This month we continue pictorial tour in sunny, warm Maui. There is also some fine poetry.

Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey

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Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life

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The Tao of Momentary Thoughts, my 8th book, is a compilation of vignettes, poems, and poignant quotes and is available on Amazon at $9.99. If you like the PJ, you will enjoy this book. It makes an excellent gift.
 
A Poetical Journey, my 9th book, is a compilation of my poems from the PJ and is available on Amazon at $9.99. If you enjoy the PJ, you will like this book. It makes an excellent gift.
Recent Reviews of my newest Books
 
. . . and more

Doug from Ohio recently submitted the following review for The Tao of Momentary Thoughts: ". . . I was not prepared for page 116 Should have been because of the extremely personal nature of the entire book. Please understand that the unusual length of time to finish your book (especially for a binge reader like me) was because it screamed to be read thoughtfully in increments. For me that was 10-15 pages every weekend, often in quiet . . .Thank you for "putting pen to paper" and sharing your soul. Those of us who have followed Poetical Journeys will recognize much of the content. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to share part of your journey really feel a part of it."

 

Charles from Park City recently wrote: "Hi Bob….I just picked up your The Tao of Momentary Thoughts.  It’s wonderful . . I love your book."

Ed from Seattle regarding The Tao of Momentary Thoughts: "I was smiling all the way through the reading . . .I think I will reread it again during the next week. . ."

 

 

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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.

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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JJG recently wrote: I've read Bob's "To the End of Time" trilogy twice, each time gaining deep and deeper insights into the human condition. The three small volumes hold their own as good stories but also provide a unique glimpse into a new religious paradigm. Would that it could come to be.

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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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Demographics: No states or countries were added this month. If your resident area is not listed, please let me know.

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VOLUME XVIII – Issue 2: Sunday, March 31, 2019 (211th Issue)

Welcome

I am pleased to have you as a reader. If you enjoy the PJ, please encourage others to subscribe.

If your country or state 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 April 28, 2019.

Typical beach mobile

Opening Comments from Bob

My ninth book, A Poetical Journey (all poetry), and the eighth, The Tao of Momentary Thoughts (combination of poetry, vignettes, and quotes), are enjoyable reads. They are available for order from Amazon.

My other books are also available on Amazon.

This Issue: We continue our pictorial visit to Maui. There are a number of videos that I hope you enjoy. The two poems are Hawaiian related, Lahaina United Methodist Church and Not the Same. The vignette speaks about Aloha.

Subscriber Residences: 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 April 28, 2019.

My Facebook account is again open for a time.

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.

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Above: Baldwin Beach on a quiet day

Below: Lahaina: The largest banyan tree in the U.S. It started as an 8 ft. transplant in this whaling village
in 1871. It now covers over an acre. The dangling fibers are actually roots seeking to reach the ground and establish
another trunk base. On Sundays, there is often an art fair below its limbs. Over the years I have tried to capture
its enormity but as of yet failed. In its presence you sense its energy.

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Two Poems this Month

Lahaina United Methodist Church

Ceiling fans whirl
    as the breezes
    bear the scent of the sea.
People gather
    from across the globe
    to hear Pastor Paul
    sing and narrate the Gospel.
Soon, the sanctuary walls vibrate
    with music from the Tongan choir
Songs of celebration
    rise from the congregants.
    as the strums of ukuleles
    enhance the Hawaiian flavor.
In closing, with hands united
    in the Circle of Ohana,
    the beauty of Hawaii Aloha
    reverberates to the heavens.
No matter your spiritual beliefs,
    each departs with hearts smiling
    for having been there.

Comment: Be sure to see the poetical video below that accompanies the poem.

 

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Not the Same

Though not our usual place
    we again return
    to the Valley Isle.
Fate has us in Wailuku
    versus along the beaches of Kihei.
Yet the blue Pacific still remains
    visible far below.
Tai chi and qigong performed daily
    on manicured grass
    rather than course seashell sand.
As with all of life
    changes occur.
How one accepts them
    determines one’s happiness.

Comments: Ultimately, the poem speaks to the fact that all life is impermanence.

 

My tai chi location, the terrace beside our Maui home for the month

Channel entrance to small boat harbor in Lahaina

Hibiscus are seen everywhere and add to the overall beauty of the Island.

Below is the poetical video that accompanies the poem Lahaina United Methodist Church.

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West Mountains, late afternoon.

Congregational church spire in Wailuku

Upcountry, peering toward the West Mountains

At strawberry patch peering 3,000 feet below to Maui coast

Pano view of Baldwin Beach

Front Street, Lahaina, from the water

This Month's Vignette: More about the Aloha Spirit

I have traveled every state, yet Hawaii is the one that continually draws me to return. I have found none other like it, something commonly referred to as "Aloha." Many come to attend a luau, take in the magnificent scenery, lie on the beach, see the whales, etc. – all wonderful in their own right. However, to begin to understand the deeper meaning of its people and the ambiance generated, I offer three suggestions: 1) Whether a believer or not, attend a worship service; (In this issue, I give you a short taste regarding the Lahaina Methodist Church.); 2) Attend a free even such as an 808 Uke Jam; (Please see clip below.); and 3) Enjoy a free concert attended mainly by Hawaiians such as a Picnic for Poki. (There is clip below.)

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808 Uke Jam, Keolahou Congregational, Kihei: Some of the best times I have while on Maui is jamming on Thursday nights with 808UkeJams. Jarret Delos Santos, the driving force (in the golden lei) behind this group, draws locals and people from all over the world to these weekly events. His ultimate goal is to foster a love and appreciation for traditional Hawaiian culture. The majority of songs are sung in Hawaiian. The Jam is its 11th year. It originally began on friend Priscilla's back porch. Many come to just watch and listen. It is free.
 

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Picnic for Poki, Wailuku: Every 3rd Thursday of the month (depending on weather), this free concert performed by locally and nationally known Hawaiian musicians and performers draws locals and visitors over their lunch hours to sit, relax, and savor. It is done in honor of the late Allen “Braddah Poki” Pokipala. Braddah Poki who was dedicated to sharing Hawaiian music throughout various venues in Hawaii. This event was held inside this week due to possible showers which failed to show.

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Recommendations

Lahaina Pizza Company: A view of Front Street in Lahaina taken from the second floor of the Lahaina Pizza Company. This particular restaurant consistently wins either first or second place for the best pizza on the island. I agree with that assessment. Plus, as you can see, the view is also one of the best. You are above the hustle and bustle of this historic, resort community.

Kula Bistro: In the small community of Kula in Upcountry, this restaurant
serves gourmet quality food. Though the prices may at first scare you,
should you choose to stay and order, you will be rewarded with a very
delicious dining experience.

Maui Jelly Factory: If you want to enjoy some of the finest tasting
jellies and syrups, be sure to stop by this small operation in Wailuku.
Superb taste generated from local fruit and reasonable prices! The
jellies can also be purchased in a number stores including Long's.

Please take a look at the gift page.

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Chinese New Year, Maui: Every year we enjoy the opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year, this one being the Year of the Pig. The exact date varies from year to year based on the lunar calendar. The official date this year was Feb. 5. However, the celebration lasts approximately 15 days. On the Chinese calendar, the year is 4717. Above is a 92 second clip of a celebration we attended.

Quotable Quotes

"Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon? Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? - Mary Oliver

“Love all you see, including yourself.” - Hale Makua

"A humble person walks carefully so as not to hurt others." - Hawaiian Saying

"No cliff is so tall that it cannot be climbed." -Hawaiian Saying

"Love is like a cleansing dew." - Hawaiian Saying

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Bit of Humor

A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul

Ex-Girlfriend

A man and his wife are dining at a table in a plush restaurant, and the husband keeps staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sits alone at a nearby table.

The wife asks, "Do you know her?"

"Yes," sighs the husband, "she's my ex-girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up seven years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since."

"My God!" says the wife. "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"

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Wailuku, Maui: Artists are in the process of painting sixteen murals on the building walls of this small community.
Below is a pictorial series of eleven of them.

 

Buddhist Mission, Lahaina: Downtown the former capital of the Hawaiian Territory. Maui has a large
Buddhist population.

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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"Glad to see you're still putting out the monthly Journal. Spent some relaxing time this evening as a reader of your February issue and also looked back at the Zion National Park issue from last summer. I am one of those readers who tends to read the entire issue and absorb the magnificence of the photography. Speaking of which I loved the winter pics from your area of Utah, as well as the Zion photos. Last summer I began a writers group in my town known as the Mount Gilead Area Writers Guild. We meet twice each month and have about 10 dedicated members who encourage one another toward becoming successful writers. We even hosted a Writers Retreat during the autumn with authors David Kline (Amish farmer) and Les Roberts (mystery writer and Hollywood producer) as our guest speakers. Our guild members hope to do it again next fall. . . .Blessings for your dear mother--your poem is a fitting honor of the noble life that she led. . ." - Scot from Mt. Gilead, OH (Ed.: Scot is quite a writer in his own right having written an award national book to which I had the privilege to contribute photographs. He and his wife also operate a beautiful B&B – Rose Heart Inn Bed & Breakfast.)

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"It is very hard for me to believe that it has been 18 years! Sending you prayers and blessing my friend! Congratulations on your Poetical Journal!" - Michael from Marion, OH (Ed.: Thank you so much for your comments. Mike and I helped start a poetry club years ago in Marion. He is quite a gentleman!)

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"Your wonderful Maui photos bring back many happy memories. Mahalo" - Renate from WA/UT (Ed.: My pleasure!)

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"Just re did all my January emails, did not receive Poetic Journal. Didn't realize you had lost your Mom. However loved your poem in memorandum in this months PJ . . . again my sincere sympathy to you and Sis. In less poetic verse, 'Death Sucks.' Such a two sided coin, glorious relief from pain and infirmity and what the other side awaits us, but the hole it leaves in our souls left behind. . ." - Priscilla from Maui (Ed.: Mahalo for your kind comments! We were able to get together for lunch and share a fine time.)

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Additional Book Reviews

An Ohio reader wrote regarding the novel Adelyn: An Epic Journey:

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.

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- AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, NC, ND, NY, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, and WI;    

Canadian Provinces - BC, ON, and QC;   

Countries - Albania, 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, April 28, 2019.

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.)


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

bob@poeticaljourneys.com

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