Welcome to My Writer’s Corner

Do you enjoy writing or reading poetry?  Most of the posts on Big Sky Buckeye are filled with poetry, but I also share short stories, photography, and a few surprises along the way. You are invited to sit a spell and find something you like.  I enjoy sharing my curiosity through my writing.  You are welcome to like, comment, follow, share, or reblog a post.

Featured Post

Every Saturday my regular writing takes a short break.  Enjoy today’s brain teaser as well as details and photographs of the colorful soldier beetle in “Trivia’s Facts and More.”

My writing is supplemented by maintaining an active journal, which gathers thoughts from my Bible reading as well as sampling other bloggers’ posts.  From My Journal contains reflections about faith, life, and community for May 18.

You are invited to read a quote updated on May 18 from thoughts found in the words of American pastor and social reformer John Greenleaf Whittier.  His message highlights the goodness we receive from children.

Here’s my Baker’s Dozen, featuring 13 of my recent writings from the past couple of weeks.  Each post is linked to take you right to its location.  Other poems, short stories, and feature writings can be found in the archives (found at the top of the page), which will be updated frequently with past selections.  Enjoy!

• Trivia’s Facts and More
• Blessed Glory (Elfchen Series #203)
• Morning’s Freshness
• Welcoming Place
• Nature’s Portfolio (Haiku Series #279)
• Monday Memories:  Choose His Path
• Pathway of Righteousness
  
• Journey’s Final Gate
• Heart’s New Attitude
• Father’s Vision
• Words Matter
• Trusting to Follow
• Father’s Love
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Trivia’s Facts and More (5/18)

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

Johnny throws a ball as hard as he can.  It comes back to him, even though nothing touches it.  How does this happen?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The insect world is filled with an endless variety of fascinating creatures.  The soldier beetle is quite unique with its colorful appearance and shape.

Here are a few quick facts about the soldier beetle:

• Length:  .5 to 1 inch (12-25 mm)
• Body shape:  elongated and cylinder-like
• Diet:  aphids, mites, caterpillars
• Location:  found throughout the world

The soldier beetle’s appearance resembles leather or a soldier’s uniform.  The red soldier beetle appears to be dressed like a British redcoat from the 1700s.  Other beetles may appear more yellow (goldenrod) or yellowish-orange.  Their body’s bright markings are offset by dark markings on the wings and legs.

Soldier beetles are frequently found in and around flower gardens where they mate, hunt, and eat.  Their graceful flight patterns are distinguished with short bursts of flying, followed by gliding.  Without a need to bite or sting, they are harmless to humans.

They contribute in a positive way to the balance of life in any ecosystem.  They do not damage gardens or crops as they provide pest control and serve as agricultural pollinators.  In turn, they are a source of food for birds.

The life cycle of the soldier beetle begins with a female laying her eggs on leaves of a plant stem.  Later, they will hatch into larvae with a worm-like appearance.  Once the larvae are fully grown, the pupae will form a protective cocoon.  After metamorphosis, they will emerge as a transformed adult.  Adults live for a few weeks to several months.

This post is inspired by the nature photography of Linda’s blog at Lagniappe.  Her camera enjoys sharing nature’s treasures along with her insightful narratives.

clockwise from top left:  The goldenrod (yellow) color is quite common for many of the soldier beetles in the United states, a hungry larvae waits for its next life cycle to begin, and a red soldier beetle (REMINISCENT of the british redcoat’s uniforms).  (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Johnny throws the ball straight up in the air.

From My Journal (5/18)

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Nature’s journey will be filled with a promised kaleidoscope of experiences and emotions.

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 May 18)

John Greenleaf Whittier Quotes

Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Children have neither past nor future–they rejoice in the present.

The child must teach the man.

John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was an American poet.  His Quaker background entrusted him to advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Blessed Glory (Elfchen Series #203)

Love

Darkness

Chasing thee

Seeking salvation’s assurance

Refuge on eagle’s wings

Forgiveness

Photo by Muhammad Hassaan on Pexels.com

Peace

Darkness

Closing in

Storm follows storm

Boarding mercy’s trusted flight

Redemption

Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Pexels.com

Hope

Darkness

Sent away

Light’s righteousness shines

Heart filled with gratitude

Faithfulness

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

From My Journal (5/17)

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

With every step taken today, may our thoughts and actions bring praise to God’s glory.

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 May 17)

Charles Swindoll Quote

Photo by lalesh aldarwish on Pexels.com

Instead of living in the grip of fear, held captive by the chains of treason and dread; when we release our preoccupation with worry, we find God’s hand at work on our behalf.

From Ephesians 2:13-14:  “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He is our peace; in His flesh He has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.”

Morning’s Freshness

Photo by Karol D on Pexels.com

Morning’s freshness rises

Crooning familiar tune

Harmonizing each voice

Daylight now covers moon

 

Sunrise wakens landscape

Energizing life’s lease

Stirring every creature

Dawn’s breath sharing her peace

 

Robin redbreast flies in

Sharing first taste of spring

Closing winter’s last page

Transition’s chorus sings

 

Timid flora bravely stirs

Pushing up, not by chance

Adding fresh touch of green

Innocent day shall dance

 

Nature’s steady heartbeat

Craving season’s flavor

Looking toward summer

More blessings to savor

 

Photo by Dmitry Kharitonov on Pexels.com

From My Journal (5/16)

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Today’s rain freshens up the landscape as nature prepares for tomorrow’s grace-filled sunrise.

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 May 16)

Tennessee Williams Quotes

Photo by Ben Mack on Pexels.com

Morning can always be counted on to bring us back to a more realistic level.

Life is an unanswered question, but let’s still believe in the dignity and importance of the question.

Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) was an American playwright and screenwriter.  His written contributions to dramatic productions are evident in classics such as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.”