Do you enjoy writing or reading poetry? Most of the posts on Big Sky Buckeye are filled with poetry, but I also share short stories, photography, and a few surprises along the way. You are invited to sit a spell and find something you like. I enjoy sharing my curiosity through my writing. You are welcome to like, comment, follow, share, or reblog a post.
Featured Post
Today’s series of short poems are crafted in the Japanese-inspired style of Haiku. The theme reflects upon the interaction of nature with life. Thank you for stopping by, and you are encouraged to read more from Elements of Persuasion.
My writing is supplemented by maintaining an active journal, which gathers thoughts from my Bible reading as well as sampling other bloggers’ posts. Daily entries found in From My Journal contain reflections about faith, life, and community for March 24.
You are invited to read a quote, updated on March 24 which features inspiration from the words of American professor Mason Cooley. His reflections offer a unique style of expression.
Here’s my Baker’s Dozen, featuring 13 of my recent writings from the past couple of weeks. Each post is linked to take you right to its location. Other poems, short stories, and feature writings can be found in the archives (found at the top of the page), which will be updated frequently with past selections. Enjoy!
Sitting outside the U.S. Capitol, Montana’s Mike Mansfield. (Courtesy of Pinterest)
Mike Mansfield remains one of the treasures of Montana’s political landscape. Born in New York City on March 16, 1903, his life is filled with adventures and accomplishments beyond most people’s dreams.
Mansfield is well-known for his years spent in the U.S. House of Representatives (1942-1953) and the U.S. Senate (1952-1977). He serves as Senate Majority Leader from 1961 until his retirement from the Senate. He spends most of his final years serving the United States as ambassador to Japan (1977-1988).
various photos of senator mansfield. of special note in row 1 is photo with President john f. kennedy as well as in row 2 with time magazine cover. (photos courtesy of Pinterest)
However, it is the backstory to his years of public service that characterizes the man and his defining reputation.
In 1910, fate intervenes with the health and well-being of Mansfield’s parents. His father, Patrick, is injured and recovering from a construction accident. His mother, Josephine, suddenly dies. Mansfield and his sisters (Katie and Helen) need someone to care for them. The children’s great aunt from Great Falls comes to New York City and brings them back to the Treasure State.
As a teen, Mansfield figures out that he is control of his destiny. Many times he runs away from home. He is always looking for adventure. With World War I raging in Europe, newspaper accounts wet Mansfield’s appetite to make it to the continent and the war.
By the age of 14, Mansfield finds his way to the West Coast by riding the rails. He lies about his age (with the help of a falsified birth certificate) and enlists in the Navy. As the war is entering its final year, he serves on Atlantic Ocean convoy duty for 10 months.
Following the war, Mansfield enlists in the Army and serves for one year. Next, he joins the Marines and serves two years. He embraces an opportunity to travel to China. Experiencing Asian culture for the first time will further open doors for him in the coming years.
Leaving the military in 1922, Mansfield returns to Montana and discovers there are few job prospects for a young man with only an elementary education. He sets himself up in Butte, home to the “Richest Hill on Earth.” Here copper mining is king, and he finds work as a mucker. Working about a half mile underground, he shovels rock and ore.
Working in the mines at night, Mansfield begins attending classes during the daytime at the Montana School of Mines. A young school teacher, Maureen Hayes, becomes his mentor and encourages him to finish his education.
Moving to Missoula, Mansfield attends the University of Montana where he attends classes to complete both his high school diploma and college degree. Hayes continues to teach in Butte until she and Mansfield are married in 1932. Together, they become lifelong partners.
left to right: statue of mike and maureen mansfield in the rotunda of montana’s state capitol, remaining photos with maureen and Ann (their daughter). (photos courtesy of Pinterest)
Mansfield’s own words share the depth of his relationship with Maureen:
“Since we first met in 1928, my wife has been the greatest influence in my life, bar none.”
Mansfield graduates from the University of Montana in 1933 with both his high school and college education completed. He continues with his university studies and completes a master’s degree in 1934. He remains in Missoula to teach Latin American and Far Eastern history at the university. During 1942 he is encouraged again by Maureen, his most enthusiastic supporter, to run for Congress.
Mansfield dies on October 5, 2001. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Integrity is at the heart of life’s words and actions. Character does indeed count.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
United States Senate Chamber (Courtesy of Pinterest)
The crisis you have to worry about most is the one you don’t see coming.
We are all equal on this floor, and a senator must keep his word.
Mike Mansfield (1903-2001) was an American politician and diplomat. He served as one of Montana’s U.S. Senators from 1953-1977. He later was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan (1977-1988).
War never completely brings eternal peace as there is always another battlefield waiting in the wings.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.
Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one’s thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist.
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was an American social reformer, abolitionist, and statesman. He used his influential voice during the early years of the civil rights movement for African-Americans.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
Every day begins with an act of courage and hope; getting out of bed.
Reality is the name we give to our disappointments.
Mason Cooley (1927-2002) was an American professor. As an aphorist, he was known for his witty expressions, which articulated accepted truths about life.
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