This month is the first section as we travel to Glacier National Park as well as welcome to spring in Utah. Next month will include Glacier National Park shots.
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 AVAILABLEon 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 byclicking here. (Scroll to the correct title.) Your local bookstore can also order them for you. All thesebooks 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.
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.
PJ Demographics – Subscribers in 27 states and 13 countries
PJ Online
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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 June 30, 2019.
This sobering sign warned you to stay on the paved path when taking your pictures of the Mission Mountain lookout.
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.
This Issue: This month is the first of a two-part series. Pictured are shots taken on the way to Glacier National Park. There are also a brief welcome to spring in Utah pics. (Next month will include pictures taken in the park.) The two poems, Perfection and Stability speak to a moment and desires. The vignette speaks to a Special Lunch.
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 June 30, 2019.
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.
Above: On the way to Glacier. Photo taken of I-84 near Ogden, UT.
Huge (wide) waterfall on the Snake River in Idaho Falls, ID
Two Poems this Month
Comments: Though the snows have melted, this moment in my life remains etched in my memory.
Stability
Sometimes we long for stability .. rather than the upheavals .. which occur daily, .. if not hourly.
Many walk in a daze .. unsure of the next breath .. let alone what the future holds– .. lives in turmoil.
Many wisdom teachings speak .. of impermanence .. that dominates life .. though most crave the opposite– .. hanging on to the archaic .. believing that change .. can be slowed to a crawl.
The cry rises,
“Let’s return to the golden days!” .. though they were always figments of the mind.
Would we not be happier, .. understanding that the circle of life .. involves the unpredictable, .. embracing and accepting .. one breath at a time?
Comments: You interpret.
Above and Two Below: One leaves the vast valleys and potato fields of Idaho to Big Sky Montana, rolling hills and mountains
Above and Below: Mission Mountains are north of Missoula and near the entrance to Glacier National Park
This huge reserve near Flathead Lake includes not only bison but an abundance of wildlife including bears, pronghorns,
many bird varieties, and elk.
(This vignette could actually appear under recommendations but you will soon understand why it appears here. Much of the content comes from the restaurant's historical write up. Pictured is Robin Cockhill, owner.)
After a lengthy drive from Idaho Falls we arrived in Butte, MT, hungry and ready for lunch. Checking our AAA guide, we chose Matt's Place. When we saw the for sale sign, we feared the restaurant was no longer in business. However, the person at the nearby gas station said, you must eat there. Boy, was he correct! The establishment is an eating tradition in Butte and is also listed on the National Historic Registry. In 1930, Matt Korn, the original owner, opened the drive-in, which is now the oldest in Montana. In 1943, Robin's parents purchased the restaurant. Robin, the current owner, began working there at the age of 5. She and her husband Brad have decided to move on to new ventures so the restaurant is for sale. If you are in the area, there is still time to enjoy this traditional drive-in fare. The beef going into their incredible burgers is especially ground for them. The generous serving of fresh cut fries reminded me of my youth. "Wow!" describes the milkshakes where you also receive the metal drink mixer to top off your serving glass. In my case, you really received a shake and a half. Because the drive-in is small, seating 16, we overheard several customers tell Robin about their earlier visits or ones by family members. A group of five came in during their yearly visit to Butte announcing they were there for their usual. Over the decades, the owners have been generous corporate citizens donating to charities and the community. I for one hope to eat there at least one more time before the business disappears into Montana history.
Three pictures below: Flathead Lake, MT –This picturesque lake is near the entrance to Glacier National Park. It is the largest natural freshwater lake by surface area west of the source of the Missouri River. It is also quite a resort area.
Jakers Bar and Grille, Idaho Falls, ID: Jan is enjoying herself at this upscale restaurant. Based upon AAA recommendation and personnel at our hotel, we chose to dine at the original restaurant of this small chain. The food was wonderful and the service excellent. The fresh trout was flavourful and fixed to perfection. The almond crusted chicken with the light bearnaise sauce made one want more. As evidenced by the crowd, this establishment is a local favorite.
The community of Idaho Falls appeared at initial glance to be a wonderful city in which to live. We spoke with several locals who exuded pride in their community.
Incidentally, the Hilton Garden Inn where we stayed was the nicest one we have ever stayed in, and I have stayed in dozens of HGIs.
"They say there are moments that open up your life like a walnut cracked, that change your point of view so that you never look at things the same way again." - Jodi Picoult
"You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing, and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand; for all that is life." - Jiddu Krishnamurti
"Once you realize that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy" - Nisargadatta Maharaj
"It's not what you look at that matters. It's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau
Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
The Boss' Seat
Kyle and Justin were about to eat with their baby-sitter when 6-year-old Kyle said, "You can't sit in Daddy's seat!"
"Daddy's not home," the baby-sitter replied. "Since I'm responsible for you while he's gone, I can sit here. Today, I'm the boss."
Justin, the 4 year old, quickly piped up, "If you're the boss, you sit over there in Mommy's chair!"
Still skiing at Snowbird, Little Cottonwood Canyon (upper portion of the canyon) in May
BELOW: Silver Lake in May (the snow was still 4+ ft. deep) and August – quite a difference. The lake is in the upper portion of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Note the pictures earlier were the lower portion where there was minimal or no snow.
Twenty-nine trainers were certified or re-certified to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. When I arrived in Utah, I was the only certified trainer in this form. Now, we have over 70 trainers in the state.
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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"An excellent newsletter. Beautiful photographs. Still on my wish list to get to Maui. I am so proud of you for completing more books! I am selling my book... just ordered another couple of boxes to sell. . ." - Kathleen from Portland (Ed.: Thank you for your kind comments. She is also a superb poet.)
"Slow in reading, but finally read the April issue. As expected the Hawaii images really tug, but it is the cute 6 week old Bob that pulls the heart strings tighter. Last evening at our granddaughter ____'s year end choir concert there was a video tribute to each of the ladies. ____ had chosen a similar pic, one of _____ and me spaced between (names deleted for privacy). Damp eyes for certain. Your photo had the same effect." – Reader from Ohio (Ed.: Your comments are much appreciated. The writer was referring to the poem and vignette picture last month of my mother and me–I being six-weeks old.)
"Another fine issue of the PJ. We loved your poem and picture with your mother. I know some of your so-called friends will say, 'Bob, you were a beautiful baby; what happened?' But we would never say anything so unseemly. You and your mother make a picture fit for the finest family magazine. And your poem was touching." - Jim from Mt. Vernon, OH (Ed.:Jim is a good friend. I had to chuckle at his comment regarding appearance changes. I let him know that the hair style is about the same. I also appreciated his supportive comments. He attached a beautiful poem.)
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.
After a lengthy drive from Idaho Falls we arrived in Butte, MT, hungry and ready for lunch. Checking our AAA guide, we chose Matt's Place. When we saw the for sale sign, we feared the restaurant was no longer in business. However, the person at the nearby gas station said, you must eat there. Boy, was he correct! The establishment is an eating tradition in Butte and is also listed on the National Historic Registry. In 1930, Matt Korn, the original owner, opened the drive-in, which is now the oldest in Montana. In 1943, Robin's parents purchased the restaurant. Robin, the current owner, began working there at the age of 5. She and her husband Brad have decided to move on to new ventures so the restaurant is for sale. If you are in the area, there is still time to enjoy this traditional drive-in fare. The beef going into their incredible burgers is especially ground for them. The generous serving of fresh cut fries reminded me of my youth. "Wow!" describes the milkshakes where you also receive the metal drink mixer to top off your serving glass. In my case, you really received a shake and a half. Because the drive-in is small, seating 16, we overheard several customers tell Robin about their earlier visits or ones by family members. A group of five came in during their yearly visit to Butte announcing they were there for their usual. Over the decades, the owners have been generous corporate citizens donating to charities and the community. I for one hope to eat there at least one more time before the business disappears into Montana history.
