This issue is the second of two parts of our Mississippi River cruise.

Poetical Journal ©by Bob Casey

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Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life

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VOLUME XXIII – Issue 3: Sunday, April 30, 2023 (260th 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 May 28, 2023.

While in Greenville, MS, Jan enjoyed a ride on the indoor carousel.

...Opening Comments from Bob

This Issue: As stated in the last issue, Jan and I had the opportunity to escape the never-ending snow and take a river cruise up the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis. Last month, in Part 1, we spoke of our time in Louisiana. In this issue, Part 2, will cover the rest of the trip from Mississippi to Tennessee. There are three new poems in this issue, A Blip, Watch Tower, and Cappy Stahlman Welcomes.

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 issue comes out on Sunday, May 28, 2023.

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PLEASE! Supporting the efforts of the Poetical Journal is greatly appreciated! Any amount of donation is appreciated. To support, click here.

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Viking Mississippi, our ship, docked in Natchez, MS

St. Mary's Basilica, Natchez, MS
w.

Interior picture of the basilica

Three Poems

Comment: A deeper poem. I personally have found that Stanza 6 is the hardest to reach when experiencing
what is described in Stanza 5.

Comment:With modern technology the second stanza is even more real.

Comment:A final poem regarding the Mississippi River Cruise: We had done a lot of walking and
as described in the poem, Jan and I made use of the bench pictured and described. When Cappy's
family dedicated this bench to his memory, little did they realize that a couple tired Utahns would
someday enjoy the view of the River he had often witnessed, thus, still impacting the future.

Natchez was very much involved in the Civil Rights Movement

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Recommendations

Viking Mississippi River Cruise

While you pay top dollar, we have never experienced such high caliber of service as we did on this cruise. This shipping line continues to receive the highest ratings of any line by national travel magazines. Be warned, as Jan and I took one of the last two openings in 2023, I believe 2024 is also totally booked. You will have to check if interested.

Please take a look at the online book and gift pages.

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Individual rebellion: Natchez has some truly gorgeous homes including Antebellum ones. But, I had to choose
this humorous one. The story goes that the woman who owned this house decided to put a few outdoor decorations
in her yard which the neighbors objected to. The city stepped in to try to stop her. Ultimately, she won the case and
in retribution has increased her display over years a hundredfold. To make matters worse, her home is now on every
tour bus route.

Vicksburg, MS, of course included a tour of battle field. The Vicksburg Campaign (May 18 – July 4, 1863)
was a significant Union victory in the American Civil War because it gave the Union army complete control
over the Mississippi River and cut the Confederacy in two.

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Quotable Quotes

"A truly good man is not aware of his goodness and is therefore good." - Lao-tzu

"Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life." - Omar Khayyam

“There is nothing more ancient than the truth," - Rene Descartes

"Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future." - Deepak Chopra

"Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace." - Amelia Earhart

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Battle of Vicksburg: 1) USS Cairo, the first ironclad ship sunk by a mine and later raised for a museum display;
2) Union cannon placement (blue signs indicate Union and red ones, the Confederacy) Pictured is a very small
section of the battlefield. The defensive line around Vicksburg ran for approximately six and a half miles. The
naval arm of the Union played a major role in the victory at Vicksburg. The trees picture above were not present
in 1863. It was wide open farmland. 3)
Over 1200 monuments honor troops and the state's war dead. This one
honors Union troops from Illinois.
4) Vicksburg National Military Park was established in the year 1866. It covers
an area of 116 acres and
has the largest number of Civil War interments of any national cemetery in the country. Of
the approximately 17,000 interments, only 5,000 are identified. In addition to the Civil War soldiers, veterans of the
Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean conflict are buried here.

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A Bit of Humor

A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul (December Issue)

Fender Bender

An elderly woman in our church congregation had an older-model car that was in excellent condition. As she was driving to town one afternoon, her car was struck by another auto. The insurance company told her that, after considering the car's age, they would give her a settlement on the damage. When the cheque arrived, she was unhappy with the low amount and went to see her insurance agent.

Pulling open his desk drawer, he said, "I have a little blue book in here that says that's all your car is worth."

"Well," she replied, "I have a little black book at home that says, 'Thou shalt not steal.'"

She got a higher settlement.

Compliment of A Joke A Day

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Greenville, MS "Home of the Blues": This shore excursion was an additional add-on and Viking's first docking in this small community. What a welcome we received! The day became the highlight of our trip. The city fire and police department greeted our arrival with sirens. As we disembarked, high school students and teachers cheered and shook hands. A competition choir greeted us at the local public auditorium (pictured top left). As we entered the auditorium, a blues musician/singer (pictured top right) was performing. About twenty minutes later storyteller Hank Burdine spoke of the history of the area. (pictured bottom left). He also mentioned that this small community has more authors per capita than any city in the U.S. Morgan Freeman via video (pictured bottom right) introduced his friend singer/songwriter Steve Azar and his band. (See clip below.) The luncheon served was incredible, especially the unending availability of catfish. Even a local brewed moonshine was served. Jan and I both loved the experience and friendly, gracious welcome.

 

A 14 second clip of Steve Azar and his band.

NO Vignette this Month

Memphis, TN: Elvis Presley's home Graceland and some of his toys. Last tour on the cruise.

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Tai Chi Corner

On the bow of the ship practicing with Janice and new friends.

Click here to locate the name of a tai chi instructor near you, or contact me directly.

PJ Forum

If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please e-mail them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com. I personally respond to all. (When editing the comments for publication, I eliminate very personal comments and edit for spacing.

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NO comments this month.

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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 to this section will be updated each month.

If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.

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Book Reviews

Blast Series: Review by Janice M. regarding Blast Book Four: . . . I loved the book.  There were so many ideas floating around in my head from your writings, and I understood everything you wrote about.  I saw the visions while traveling through the pages. Thank you for your inspiration. . . ."

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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Kimberly from 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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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."

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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, May 28, 2023.

Until next time - joy and peace,

Bob


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

bob@poeticaljourneys.com

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