Tag Archives: family

Monday Memories: Sweetest Love

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Love springs eternal in many, beautiful forms

Helping to ease some of life’s angry storms

 

A mother focuses on her handsome new boy

Rocking him fast to sleep, she’s filled with joy

 

A teacher reaches out to his unsettled class today

Filling the room with learning, discovering a way

 

A nervous man asks a pretty woman for a date

Dreaming, could marriage be their future fate?

 

A son calls upon his ailing mother quite often

Bringing love that helps her illness to soften

 

A mature couple capturing romance from afar

Tying ribbons of love, reaching heaven’s stars

 

A young girl eagerly waits by the window all day

Jumping into her father’s lap with much to say

 

A caring wife prepares a meal by candlelight

Inspiring a time of love with her man tonight

 

A family cherishes togetherness for all

Adding gentle love that will never fall

 

A romantic husband brings flowers to his bride

Adding fragrance and beauty, their love amplified

 

A young couple ties marriage’s knot with “We do”

Cherishing their love, feeling deeply rich and true

 

God sends His Son, offering His greatest gift

Washing away our sins, lives no longer adrift

 

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This poem was written and published back in February, 2019.  In looking at its original form, I found an opportunity to improve a few flaws in its presentation.

Back From Hiatus

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Greetings Big Sky Buckeye readers, fellow bloggers, and visitors!  I have returned to writing and blogging after a three-week hiatus. 

My recent journeys took me from the Buckeye state of Ohio to my native state under Montana’s Big Sky.  After being marooned for about 15 months, my travels seemed different in many ways.  Perhaps some of these observations will wander into my writings from time to time.

My wife and I traveled by car, and we covered the distance from Ohio to Montana in four days.  Taking our time allows us to stay rested and looking forward to each day.  We journeyed through Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Much of our time was spent with my mother who has been recovering from the loss of her husband (my stepfather) as well as two recent surgeries.  My other siblings have also been stepping up to help out as well. 

We also enjoyed time with the rest of our Montana family with the exception of our youngest daughter and her husband (more about their amazing adventures in a later post).  Seeing our two other daughters and their families as well as my father filled in what limited time we had. 

For the first time, we were able to meet in the flesh our 18-month old grandson for the first time.  The pandemic has kept us at home until now.  It was wonderful to see our four other Montana grandchildren, ranging in ages from 16 down to 3.

Being away and busy, I just didn’t have time to keep on very many posts by other bloggers.  I am eager to catch up, and I promise to reply to all comments as quickly as possible.

As a writer, it will feel good to be “back in the saddle” once again.  Blessings to each and every one of you. 

Monday Memories: Oh Brother!

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Oh, Brother!

 

Sometimes people look at me in a sort of puzzlin’ way

They just don’t appreciate my approach to each day

 

Through their eyes, I must be an utter red-neck

They fail to understand my life, not one lil’ speck

 

Some say I have an accent when speakin’

Darn if I know, I’m just talkin’ and seekin’

 

Before I digress too much further, let’s see

I live in America, lookin’ always to be free

 

My Daddy taught me the major differences in life

Between right and wrong, always love one’s wife

 

My Mommy shared her love of nature’s delights

Her bountiful garden, with colors always bright

 

Growin’ up in an awfully small, yet welcome place

Life remain’ balanced and gentle, a relaxin’ pace

 

Joinin’ the U.S. Navy at the earliest possible age

Livin’ on an aircraft carrier, like workin’ in a cage

 

Comin’ ashore to meet a lady for a date

Becomin’ my lovely wife and first mate

 

Receivin’ a degree with honors from Silage Tech

Not regrettin’ my time there, never wantin’ to fret

 

My best friends live and labor on farms and ranches

We hook-up on Saturday nights for fun-filled dances

 

Livin’ in the countryside, but drivin’ to my job in town

People say I’ve been too busy, never makin’ a sound

 

Can’t they see who’s followin’ me down the walk

Two lil’ youngins, brothers lovin’ to play and talk

 

My two boys, Pete and Re-Pete, makin’ me proud

Even when their horseplay gets a tiny bit too loud

 

Oh, Brother!

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What’s Your Rush?

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Driving fast down time’s hectic road

Passing new sign’s life-changing mode

 

Hey busy people, “What’s your rush?”

Best to paint life with brand new brush

 

Slow self down, before passing by

More to life than hello and bye

 

Coffee’s better with second cup

Take time to really size life up

 

Spend precious moments, call your friend

Each minute pays big dividends

 

Look around, lend others your hand

Playing music on life’s bandstand

 

Time spent with young children at play

Ageless, feeling younger each day

 

Neighborhood walk with man’s best friend

Rounding out life’s perfect weekend

 

Share love with your special someone

Lighting rainbows with rising sun

 

Cruisin’ along life’s peaceful street

No rush now, enjoying each treat

 

Photo by Julia Kuzenkov on Pexels.com

Monday Memories: God’s Miracle

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Published in April, 2019, this faith-based poem remains the most viewed post on Big Sky Buckeye.  The theme of family and adoption hits close to home, and this poem honors a family very dear to my wife and I.  Their story has been a true and rewarding journey of faith with our Lord.

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God always manages an astonishing plan

He stretches His hands across the land

 

 

He spends six days building His creation

Then, He smiles at His brilliant sensation

 

Again and again, God shows He is in charge

His Holy presence looms, caring and large

 

His Book of Life satisfies with infinite pages

He sends His Son as a sacrifice, for the ages

 

When our Savior rises on Easter morn

God proving, His love will always adorn

 

 

A woman grows up, dreaming of more

She longs to be a wife with love to soar

 

She looks forward to being a mother

God would have it this way, no other

 

A devoted man with his son, will now deploy

Her sacred marriage brings to her much joy

 

She becomes a wife and mother in one day

Wow!  God’s plan brings much delight today

 

 

Alas, something is missing in a life filled with peace

An unfilled yearning to bear a child, the final piece

 

Through much prayer, faithful words to offer

This couple places their trust with the Father

 

A young girl appears, needing a loving place

They become her foster parents, with haste

 

Over time, this girl discovers love, with such vastness

Her home permeates with love, without any sadness

 

 

But wait—the story carries on for a year

Now adoption lies ahead, without fear

 

Father, mother, son, and now a daughter

God’s love touches all, thicker than water

 

Praise God, our heavenly Father this day

Praise His miracles that astound and say

 

God always manages an astonishing plan

He stretches His hands across the land

 

Guest Post from Mrs. Buckeye: “A Very Special Day”

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I recently enjoyed my birthday, and my wife blessed me with the gift of this delightful and loving poem.  She is an incredible writer in her own right.  As I read this poem, I definitely feel 65 years young.

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It was a very special day.

The family and the world were so blessed.

It’s still a very special day.

We need to celebrate it to the best!

 

The Father gave a precious boy,

to grow and learn, and become a young man.

He was meant to bring precious joy,

as God teaches us daily that we can!

 

This precious boy became that man.

From God, and parents, and his teachers too,

he learned and grew to have a plan,

showing young minds too, all that they could do!

 

A proud and successful career,

as a teacher, coach, and sports A D, too.

He served boldly then forty years,

guiding his students on as they pursued!

 

Not only did his work stand out,

but, he helped raise his three beautiful girls,

to ladies of faith, there’s no doubt.

His example shines out into the world!

 

He is a very special man,

son and brother, husband, dad and grandpa,

A teacher who loves Jesus, and

a man who worships our God with much awe!

 

It was a very special day,

when our precious Father gave him his birth.

We celebrate this special day.

God’s gift of life filled with His Holy worth!

Monday Memories: Memories

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Thanks for the memories

For sunrises, spectacular and refreshing

Feeling God’s creation, always fetching

Let me witness one more, very soon

 

Thanks for the memories

For teaching for forty years, now gone

Being retired, yet singing a new song

Each day feels precious and engaging

 

Thanks for the memories

For daughters special and sweet

Always making this heart tweet

You make me smile every day

 

Thanks for the memories

For travels across this vast land

Witnessing God’s creative hand

I look forward to seeing more

 

Thanks for the memories

For seeing grandchildren grow up

Their blessings overflow my cup

How truly marvelous they are

 

Thanks for the memories

For nights watching films from years ago

Classic stories and acting, tied in a bow

Enjoying movies and popcorn at home

 

Thanks for the memories

For finding love before growing old

God’s promises come true and bold

Never say never to His amazing grace

 

Thanks for the memories

For writing poetry and sometimes more

Allowing my new passion to fly and soar

Thankful for wonderful readers like you

  

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This poem’s theme is inspired by Bob Hope, one of America’s greatest entertainers.  He excelled in vaudeville, Broadway shows, radio, film, and television.  He may be best known for the many shows he did for American troops overseas.  In 1938, Hope and Shirley Ross performed the song “Thanks for the Memory” in the film “The Big Broadcast of 1938.”  Adapting lyrics in future years as needed, the song became Hope’s signature song whenever he performed.  Here are a few lines from “Thanks for the Memory.”  Enjoy!

Thanks for the memory
Of rainy afternoons, swingy Harlem tunes
Motor trips and burning lips and burning toast and prunes
How lovely it was
Thanks for the memory
Of candlelight and wine, castles on the Rhine
The Parthenon, and moments on the Hudson River line
How lovely it was
Many’s the time that we feasted
And many’s the time that we fasted
Oh well, it was swell while it lasted
We did have fun, and no harm done
So thanks for the memory
Of crap games on the floor, nights in Singapore
You might have been a headache, but you never were a bore
I thank you so much

Thanksgiving at Home

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From 1 Chronicles 16:34:  “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.”

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Another Thanksgiving

Patiently waits on deck

Staying safely at home

Asking for a rain check

 

Missing our family

Sending our blessed love

Watching over our home

Holy God, high above

 

Remember gatherings

From numerous years past

Memories still linger

Let us not be downcast

 

Past months filled with darkness

Yet, family stands strong

Boosting one another

Faith in God, sings along

 

Chairs around our table

May look empty this year

But, God’s blessings offer

Love, filled with grace sincere

 

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

While my wife and I will be celebrating the blessings of Thanksgiving at a table for two, we will still be thinking of our family in both Ohio and Montana.  We have much to be grateful for.

Evening with Family

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Sun sets on another day

Evening calls, wanting its way

 

Family gathers around

Home now, love and peace abound

 

Night sky envelopes the land

Stillness breathes on high command

 

Supper cooking, hunger calls

Mom’s spaghetti and meatballs

 

All hands on deck, helping mom

Frenzy soon returns to calm

 

Television calling out

Favorite show brings a shout

 

Mom crochets, sitting nearby

Dad reads book, about Shanghai

 

Final chores, homework to do

Soon slumber stirs up its brew

 

Before the last light goes out

Prayers praise God, so devout

 

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America’s Movie Night

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Courtesy of Pinterest.

Marveling at an American treasure

Outdoor movie screens offer nighttime pleasure

 

Drive-ins share their unique personality

Double features, hometown hospitality

 

Big screen stars on America’s movie night

Under the night sky, Hollywood’s best shine bright

 

Notable scenes from drive-ins come to the screen

Danny and Sandy from “Grease” making the scene

 

Winning combination fuels drive-ins’ success

Love of movies plus cars, who would ever guess?

 

Practicing social distancing, cars spread out

Another summer night, film-inspired blowout

 

Family piles into the station wagon

Good thing we traded that tiny Volkswagen

 

Mom and Dad, reservations in the front seat

Wearing pajamas, kids view from the back seat

 

Transporting all of us to a place of fun

Kids become quiet . . . fall asleep, one by one

 

Comfy family night under twilight’s stars

Slice of Americana, with movie stars

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Practicing social distance before anyone knew what it meant, America’s drive-ins have been a fixture since arriving in New Jersey in 1933.  Following World War II, the American landscape exploded with new drive-ins.  By 1952, outdoor movie attendance exceeded indoor theaters for the first time.  During the 1950s, the number of drive-ins peaked at 5,000 or so.