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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.

Precious Experiences (Haiku Series #290)

Invitation

Dawn’s welcoming sign

Sunrise offers daily grace—

Unforgettable

Photo by Tetyana Kovyrina on Pexels.com

Resplendent

 Morning showers fade

Rainbow’s vividness appears—

Testament of peace

Photo by Ben Mack on Pexels.com

Breathtaking

Evening’s curtain drops

Serenity’s sunset glows—

Time’s faithful footnote

Photo by Simon Berger on Pexels.com

From My Journal (8/20)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Scripture reminds us often of our ever-present God.  He is a Father for all seasons in our lives.

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 August 20)

Daniell Koepke Quotes

Photo by Sindre Fs on Pexels.com

Quiet the voice telling you to do more and be more, and trust that in this moment, who you are, where you are at, and what you are doing is enough.

You get to decide what you accept and what you let go.  You get to choose how to honor yourself, and how to protect your heart.

Daniell Koepke is an American writer.

Monday Memories: Nature’s Endless Song

I feel so fortunate to have so much of nature’s treasures not far from my front door.  Two metro parks are a short drive away, and their endless song always beckons me to return.  The photos used with this poem were taken in central Ohio at various times of the year.

Nature will never sing the blues

Her beauty sends out blessed clues

 

Walking with her in tranquil woods

Sharing her soul, always feels good

 

Moments cherished, singing with joy

Her spirit brings much to enjoy

 

Spending endless hours in her care

Filling with melodies to share

 

Life’s journey follows nature’s tune

Her endless smile reaches the moon

 

Smelling the essence of tall pines

Tasting better than vineyard’s wines

 

Cycle of living never fades

Nature coyly playing charades

 

Changing seasons bring new décor

Hearing symphonies, voices soar

 

Autumn sets up winter’s game plan

Spring fading into summer’s tan

 

Composing its endless, ageless song

Hearing nature, singing along

Originally published June, 2020.

From My Journal (8/19)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

As one season transitions into the next, there is much to remember and even more to look forward to.

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 August 19)

Knute Rockne Quotes

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Make the present good, and the past will take care of itself.

One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.

Knute Rockne (1888-1931) was a Norwegian-born, American football player and college football coach.  During his 13 seasons of coaching at the University of  Notre Dame, his teams won 100 games and earned three national championships.

Devoted Praise

From Psalm 106:1:  “Praise the Lord!  O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”

Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com

Never enough time

Life’s constant demands

Making moments for God

Pausing to hold His hand

 

Devoted praise speaks

For what God has done

Stopping life’s busy train

Praying beside His Son

 

Love for God endures

Goodness offers grace

Rejoicing in His peace

Feeling blessed embrace

 

God’s mighty doings

Quiet moments fill

Singing with heartfelt thanks

Feeling time standing still

 

Photo by Israel Torres on Pexels.com

From Psalm 106:48:  “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. And let all the people say, ‘Amen.’ Praise the Lord!”

From My Journal (8/18)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Praise God for leading us away from the desert of sin’s wilderness.

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 August 18)

John Masefield Quote

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

God warms His hands at man’s heart when he prays.

From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

John Masefield (1878-1967) was an English poet and writer.  Some of his most read poems include “The Everlasting Mercy” and “Sea-Fever.”

Trivia’s Facts and More (8/17)

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

You walk into a room that contains a match, a kerosene lamp, a candle, and a fireplace.  What would you light first?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The Hawkeye state of Iowa becomes the 29th state admitted to the American union on December 28, 1846.

Here are a few quick facts about Iowa:

  • Capital City:  Des Moines (also most populated city)
  • State Bird:  Eastern goldfinch
  • State Flower:  Wild prairie rose
  • State Motto:  Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain 

One of Iowa’s most recognized citizens is Carrie Chapman Catt (1859-1947).  She is honored for her efforts as a women’s suffrage leader.  In 1920, passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants women the right to vote.  Catt also founded the League of Women Voters in 1920.

When one drives along any highway through the state, it is easy to understand that Iowa is America’s leading corn producer.  Iowa is the only American state bordered by two navigable rivers:  Missouri on the west and Mississippi on the east.

Sioux City is located along the northwestern border of the state.  While most of the city is located in Iowa, parts of the city are also found in Nebraska and South Dakota. 

The television show of M*A*S*H features one character with an Iowa address.  Walter “Radar” O’Reilly hails from Ottumwa.  Gary Burghoff, who portrays this unforgettable character, is a native of Bristol, Connecticut.

clockwise from top left: Carrie chapman catt, Albert the bull in audubon, world’s largest coffee pot in stanton, President herbert hoover’s birthplace in west branch, orange city tulip festival (since 1933).   (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

The match