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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 April 26, 2020.
Chinese New Year can last 23 days depending on the lunar calendar. The big day was January 25. This is the Year of the Rat. On the Chinese calendar it is 4718. The lion dancers with appropriate fire crackers are often part of the celebration. For good luck people often put money into a special envelope and place it in the lion's mouth where one of the dancers take it from the donor's hand.
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: We are lucky enough to return again to Maui. Again, there are a third more pictures than usual. Enjoy them, but also please read the other content. The three poems include Facebook Friend, Paradise Lost, and Only if. The vignette speaks to the love I have for Hawaii.
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 28 states, 3 provinces, and 13 countries. See the complete list near the end of the newsletter.
Next Month: The next issue comes out on April 26, 2020.
Above and below: Baldwin Beach – A favorite of ours! You are looking from Baby Beach which is protected by a break wall. The beach provides over a mile each way of leisurely walking.
Three Poems this Month
Facebook Friends
Today, early, the second of a new decade smiles cross my lips as I peer at pics of Facebook friends, many whom I have never met.
Moments of life captured usually at times of joy and fun.
Who really are these persons, smiling in digitized form– all part of this human voyage?
For now, that matters little as my heart shares their moments
Comments: No explanation needed.
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Paradise Lost
When this life appeared on earth no one envisioned that one day she would wander the streets pushing her shopping cart carrying all her worldly possessions.
Tourists wander by looking the other way trying to ignore this bedraggled wretch.
Many such as her flock to this bit of paradise cherishing the warmth seldom available during the harsh winters that blanket the mainland.
What caused this soul’s life journey to end here?
Was it mental illness, drugs, loss of jobs or some other life-changing events?
In this land of milk and honey the nefarious numbers of the lost continue to grow while more look away.
Comments: Every year when we return to Hawaii, we see more and more homelessness.
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Only if
Seldom in modern life do we take time to observe the theater that unveils before us.
The sounds of the songbirds, yes, even the insects, have their own symphonies to play and entertain.
The sunrises and sunsets cause us to be in awe.
The moon and the myriad of stars appear on stage providing perspective lest we become arrogant.
Beauty and lessons abound, should we take the time.
Comments: In short, take time to "smell the roses". Written in early morning while in Hawaii sitting on the veranda.
Each Thursday the 808 Uke Jam meets. Please see video below.
Jan pointing out to guest Steve an interesting landmark
Small Congregational Church on the Ke'anae Peninsula
Though considered an invasive species, the African Tulip trees are beautiful to view especially on the Road to Hana. They are recognized by their red, yellow, or orange flowers.
808 Uke Jams: Anyone who visits me on Maui are introduced to this fantastic experience.
Over a hundred individuals from all over the world attend every Thursday to celebrate the
Hawaiian heritage. Jarret Delos Santos is the primary creator of this wonderful experience.
Though I don't play well, this is my annual uke time. http://808ukejams.com/
A great walking and sunbathing beach about 100 yards from our condo.
Near Makawao: Field along the side of Haleakala.
Hiking Maui: A beautiful walk on a trail near the Hana Road.
Iao Valley – "Eye of the Needle (Hawaiian: I-ao 'cloud supreme', pronounced similar to 'EE-ow'): In 1790,
the Battle of Kepaniwai took place there in which Kamehameha the Great defeated Kalanik'pule and the Maui
army during his campaign to unify the islands. The battle was said to be so bloody that dead bodies blocked the
Iao Stream, and the battle site was named Kepaniwai ('the damming of the waters')." - Wikipedia For me, this
is a place of great sorrow but also one of great beauty.
Iao Valley: Looking down the valley. You can see the river that was blocked by bodies following the great unification
battle.
Vignette this Month: Annual Return
Some ask me, especially my family, why I return to Hawaii regularly, especially Maui year after year. There are the obvious answers including warmth during the winter months and of course great beauty. For me, these two though important, only touch upon my desires to come here at least once yearly. When I first step on the island, I immediately feel a sense of calm. Even if the airport is busy, the warm breezes and scent of the flowers enwrap me in peace. Life slows down with only the honking horns coming mainly from tourists who haven't yet adjusted to "Island Time." I have been here often enough to spot quickly the tourists who rush around thinking they are still on the mainland. One example is the Road to Hana which has become less beautiful and more crowded over time as mainly tourists in their white jeeps ignore the yield signs at the one-lane bridges fouling up the flow of traffic on a winding, narrow road. (I have issued a few choice words at their rudeness and ignorance.) A friend who recently visited became impatient with the slowness of service in a restaurant. I mentioned to him "relax and savor" the food will be here when it arrives. Another attraction is my Thursday ukulele sessions with 808 Uke Jams which attracts uke enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate musically Hawaiian history and its traditions. Even the church services filled with music are different on the Islands. Basically, I always feel "I have come home."
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.
Tai Chi Walk: Those who have followed me over the years will recognize this shot taken this a.m. It is here, we make our daily walk to practice tai chi. We do not stand directly under the palms as coconuts can fall causing injury,
Another view from Upcountry looking down on the Pacific below.
Aunty Sandy's, Ke'anae Peninsula: Gordon Ramsey's TV show
put the location on the map. Its banana bread is the best I have ever
eaten. Even if you don't eat hot dogs, the chili dogs are incredible.
Sadly, the crowds have arrived, but it is still worth taking a short trip
off the Hana Road, just after Mile marker 17.
Over the decades I have recommended numerous places and locations. Click here to see to see them.
Worth a look: Sent to me by subscriber Ron. Incredible! Sadly, I have not been able to trace the originator, including a search of Youtube.
Quotable Quotes
"Life is not as serious as the mind makes it out to be." - Eckhart Tolle
"And when they played they really played. And when they worked they really worked." - Dr. Seuss
"One must be deeply aware of the impermanence of the world.” - Dogen
"Have good trust in yourself … not in the One that you think you should be, but in the One that you are." - Maezumi Roshi
"Have the fearless attitude of a hero and the loving heart of a child." - Soyen Shaku
View of the west coast of Maui. Further down are the huge resort hotels along the world famous Kaanapali Beach.
On the west coast a scuba and surfing area. The small dots below are scuba divers and snorkelers.
One of the best whale watches ever! Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the Islands to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. The female's milk is over 34% butterfat, the highest of any mammal. An average-sized humpback whale will eat 4,400-5,500 pounds of plankton, krill and small, schooling fish each day during the feeding season in cold waters (about 120 days). They eat twice a day.
Whale Festival: This annual event always starts with a parade. As in the past there are plenty of booths and food options.
Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul
The Weather Gauge
A tourist stopped at a country gas station. While his car was being serviced, he noticed an old-timer basking in the sun with a piece of rope in his hand. The tourist walked up to the old-timer and asked, “What do you have there?”
“That’s a weather gauge, sonny,” the old-timer replied.
“How can you possibly tell the weather with a piece of rope?”
“It’s simple,” said the old-timer. “When it swings back and forth, it’s windy, and when it gets wet, it’s raining.”
Keawala'a Congregational Church, Makena, Maui: If you love music, this is the place to attend. Sadly, the Pastor (kahu) Kealahou Alika has retired after 29 years there. His sermons have always spoken to truth and civility. We attended his final service on February 16. There were over 300 people seated in the small sanctuary and outside. As always a humble man, he spoke of his journey and the growth of the church. Many eyes including mine had tears in them. Below are a couple pictures of the crowd in attendance at the Pastor's farewell sermon.
The banyan tree in Lahaina, Maui was planted on April 24, 1873, to mark the 50th anniversary of the arrival
of first American Protestant missionaries. It currently covers over an acre.
The Ke'anae Peninsula is one of the most beautiful locations on Maui. The above and the next two photos were taken there.
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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.
Enjoying a bit of tai chi social time.
Lf: Practicing on Baldwin Beach –---------------Rt. Steve, Jan, (Sun 73) and Nancy (Qigong) practicing. Steve ...........................................................................and Nancy visited us for a week.
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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"It is so utterly amazing that we have been connected by your wonderful newsletters for all these 16? Years. Kona is wonderful! One day I will return to the islands! . . Thank you for your dedication to the beautiful and inspiring issues of Journeys each month. . . ." - Steffanie (Ed.: I checked Steffanie's actual subscription date. It was 18 years ago. I have edited portions of her email but really appreciated her very kind comments. We were both amazed what has happened in our lives over the eighteen years.)
"So enjoyed your poetical journey this month. Picture were wonderful and brought back so many memories of visiting there . . ." - Sarah from Heber City (Ed.: Many thanks! I am glad you enjoyed this issue.)
"I loved the poem celebrating Dr Lam – you captured his spirit! I am so honored to know and practice tai chi with him . . ." - Judith (Ed.: I am pleased you enjoyed. Paul is a fine human being. I am also pleased someone mentioned a poem ...:-)
" Congrats on your anniversary! Wishing you many more Poetical Journals to come!" - Freda (Ed.: Thank you, Freda. She has been one of my long-term subscribers since January,, 2004.)
General: JJG 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.
Specific Book: To the End of Time and Back: An Epic Journey
David from Utah: "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."
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Jim from Mt. Vernon: "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."
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Art from Park City, UT: "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."
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Bobbie from Texas: "Your book touched places deep within my soul. I could read it over and over again, Bob. Job Well Done!"
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Kimberlyfrom Ohio: "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."
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An Ohio Reader: "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. . ."
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Reader from Arizona: "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. . ."
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A Reader: "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."
Specific Book: Adelyn: An Epic Journey:
Ohio Reader: "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."
Specific Book: The Tao of Momentary Thoughts
Doug from Ohio: ". . . 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: "Hi Bob….I just picked up your The Tao of Momentary Thoughts. It’s wonderful . . I love your book."
Ed from Seattle: 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. . ."
Reader Demographics
States - AK, 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.
