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 available on Amazon.
This Issue: Enjoy the second of a two part series on Fall in the Midway area. The poems for this month are are serious, Poetical Musings on Big Topics.
Subscriber Residences: PLEASE let me know if your state, providence, or country is not listed in the demographic section at the end. There currently are subscribers in 27 states, 3 provinces, and 13 countries. See complete list near at the newsletter.
Next Month: The next issue comes out on December 24, 2019.
My Facebook account is again open for a time.
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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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Unless otherwise noted, all the pictures were taken within 25 miles of my home.
Two Poems this Month
Poetical Musings on Big Topics
The sky above,
the earth below,
one breath,
what more can one ask?
Sure, we desire
happiness
and even pleasure,
yet without lows
and disappointment
we cannot comprehend
the true meaning
of our desires.
We sometimes long for the past
and wonder what the future holds
but fail to grasp
that the one breath,
the inhale and exhale,
remains our current guarantee.
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#2
Our purpose,
our goals
guide our lives.
Even if we cannot articulate,
they exist.
For some,
often unaware,
the goal becomes aimlessness,
meandering the world,
lost.
Some crave
wealth and toys,
while others
pleasure and selfishness–
all searching for their form of fulfillment.
Not surprisingly, lasting satisfaction
alludes them.
According to the great teachers of Wisdom,
one truly noble purpose exists for all,
Compassion
Comments: Both poems are self-explanatory. As you know, I often write on these topics.
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An artsy fence shot
You know you are in the West when the cattle roam the open range.
A typical mountain side scene |
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Vignette this Month: Giving Thanks
In the U.S., on the fourth Thursday of November we celebrate Thanksgiving. The historical basis for this holiday is tied to an event when Native Americans saved the colonist of now Plymouth, MA. However, many Americans forget the historical basis of this special day. For me personally, this day is a time of family, yes, great food, and an opportunity to recognize those who have shaped my life. Many believe that they rose above their trials and made something of themselves. This concept of the self-made person is a cherished belief in this country. However, this concept is an illusion. All of us were created by a combination of factors including skin color, wealth, parents, friends, on and on we could go. So on this Thanksgiving, I plan to recognize these many influences and give thanks to those who played a critical role in my life and the Creator for allowing me to walk this earth. Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!
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.
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Recommendations
Take time to give thanks for the blessings you have.
.........Please take a look at the gift page.
Quotable Quotes
"What would men be without women? Scarce, sir…mighty scarce." - Mark Twain
"Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength." - G.D. Anderson
"You don’t have to be anti-man to be pro-woman..” - Jane Galvin Lewis
"I am a feminist. I’ve been female for a long time now. I’d be stupid not to be on own side." - Maya Angelou
Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
Shortly after reporting to the 101st Airborne Division, we were ordered to fall out in our dress uniforms. Only problem was, I didn't know how to tie a necktie. So I asked the guy in the next bunk for help.
"Sure," he said. "Lie down."
Confused, I lay down on the bunk and he tied my tie. "Sorry, but this is the only way I know how," he said. "Comes from practicing on my father's clients."
"What does your father do?"
"He's a mortician."
Compliments of Joke a Day
Tai Chi Corner
Regular readers of this newsletter know that tai chi plays an important role in my life. Hence,
occasional pictures will appear in this section.
World renown tai chi master Dr. Paul Lam (front left) conducted his first workshop in Utah. We had
participants
from 11 states attend. We are enjoying an evening dinner at a local restaurant. Pictured
with Dr. Lam are other instructors and master trainers who helped with the workshop.
Bob's tai chi students and friends celebrated their annual Halloween Feast at a local restaurant. Students
from the Fit Stop,
the Abbington (both in Heber City), and St.Luke's Episcopal Church in Park City attended..
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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We actually have comments this month.
"Very enjoyable!!" - Arlene (Thank you!)
" Hi Bob - I enjoy the photos from our area posted in the Poetical Journal! They show off your amazing photography talents as well as our amazingly lovely part of Utah. How fortunate we are! Thank you also for the picture of you and Dr Lam. Kudos for arranging his workshop here. A tremendous experience for all who were fortunate to participate. It occurs to me that your writings in Poetical Journeys are a good fit with the peace and beauty of tai chi." - Judith (Ed:: Judith is a friend and tai chi student. I really appreciated her comments.)
"Beautiful as usual. Lovely poems. Judging ... who is anyone to judge" - Kathleen from Oregon (Ed: I always enjoy hearing from Kathleen. Your comments are appreciated.)
"Thanks for these. I have them all archived so I can go back and read them again. Hope all is well with you and yours. . ." - Billie from Ohio (Ed: It was a pleasure hearing from you. Thank you for your gracious comments.)
"Really enjoy your creative endeavors! . . ." - Judy form Florida (Ed: Thank you for your comments. She also sent me some information about a former hobby of mine. Much appreciated the thoughtfulness.)
"Thank you for the spectacular fall scenes from your area, as well as the poems and the monthly joke. I always share the funny story with ______ first thing. . .
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Jim from Mt. Vernon, OH (Ed: Thank you, Jim. He has been a faithful reader for over a decade.)
"I have tried to subscribe to your blog, but I must be doing something wrong. The subscribe button has no response. Help? . . .I enjoyed your blog. . . . The pictures of your trip up the California coast were all familiar sights to me. I ran the Big Sur marathon 12 times from 1986 to 1997. It runs on the Pacific Coast Highway from Big Sur to Carmel; 26 miles of beautiful scenery to enjoy on foot. I'm looking forward to reading more of your blog. Thanks in advance for any help in getting me subscribed." - David from Ohio (Ed: I really appreciated David contacting me. Of course, I enjoyed his comments that he wanted to subscribe. However, his notifying me of the broken link was extremely helpful since it has probably been down for several months. Many thanks!)
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Some More 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 Tuesday, December 24, 2019.
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Midway, UT 84049
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
