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.
From Colossians 1:13-14 “He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
From Revelation 22:5: “And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
The Lord Almighty fills faith’s cup with a daily sample of His infinite power.
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.
The Son’s obedience was as Redeemer, because He was Son, not in order to be Son.
From John 13:13: “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am.”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
From Isaiah 42:1: “Here is My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen, in whom My soul delights; I have put My spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.”
From Isaiah 42:6: “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people,a light to the nations.”
Through our Savior’s grace, the Resurrection offers mankind a blessed path toward healing his imperfect and sinful nature.
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.
Welcome to “Behind the Scenes.” Today, we have returned to visit with Richard, the creative voice behind the writing journey of Big Sky Buckeye.
Welcome back Richard. It is a pleasure visit with you again.
It’s been awhile since we talked with you. We understand that you enjoy watching films from the 1930s through the 1960s. Western themes are one of your favorites.
One of my favorite western movies is “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.” John Wayne, James Stewart, and Lee Marvin star in the film.
As I’ve researched more of the backstory behind the film, western writer Dorothy M. Johnson stands out. Her short story of the same title as the film was the catalyst behind the movie.
Let us take some time to learn a bit more of this writer’s journey into history.
Dorothy Johnson is born in McGregor, Iowa on December 19, 1905. Her family moves to Whitefish, Montana in 1913. Her father is in poor health, and after a few years, Johnson is raised entirely by her widowed mother.
As a teenager, Johnson begins writing professionally for a local newspaper in Kalispell, the Daily Inter Lake. In 1922, she graduates from Whitefish High School.
Johnson’s sells her short story, “Bonnie George Campbell,” to the Saturday Evening Post in 1930. She receives $400 for her writing, but her writing journey does not gather much more success for several years.
photos of dorothy johnson (courtesy of Pinterest)
During World War II, Johnson serves in the Air Warden Service. Following the war, she begins writing short stories in earnest. She embraces the theme of the American West, and her writing begins to transform how readers see this dynamic era.
Three of her short stories stand out. As mentioned earlier, she publishes “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” in 1949. Two additional short stories join this one as a sort of Western trilogy: “A Man Called Horse” in 1950 and “The Hanging Tree” in 1957.
Following the success of director John Ford’s “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” Hollywood produces landmark films from Johnson’s pair of standout short stories.
Released in 1959, the film “The Hanging Tree” stars Montana’s native son, Gary Cooper. He is born in Helena, Montana and lives there for much of his childhood.
The final film, “A Man Called Horse” stars British actor Richard Harris. A couple of sequels are produced with Harris as star, but without the input of Johnson.
Top left and clockwise: edmund o’brien, lee marvin, and james stewart in scene from “the man who shot liberty valance”, stars gary cooper and maria schell in publicity post for the “hanging tree”, richard harris in “A man called horse.” (all images courtesy of pinterest)
Johnson takes a great deal of pride in her work ethic as she thoroughly researches anything she plans to write. Her desire to capture the genuine elements of the West comes out in her many published works.
While most of Johnson’s novels and short stories deal with authentic western themes, she also publishes several nonfiction books. She remains in Montana for most of her later adult life. On November 11, 1984 she dies in Missoula, Montana.
We have appreciated spending time with Richard from Big Sky Buckeye. Look for more “Behind the Scenes” in future postings.
A dose of confidence experienced today can be sown for tomorrow’s harvest
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.
Lives of great men all remind us. We can make our lives sublime, and departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.
Not enjoyment, and nor sorrow; is our destined end or way; but to act, that each tomorrow find us farther than today.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was an American poet and educator. Born in Portland, Maine, he has long been remembered for being one of New England’s fireside poets.
Big Sky Buckeye 