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 writing journey shares a narrative about a famous Ohio author and cartoonist. He still remains one of the Buckeye state’s most treasured legacies. Thank you for stopping by, and you are encouraged to read more from Buckeye Snapshots.
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 February 7.
You are invited to read a quote, updated on February 7 which features inspiration from the words of American author and cartoonist James Thurber. His thoughts open up an avenue of light to be shared with others.
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!
From Isaiah 9:6: “For a child has been born for us,a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders,and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Our hope reaps the harvest of our faith. Our faith is nourished from redemption found on a blood-stained cross. Our salvation is sown with God’s love.
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.
God’s grand strategy, birthed in His grace toward us in Christ, and nurtured through the obedience of disciplined faith, is to release us into the redeemed life of our heart.
From Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He will make straight your paths.”
John Eldredge (born 1960) is an American author, counselor, and lecturer on Christianity. More details are available on his website: wildatheart.org.
From the 20th century, one of Ohio’s true cosmopolitan individuals is James Thurber. Well-traveled with a diversity of talents, he leaves behind treasures for future generations to enjoy.
How does one describe James Thurber? His career covers so many avenues: humorist, cartoonist, author, playwright, and journalist. His talents remain visible even today in his short stories, illustrations, fables, commentary, and children’s fantasy.
Born in Columbus on December 8, 1894, Thurber grows up on the east side with the inner hub of the city located at his doorstep. His parents, Charles and Mary, raise four boys. Thurber attends Sullivant Elementary School and Douglas Junior High before graduating from East High School in 1913.
Thurber’s mother, Mame being her nickname, becomes quite an influence on young James. With her personality and humor, many of her jokes and theatrics offer him material to harvest from for his future stories and characters.
Ready to begin his next adventure, Thurber attends The Ohio State University from 1913 to 1918. He writes for the university newspaper, The Lantern. He serves as editor-in-chief of The Sun Dial, a humor and literary magazine. These further prepare him for his future years as a writer.
Thurber’s younger years.
In 1918, Thurber serves as a code clerk with the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC. Later he moves to Europe to work at the American embassy in Paris.
By 1920, Thurber returns to Columbus where he is employed as a newspaper reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. In 1922, he returns to Paris as a journalist for the Chicago Tribune.
By 1926, Thurber is now working as a free-lance writer for the New York Evening Post. He experiences the good fortune of a friendship with writer E. B. White (author of Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web).
White introduces Thurber to Harold Ross, editor of The New Yorker. He is hired by Ross where he continues with his drawings and writings. Thurber’s relationship with the magazine will continue for many years to come.
Thurber remarries in 1935. Helen Wismer becomes his wife and caretaker for the rest of his life.
Many of Thurber’s drawings recall his love of dogs as well as his family life while growing up in Columbus. The New Yorker continues to use many of his drawings for its cover as well as publishing some of his short stories.
Thurber’s later years.
As a result of a childhood accident, Thurber loses his left eye. Over several years, his healthy right eye’s vision continues to deteriorate. Even with approaching blindness, he manages to produce a steady flow of drawings and writings until late in his life.
One of Thurber’s most famous short stories, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, is successfully adapted for film screenplay. Its theme revolves around how a man escapes from his dull life via daydreams filled with adventure and heroism. The film stars Danny Kaye and is produced in 1947. Later the story is adapted for the Broadway theater in 1960 with Tom Ewell in the lead role.
Thurber remains active with his career’s journey until his final years. Declining vision and poor health eventually overtake him. On November 2, 1961, he passes away in New York City. He is buried in the Thurber family plot at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus.
Between 1914-1917, the Thurber family lives on Jefferson Avenue, a short distance from downtown Columbus. In 1984, preservation groups unite to purchase the home, which is built in 1873. With its Victorian era design, the former home continues to thrive as a museum for Thurber’s memorabilia, and it contains photographs and other items from this time period. The home also serves as a literary center for writers while sharing endless treasures of Thurber’s drawings and writings.
When a writer immerses himself into the environment surrounding a possible theme, inspiration frequently finds a home.
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.
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
Through reading Scripture, one’s journey into God’s Word offers countless opportunities to peel back its layers of truth.
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.
With fear and trembling we must reply upon God for guidance in the inner depths. This is the sole way to walk according to the spirit.
From Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead meon a level path.”
Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher. He authored a collection of Christian books, and he endured persecution for his beliefs. Ultimately, he died while being imprisoned for the final twenty years of his life.
Big Sky Buckeye 