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In Which We Meet Gary Pennick in a Poetic Mood

I’ve known Gary to be a blogger mostly humorous, caustic, a rebel, a non-conformist, a non-liker of all things social media in his own unique way. He has very active Twitter and Facebook accounts, in which he promotes fellow bloggers, for which we are all thankful. So much so that he has an Anti-Blogfest Gary Fest dedicated to him. Go sign up if you haven’t already, it’s a hoot.
Today, he’s guesting here, in an uncharacteristic blog voice, or should I call it his ‘comment voice’? Very poetic, solemn. So take it away, Gary!
——

 The Beach Of Dreams


I
sit here.  I remember.  The memories that are the beach of dreams.  A
place, an ideal, that transports my thoughts my senses, into the words
that would comfort a man with a tormented heart.  
When
I write, I become the story.   The places, the people, the setting, the
sensations, the emotions, the wonder of it all.  If I’m writing about
something sad, the tears run down my cheeks.  If I’m writing something
with a hint of humour, their is a smile upon my face.  Indeed, my
friend, I write to one person.  Never an audience.  That one person is
you.
I have been to the beach of dreams
A place of sun-drenched sparkle beams
Ah such a beach
A place that’s not beyond your reach
Let your heart drift out beyond the green
See the sights you’ve never seen
Take my hand
Stroll through the sand
Let the waves caress your feet
Sense that life can be complete
Come with me to that magical place
Where the sea and the sky embrace

———-

Greetings,
I have been honoured to have my blog “klahanie” featured on the
B.B.C.’s radio station ‘Radio 5 Live’. On a show titled: “Pods and
Blogs”,  I tried to highlight in my interview, that it’s time to
eliminate the unfair stigma that’s still attached to mental health
issues.  I firmly believe that the media can help redress the balance.
 How about sensationalizing the positive recovery stories rather than
the negative stereotypes that people with mental health issues have to
endure?  I am a man challenging his “inner critic.”  I will not
‘surrender’ to my symptoms. I  give myself permission to be positive.  I
try to live my life with realistic positive anticipation, rather than,
negative speculation.  We all have the right to peace and contentment.
 I want to give others positive affirmations.  I am not daunted by my
loneliness.  For in my solitude, I have discovered a determined
resilience.  I care passionately for people who have been undermined in
an unjust world.  I challenge the stigma that still surrounds mental
health issues.
My
blog’s name “klahanie” comes from the Chinook tribe located on
the Pacific Northwest of North America, and is widely accepted as meaning, “the great outdoors.”
Damyanti Biswas

Damyanti Biswas is the author of You Beneath Your Skin and numerous short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies in the US, the UK, and Asia. She has been shortlisted for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel Awards and is co-editor of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her literary crime thriller series, the Blue Mumbai, is represented by Lucienne Diver from The Knight Agency. Both The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon were published in 2023.

I appreciate comments, and I always visit back. If you're having trouble commenting, let me know via the contact form, or tweet me up @damyantig !

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55 Comments

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Hilary,

    Thank you for your very thoughtful comment, Hilary. That view has been etched into my heart.

    That location reminds me of Cornwall and your hankerings of going to Cornwall is understood.

    "Klahanie" has a lot of significance in my life. The allure of the "great outdoors", the spirit of the indigenous people of North America, have helped define who I am.

    And yes, a special thank you to Damyanti. A gifted writer who flattered me by asking me to guest post.

    Here's to a peaceful weekend.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hey Mark,

    Sir Mazza, fashionably late for da par-tay. And thus, a grand entrance you doth make.

    Thank you for listening to the music. Well played, indeed 🙂

    Gary 🙂

  • Hi Gary .. beautiful poem – wonderful evocative words … and I'd love to sit in your spot above Cardigan Bay – looks just gorgeous …

    I have hankerings for Cornwall now …

    I hadn't picked up where the Klahanie had come from .. I'd assumed something and obviously totally not right … interesting to know its real origin … very interesting ..

    Cheers to you and Damyanti ..

    Damyanti – your stories look to be a good buy about challenges in life .. I'll be going there .. Cheers Hilary

  • That was awesome, Gazza – even though I am late to the par-tay 🙂

    Well played, Klahanie, well played 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hey Tammy!

    Never a rebel like you. Such a man of twee, you see.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Well, I.B Nosey,

    An Edgar Allan Poe't Geddit? heh heh..

    Thanks for the echoes..echoes…echoes….

    "Klahanie" is a word from the Chinook Tribe who are located on the Pacific Northwest of North America. The definition of "Klahanie", is generally accepted as meaning "The Great Outdoors."

    See you at Farcebook
    Time for a look

    Gary 🙂

  • Gary a rebel?? Hard to believe!! Ha! Such a poetic soul …

  • I.B. Nosey says:

    Gary, dude, you're a poet and I didn't know it, heh heh.

    I'll echo what the others say. Great post! *echo: great post, great post, great post…*

    A question (and I am nosy, you know!) what does "klahanie" mean, stand for, translate to?

    For the blog owner, as the comment above states, a link to my site:

    http://feelingnosey.blogspot.com

    Now I'll nose back over to Farcebook, one of Gary's favorite hang-outs, heh heh.

  • klahanie says:

    Hey Hawk,

    Your human, like your fine doggy self, knows of the joys that can be found at the beach.

    Thank y'all

    Gary 🙂

  • Hi Y'all!

    Oh you are a man after my Human's heart! The dreams of the sky and sea…

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Joylene,

    I know you will be at the beach of dreams. And yes, thanks to Damyanti for allowing me to guest on her wonderful site.

    Wishing you positive adventures ahead, Joylene.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Julie,

    Your thoughtful words are heartening. Thank you, dear lady.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Elizabeth,

    This might surprise you, but I'm not a big fan of poetry, either. Apologies to Pat in the Hatt 🙂

    When I do attempt poetry, yes, I try to keep it simple without some kind of stuff that needs to be deciphered. Thanks for mentioning me in the same sentence as Robert Frost and Poe.

    A peaceful day to you, Elizabeth.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Samantha,

    Thank you for such encouraging words. We share gifts through the magic, the passion of the written word.

    Be well and smile,

    Gary 🙂

  • I want to go to the "beach of dreams". Thanks Damyanti for hosting just a truly gifted poet.

  • This is such a lovely and touching poem. Well done, Gary!

  • Honestly…I am anti-poetry. Don't read it, don't write it (outside of school assignments back in the day).
    But that was beautiful. So honest…no fluffed up prose and fancy reader un-friendly things to figure out…just from the heart wonderful. You and Robert Frost…you are my poets of choice. Oh, and a few by Poe…my list of poetry faves is super short.

  • You put your heart and soul *and funny bone* in everything you write, Gary, and it's a pleasure to watch your gift unfold.
    WriterlySam

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Susan,

    Ah yes, "the great outdoors." The spirit of those noble people resonates within the words.

    Thank you for being a part of The Beach of Dreams.

    Gary

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Lee,

    Welcome to the other side of the coin. Your visit to The Beach of Dreams is a place I know you will visit often. Thank you for your kind words, Lee.

    Gary

  • Susan Kane says:

    The poem is so meaningful, especially now knowing that your blog name comes from the NW tribes of America.

  • And now the other side of the coin comes to light. I knew it would be very different. I'm proven correct with this visit to The Beach of Dreams. A lovely visit, I might add.

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Julie,

    Thanks so much for that. I get inspired by the interaction we share. That and a certain Jack Russell dog who has shown me a few writing tricks 🙂

    Yes, thanks to Damyanti for being so kind as to ask me. Yes me, shy and humble me.

    A good Sunday to you, Julie.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Diane,

    Absolutely. Circles within circles. Each circle feeling that the writer is talking directly to them. Thank you, Diane.

    A peaceful Sunday to you.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Sharon,

    Lovely to see you 🙂 I'm heartened by your words. Hugs to you and a happy Sunday.

    Gary 🙂

  • You've really outdone yourself with this poem Gary! You have many talents, and are always full of surprises. Damyanti, Thanks for hosting Gary!

    Julie

  • We should always pour out our hearts to just one person. If we reach more, that's even better. Beautiful words, Gary.

  • Gary…your poem was outstanding! It blew me away. (hugs)

  • klahanie says:

    Hi JoJo,

    I'm thankful that you thought the photo resonated the thoughts, the senses behind the poem.

    Wishing you a peaceful Sunday.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Julia,

    From such a poetic lady as your good self, I'm truly flattered. I know we both understand that to share is to care. When we help each other, we help ourselves.

    I'm profoundly grateful for what you say. Being on the BBC really challenged my anxiety. Yet, I did it. Thank you and a peaceful, positive Sunday, dear friend.

    Gary 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Lexa, I'm heartened you liked this. Thank you, Lexa and a peaceful Sunday to you. Gary 🙂

    Hi Robyn, Dear lady, you are most generous in your words. Thank you for letting your heart and soul take you there. Gary 🙂 x

    Hi Annalisa, I appreciate that. Yes, I took the photo. It is the beach just outside the town of Cardigan, Wales. Gary 🙂

    Hi Terry, Your encouraging words warm my heart. Thank you. Gary 🙂

  • JoJo says:

    The poem was awesome but that photo was just PERFECT for it! 🙂

  • Julia Hones says:

    I forgot to mention it: you are a gifted writer. And congratulations on the BBC recognition.

  • Julia Hones says:

    Gary, your poem touched me deeply.
    What a sensitive soul you are.
    Thank you for sharing your words on a regular basis. I know you make a difference in many peoples' lives…

    Have a peaceful and joyful Sunday my friend.

  • Well Gary… You have done it again… YOU write from the heart. Beautiful!

  • Lovely poem, Gary. Is the picture one of yours? Where is it?

  • I don't know if Gary realizes the extent to which he creates art through words. His heart and soul lift me through his poems. This is beautiful.

    Thank you both.
    xoRobyn

  • Lexa Cain says:

    "When I write, I become the story." I love that and it's so true. Your guest post was beautiful and I enjoyed reading it, Gary. 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Susan, "Nother" side of lil' ol' me 🙂 Thanks for "lurvin'" my poem, Susan.
    A happy rest of your weekend.

    Hi Mina, I like a "spectacular pervert"! 🙂 Hey you have quite the philosophy. I think we're both up in the clouds.

    Good on you for wanting to go to that beach. No matter what, you always have that sunny disposition.

    A lovely soon to be Sunday to you, Mina.

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Rajiv, I thank you for that. An awesome rest of the weekend to you.

    Hi Delores, Thanks and well said. No matter the weather, the beach of dreams can beckon.

    Ah Pat Hatt, And this is coming from a dude with a talking cat who writes somewhere between Dr. Seuss and Lewis Carroll. *cough!* *cough!* LOL and thanks 🙂

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Tara, Very nice of you. Must do a poem about owls 🙂

    Hi Tina, From such a talented lady as your good self, that's high praise, indeed 🙂 Don't forget your bucket and spade…

    Hi Rum-Punch Drunk, Oh yes, I am the story and those who read, I hope, feel as though they are part of the story. You are most flattering, my friend. Your site always poses interesting thoughts, discussions and further questions. Thank you kindly. A peaceful Sunday to you.

  • Mina Lobo says:

    By now, Gary, you're well aware that I'm a spectacular pervert, so it won't surprise you when I say: that last line was hawt. *W00F* In Greek mythology, it's the covering of the earth with the sky that makes other things come into being…

    I want to go to this beach. But with, like, lots of sunscreen and a parasol, as I suffer from heliophobia. (That's totally a thing.)

    Blog: Some Dark Romantic

  • klahanie says:

    Hi Suzanne, I thank you for your kinds words and I hope your get together with your friend is a most wonderful time.

    Hi Alex, Thank you,kind sir. And yes, I was a trembling wreck when I got interviewed by BBC radio. Still I did it and I shall continue, like you, to fight the good fight.

    Hi D.G Hudson, Wise words, my friend. And turning goals, dreams into a wondrous reality.

    Hi Medeia, You are most kind. It has been a delight getting to know you.

    Hi Mary, Wow, how very nice of you. It has been a pleasure getting to know you better. Looking forward to much positive interaction.

  • Gary's shown us a whole 'nother side. Love your poem, Gary.

  • Pat Hatt says:

    Inviting me to a magical place? Sorry, don't do those mushrooms lol nice verse

  • Lovely poem Gary. A beach of dreams. What a lovely idea…you can go there at any time no matter the weather.

  • Awesome post !

  • The best way to write is to 'become the story' Gary, and to focus your attention on that special person. How you write is falling into place now. I just love reading your blog.
    That poem is brilliant, it's so real and I almost took your hand to that magical place then the phone rang. I'll have to come back and read it again. Great guest post.

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend Gary.

  • Tina says:

    Gary is a man of many talents! Great poem my dear friend. I love the beach…
    Tina @ Life is Good

  • Tara Tyler says:

    that gary is a hoot! and can write some sweet verse!

  • M Pax says:

    Gary is an extremely talented fellow. Ran into him just recently in cyperspace and am enjoying getting to know him better.

  • That was lovely. I only recently met Gary and didn't know he wrote poetry.

  • D.G. Hudson says:

    I enjoyed that poem. Dreams keep us going. At least, pursuing a dream gives us something to wish for, something to work towards.

  • Wonderful poem and so cool you were BBC Radio. Keep fighting the good fight, Gary.

  • Lovely poem, thanks for sharing it Gary.