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In Plain Sight

The Last Alaskans –

 

I probably watch more TV than I would admit to. Primarily I watch my beloved Red Sox, and then shows on history, wildlife, survival, and a few DIY types now and again. Recently, as I have written here, I have found, and thoroughly enjoy, The Last Alaskans. One review I read on this show used a word to describe this show, that I would also use, intoxicating.

My schedule keeps me quite busy and I don’t always find myself settled in front of the TV on Sunday nights. Thankfully I can record the show and watch it when my schedule allows. Honestly, I can sit down and feel myself relax when I hear the opening music to the show, and I wait to see what these characters will reveal this week.

My little girl

Words, they come with time, I pray between
Too much I remember from the places I’ve seen

Silence fills the space, light is driven from this place
A picture painted by the shadows in her face

Life First

Last night I watched the first episode of The Last Alaskans. I loved it. I think about the wilderness, the way of life depicted in the Docuseries, and how I would measure up, all the… 

It’s Memorial Day – Remember Them All

So today, remember those who serve, those who have served, and learn all you can. Be there for those who are still here but lost someone so we could be free. As we get to Tuesday and complain how fast our extra 24 hours off passed by, think about the hours our fallen heroes spent defending our freedoms. Think about how long a single hour may have felt to them and the thousands of questions and thoughts that must have raced through their minds. Think about the fact that so many never were able to experience the next hour, let alone 24 extra hours. Respect them and those they left behind. Remember. In this day where so many feel they’re entitled to something, to anything; it’s our fallen heroes that are entitled. They’re entitled to be remembered, to be respected, to be thanked, and to be honored. That fun weekend you are experiencing now would likely not be possible if the brave hadn’t defended our home. Remember and have a memorable Memorial Day Weekend.

My Aunt Janette Remembered

I find myself staring into the beautiful spaces that God created and letting my mind wander over the hills, through the valleys, and along the streams. In my mind all of it is wild, all of it is untouched, and all of it is revered by mankind. From the path my mind wanders along, I see the people who now walk the streets of gold, the ones we loved here on earth. I long to sit and visit with them again. I long to hear the familiar laughter that each of them often contributed to our family gatherings. I ache to look into the eyes of those heroes who have gone before me. In those eyes, there are windows to all-time, the windows dressed in love are unmistakable. The eyes invite you in to sit and stay for awhile, they exude love, and portray a confidence that all will be just fine, for where we are gathered, He is there also. Try looking into the eyes of a loved one, maybe an older one, but one who has assured their eternal salvation by giving their life to Christ, and tell me you don’t see all I have described here, and more.

I wrote this piece two years ago, and this morning, I honor my aunt’s life by posting the original words I wrote.

Oh Mother, Thank You

Happy Mother’s Day Mom! One night a couple of months ago, I was tired and my mind was overflowing. I needed at least a little downtime and some quiet. I sat alone at my keyboard,… 

The “Entitlement Generation” by Amanda Goodman

“If your parents had to use a wooden spoon on you, then they clearly didn’t know how to parent you.”

It Was Me, I Lost God

Have you ever found yourself looking around in the darkness of your somehow closed mind, and wondered how in the world you arrived at this place? If you were to trace your steps, reflecting on… 

Pray Pastor

Pray pastor, please continue to pray, so I don’t have to raise my head or open my eyes. I wish not to wipe my eyes, nor do I care to address the shortness of breath… 

Pre-Work Work

The twins and I got outside this morning for a little yard work. There’s a lot of snow here and the ground is still very much frozen, but we collected enough sticks, fallen branches, twigs,… 

Farewell My Son, For Now

Tears fill my eyes as I contemplate the thoughts that frame this post. Tears of joy? Yes, some. Tears from the pang that is separation? Yes, some. Although, it has been too many years since my… 

Wife is Away

My wife is away for a few days on a business trip. She is very much missed in our household, and her absence is noticed in numerous ways. One such instance occurred over night number… 

Positive Priority

If you find yourself making decisions for yourself and for your families, think about this. If you are making decisions to be around people and influences because you feel you have to, reconsider. Sometimes we… 

Pleasures in Life

I am a fortunate man. God has blessed my family and I many times over. I am both humbled and thankful for all of the blessings that have come my way. One pleasure in life… 

This Date, Our Date

March, 2008 – I married Amaris on TigerTail Beach, Marco Island, FL at sunset. It was pretty much, perfect. March, 2015 – Happy Anniversary Amaris! You are a very special, beautiful, wonderful, loving woman, and… 

Snow Removal, or at least Relocated

So, while everyone else seemed to be outside moving snow around, especially off of their roofs (modern English), over the weekend, I was busy with other things. Then today, with the wind whipping, hard and cold out of the northwest, I decided to get up on my roof. I ended up being on the rooftop, or at least on the top of the highest roof I could actually get to, for more than two hours.

Surprise! More Snow!

It’s not a big storm, but it’s causing a mess on the roads this morning. We’ve got 4.5 additional inches of snow this morning. There’s just no more room to put this snow anywhere. I’m… 

Patriot Snow Day in NH

It’s 5 degrees F here on the hill, and snowing hard. The wind is making it feel like 8 degrees F below zero. It’s February in NH.   Last week we got 27″ of snow… 

My Favorite Day of the Year

Honestly, my birthday, December 23rd, is my favorite day of the year, besides Christmas Day. Mostly the reason is not about me, but about celebrating my birthday with family and friends while everyone is so… 

Son Of A Preacher Man

The Old Farmer

 
The Old Farmer
 
I write sometimes too much, other times not quite enough
Getting the time, or room in peace to work can be tough
 
Before I wrote my most viewed piece, Destination Homestead
There was a man who taught me to use an axe in the shed
 
Before if was the right time to do my Generation Jumping
There was a man , well-read, his stories true, lacking nothing
 
I remember a guy who could dribble, and throw with either hand
He was there for The Hug, it’s my pleasure knowing this man 
 
The December women, Janette and Marjorie ; both gardener’s
I love. I feel. I write. This too, I shared God Made a Farmer
 
Today is my birthday and as a present I’d rather share
Read on, if the words pull you, let them take you there
 
The following lines only begin to capture what I see,
In the fading clips my mind plays of how it used to be
 
But, if I could, I’d be there now, as it was, maybe inside
In the old north room, from icy wind you could not hide
 
Or perhaps I’d come down the old stairs just a bit
To smell the bacon, still my favorite I must admit
 
Settle in here and take this trip, maybe grab a partner
These are my heroes see, each one I call the old farmer
 

God's Plan – A Tribute to Marjorie Leech (Peterson)

Somewhere around the world today there was another selfless soul born, of that I am pretty sure. And even with all the newborns today, there’ll never another Marjorie be.

I ended the phone call with …”my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.” As I promised I would, I dialed the number to my parents house and waited for Mom to answer. Usually, it’s been her making those dreaded calls to me, but tonight I had a message to pass on and an inkling that she already knew what I had just confirmed. She answered the phone and both of us seemed a bit scared to say the first words, knowing why each of us was on the line. I passed on the message I had promised to share and we talked about what we feared to be the case. Our dear, sweet Marjorie had passed, no more than an hour before.

God’s Plan – A Tribute to Marjorie Leech (Peterson)

God’s Plan – A Tribute to Marjorie Leech (Peterson)

Somewhere around the world today there was another selfless soul born, of that I am pretty sure. And even with all the newborns today, there’ll never another Marjorie be.

I ended the phone call with …”my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.” As I promised I would, I dialed the number to my parents house and waited for Mom to answer. Usually, it’s been her making those dreaded calls to me, but tonight I had a message to pass on and an inkling that she already knew what I had just confirmed. She answered the phone and both of us seemed a bit scared to say the first words, knowing why each of us was on the line. I passed on the message I had promised to share and we talked about what we feared to be the case. Our dear, sweet Marjorie had passed, no more than an hour before.

The Look

Please, my love, don’t ever look at another this way. This look is mine, to keep, I pray.   Please, love, don’t ever stop looking at me like this. For it’s my soul you touch,… 

The Silence Before The Dream

I stand in darkness, nearly in complete silence. The night air encircles my body and it’s comfortably warm, the same, safe, and it’s just right. My face is turned to the clear sky and I… 

Hand Held

Hand Held Honestly, I planned to be asleep by now. Before I went upstairs to turn in for the night, I looked back. I looked back on some poems I had written over the last… 

Once in a lifetime

Sometimes a moment or even an opportunity comes along that almost seems too good to be true. And sometimes, it is true. And then still other times, it’s true, and better than good. Thank God… 

Remembering, God’s plan – A tribute to Dennis Traynor and his family

It’s been two years. But in some ways I am sure it feels like no time has passed, yet, in other ways it may seem like decades have run past. This morning, I awake with… 

Remembering Veteran’s Day

This morning is Veteran’s Day. In Canada it’s Remembrance Day. In my home we are honoring, remembering, respecting, and we are thankful for our Veteran’s, past, present, and future. I am home with my three… 

You left your mark

Today’s your birthday but you’re not here Thinking of you draws out lonely tears   You’ve been called home but we celebrate No longer seen, but for the birth this date   What you did…