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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.

Down the Highway

gray pavement road towards mountains

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Music takes many of us on a magical ride

Thoughts and images to carry by our side

A son needs to locate a way to the other side

A bridge over troubled water keeps him alive

A father educates his son to construct a better life

Carry on my wayward son without any more strife

Getting hitched and then catching a bus

We see a rich life making memories of us

The hills come alive with a musical song

How can Sister Maria never be wrong?

Drove a Chevy to the levee one day to sing

But the music died, only memories will ring

Georgy Girl walking down the street

He’ll never find another you as sweet

Heading to work with a mind slow to start

Takin’ care of business energizes his heart

Country roads, please take me home

For she is weary of feeling so alone

Her life fills with major worries, without abundant light

But she can always go downtown on any given night

The tense, western movie ends with a gunfight

With a big iron on his hip, he shows his might

We travel down an unfamiliar highway at last

“Do you know the way to San Jose? we ask

Sometimes life wants to take off and run away

Let’s all continue to roll on down the highway

The inspiration for this poem came from Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s 1975 classic rock hit, “Roll On Down the Highway.”  I was crushing some carbs while working out on my stationary bike, and I was listening to some songs from BTO. I decided to try to use parts of various song lyrics in a poem.

Did you find any familiar lyrics in the poem?  What are some of your favorite song lyrics?

A Blogger’s Notebook Revisited

person writing on notebook

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This post is a continuation of an earlier article that was entitled “A Blogger’s Notebook.”  In case you missed it, here is a link for it:  “Blogger’s Notebook.”

Any creative journey will teach you patience and humility.  At the same time, you will witness growth in your blogging experience.  As you continue to  improve your craft, your readers will take note of the growth.  Here is a reflection that was written in my journal several weeks ago.

A new writer needs to write and continue to write without worry.  Allow your goals to promise less, and you just might deliver more.

I am beginning my seventh month here on WordPress.  Here are some thoughts of my experience.  Perhaps you can find something here to hang your hat on as well.  You are invited to comment with any thoughts, and your words will invite a prompt response as well.

Here are a few observations that come to mind from reading other blogs and evaluating my own time on WordPress.  How would you answer these short questions?

  • What is your blog’s purpose?  Is your passion reflected in what you post?  Poetry remains Big Sky Buckeye’s primary place to write.  However, even there can be opportunities to experiment and try new ways of writing a poem as well as occasionally posting a different type of writing (short story, travel feature, book review).
  • How often do you plan to post?  Do you have a definite schedule in mind?  Big Sky Buckeye generally posts every other day, so by week’s end there are at least 4-5 quality posts on this blog.
  • Do you write every day?  Are you carving out time to make your blog as successful as possible?  Try to do some type of writing or other blog-related activity nearly every day.  Whether it is writing a poem, crafting a draft for a longer post, creating artwork to publish, recording thoughts in a journal, or taking photographs to share, you will feel more fulfilled when you are writing and creating something.
  • Are you reaching out to other bloggers with thoughtful comments?  One of the most rewarding experiences that you can have is to become engaged with other bloggers.  There is a mountain of wonderful writing and sharing here on WordPress.  If you need help with your blog, search topics such as “blogging” or “art of blogging.”

Personally, I feel growth in my writing.  I am sometimes amazed at how far my writing has matured.  Secretly, someday I would welcome an opportunity to publish an anthology of my poems and short stories.  This will be for another day!

Here is one tip that I will try with a future short story post:  posting a part of the story over a series of posts.  People may feel more inclined to read a portion instead of the entire story.

In the meantime, you are invited to send me any thoughts that you wish to share.  An amazing part of maintaining a blog is staying in contact with other readers who are writing, sharing other information, and enjoying the experience here.

 

From FASD & Early Trauma to the Boston Marathon

Dear Big Sky Buckeye readers, I seldom share a post, but this article is amazing.

Congratulations to Andrew for qualifying for the Boston Marathon later this year.

Read more about Andrew’s awesome story of perseverance and determination to overcome so many challenges in his life.  You can run with him as well by going to the post shown below.

https://adoptingfaithafathersunconditionallove.org/2019/04/01/from-fasd-early-trauma-to-the-boston-marathon/

 

Gratitude

This poem is a guest post from my 11-year old granddaughter.  She wrote this poem for her Language Arts class, and she has given permission to post her untouched words just as she wrote them.  Enjoy the gratitude that she shares!

This warm bed

that is really comfy and soft

that is only payed off

by my parents and their jobs

that is filled with

blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals

that is around me as I

dream off to sleep

sock monkey plush toy on bed

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I lay there at night

to recharge my body

I lay there to rest

my body

I lay there if I am sick

to help heal my body

I lay there to wake up

to get ready for the day

 

As we get ready to

dream off again

I lay there ready to fall

asleep

Soon I am fast asleep  ZZZZZZ

Walking to Daylight

autumn back light clouds dawn

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At morning, walking in total darkness

Filling a world with a silent quietness

A full moon illuminates the crystal clear sky

Brightening a walker’s thoughts, time flies

The frigid, morning air washes across a face

Sending a wintry breath filled with cold taste

A layer of garments safeguards from the chill

Walking for an hour awakens a sluggish will

An early, morning walk isn’t for the weak of heart

Feeling somewhat better now after a dismal start

A series of shadows dance around a home

Making a soul feel remote and quite alone

All eyes must stay alert on the sidewalk

Signaling when an uneven surface stalks

The mood is set for a moving conversation

Hearing God’s Biblical word brings sensation

A mindful heart beckons to come through

Creating an intimacy with a Lord so true

The walk’s pace continues to march right along

Allowing this rendezvous with time that’s long

The eastern sky begins to brighten with light

Bringing an end soon to this walk of delight

Another early morning walk will come again

Walking to daylight with Christ as my friend

 

Do you look forward to early morning walks?  If so, what do you like most about such an activity?

 

 

Film Buff Memories

architecture building business cinema

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Becoming something of a classic film buff

Viewing one notable movie is never enough

 

Seeing Brando and an all-star cast is a dream

“The Godfather” brings intensity to the screen

Traveling back to witness world history, long past

“Schindler’s List” fills emotions that forever last

Walking with Bogart and Bergman once more

“Casablanca” presents a story that will soar

Rising again on an American southern plantation

“Gone with the Wind” makes Gable a sensation

Growing up along the magical yellow brick road

“The Wizard of Oz” sings with music, never old

 

Filling an appetite for storytelling that is the best

Watching skillful actors in plots fulfilling the test

 

Comparing life to a box of chocolates, he imparts

“Forrest Gump” offers a look at a life never tart

Listening to how music makes the hills come alive

“The Sound of Music” still stirs visions that thrive

Arriving on screen come Darth Vader and lots more

The original “Star Wars” brings new hope that soars

Making a classic musical with singing and dancing

“Singin’ in the Rain” presents Gene Kelly’s prancing

Feeling comfortable with a warm, real story to know

“It’s a Wonderful Life” sends an angel to save a soul

 

Finding time for viewing one more film tonight

Eager to build more movie memories this night

 

Do you have any favorite films that you would enjoy watching again?  The above films are just a tiny taste of ones that I would enjoy watching again (hmm, I think that I already have).

 

 

Marching With Our Lord

backlit cemetery christianity clouds

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From the quiet darkness, the Enemy lurks and waits

Waiting with his empty promises, fills him with hate

Our Lord God brings much strength and power

Preparing us for battle with a Spirit that towers

An exalted, mighty fortress our God builds for us all

Defending us behind stout walls that will never fall

God prepares us to be warriors standing tall

Defeating forces of spiritual evil is God’s call

Nothing shall ever overcome God’s master plan

Remaining faithful to His word, we humbly stand

Now dressed mightily for battle with God’s sacred tools

Wearing God’s armor, we will always march to His rule

Fasten on the belt of truth that God dictates we wear

Wear the breastplate of righteousness that we bear

Carry the shield of faith always in God’s name

Strap on the helmet of salvation that we claim

The crafty Enemy desires to rule over God’s creation

Arming ourselves with the Spirit’s sword brings elation

God will triumph through us at our call

Causing the Enemy to tremble afterall

God’s chosen ally will always march at our side

Sending Christ to keep the road open and wide

The Enemy’s darkness will be penetrated by God’s light

Retreating from our Savior, who prevails with His might

God’s awesome kingdom will proudly reign for all eternity

Prevailing in His Spirit and abiding in Truth brings victory

The text references for this poem come from two sources (each is linked):  Ephesians 6:10-17 written by Apostle Paul, and the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” written by Martin Luther.

 

Nocturnal Beauty

lake beside forest photography

Photo by Egor Kamelev on Pexels.com

A magnificent oak tree stands center in a park

Waiting with quiet majesty in the solitary dark

The blackness of night only adds to the scene

Bringing tranquility and peace, free and clean

Trees with fruit blossoms, in full view even at night

Sending forth a fragrance, invigorating and right

Tiny green leaves are growing out on the tall trees

Waving from a gentle breath of the wind with ease

In the distance, glowing lights enhance a background

Providing a reverent atmosphere without any sound

A bit of shining moonlight fashions extra to see

Moving and playful shadows amongst the trees

Even at night, God’s creation sparkles all new

Painting for each evening, a breathtaking view

The eastern light rises to create the dawn

Crooning birds welcome a newborn fawn

The stillness begins to wake-up from its rest

Leaving its nocturnal beauty, always the best!

We Have a Friend

people silhouette during sunset

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Yes, we have no better friend than you

What we have is special and very true

We possess a dear friend in Jesus, our Savior

He comes down to us, bringing abundant favor

Our Lord descends to earth with His human face

His Son comes to bring salvation from rich grace

Yes, we have no better friend than Christ, the King

He washes white our sinful nature that now stings

God’s son walks ahead of us to the solitary Cross

His journey brings generous hope for all of the lost

He heals the sick and His words speak truth

His family tree goes through David and Ruth

Yes, we have no better friend than Jesus

His wise words reach out to each of us

Today we bow down and take a knee

Our Father offers His grace for free

We all take up our own Cross and follow Christ

His salvation comes from God, filled with might

Yes, we have no better friend than our Lord

His rich blessings will bring all of us on board

As Christians, we most certainly have no better friend than Jesus, our Savior.  What inspires you to walk each day with our Lord?

 

Spring Arrives

animal avian beak bird

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The calendar affirms that spring has arrived

Why then did the weather take a snowy dive?

Heavy, wet snow arrives overnight

Is this some terrible joke, not right?

Instead of spring, we now experience deep snow

Where is the snow shovel when we need it now?

Well . . . Have no concern at all, for you see

A poet can write about most anything to be

Thankfully, there is really no snow to spoil spring

When will warmth replace winter’s frosty sting?

Even the songbirds remain quite bunched up for now

On powerlines high above, they sing and take a bow

Again, the calendar sets the date of a new season

Why should we believe the date for any reason?

This past winter has indeed soured our attitude

When will Mother Nature give us some latitude?