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About bigskybuckeye

Born in the Big Sky Country of Montana and now living in the Buckeye State of Ohio, Richard is the creative mind behind Big Sky Buckeye. Retired after 40 years of teaching, I enjoy writing, photography, traveling, and following a healthy lifestyle.

Postcard’s Keepsakes (Haiku Series #316)

Tranquility Shared

Glorious morning

Creator’s comfort surrounds—

Amongst blue heavens

Photo by Maximilian Ruther on Pexels.com

Lofty Heights

Giants reach skyward

Creator’s breath welcomes rest—

Capturing stillness

Photo by Ryland zweifel on Pexels.com

Evening Twilight

Night’s invitation

Creator’s landscape finds peace—

Slumbering sunset

Photo by Fatih Dou011frul on Pexels.com

From My Journal (2/18)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

When one reaches certain plateaus in life’s journey, it’s a blessing to embrace each moment for as long as necessary.

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.

(Updated February 18)

Monday Memories: Incessant

This poem takes a different route from much of my usual poetry.  It begins with the word “incessant” and carries this meaning throughout the poem with various synonyms.  Using free verse, the number of syllables remains consistent with seven in the odd-numbered lines and ten in the even-numbered ones.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Photo by VisionPic .net on Pexels.com

Early in the morning’s peace

Welcoming the incessant quietness

 

Predawn light creates shadows

Enjoying their unending playfulness

 

Cool, crisp air signals autumn

Witnessing the season’s ceaseless nature

 

Solitary doe walks nearby

Looking for tender grass, endless craving

 

Neighbor walking her collie

Moving with an uninterrupted pace

 

Front porch provides morning roost

Dreaming now of countless, unbroken thoughts

 

Past memories parade on by

Watching an ongoing video show

 

Former students fill the room

Flourishing with unflagging attention

 

Grandchildren always gather

Hearing constant laughter, bringing a smile

 

North wind gusts with icy chill

Feeling winter biting with nonstop bliss

 

Frigid cold invades the porch

Warming now, by persistent fireplace flames

 

Life has been kind, a blessing

Spending everlasting time with our Lord

 

From the front porch, one can sit and watch the entire day unfold.

Originally published September, 2020.

From My Journal (2/17)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

When we embrace all people, we witness the goodness found in each one.

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.

(Updated February 17)

Ridley Scott Quotes

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Life isn’t black and white.  It’s a million gray areas, don’t you find?

There’s a little thing on your shoulder called intuition and it whispers in your ear.  Most people ignore it–but you must listen to it.

Ridley Scott (born 1937) is an English film director and producer.  Much of his work has emphasized themes of science fiction, crime, and historical dramas.

Faith in Christ

From Matthew 14:25-27:  “And early in the morning He came walking toward them on the sea.  But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'”

Photo by Denis Larzul on Pexels.com

Facing life’s darkest times

Tempest sweeping over thee

Hiding from storm’s anger

Light’s shadow approaching thee

 

Fearing who comes forward

His tenderness touches thee

Rising from death’s darkness

His body’s blood saving thee

 

Recognizing Jesus

His hand reaches out to thee

Quieting surging tides

Joy now rushes upon thee

 

Hearing His faithful voice

Savior’s grace now covers thee

Forgiving life’s missteps

Redemption now awaits thee

 

Witnessing faith in Christ

Eternal love surrounds thee

Securing hope with peace

Tomorrow brightens for thee

 

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

From Matthew 14:28-30:  “Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to You on the water.’  He said, ‘Come.’  So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.”

From My Journal (2/16)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Our faith opens up a road with only one choice.  Embrace the light found in Jesus and leave behind those who accept walking in darkness.

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.

(Updated February 16)

David Jeremiah Quote

Photo by Soul Winners For Christ on Pexels.com

Start a new habit on today’s events:  Think first of the eternal difference your choices will make.

From Proverbs 16:3:  “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

David Jeremiah (born 1941) is an American pastor and Christian author.

Trivia’s Facts and More (2/15)

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

Why did the spider get a job in I.T.?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

One of the largest species of deer in North America is the mule deer.  Its range runs from the Yukon in the north to northern Mexico in the south.

Here are some interesting facts about mule deer:

  • Size:  large bucks weigh on the average 200 pounds, but some have been found as large as 300 pounds (female does are smaller)
  • Defining physical characteristic:  large ears which resemble those of a mule
  • Diet:  (herbivores) dry leaves, buds, fruit, flowers, sprouting grasses, small twigs, lichens
  • Lifespan:  about ten years

Mule deer closely resemble white-tailed deer, yet there are significant differences.  Mule deer’s larger ear size and body size separate them from white-tailed deer.  Their antlers feature a forked structure, with a much wider spread between them.  Many hunters prize the antlers of a mule deer buck.

Habitat is essential for a mule deer’s survival needs.  Bucks seek areas rich in nutrients that will stimulate body and antler growth.  In searching for these types of food, they become more vulnerable to attacks from predators (primarily wolves and coyotes).  Does prefer more secure locations that will provide safety for themselves and their young fawns.

Mule deer possess outstanding vision, hearing, and smell.  All of these senses provide their best defense against predators.  They prefer open, rugged landscapes when they migrate away from the protection of the forest.  Being incredibly agile, they can flee with the use of stotting.  This technique describes how deer hop along and land on all four feet.  

The rut season for mule deer usually runs from October into December.  During this mating season, bucks compete for supremacy.  Many are wounded several times from their battles with fellow bucks.  Following the rut, they retreat into hiding in order to recover from exhaustion and injuries.

Following a seven-month long gestation period, does give birth usually with twin fawns in late spring and early summer.  This time period allows for a greater abundance of nutritious food.  Following birth, fawns remain hidden and protected for several days. 

In some locations, mule deer numbers are declining.  Interbreeding with white-tailed deer makes them more at risk to predators because a hybrid deer can neither run nor jump as well as a purebred.  Forestry, drought, and growing predator populations also affect mule deer population figures.  

From top left and moving clockwise:  trio of bucks jump a fence, buck with wide spread antlers, doe with pair of fawns, buck and doe during rut season, and two large bucks in combat during the rut.  (all images courtesy of PINTEREST)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Because he excels in web design.