Pictorially, this month we celebrate the beauty of fireworks.

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 6: Sunday, July 28, 2024 (275th 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 August 25, 2024.

What better to celebrate summer than on a hot air balloon launched from the small park across from our home.

...Opening Comments from Bob

This Issue: This month the pictorial is a bit different. In honor of the U.S. Fourth of July celebrations, I have included some of the fireworks pictures I have taken over the years. The poems are original. The first, Addicted, takes a tongue-in-cheek look at a modern phenomenon. The second and third, What do you relish? and Whom do you trust?, are serious ones open to your interpretation. The vignette speaks to a long tradition in this state.

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 August 25, 2024.

To become a friend on Facebook, click on this link.

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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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Three Poems

Comments: A bit of tongue in cheek humor but in many way very true about modern humans.

Comments: What do you relish? So many today believe they have all the answers?

Comments: No comments.

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Vignette this Month: A Utahan Tradition

Fireworks are a big deal in the State of Utah. When we first arrived we were amazed how firework stands blossomed overnight as July 4 approached. Later, we learned that fireworks are also a big deal during the Pioneer Day celebrations (a day honoring the arrival of the first Mormon settlers in the territory that was to become Utah). Strict laws govern when it is permissible to launch your fireworks along with the types that you can buy. There are even hours set for when the periodic explosions in the neighborhood are to cease. To the horror of many, in drought areas the lighting of a firecracker can draw heavy fines. However, where they are allowed, Utahans have a great time setting them off as dogs cower in the basements.

Coming from Ohio where sparklers are forbidden, we have enjoyed these open celebrations.

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Recommendation

Cafe Galleria, Midway, UT: Wonderful, relaxing place to dine,
especially during the summer. Ask for Ellie to be your server.

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

 

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Quotable Quotes

“Only he who has no use for th empire is fit to be entrusted with it.” – Zhuangzi

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” - Alice Walker

"Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and just listen. No more is needed." – Eckhart Tolle

"Rewards and punishment are the lowest form of education." –Zhuangzi

"To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but what he aspires to." – Kahlil Gibran

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A Bit of Humor

A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul

Frugal Man

The frugal man walked into the house panting and almost completely exhausted. “What happened, Honey?” asked his wife.

“It’s a great new idea I have,” he gasped. “I ran all the way home behind the bus and saved $1.50 cents.” 

“That wasn’t too smart,” replied his wife. “Why didn’t you run behind a taxi and save ten dollars?”

Compliment of A Joke A Day

 

 

 

 

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Tai Chi Corner

Bob practicing a tai chi form. 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.

"(Ed, referencing the poem Fear) Living in fear can not lead to an enjoyable life. Avoiding the news broadcasts and people constantly talking about what terrible things might happen are two steps in the right direction. Thanks for the great pictures of the coastline in Oregon. In my gypsy days, I traveled 101 down the entire west coast and was amazed at its beauty. We live in a beautiful country. Thanks so much for brightening my day with your newsletter. - Bev (Ed.: Bev, is a regular contributor to the PJ Forum. Her comments are always appreciated.)

Priscilla from Maui sent a link of celebration.

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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, August 25, 2024.

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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