in your poem that you too believe that perhaps there may be others beyond our earth. Open to all possibilities" – Bev from OH (Ed.: I am glad you enjoyed the pictures and the memories they generated. I appreciate you writing.)

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"fabulous photos thank you" – Renate from Lehi, UT (Ed.: Thank you!.)

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"As always, Bob, enjoy your pictures!!!" - Nancy from Galion, OH (Ed.: My pleasure!)

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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, October 28, 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.)


Subscription: To unsubscribe, click on your individualized unsubscribe e-mail at the end of this newsletter. (Not appropriate for this web page.)



Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Midway, UT 84049

bob@poeticaljourneys.com

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