Merry Christmas Pops
Its a celebration of Jesus
As heaven prepares the table
For all of you up above
To sit with Jesus
And celebrate his birthday
You will smile upon us
As we give thanks to Jesus
On this joyous day
Memories never go away
Tears still fall
But we know your without pain
Walking with Jesus
To the table of celebration
On this great day
We wish you Pops
A Merry Christmas
We miss you and love you too........
Michael VanDyke @ 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Close call!!!!
Just got a call from my brother Kay.........He was hunting deer on private land(with permission for a three day hunt)and seen some Ravens flying circles over an area on a hill-ed slope,so he thought he would check it out.
As he got close enough to see that it was a dead deer,he noticed most of the Ravens flew away,but one stayed in a tree and was looking in one direction.
Its than when Kay had an eerie feeling he was being watched!He turned around and a mountain lion was up on a boulder staring him down!
Kay said the lion just stared at him,not even moving a muscle.Kay than bolted a round and brought his rifle up(slowly) for a head shot,if needed!
The lion never flinched,just stared,so Kay lowered his rifle and started backing out of the area!
He got to his truck and headed home,picked up the phone and called the land owner,told him that he had a mountain lion on his land and that they could give the three day hunt to someone else,he was done!!
As he got close enough to see that it was a dead deer,he noticed most of the Ravens flew away,but one stayed in a tree and was looking in one direction.
Its than when Kay had an eerie feeling he was being watched!He turned around and a mountain lion was up on a boulder staring him down!
Kay said the lion just stared at him,not even moving a muscle.Kay than bolted a round and brought his rifle up(slowly) for a head shot,if needed!
The lion never flinched,just stared,so Kay lowered his rifle and started backing out of the area!
He got to his truck and headed home,picked up the phone and called the land owner,told him that he had a mountain lion on his land and that they could give the three day hunt to someone else,he was done!!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Autumn
As the sun reflected its rays
Onto the late autumn trees
Their leaves of gold,yellow and green
Shown so bright.....
The birds are in flight
Gathering in groups
Some headed south
For their winter warmth.....
Creeks are running high
From the rains on the mountains
Trailing down the sides.....
Squirrels with their nests full of nuts
Maybe a sunflower or two.....
Seeing the deer grazing
In the shadow of the trees.....
The night starts to fall early
With its shadows of black.....
The suns rays lifting to the sky
Showing off its colors
Of oranges,reds and yellows
To settle into the darkness
For the night.....
Michael VanDyke@ 2012
Onto the late autumn trees
Their leaves of gold,yellow and green
Shown so bright.....
The birds are in flight
Gathering in groups
Some headed south
For their winter warmth.....
Creeks are running high
From the rains on the mountains
Trailing down the sides.....
Squirrels with their nests full of nuts
Maybe a sunflower or two.....
Seeing the deer grazing
In the shadow of the trees.....
The night starts to fall early
With its shadows of black.....
The suns rays lifting to the sky
Showing off its colors
Of oranges,reds and yellows
To settle into the darkness
For the night.....
Michael VanDyke@ 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Stories....
As the years go by,I've been blessed to be around my elders in many families.I was a child whom loved to hear stories,all kinds of stories,wild ones,true ones and stories that I knew were wild tales.
My first stories I remember were my Grandma Clara VanDyke's stories.Some I would laugh till I teared,some put me on the edge of my seat!I'm sure some were tall tales,but I didn't care,it was Grandma telling them and I was drawn into them.
I remember Uncle Bob VanDyke(kind of the blacksheep of the family),he had the wildest stories that ever passed my ears!As far as Dad,Uncle Henry and Uncle Willis said,most were true!
I listened to all my VanDyke uncles tell of stories too,most were worth repeating.Mom and Dad had some great ones too!
We had elders that lived in our area when we were kids,I remember some of their stories,I'm sure alittle stretch to them,but still stories that captured a childs mind!
As the years passed I traveled alot of highway and countries and states,visiting alot of elder people on my way.
All had some stories,bits and pieces by some,a book by others.I was drawn in,ears perked up and soaking my mind up with all the words that came with these stories!
As I grow older in life,I decided to put some of my memories on paper with my pen,so they could be passed down to younger generations.I still have alot of work to do,but it will be finished and hopefully passed on to whom may be interested!
I have my own stories too,as do my brothers.
As putting this on paper,it brings me to a moment we had yesterday with my Mother In Law Doris.
We were visiting her and company was coming and going,but finally settled down to where people were just sitting and bringing up passed tales of things that happened in their lives.
Doris (Mom) sat there listening and laughing,sometimes bringing in a comment here and again,finally broke it with a few stories of her own.A few were jaw droppers,being it coming from her mouth(Doris is a very well reserved woman)..
We never laughed so hard in our lives!Stories of her as a child,some stories about her and Jim(Pa In Law).
As I repeat these stories and put them on paper,I always wished younger people would write stuff down after they visited their family elders,things like what kind of visit it was,the stories that were passed around during the visit,etc,etc........
I have a knack for remembering things like that,because they interested me,so I never forgot them.....
As the days and years come and go,remember your elders,visit them as often as you can,soak in their stories!
Stories will be remembered to be passed down to your kids,and their children to theirs.
I will never pass up a story or a visit because of a story that will be brought up about something,anything.
A smile will appear on my face,because I remembered a story someone told me long ago,or even just yesterday.
Some stories that I hear are just for my ears only,usually from one Vet too another,but still a story that I can keep in my memory,be it bad,sad or funny!
Don't put away memories because of what this world wants you to lead!The fast,the money,the deals for the day!
People make life so enjoyable,memories too.Let them pass it onto you...
My first stories I remember were my Grandma Clara VanDyke's stories.Some I would laugh till I teared,some put me on the edge of my seat!I'm sure some were tall tales,but I didn't care,it was Grandma telling them and I was drawn into them.
I remember Uncle Bob VanDyke(kind of the blacksheep of the family),he had the wildest stories that ever passed my ears!As far as Dad,Uncle Henry and Uncle Willis said,most were true!
I listened to all my VanDyke uncles tell of stories too,most were worth repeating.Mom and Dad had some great ones too!
We had elders that lived in our area when we were kids,I remember some of their stories,I'm sure alittle stretch to them,but still stories that captured a childs mind!
As the years passed I traveled alot of highway and countries and states,visiting alot of elder people on my way.
All had some stories,bits and pieces by some,a book by others.I was drawn in,ears perked up and soaking my mind up with all the words that came with these stories!
As I grow older in life,I decided to put some of my memories on paper with my pen,so they could be passed down to younger generations.I still have alot of work to do,but it will be finished and hopefully passed on to whom may be interested!
I have my own stories too,as do my brothers.
As putting this on paper,it brings me to a moment we had yesterday with my Mother In Law Doris.
We were visiting her and company was coming and going,but finally settled down to where people were just sitting and bringing up passed tales of things that happened in their lives.
Doris (Mom) sat there listening and laughing,sometimes bringing in a comment here and again,finally broke it with a few stories of her own.A few were jaw droppers,being it coming from her mouth(Doris is a very well reserved woman)..
We never laughed so hard in our lives!Stories of her as a child,some stories about her and Jim(Pa In Law).
As I repeat these stories and put them on paper,I always wished younger people would write stuff down after they visited their family elders,things like what kind of visit it was,the stories that were passed around during the visit,etc,etc........
I have a knack for remembering things like that,because they interested me,so I never forgot them.....
As the days and years come and go,remember your elders,visit them as often as you can,soak in their stories!
Stories will be remembered to be passed down to your kids,and their children to theirs.
I will never pass up a story or a visit because of a story that will be brought up about something,anything.
A smile will appear on my face,because I remembered a story someone told me long ago,or even just yesterday.
Some stories that I hear are just for my ears only,usually from one Vet too another,but still a story that I can keep in my memory,be it bad,sad or funny!
Don't put away memories because of what this world wants you to lead!The fast,the money,the deals for the day!
People make life so enjoyable,memories too.Let them pass it onto you...
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Rainbows and Gold
Was out doing bills and chores today.With the rains coming and going today,a person got to see some great rainbows.
Singles,doubles and a few half ones,so I followed one to the end.
Pulled the car over and walked to the end of the rainbow,there to meet me was a little leprechaun.
I asked for my pot of gold,he than peed on my shoes!"Sorry fella,but thats not the gold I was asking about"!
Singles,doubles and a few half ones,so I followed one to the end.
Pulled the car over and walked to the end of the rainbow,there to meet me was a little leprechaun.
I asked for my pot of gold,he than peed on my shoes!"Sorry fella,but thats not the gold I was asking about"!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Thoughts
I want to write about something
It's there in my thoughts
It doesn't want to speak,
As my eyes see....
My mind completes the feeling
I have
Not from sound,but sight....
Like today
The sight of the lake
Like a blue glass
Trees of dark green
Birds in flight
Gliding towards the water....
As my eyes seen
I could hear the sights
That made me feel alive....
The call of the Canada geese
As they flocked together
Mallard ducks gliding across the water....
The small creeks trickling
Crystal clear water on their fall....
The boat slipping through the water
The paddles stirring currents
Of white waves
As we pushed forward....
Fishing poles in hand
With line and bobber
The line and worm
Being so silent....
To me it was beautiful
Nature at its best....
I can keep these sights
These sounds to myself
Do I have to pen these
On paper....
Or wait for more thoughts
To come to mind
Its not because I won't speak
Its because I listen......
Michael VanDyke @ 2012
It's there in my thoughts
It doesn't want to speak,
As my eyes see....
My mind completes the feeling
I have
Not from sound,but sight....
Like today
The sight of the lake
Like a blue glass
Trees of dark green
Birds in flight
Gliding towards the water....
As my eyes seen
I could hear the sights
That made me feel alive....
The call of the Canada geese
As they flocked together
Mallard ducks gliding across the water....
The small creeks trickling
Crystal clear water on their fall....
The boat slipping through the water
The paddles stirring currents
Of white waves
As we pushed forward....
Fishing poles in hand
With line and bobber
The line and worm
Being so silent....
To me it was beautiful
Nature at its best....
I can keep these sights
These sounds to myself
Do I have to pen these
On paper....
Or wait for more thoughts
To come to mind
Its not because I won't speak
Its because I listen......
Michael VanDyke @ 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Don't Worry
Don't worry Pops
Moms doing alright
She does miss you so.....
The days you two celebrated
They seem to be the hardest
To be alone......
Mom says to us all
To thank the Lord
For the days
We all had with you......
For don't sorrow the loss
Rejoice with memories
Also the thoughts......
Don't worry Pops
The kids are doing fine too.....
There are moments
When tears come to be
Its because they miss you
Because of the man you were......
God said it was your time
To share the goals
That are in heaven......
So don't worry Pops
We are all doing good
Even if we miss you so.......
Michael VanDyke
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The final farewell
All the trees of green
The plush grass like pillows
The silence of life
Only the breezes from the wind
The birds singing their song
I knew this was the place
... For the best man I ever knew
Be with your fellow "Mates" Pop
Enjoy your cruise on the ship
No battles to fight
No enemy to meet
Just your family
Your military and veteran brothers
And friends
Enjoy your peace Jim Huff
Grab your fishing pole
Pitch a tent
Go catch that "Whopper".......
Michael VanDyke @ 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Glory To God
Glory to the God of heaven
I hold to the testimony of Jesus
For he who has an ear,listen
I heard the roar of rushing waters
Loud peals of thunder
Shouting "HALLELUJAH"
"REJOICE",give him glory
Blessed are those who love Jesus
Of faithfulness and truth
For he is the King of Kings
The Lord of Lords
Our Savior ..........
I hold to the testimony of Jesus
For he who has an ear,listen
I heard the roar of rushing waters
Loud peals of thunder
Shouting "HALLELUJAH"
"REJOICE",give him glory
Blessed are those who love Jesus
Of faithfulness and truth
For he is the King of Kings
The Lord of Lords
Our Savior ..........
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
James
When I came to the end of my journey.
And I traveled my last weary mile.
Remember to smile.
Remember of the good things I've done.
Also remember I've had loads of fun.
Sometimes I fell by the way.
But remember I fought some hard battles.
And won.
Forget to grieve for my going.
I wouldn't have you sad for even a day.
But always remember the place where I lay.
Stand for a moment beside me.
As the sun slowly passes down.
Remember only my best.
I glance to the sky.
With music up above.
Jesus has prepared my room.
For my internal life to be.
I leave my footprints behind.
As I walk the trail a head .
With the sun showing off its colors.
Yellows oranges and reds.
Remember the joy,the laughter,
I gave you.
The comfort when you needed it the most.
I lived a good life.
With a million miles of memories.
For my family and friends,I say to you.
Grab one or two of these memories.
Put them in your pocket.
Smile and remember the good thoughts.
Thats how I want it to be.
There will be times when you will wish I was back.
Just remember this.
I'm in the other room.
The one God made for me.
By Michael VanDyke
And I traveled my last weary mile.
Remember to smile.
Remember of the good things I've done.
Also remember I've had loads of fun.
Sometimes I fell by the way.
But remember I fought some hard battles.
And won.
Forget to grieve for my going.
I wouldn't have you sad for even a day.
But always remember the place where I lay.
Stand for a moment beside me.
As the sun slowly passes down.
Remember only my best.
I glance to the sky.
With music up above.
Jesus has prepared my room.
For my internal life to be.
I leave my footprints behind.
As I walk the trail a head .
With the sun showing off its colors.
Yellows oranges and reds.
Remember the joy,the laughter,
I gave you.
The comfort when you needed it the most.
I lived a good life.
With a million miles of memories.
For my family and friends,I say to you.
Grab one or two of these memories.
Put them in your pocket.
Smile and remember the good thoughts.
Thats how I want it to be.
There will be times when you will wish I was back.
Just remember this.
I'm in the other room.
The one God made for me.
By Michael VanDyke
I dedicate this to my Pa' In Law.....We will miss you Pop! Love you too......
The Other Room
My Father called, and, I'm sorry I had to leave.
It's o.k. I know you love me when you grieve.
I'm now standing in glory with God, and that, you must believe.
There will be times when you'll wish I was back, but, just remember this:
I'm only in the other room,
The one my Master made for me.
I'm only in the other room,
That space in your hearts, you saved, just for me.
I'm only in the other room,
I love you each, as love should be.
There'll come a time, when we'll reunite...
It's in the other room.
by Brenda VanderWerff
The Other Room
My Father called, and, I'm sorry I had to leave.
It's o.k. I know you love me when you grieve.
I'm now standing in glory with God, and that, you must believe.
There will be times when you'll wish I was back, but, just remember this:
I'm only in the other room,
The one my Master made for me.
I'm only in the other room,
That space in your hearts, you saved, just for me.
I'm only in the other room,
I love you each, as love should be.
There'll come a time, when we'll reunite...
It's in the other room.
by Brenda VanderWerff
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Do You Cherish
The sun was rising over the hill,with a glow of warmth.The birds were singing,the deer bedding down for the day.
A slight breeze blowing through the tree tops,sang the song of a low whisper.
A movement from the cabin above,alerts the rabbits,they scatter towards the brush and trees!The door opens,a large figure appears.A man they call Jim.
He walks through through the doorway,stretching his arms over his head.Enjoying the morning air.
He walks down the mountain to see the city below.The traffic,the people hurrying to get to work!
Nobody stopping to enjoy the new day.
It probably doesn't matter anyway.Seeing all the concrete,wood,steel and asphalt!
As he looks,tears roll down his face.Turning away the tears stopped.
A smile returns to Jim's face,as he looks at the mountain with its trees,streams and animals.
Walking back to the cabin,he gets to the door and stops.His ears perk up,listening to the wind singing its early morning song.
Grabbing his fishing pole,he heads to the creek to catch his breakfast,of mountain trout.
Walking down the path that he is so familiar with,Jim spots an unusual object,laying in a pile of leaves.
Its a briefcase, of beautiful black with gold trim.
Jim being the curious one stopped to take a better look at it.He grabbed it and turned his head from side to side to look around,seeing if anybody was near by.
Seeing nobody Jim heads back to the cabin with briefcase in hand.Opening the door to go inside,Jim slides the briefcase under his bunk.
As he walks out the door to continue his fishing,his thoughts take him to the chore at hand,getting breakfast.
Jim baits up his fishing pole and casts a few times,to catch two nice fish for breakfast.
On the way back to his cabin Jim thinks to himself "I wonder whats in that briefcase"..? Getting to the cabin,he puts the thought of it out of his head and starts to clean his fish.
While Jim was doing his breakfast,his thoughts again were drifting to that briefcase under his bunk.
Even after the dishes were done up and the cleaning of the cabin,he kept thinking,"what could it hold inside".
Going to the bunk,Jim reaches down to grab the briefcase,but hesitates.
Turning around he heads to the fireplace to grab some coffee and pours himself a cup.
Walking outside towards a nearby tree,he thinks about the briefcase.
Whatever is in there,could change my life completely,do I really want that.
Looking down towards the city,Jim sees the hustle of the people,the traffic,noise and houses,houses so close together,they look as one!
Jim's mind clicks to a halt!!! I can't live like that,even if I had all the money in the world!
Walking away,Jim looks towards the the backwoods,"now that's where I want to be and what I want to do"!Seeing the eagles flying so freely,rabbits and other animals without fear,enjoying their days in the woods.
Yes,Jim says "This is what I want"!!!
Without a second thought,Jim goes back to the cabin,grabs the briefcase.He starts walking down the path towards the creek.Coming to the place he found the briefcase.Jim puts it back into the pile of leaves,turning his back to leave,without a second glance.
As his thoughts come to him,the first one was that he loved his life and the way he lived,he smiled.
Back at the cabin Jim starts his daily chores,hauling water,splitting wood and curing meat for his supper.
Later that evening,sitting on a tree stump,Jim looks up towards the sky.The stars were out,ever so bright,ever so plentiful.
The duties of his day were slipping away,making for a new tomorrow.Jim walks back into the cabin,putting lights out and going to bed.
Early the next morning,with the sun warming the air with its first rays,brings light into the cabin.
The door opens and Jim comes out with arms a stretching,smiling for the new day.
Picking up his fishing pole,Jim heads to his favorite creek,walking down the path without even a notice,passes the pile of leaves.
Which stood empty,with a few leaves blowing in the breeze................
Michael VanDyke @ 2012
A slight breeze blowing through the tree tops,sang the song of a low whisper.
A movement from the cabin above,alerts the rabbits,they scatter towards the brush and trees!The door opens,a large figure appears.A man they call Jim.
He walks through through the doorway,stretching his arms over his head.Enjoying the morning air.
He walks down the mountain to see the city below.The traffic,the people hurrying to get to work!
Nobody stopping to enjoy the new day.
It probably doesn't matter anyway.Seeing all the concrete,wood,steel and asphalt!
As he looks,tears roll down his face.Turning away the tears stopped.
A smile returns to Jim's face,as he looks at the mountain with its trees,streams and animals.
Walking back to the cabin,he gets to the door and stops.His ears perk up,listening to the wind singing its early morning song.
Grabbing his fishing pole,he heads to the creek to catch his breakfast,of mountain trout.
Walking down the path that he is so familiar with,Jim spots an unusual object,laying in a pile of leaves.
Its a briefcase, of beautiful black with gold trim.
Jim being the curious one stopped to take a better look at it.He grabbed it and turned his head from side to side to look around,seeing if anybody was near by.
Seeing nobody Jim heads back to the cabin with briefcase in hand.Opening the door to go inside,Jim slides the briefcase under his bunk.
As he walks out the door to continue his fishing,his thoughts take him to the chore at hand,getting breakfast.
Jim baits up his fishing pole and casts a few times,to catch two nice fish for breakfast.
On the way back to his cabin Jim thinks to himself "I wonder whats in that briefcase"..? Getting to the cabin,he puts the thought of it out of his head and starts to clean his fish.
While Jim was doing his breakfast,his thoughts again were drifting to that briefcase under his bunk.
Even after the dishes were done up and the cleaning of the cabin,he kept thinking,"what could it hold inside".
Going to the bunk,Jim reaches down to grab the briefcase,but hesitates.
Turning around he heads to the fireplace to grab some coffee and pours himself a cup.
Walking outside towards a nearby tree,he thinks about the briefcase.
Whatever is in there,could change my life completely,do I really want that.
Looking down towards the city,Jim sees the hustle of the people,the traffic,noise and houses,houses so close together,they look as one!
Jim's mind clicks to a halt!!! I can't live like that,even if I had all the money in the world!
Walking away,Jim looks towards the the backwoods,"now that's where I want to be and what I want to do"!Seeing the eagles flying so freely,rabbits and other animals without fear,enjoying their days in the woods.
Yes,Jim says "This is what I want"!!!
Without a second thought,Jim goes back to the cabin,grabs the briefcase.He starts walking down the path towards the creek.Coming to the place he found the briefcase.Jim puts it back into the pile of leaves,turning his back to leave,without a second glance.
As his thoughts come to him,the first one was that he loved his life and the way he lived,he smiled.
Back at the cabin Jim starts his daily chores,hauling water,splitting wood and curing meat for his supper.
Later that evening,sitting on a tree stump,Jim looks up towards the sky.The stars were out,ever so bright,ever so plentiful.
The duties of his day were slipping away,making for a new tomorrow.Jim walks back into the cabin,putting lights out and going to bed.
Early the next morning,with the sun warming the air with its first rays,brings light into the cabin.
The door opens and Jim comes out with arms a stretching,smiling for the new day.
Picking up his fishing pole,Jim heads to his favorite creek,walking down the path without even a notice,passes the pile of leaves.
Which stood empty,with a few leaves blowing in the breeze................
Michael VanDyke @ 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Birdnests,Fifty Cent Piece and Grandma VanDyke
As a child,every kid had their hero.Mine was Grandma VanDyke,she had the answers to everything.
She had a huge kitchen as I remember and a nice old cook stove in the corner,next to her rocking chair.
Most of the older grandkids hauled the wood in for her,that she feed her stove with.
No running water in the house.Water was hauled everyday by her son "Uncle Willis",sometimes cousin "Randy"...
The outhouse was behind the woodshed,spotless,oderless and always swept out everyday.
Her yard was huge,lots of play area for the grandkids.
I spent alot of time with Grandma,sometimes overnight too.Her stories were of ahhhh!
She could tell you stories that you knew where high tales,but her voice made them so believable!
The best foods that I ate as a child came off her old cook stove,mostly burgers,potatoes and veggies...
Plus a huge glass of cold milk for every meal.
My favorite chore helping Grandma was the walk to the grocery store for her.If I remember the store was called "Rays Grocery",right on the highway.
She would always give me a dollar bill and it was always the same list too,one pound of burger,one quart of milk and a can of tobacco"Prince Albert" in the can.
Usually there was 15 cents left for change,that was my reward for doing this chore for her.
Watching television with her was always fun,she would always talk back to the television,telling the broadcasters and actors they were liars,their product wasn't true,stuff to that nature.
Grandma was a Christian woman,keeping her bible on the dining room table at all times,unless she was reading it.
Its the only book I ever seen in her home too.Always told me that anything I ever needed to know was in that book!
Could quote it from front to back too!Seen her do it a few times..
When outside,Grandma was at her best,knowing nature like I never seen someone do!
Not even to this day!
We would look at the birds in flight or the horses next door running towards their corral.
She would say,"its going to rain soon".How do you know that Grandma?I just do,trust me.
Than walk over to the many ant piles in her yard and point down to several of them,saying"see the ants building their dirt piles higher around their nests".Yes,I would say.
That means its going to rain out soon,the creatures are getting ready for the rain.
About four or five hours later,its raining.
Like I said,she was my hero,knew everything as far as I was concerned.
I remember around my birthday as a young child,Grandma would always say "your birthday is coming up,don't forget to come by Grandma's,ok".
My birthday I would head over to Grandma's.sometimes she would be outside or in her rocker in the house.
Grandma had this way of laughing and smiling at the same time.It always made a person feel warm.
Still to this day,I don't know how or why she did this for me,but she did.
It was always,"Lets go outside and look for your birthday gift".
We would walk outside,I'm excited to see what it was!
The first year I remember Grandma doing this,was me being excited and curious,all in one!
She would say"Hey there is something in that tree over there".I would glance over there and see a birds nest.
I would say,"Its just a birds nest Grandma".
Well go check it out for me,I would walk over to the tree and climb up to the nest(wasn't to far up) and look into the nest.
Looking back at me was a shiny fifty cent piece! I would yell back to Grandma"There is money in this nest"!
Grandma would chuckle and say"How did that get in there"?
Can't remember how many years she did this for me,but I did enjoy every year,like it was the first time.
As an adult,I'll be walking by a tree or see a birds nest somewhere else,it brings this fond memory of Grandma VanDyke....................Grandma VanDyke my hero...
Michael VanDyke
She had a huge kitchen as I remember and a nice old cook stove in the corner,next to her rocking chair.
Most of the older grandkids hauled the wood in for her,that she feed her stove with.
No running water in the house.Water was hauled everyday by her son "Uncle Willis",sometimes cousin "Randy"...
The outhouse was behind the woodshed,spotless,oderless and always swept out everyday.
Her yard was huge,lots of play area for the grandkids.
I spent alot of time with Grandma,sometimes overnight too.Her stories were of ahhhh!
She could tell you stories that you knew where high tales,but her voice made them so believable!
The best foods that I ate as a child came off her old cook stove,mostly burgers,potatoes and veggies...
Plus a huge glass of cold milk for every meal.
My favorite chore helping Grandma was the walk to the grocery store for her.If I remember the store was called "Rays Grocery",right on the highway.
She would always give me a dollar bill and it was always the same list too,one pound of burger,one quart of milk and a can of tobacco"Prince Albert" in the can.
Usually there was 15 cents left for change,that was my reward for doing this chore for her.
Watching television with her was always fun,she would always talk back to the television,telling the broadcasters and actors they were liars,their product wasn't true,stuff to that nature.
Grandma was a Christian woman,keeping her bible on the dining room table at all times,unless she was reading it.
Its the only book I ever seen in her home too.Always told me that anything I ever needed to know was in that book!
Could quote it from front to back too!Seen her do it a few times..
When outside,Grandma was at her best,knowing nature like I never seen someone do!
Not even to this day!
We would look at the birds in flight or the horses next door running towards their corral.
She would say,"its going to rain soon".How do you know that Grandma?I just do,trust me.
Than walk over to the many ant piles in her yard and point down to several of them,saying"see the ants building their dirt piles higher around their nests".Yes,I would say.
That means its going to rain out soon,the creatures are getting ready for the rain.
About four or five hours later,its raining.
Like I said,she was my hero,knew everything as far as I was concerned.
I remember around my birthday as a young child,Grandma would always say "your birthday is coming up,don't forget to come by Grandma's,ok".
My birthday I would head over to Grandma's.sometimes she would be outside or in her rocker in the house.
Grandma had this way of laughing and smiling at the same time.It always made a person feel warm.
Still to this day,I don't know how or why she did this for me,but she did.
It was always,"Lets go outside and look for your birthday gift".
We would walk outside,I'm excited to see what it was!
The first year I remember Grandma doing this,was me being excited and curious,all in one!
She would say"Hey there is something in that tree over there".I would glance over there and see a birds nest.
I would say,"Its just a birds nest Grandma".
Well go check it out for me,I would walk over to the tree and climb up to the nest(wasn't to far up) and look into the nest.
Looking back at me was a shiny fifty cent piece! I would yell back to Grandma"There is money in this nest"!
Grandma would chuckle and say"How did that get in there"?
Can't remember how many years she did this for me,but I did enjoy every year,like it was the first time.
As an adult,I'll be walking by a tree or see a birds nest somewhere else,it brings this fond memory of Grandma VanDyke....................Grandma VanDyke my hero...
Michael VanDyke
Saturday, May 19, 2012
To spray or not to spray........
It was a cool spring day,snow sitting here and there,with some ice still on the water holes.
I was doing some chores in my house,when the telephone rang.
I answered it and it was my boys grandmother,she was talking so fast,that I couldn't understand her.
I said slow down,whats wrong?
Grandma said,"there is a skunk outside the house and its trying to get into the house"!!!!
I told her,ok,I'll be out there as soon as I can get there and hung up the telephone.
Before going out there,I finished what chore I was doing.
In the mean time she must have called her husband,he drives semi and was gone that week.
The telephone rings again and its her husband.He says,"Mike can you hurry out to the farm and see whats going on out there with that skunk,I'm on the road and can't do anything about it".
I told him I was headed out there as soon as I could hang the telephone up.
On the way out of my house,I grab my rifle and some ammo.Hop into the car and off I go to grandma's house.
As I pull into the farmstead,I park my car by the machine shop and walk over to the house to see what is going on.Grandpa is standing by the garage door motion me towards the garage.
We go into the house from the garage area and she says the skunk is just outside the door by the deck.
I walk out to the deck and start looking around,not seeing anything.Then I could hear a scratching sound from below somewhere.
I look over the railing off the deck and see a skunk down inside one of the window wells of the basement windows.It was trying to dig its way out or something to get out!
I go back into the house and tell her to stay put,that I would try to figure some way to get the skunk out and away from the house.
As I walk outside,I knew I was safe,because the skunk couldn't get out from the area it was in.
I walked over to the machine shop and started looking for something to help me get this animal out of the window well without me having to be there.
I didn't want to get sprayed or have it spray at all around the house!
I finally seen some plywood and wood stakes,so I come up with a plan.Make a little staircase type thing to let the skunk walk up out of the window well.
Plus making two covers to throw over the two window wells to keep the skunk from doing this again.
As my story plot thickens,there are a couple things I forget to do!
I left my rifle in the car and I leave the two wood covers in the shop!Do I have you thinking now?
I finish making the walkway and head over to the window well.I look down and the skunk sees me and starts to really want out of there!
I notice one thing about this animal,its dragging its tail and doesn't even try to spray me.
To me,that means its sick!
Well either way,it has to be out of there.So I set the board against the window well and let it slide down till it hits the dirt below....The skunk sees a way out now and uses the walk way I made and starts walking up the board.
I run onto the deck and into the house to see what it wants to do.As the skunk gets out of the window well,it walks around the deck towards the other window well and falls in!! AHHHHHHH,why didn't I cover that hole up first!!!
I head out the door,run to the shop,grab the boards and walk back to the deck area,covering the one window well up with one board.
I go over to the other side of the deck,slide the walk way down into the window well.
That skunk is getting angry now and doesn't like me there at all! It comes scrambling out of that hole fast and starts running towards the other window well and it seen it couldn't get down into the hole.
In the mean time I had the other window well covered too.
Run back into the house just in time to see the skunk run over to the other hole and seen it couldn't get to it too.So it heads to the deck,gets on it and looks into the house!
Grandma is losing it by now,I calmed her,saying it can't get in!
The skunk than turns around and heads off the deck and crawls under it.Well ok another problem!
Now my other mistake I told you about,I left my rifle in my car and I had to get it.
As soon as I thought of an answer,the skunk takes off towards the shop and the doors are open on it.
Grandma is yelling,"the doors,the doors"! Off I go to try and beat that skunk to the shop!
As we are both about to the shop,the skunk realizes I'm following it and doesn't like it,not one bit!
It turns around and starts chasing me!I'm like holy crap this skunk is crazy and is coming after me!
The only thing I could think of was to run towards my car. Thats where my rifle was.
Did you know skunks can run fast.At least this one could.It was right on my heels and I couldn't open the door up to my car fast enough,so I take off around the car again,with this crazy skunk chasing me!
In the mean time grandma is yelling and screaming from the garage about the whole situation!
I run towards the back of the car and woosh,I hit a ice patch and go down!
The skunk still coming towards me,I start kicking at it and trying to crawl away in a backwards motion.
Not a simple task!
I kicked it in the head about three times and it still chomped at me with its teeth showing and biting at the same time.It started biting my boots and wasn't backing down!
Grandma still screaming in the background!!
I wanted out of there and fast,but how was I to do that! Finally one last kick to the head and it was enough to knock it backwards into the fenderwell of my car,giving me enough time to get up and haul butt to the house!
Let me tell you something,I could hear my heart beating through my clothes and it was ticking mighty fast!
Grandma comes running in too and asks if I'm alright...
I sit down and look outside,seeing the skunk headed back towards the deck,going under it and laying down.
Ok,its time to get serious now and get rid of this animal once and for all!
I tell grandma that I have to go get my rifle out of the car and shoot this skunk,one way or the other,because something wasn't right about its behavior!
As I walk out towards the garage,I tell myself its all or nothing.
I look over towards the deck and see the skunk laying under the deck,looking the opposite way of me.
So like a bolt of slow lightning,I take off racing towards the car,not looking back either!
I open the car door and get it,slamming the door!
I look over towards the deck,the skunk still laying down.Things are looking better now,but not for the skunk.
I grab my rifle,load it with ammo and get out of the car.As I was walking towards the garage again,I started thinking that I still had to get that animal from underneath of the deck before I could shoot it.
I get into the house again and explain to grandma,that I have to get that skunk away from the house someway.Then I thought,noise,animals hate noise.
I found a old heavy book,took it out to the deck and threw it on the floor of the deck.It made a huge thumping sound,which made the skunk bolt from under the deck!
It was headed towards the feed buildings and wasn't looking back. I grabbed my rifle,put a good aim on it and squeezed the trigger.Down it goes,not even one twitch.
I go back into the house and told grandma,its finished,the skunk is gone.
I waited about a half an hour before I went out to grab the skunk and take it out to the trees across the road.
I called up the county agent and told him about the skunk and the way it was acting.He said he would check it out the next day.
The day after,I get a phone call,its the county agent,telling me that the skunk was sick and might of had rabies.He asked me if I got bit,I told him no,but it was close!
He said he disposed of the animal and all was well.
As I think of that day.I ask myself,would I have done it different.Probably not!
I didn't get bit,nor did I get sprayed!I do know one thing about that day of events.I'll have one heck of a story to share with whom ever wants to listen to me tell it.....
And to always bring your rifle to a gun fight!
I was doing some chores in my house,when the telephone rang.
I answered it and it was my boys grandmother,she was talking so fast,that I couldn't understand her.
I said slow down,whats wrong?
Grandma said,"there is a skunk outside the house and its trying to get into the house"!!!!
I told her,ok,I'll be out there as soon as I can get there and hung up the telephone.
Before going out there,I finished what chore I was doing.
In the mean time she must have called her husband,he drives semi and was gone that week.
The telephone rings again and its her husband.He says,"Mike can you hurry out to the farm and see whats going on out there with that skunk,I'm on the road and can't do anything about it".
I told him I was headed out there as soon as I could hang the telephone up.
On the way out of my house,I grab my rifle and some ammo.Hop into the car and off I go to grandma's house.
As I pull into the farmstead,I park my car by the machine shop and walk over to the house to see what is going on.Grandpa is standing by the garage door motion me towards the garage.
We go into the house from the garage area and she says the skunk is just outside the door by the deck.
I walk out to the deck and start looking around,not seeing anything.Then I could hear a scratching sound from below somewhere.
I look over the railing off the deck and see a skunk down inside one of the window wells of the basement windows.It was trying to dig its way out or something to get out!
I go back into the house and tell her to stay put,that I would try to figure some way to get the skunk out and away from the house.
As I walk outside,I knew I was safe,because the skunk couldn't get out from the area it was in.
I walked over to the machine shop and started looking for something to help me get this animal out of the window well without me having to be there.
I didn't want to get sprayed or have it spray at all around the house!
I finally seen some plywood and wood stakes,so I come up with a plan.Make a little staircase type thing to let the skunk walk up out of the window well.
Plus making two covers to throw over the two window wells to keep the skunk from doing this again.
As my story plot thickens,there are a couple things I forget to do!
I left my rifle in the car and I leave the two wood covers in the shop!Do I have you thinking now?
I finish making the walkway and head over to the window well.I look down and the skunk sees me and starts to really want out of there!
I notice one thing about this animal,its dragging its tail and doesn't even try to spray me.
To me,that means its sick!
Well either way,it has to be out of there.So I set the board against the window well and let it slide down till it hits the dirt below....The skunk sees a way out now and uses the walk way I made and starts walking up the board.
I run onto the deck and into the house to see what it wants to do.As the skunk gets out of the window well,it walks around the deck towards the other window well and falls in!! AHHHHHHH,why didn't I cover that hole up first!!!
I head out the door,run to the shop,grab the boards and walk back to the deck area,covering the one window well up with one board.
I go over to the other side of the deck,slide the walk way down into the window well.
That skunk is getting angry now and doesn't like me there at all! It comes scrambling out of that hole fast and starts running towards the other window well and it seen it couldn't get down into the hole.
In the mean time I had the other window well covered too.
Run back into the house just in time to see the skunk run over to the other hole and seen it couldn't get to it too.So it heads to the deck,gets on it and looks into the house!
Grandma is losing it by now,I calmed her,saying it can't get in!
The skunk than turns around and heads off the deck and crawls under it.Well ok another problem!
Now my other mistake I told you about,I left my rifle in my car and I had to get it.
As soon as I thought of an answer,the skunk takes off towards the shop and the doors are open on it.
Grandma is yelling,"the doors,the doors"! Off I go to try and beat that skunk to the shop!
As we are both about to the shop,the skunk realizes I'm following it and doesn't like it,not one bit!
It turns around and starts chasing me!I'm like holy crap this skunk is crazy and is coming after me!
The only thing I could think of was to run towards my car. Thats where my rifle was.
Did you know skunks can run fast.At least this one could.It was right on my heels and I couldn't open the door up to my car fast enough,so I take off around the car again,with this crazy skunk chasing me!
In the mean time grandma is yelling and screaming from the garage about the whole situation!
I run towards the back of the car and woosh,I hit a ice patch and go down!
The skunk still coming towards me,I start kicking at it and trying to crawl away in a backwards motion.
Not a simple task!
I kicked it in the head about three times and it still chomped at me with its teeth showing and biting at the same time.It started biting my boots and wasn't backing down!
Grandma still screaming in the background!!
I wanted out of there and fast,but how was I to do that! Finally one last kick to the head and it was enough to knock it backwards into the fenderwell of my car,giving me enough time to get up and haul butt to the house!
Let me tell you something,I could hear my heart beating through my clothes and it was ticking mighty fast!
Grandma comes running in too and asks if I'm alright...
I sit down and look outside,seeing the skunk headed back towards the deck,going under it and laying down.
Ok,its time to get serious now and get rid of this animal once and for all!
I tell grandma that I have to go get my rifle out of the car and shoot this skunk,one way or the other,because something wasn't right about its behavior!
As I walk out towards the garage,I tell myself its all or nothing.
I look over towards the deck and see the skunk laying under the deck,looking the opposite way of me.
So like a bolt of slow lightning,I take off racing towards the car,not looking back either!
I open the car door and get it,slamming the door!
I look over towards the deck,the skunk still laying down.Things are looking better now,but not for the skunk.
I grab my rifle,load it with ammo and get out of the car.As I was walking towards the garage again,I started thinking that I still had to get that animal from underneath of the deck before I could shoot it.
I get into the house again and explain to grandma,that I have to get that skunk away from the house someway.Then I thought,noise,animals hate noise.
I found a old heavy book,took it out to the deck and threw it on the floor of the deck.It made a huge thumping sound,which made the skunk bolt from under the deck!
It was headed towards the feed buildings and wasn't looking back. I grabbed my rifle,put a good aim on it and squeezed the trigger.Down it goes,not even one twitch.
I go back into the house and told grandma,its finished,the skunk is gone.
I waited about a half an hour before I went out to grab the skunk and take it out to the trees across the road.
I called up the county agent and told him about the skunk and the way it was acting.He said he would check it out the next day.
The day after,I get a phone call,its the county agent,telling me that the skunk was sick and might of had rabies.He asked me if I got bit,I told him no,but it was close!
He said he disposed of the animal and all was well.
As I think of that day.I ask myself,would I have done it different.Probably not!
I didn't get bit,nor did I get sprayed!I do know one thing about that day of events.I'll have one heck of a story to share with whom ever wants to listen to me tell it.....
And to always bring your rifle to a gun fight!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
A place to love
There's a place in my heart
I have for you....
Its not of diamonds,gold or jewerly
Its beautiful to the touch....
It can make you happy
Also make you cry....
For also in this heart
There is no room for darkness....
It will give you happiness
Also warmth.....
A place to lay
When you rest....
When you need a time
For you and me....
Thats when its at it's best....
Theres a place in my heart I have for you
This place I call love....
Its of beautiful colors
Also of softness
For your touch....
The love I give you
Its from my heart
To which you have.......
Dedicated to my wife,Tammy
Michael VanDyke
I have for you....
Its not of diamonds,gold or jewerly
Its beautiful to the touch....
It can make you happy
Also make you cry....
For also in this heart
There is no room for darkness....
It will give you happiness
Also warmth.....
A place to lay
When you rest....
When you need a time
For you and me....
Thats when its at it's best....
Theres a place in my heart I have for you
This place I call love....
Its of beautiful colors
Also of softness
For your touch....
The love I give you
Its from my heart
To which you have.......
Dedicated to my wife,Tammy
Michael VanDyke
We can be
Special people
Special words
Make a relationship....
Not one
Not three
But two.....
The respect,love and honesty
Its a must....
Helping and sharing
The sorrow,the joy
Having a shoulder to lean on
A hand to hold
A smile to see...
All these are special
For you,also me....
Come along
Be my partner
Lets walk this life together...
When times are good
We will laugh together....
When times are tough
We will wipe the tears away...
So grab each others hand
Walk together
Towards the happiness
We both shall share.....
Michael VanDyke
Special words
Make a relationship....
Not one
Not three
But two.....
The respect,love and honesty
Its a must....
Helping and sharing
The sorrow,the joy
Having a shoulder to lean on
A hand to hold
A smile to see...
All these are special
For you,also me....
Come along
Be my partner
Lets walk this life together...
When times are good
We will laugh together....
When times are tough
We will wipe the tears away...
So grab each others hand
Walk together
Towards the happiness
We both shall share.....
Michael VanDyke
The art of life
Walking in this world
With my feet
I use as maps......
I don't have the luxury
Of beautiful homes and cars
Its something I never needed
Nor do I want to share
The museums of beautiful art
The jewels of the rich.....
I've only to go outside
For my canvas of sky
Also of the earth
The colors of the land
With trees of green and blue....
The skys they light up
With rainbows of colors
At night the stars gleam with delight.....
The art you see its natural
The jewels I have are free....
The song birds in the trees
The sounds of the creek
On a calm day
Also the rustle of the fall leaves....
I've seen the birth of life
A baby crying in it's mothers arms....
To smell the air
After a sunset
Or from the morning dew....
I'll take the mountains
Or deserts
Of cource the plains I know.....
Finding the joys of life
That was given me
For my eyes to see
My ears to hear
My other sense's too....
I've seen the death of nature
The birth our spring days bring....
Watch the flowers paint a canvas
Purples,greens and reds
Also the yellows and blues.....
Take away the riches
The jewels,money too....
I have my life
Just by sitting outside my door
To listen,to see.........
Michael VanDyke
With my feet
I use as maps......
I don't have the luxury
Of beautiful homes and cars
Its something I never needed
Nor do I want to share
The museums of beautiful art
The jewels of the rich.....
I've only to go outside
For my canvas of sky
Also of the earth
The colors of the land
With trees of green and blue....
The skys they light up
With rainbows of colors
At night the stars gleam with delight.....
The art you see its natural
The jewels I have are free....
The song birds in the trees
The sounds of the creek
On a calm day
Also the rustle of the fall leaves....
I've seen the birth of life
A baby crying in it's mothers arms....
To smell the air
After a sunset
Or from the morning dew....
I'll take the mountains
Or deserts
Of cource the plains I know.....
Finding the joys of life
That was given me
For my eyes to see
My ears to hear
My other sense's too....
I've seen the death of nature
The birth our spring days bring....
Watch the flowers paint a canvas
Purples,greens and reds
Also the yellows and blues.....
Take away the riches
The jewels,money too....
I have my life
Just by sitting outside my door
To listen,to see.........
Michael VanDyke
Free Spirit
As I seen this feather
It was floating through the sky
I picked it up to ask it why
It looked at me as if to say
I don't know why I do it that way.....
To feel the winds under my feet
It lifts my soul
Like a kid with a candy treat.....
Where ever it takes me
I'll do the best I can
Because I am of the free spirit
Yes I am.....
So when I float to the ground
To settle for awhile
A few minutes later
A breeze is lifting
Me higher and higher....
Where it takes me
I do not know
The time
It doesn't matter
For my heart has told me so....
It's the free spirit in my soul
Its time to give you that promise
To let the free spirit let you go....
So grab my hand
As the winds blow
We will sail on
To the dreams to be
This is the free spirit
For you
For me.....
The free spirit I talk of is real
Its always at its best
There is always the truth
The truth to you
The free spirit
Will never leave you
Leave you like the rest....
The time it doesn't matter
The day we really don't care
The time to deal
That's when its at it's best....
For the people don't touch
They don't dare
The free spirit is there
It does care......
So let the feather go
Into the wind
To see it breeze away
Drop onto a path
Yet another day......
The free spirit has taken it
On a ride until it's final day
Where it will turn to dust
Then just blow away........
Michael VanDyke @C 2017
It was floating through the sky
I picked it up to ask it why
It looked at me as if to say
I don't know why I do it that way.....
To feel the winds under my feet
It lifts my soul
Like a kid with a candy treat.....
Where ever it takes me
I'll do the best I can
Because I am of the free spirit
Yes I am.....
So when I float to the ground
To settle for awhile
A few minutes later
A breeze is lifting
Me higher and higher....
Where it takes me
I do not know
The time
It doesn't matter
For my heart has told me so....
It's the free spirit in my soul
Its time to give you that promise
To let the free spirit let you go....
So grab my hand
As the winds blow
We will sail on
To the dreams to be
This is the free spirit
For you
For me.....
The free spirit I talk of is real
Its always at its best
There is always the truth
The truth to you
The free spirit
Will never leave you
Leave you like the rest....
The time it doesn't matter
The day we really don't care
The time to deal
That's when its at it's best....
For the people don't touch
They don't dare
The free spirit is there
It does care......
So let the feather go
Into the wind
To see it breeze away
Drop onto a path
Yet another day......
The free spirit has taken it
On a ride until it's final day
Where it will turn to dust
Then just blow away........
Michael VanDyke @C 2017
Monday, April 23, 2012
Yaquina Beach
Yaquina Beach
The sound of the waves
Piercing the air
Fog horns blowing
We are here.......
A trail of stairs
Leading below
A walk thru the trees
Of pine and elder.......
You could hear the sounds
Of the crashing waves
The feel of the cool breeze
Drifting in from parts unknown......
The crow he caa's
The gull he flys......
Walking in the sand
With shoes in hand
Watching the fog roll in
From the ocean breeze......
Looking beyond to see
All the driftwood
Clam shells,oyster shells too......
The buoys were bobbin'
To the sway of the breaks
As I was to watch the fog roll out
To the drifting winds
Of the ocean sky............
Michael VanDyke @ 7/12/11
.
The sound of the waves
Piercing the air
Fog horns blowing
We are here.......
A trail of stairs
Leading below
A walk thru the trees
Of pine and elder.......
You could hear the sounds
Of the crashing waves
The feel of the cool breeze
Drifting in from parts unknown......
The crow he caa's
The gull he flys......
Walking in the sand
With shoes in hand
Watching the fog roll in
From the ocean breeze......
Looking beyond to see
All the driftwood
Clam shells,oyster shells too......
The buoys were bobbin'
To the sway of the breaks
As I was to watch the fog roll out
To the drifting winds
Of the ocean sky............
Michael VanDyke @ 7/12/11
.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Go to Sleep and Dream
Little child,go to sleep
Gods Angels have you to keep
They will protect you,all around
So you won't ever fall down
Little dreams,lots of smiles
Lots of hugs and kisses too
Lollipops and candy
Are driftin' thru
Even the yellowbrick road
Just for you
So go to sleep little child
Dreamland is here to be
The night has fallen
Its the end
Of a beautiful day.........
Michael
Gods Angels have you to keep
They will protect you,all around
So you won't ever fall down
Little dreams,lots of smiles
Lots of hugs and kisses too
Lollipops and candy
Are driftin' thru
Even the yellowbrick road
Just for you
So go to sleep little child
Dreamland is here to be
The night has fallen
Its the end
Of a beautiful day.........
Michael
A night to dream
I can see the stars tonight
They are a shining
Also the moon
Which seems to be whining
While the clouds drift
Low into the sky
Its like watching a dream
So beautiful,so clear
The twinkle in their eye
As the stars light the sky
So many pictures,they make
Like someone with canvas
Took their brush
Making the heavens
With their touch
Reach up to the sky
Grasp a star to take
To realize,there will be
Another night to gaze
Also a night to dream,as the stars gleam
As the clouds roll into the distant sky......
Michael
They are a shining
Also the moon
Which seems to be whining
While the clouds drift
Low into the sky
Its like watching a dream
So beautiful,so clear
The twinkle in their eye
As the stars light the sky
So many pictures,they make
Like someone with canvas
Took their brush
Making the heavens
With their touch
Reach up to the sky
Grasp a star to take
To realize,there will be
Another night to gaze
Also a night to dream,as the stars gleam
As the clouds roll into the distant sky......
Michael
The Wizard
I am the Wizard
The Wizard of magic
Dream of what you want
Of what you want to be
The magic of my touch
Will give you dreams
Of the way things should be
Laughter,thoughtfulness and kindness
Are all of what you need
Hold on to your dreams
As the Wizard has said
The mind is yours to travel
The road to your heart
There is no stopping
No pass or go
Listen to the Wizard
He has told you so..........
Michael
The Wizard of magic
Dream of what you want
Of what you want to be
The magic of my touch
Will give you dreams
Of the way things should be
Laughter,thoughtfulness and kindness
Are all of what you need
Hold on to your dreams
As the Wizard has said
The mind is yours to travel
The road to your heart
There is no stopping
No pass or go
Listen to the Wizard
He has told you so..........
Michael
Ride a Dream
Lights out for the dreamers
When the stars are so bright
The Angels are flying
To make things alright
When the passion from two people
Are falling from the sky
Take our hearts
Guide our feet
With the path of golden pebbles
Walk your dreams
With rainbows of colors
The blues,purples and whites
The fresh smell
After a wondrous storm
The feelings you share
To so very few
It touches me
As also you
Yes the night has fallen
With stars that glow
Some to ride the horizon
With dreams aboard
Its in the heart
With the soul to follow
Reach out grasp the dream
Put it under your pillow
To whisper your thoughts
To share with someone
Some other day...........
Michael
When the stars are so bright
The Angels are flying
To make things alright
When the passion from two people
Are falling from the sky
Take our hearts
Guide our feet
With the path of golden pebbles
Walk your dreams
With rainbows of colors
The blues,purples and whites
The fresh smell
After a wondrous storm
The feelings you share
To so very few
It touches me
As also you
Yes the night has fallen
With stars that glow
Some to ride the horizon
With dreams aboard
Its in the heart
With the soul to follow
Reach out grasp the dream
Put it under your pillow
To whisper your thoughts
To share with someone
Some other day...........
Michael
I applaud
I applaud our troops
For fighting a war
That will never end
To know what freedom is
To want other people
To have it too
Leaving your families
To live in hell
Knowing death is there
To greet you
Every morning and night
The compassion I see
In your eyes
When a child is homeless or lost
From the destruction of terrorism
You fight because the freedom
Is worth the risk
For all people
On this earth
To have a taste
Be brave enough
To wear the uniform
To honor in your heart
Spare the freedom
That God has given us
To do what is right
I applaud you..........
Michael
For fighting a war
That will never end
To know what freedom is
To want other people
To have it too
Leaving your families
To live in hell
Knowing death is there
To greet you
Every morning and night
The compassion I see
In your eyes
When a child is homeless or lost
From the destruction of terrorism
You fight because the freedom
Is worth the risk
For all people
On this earth
To have a taste
Be brave enough
To wear the uniform
To honor in your heart
Spare the freedom
That God has given us
To do what is right
I applaud you..........
Michael
My Tammy
The way a lady is to be treated
Is with love,respect and honesty
I love you because of your honesty
So you do have my respect
As a gentleman I kiss your hand
In your honor of being a precious lady
My love for you
Is more than I can control
Your honesty touches my heart
Never to leave in absence
The respect I have for you
Is like the stars in our heaven
And the feelings I have in my heart
I've never been touched
Like you have touched me
My life,soul and being
They are saying
You have found her
Thank the Lord
For miracles..............
Michael
Is with love,respect and honesty
I love you because of your honesty
So you do have my respect
As a gentleman I kiss your hand
In your honor of being a precious lady
My love for you
Is more than I can control
Your honesty touches my heart
Never to leave in absence
The respect I have for you
Is like the stars in our heaven
And the feelings I have in my heart
I've never been touched
Like you have touched me
My life,soul and being
They are saying
You have found her
Thank the Lord
For miracles..............
Michael
I want
I want someone who cares
Someone to trust
Also to be loyal
I want someone who I can love
Someone to love me back
Also to be a friend
I want someone to stand by me
At bad times
Good times
Also sad times
I want someone whom doesn't lie
Not to cheat
Also to be truthful
I want someone to cry with
Someone to hug
Also to support
I want someone to talk to
Someone to listen
Also to be understanding
I want someone to be proud of
Someone to be with
When they need me
Also to laugh and have fun
I want someone who needs these things to
Someone to share our thoughts
Also our lives
I want someone
I can walk hand in hand with
Someone to share our past
Also to share our future...........
I found my Tammy,to share our "wants" with........
Michael
Someone to trust
Also to be loyal
I want someone who I can love
Someone to love me back
Also to be a friend
I want someone to stand by me
At bad times
Good times
Also sad times
I want someone whom doesn't lie
Not to cheat
Also to be truthful
I want someone to cry with
Someone to hug
Also to support
I want someone to talk to
Someone to listen
Also to be understanding
I want someone to be proud of
Someone to be with
When they need me
Also to laugh and have fun
I want someone who needs these things to
Someone to share our thoughts
Also our lives
I want someone
I can walk hand in hand with
Someone to share our past
Also to share our future...........
I found my Tammy,to share our "wants" with........
Michael
Feeling
Hold on my heart
I can see you crying
Hold on my heart
I know what your feeling
We have been there before
So hold on my heart
For the healing has to start
Hold on my heart
Its something we have to do
Together we will do
Whatever we have to
So hold on my heart
I am you
You are me
We will never be apart
So hold on my heart
Its time for a fresh start......
Michael
I can see you crying
Hold on my heart
I know what your feeling
We have been there before
So hold on my heart
For the healing has to start
Hold on my heart
Its something we have to do
Together we will do
Whatever we have to
So hold on my heart
I am you
You are me
We will never be apart
So hold on my heart
Its time for a fresh start......
Michael
Promise
The lesson,three words
Don't give up
Is the trail dark-Don't sit
Is the road long-Don't stop
Is the night black-Don't quit
God is watching
For all you know,right at this moment
He might be telling the Angels
To move the stone
The check's in the mail
The apology,in the making
The contract on the desk
Don't quit
For if you do
You may miss the answers
To your prayers
God still sends Angels
God still moves stones.........
Michael
Don't give up
Is the trail dark-Don't sit
Is the road long-Don't stop
Is the night black-Don't quit
God is watching
For all you know,right at this moment
He might be telling the Angels
To move the stone
The check's in the mail
The apology,in the making
The contract on the desk
Don't quit
For if you do
You may miss the answers
To your prayers
God still sends Angels
God still moves stones.........
Michael
My Angel
The beauty of her soul
The whispers of her laughter
I see from her lips
Sparkles in her eyes
As we look at each other
These are the things I know of her
A touch of silk
As our hands meet
To taste her lips with mine
This I think of all the time
My heart sings of music
With her on my mind
I promised my love to her
To see her smile
As it should be
Smile,cry,laugh
Be it all
I'll be there for her to lean on
My dreams,also my heart
Have learned to say her name
With passion and love
Also respect........
Dedicated to my wife Tammy..
Michael
The whispers of her laughter
I see from her lips
Sparkles in her eyes
As we look at each other
These are the things I know of her
A touch of silk
As our hands meet
To taste her lips with mine
This I think of all the time
My heart sings of music
With her on my mind
I promised my love to her
To see her smile
As it should be
Smile,cry,laugh
Be it all
I'll be there for her to lean on
My dreams,also my heart
Have learned to say her name
With passion and love
Also respect........
Dedicated to my wife Tammy..
Michael
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Eyes of Vision
The horizon I can see
As the moon,with it's glow
Rises up to meet us all
Casting it's shadows of light
Spreading it all thru the night......
Watching the clouds
Drift into site
The gentle rains they fall
As if to bring the smell
Of the vanishing night.......
Shoot that arrow
Into the sky
Pierce a star,let it bleed
Of rainbows and light............
Visions are to see
With your eyes open wide.....
Michael
As the moon,with it's glow
Rises up to meet us all
Casting it's shadows of light
Spreading it all thru the night......
Watching the clouds
Drift into site
The gentle rains they fall
As if to bring the smell
Of the vanishing night.......
Shoot that arrow
Into the sky
Pierce a star,let it bleed
Of rainbows and light............
Visions are to see
With your eyes open wide.....
Michael
Dreams
I've had my dreams
In my back pocket
Afraid to take them out....
Never told a soul
The way I wanted
My life to be.......
So I pushed them down deeper
Afraid to pull them out...
I thought they might fall
shatter on the ground....
Some people tell me
They had a dream
Most threw them away.....
As they told me their story's
I would reach down deep
Feel my pocket
My pocket full of dreams......
I never threw mine away
They will be with me
To always stay.....
I always knew
That one day
I could reach into my pocket
Pull out my dreams....
Live it the way I wanted
The way it was to be
As of today.......
Michael
In my back pocket
Afraid to take them out....
Never told a soul
The way I wanted
My life to be.......
So I pushed them down deeper
Afraid to pull them out...
I thought they might fall
shatter on the ground....
Some people tell me
They had a dream
Most threw them away.....
As they told me their story's
I would reach down deep
Feel my pocket
My pocket full of dreams......
I never threw mine away
They will be with me
To always stay.....
I always knew
That one day
I could reach into my pocket
Pull out my dreams....
Live it the way I wanted
The way it was to be
As of today.......
Michael
Broken homes and Promises
Broken homes and promises
Is all we ever had
Or ever heard........
Never a place to call home
Only a place to live.....
Broken homes and promises
Is what we all thought......
Sometimes you would sleep your nights away
Or weep them into a dream......
That's all we had
My brothers and I.......
Because it was all
Broken homes and promises
We thought it was to be......
I left that time,long ago
To never return
It was a promise
I told myself so......
No more broken promises
No more broken homes......
Michael
Is all we ever had
Or ever heard........
Never a place to call home
Only a place to live.....
Broken homes and promises
Is what we all thought......
Sometimes you would sleep your nights away
Or weep them into a dream......
That's all we had
My brothers and I.......
Because it was all
Broken homes and promises
We thought it was to be......
I left that time,long ago
To never return
It was a promise
I told myself so......
No more broken promises
No more broken homes......
Michael
Friday, April 6, 2012
Duke
A noise from the strange island of fog made the trolls stop their work, to gaze the lake of blue.....
Than thru the haze, they happened to see the colors of red and oranges bright, it was of fire which made them of fright......
The only creature whom loved to tease was that huge dragon
They called Duke......
A purple vest he wore with a top hat of black, he flew over their heads in seconds flat......
Duke flicked his tail of massive length
Knocked one troll into the lake.....
As he looked back, they heard his laugh, they knew he would do one more attack.....
Some ducked for cover, under the bridge, some in trash cans, even under the lids.....
To late for one, Duke blew a flame on his butt
The other trolls yelled, "Hey that's just your luck", the dragon was laughing so hard
He lost his flame
So he flew around the spot
To look at his game....
Duke tipped his hat, with the vest flopping in the breeze, to say my troll friends
I sure love to tease.....
Across the water he flew, to the island of fog, disappearing in the clouds of grey.....
Maybe to come back to tease them yet another day......
Michael VanDyke @C 2017
Floorboards of Heaven...
Do the floorboards of heaven
Have dust in the cracks
Or is it marbled floors and tiled walls.....
Does the grass grow tall
Or do I have to mow.....
I'm just an Ol' country boy
With thoughts like this......
Do I have to get up at the crack of dawn
Or can I just stay in bed......
Can I eat a sandwich,when I want
Order a pizza too
Do I have to wait for lunch
Also supper,as I always do
Plus eat my veggies too......
Can I take the car for a spin
Not fill it with gas
Would that be a sin.....
I'm not making fun of heaven
Its where I want to go.......
I was just wondering
Maybe dreaming so......
Do the floorboards in heaven
Have dust in the cracks
Or is it marbled floors
And tiled walls.......
Michael
Have dust in the cracks
Or is it marbled floors and tiled walls.....
Does the grass grow tall
Or do I have to mow.....
I'm just an Ol' country boy
With thoughts like this......
Do I have to get up at the crack of dawn
Or can I just stay in bed......
Can I eat a sandwich,when I want
Order a pizza too
Do I have to wait for lunch
Also supper,as I always do
Plus eat my veggies too......
Can I take the car for a spin
Not fill it with gas
Would that be a sin.....
I'm not making fun of heaven
Its where I want to go.......
I was just wondering
Maybe dreaming so......
Do the floorboards in heaven
Have dust in the cracks
Or is it marbled floors
And tiled walls.......
Michael
Did You Ever..
Have ever tried to touch the sun
As you headed up the mountains
With the clouds of silver lining below......
Hear the wind from the tree tops
Or the whisper of a crow......
A trail of pine cones and leaves in the early fall
Blanket the ground
To surround the trees,that did it all.........
Or in the spring,the rush of the waterfalls
Trickling below.....
A glance to the sky,with music up above
The wild geese and duck....
Or the howl of a coyote,on his land to run....
All drinking from a mirrored reflection
Of a mountain,in the lake below....
You leave your footprints behind
As you walk a trail head
With the sun showing off its
Yellows,oranges and reds.......
Dedicated to Dad...........
@Michael Van Dyke
As you headed up the mountains
With the clouds of silver lining below......
Hear the wind from the tree tops
Or the whisper of a crow......
A trail of pine cones and leaves in the early fall
Blanket the ground
To surround the trees,that did it all.........
Or in the spring,the rush of the waterfalls
Trickling below.....
A glance to the sky,with music up above
The wild geese and duck....
Or the howl of a coyote,on his land to run....
All drinking from a mirrored reflection
Of a mountain,in the lake below....
You leave your footprints behind
As you walk a trail head
With the sun showing off its
Yellows,oranges and reds.......
Dedicated to Dad...........
@Michael Van Dyke
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Why Did we Do That!!!
It was a hot July day,my brothers Kip,Kay and I were blowing up firecrackers.
I think we were about 10 or 11 years old than,give or take a day or so...........(can't remember)..
We tried about everything with firecrackers,the water bucket with cans,ant piles,mud,we did it all.
We were taking a break from it all,than a idea came into our heads.
What about making a cannon.............
First things first,the gunpowder.We spend three days gathering firecracker duds and buying firecrackers(by selling empty pop bottles and scrap copper)...We stripped the firecrackers apart to remove the gunpowder and put the powder into baby food jars.
Finally the 3rd day and two jar's full of gunpowder,we starting looking for something to make the cannon with.
Dad had some scrap iron around the yard,so we found a piece of pipe that suited the job.
It was about 5 feet long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter.We made a plug for it,pushed it into the pipe about four inches,(that would keep the powder from leaking out the back of the pipe).
We filled the pipe up with the gunpowder,than plugged the front of the pipe with clay,made a small hole into the clay for the fuse.
The fuse was made from six fuses from six firecrackers,we tightly coiled them together for a sure fit.
Now the cannon was made and ready to fire! The question now,Who was going to hold the cannon.
When and where were we going to do this at......
The night time sounded good(it always did)....But what place???
We finally decided on a old car Dad had in the yard.A old 1954 chevy,no hood,no engine in the compartment.
Perfect as we called it,everything falling into our plan......
Now the other question "WHO"???? Can't remember how or why,but Kip was the chosen one.
We waited till dusk(seemed like the day took forever)...
Finally,night was falling upon us.Dark skies,perfectly still night...........
We gathered all our gear and walked towards the old car.Our thoughts going into every direction!!!
Kip crawls into the engine compartment of the old chevy.Grabs the pipe cannon.
Kay and I ask Kip,"are you sure you want to do this"?Kip said,"Lets do it"!
He shouldered the cannon,got into position.We lit the match to the fuse and ran away,far enough to stay out of danger(Funny thought huh)!
Kay and I could see the glow of the lit fuse,it seemed like eternity for all else to happen!!!
Than BOOM!!!!!! The cannon went off!!!!!
It was like bright daylight in the engine compartment!We could see Kips eyes,they were as big as silver dollars!
Than as fast as the light came,it was total dark again.A dead silence........
Dad comes running out of the house yelling"What the hell is going on now"???
We told him,just shooting off firecrackers.He went stomping back into the house!
Kay and I than ran over the old chevy car to check on Kip!He was still holding the pipe cannon on his shoulder and looking straight ahead.
Finally noticing that we were there,he looks at us and said"HOLY CRAP"!!!!
We grabbed the pipe cannon,got Kip out of the engine compartment of the car.
We looked the pipe over,it was split two inches down from the end that got blasted!Ripped really good!
Kip's ears were bleeding under the earlobes,and couldn't hear very well for a week or so!
Lesson learned,to never do that again!
To this day,45+ years down the road,we remember that very day as if it was yesterday.
Was it dangerous-yes!
Did we laugh-yes!
Boys will be boys!!!!!!!
I think we were about 10 or 11 years old than,give or take a day or so...........(can't remember)..
We tried about everything with firecrackers,the water bucket with cans,ant piles,mud,we did it all.
We were taking a break from it all,than a idea came into our heads.
What about making a cannon.............
First things first,the gunpowder.We spend three days gathering firecracker duds and buying firecrackers(by selling empty pop bottles and scrap copper)...We stripped the firecrackers apart to remove the gunpowder and put the powder into baby food jars.
Finally the 3rd day and two jar's full of gunpowder,we starting looking for something to make the cannon with.
Dad had some scrap iron around the yard,so we found a piece of pipe that suited the job.
It was about 5 feet long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter.We made a plug for it,pushed it into the pipe about four inches,(that would keep the powder from leaking out the back of the pipe).
We filled the pipe up with the gunpowder,than plugged the front of the pipe with clay,made a small hole into the clay for the fuse.
The fuse was made from six fuses from six firecrackers,we tightly coiled them together for a sure fit.
Now the cannon was made and ready to fire! The question now,Who was going to hold the cannon.
When and where were we going to do this at......
The night time sounded good(it always did)....But what place???
We finally decided on a old car Dad had in the yard.A old 1954 chevy,no hood,no engine in the compartment.
Perfect as we called it,everything falling into our plan......
Now the other question "WHO"???? Can't remember how or why,but Kip was the chosen one.
We waited till dusk(seemed like the day took forever)...
Finally,night was falling upon us.Dark skies,perfectly still night...........
We gathered all our gear and walked towards the old car.Our thoughts going into every direction!!!
Kip crawls into the engine compartment of the old chevy.Grabs the pipe cannon.
Kay and I ask Kip,"are you sure you want to do this"?Kip said,"Lets do it"!
He shouldered the cannon,got into position.We lit the match to the fuse and ran away,far enough to stay out of danger(Funny thought huh)!
Kay and I could see the glow of the lit fuse,it seemed like eternity for all else to happen!!!
Than BOOM!!!!!! The cannon went off!!!!!
It was like bright daylight in the engine compartment!We could see Kips eyes,they were as big as silver dollars!
Than as fast as the light came,it was total dark again.A dead silence........
Dad comes running out of the house yelling"What the hell is going on now"???
We told him,just shooting off firecrackers.He went stomping back into the house!
Kay and I than ran over the old chevy car to check on Kip!He was still holding the pipe cannon on his shoulder and looking straight ahead.
Finally noticing that we were there,he looks at us and said"HOLY CRAP"!!!!
We grabbed the pipe cannon,got Kip out of the engine compartment of the car.
We looked the pipe over,it was split two inches down from the end that got blasted!Ripped really good!
Kip's ears were bleeding under the earlobes,and couldn't hear very well for a week or so!
Lesson learned,to never do that again!
To this day,45+ years down the road,we remember that very day as if it was yesterday.
Was it dangerous-yes!
Did we laugh-yes!
Boys will be boys!!!!!!!
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Final Inspection
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,... ... Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, you soldier,How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?
'The soldier squared his shoulders and said,'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,For the judgment of his God.'
Step forward now, you soldier,You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,You've done your time in Hell.'
Author Unknown~
The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,... ... Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, you soldier,How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?
'The soldier squared his shoulders and said,'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,For the judgment of his God.'
Step forward now, you soldier,You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,You've done your time in Hell.'
Author Unknown~
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