*I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and mild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1863)
*This is one of my favorite poems written by Longfellow, and it can be found in many hymnals, although it’s not a song that is often sung these days. You will notice the stanza that starts “Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South”. This stanza is commonly left out of the hymnals. Longfellow wrote this poem on Christmas Day 1863 during the Civil War.
Posted in Holidays, Personal Thoughts and tagged Christmas, Poetry by Jason with no comments yet.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving! Please remember those that are no longer with us this year by leaving an empty chair and place setting. Also, remember those in the service that aren’t able to be here with us at the Thanksgiving table.
I am thankful for my friends and family, here and around the world, and for all that I have. And especially for my sweet little Roby Lincoln R Scott who has been a wonderful blessing in my life.
Love, blessings, and grace to all!
Posted in Holidays and tagged gathering, photos, turkey by Jason with no comments yet.
The Star Spangled Banner
We see it every day, the flag of our country. It’s displayed in yards across America, at schools, the Post Office, government buildings, hospitals, cemeteries, and other establishments. And it is always displayed at the White House and our military bases at home and around the world. It’s just there; it’s become a part of us, our every day life. But we probably notice it most often when the President orders the flags around the country to be flown at half staff, meaning half-way up [or down] the flag pole. And you will notice, too, that the flag is the background of this blog, a photograph that I took while visiting a National Cemetery.
We don’t know exactly who designed the first flag, although many historians think it was New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Betsy Ross.1 We do know that it had thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, and thirteen white stars on a blue background; the stars signifying the new 13 states which before had been colonies. And the rest is history, as they say.
So, where did the song “The Star Spangled Banner” come from? It is from a poem that Francis Scott Key wrote in 1814 [the War of 1812], although its original title was “Defence of Fort M’Henry”, when seeing the flag still flying at dawn after a night of the British bombarding Fort McHenry. The poem was so popular that within a week it was suggested the words be sung to the tune of “Anacreon in Heaven”2, a popular song at the time and then becoming known as “The Star Spangled Banner”. In 1931 it was adopted as the national anthem of the United States of America3, 117 years after Francis Scott Key wrote the poem.
Over the course of history our flag has undergone many changes as the national flag, but always with thirteen stripes, and then white stars on a blue background. On August 3, 1949 President Harry S. Truman declared June 14th to be National Flag Day4.
But, as we all know, this is one of the hardest songs for the majority of us to sing. Those high notes….oh, those HIGH notes! Many people have suggested an alternative, any alternative, to The Star Spangled Banner, but would it evoke the same emotions as The Star Spangled Banner? I think not. Even if we can’t sing it, we become just a bit more proud of our country when we hear it, maybe even becoming a bit choked up and teary-eyed. The song and the flag together just symbolize to us the best free country in the world and, as in the founding of this country, we will defend that flag, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and the freedoms it gives to us, until the end.
For me, probably the most definitive rendition of The Star Spangled Banner is when Whitney Houston sang a pre-recorded version of it in 1991, backed by the Florida Orchestra, for Super Bowl XXV. [Yes, she apparently did lip-sync it! but it’s still incredible!] While this is my choice, I’m sure that you will have your own favorite version, one that you might lip-sync to – just as I tend to do!
Yes, I know this has nothing to do with photography, but then, this is my blog and it doesn’t always have to deal with a camera and a subject. ? Unless, of course, you really enjoy taking photos of our flag!
“O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?
And the Rockets’ red glare, the Bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our Flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled Banner yet wave,
O’er the Land of the free and the home of the brave?“
And forever in peace may it wave.
1
https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/long-may-it-wave-the-evolution-of-the-american-flag/francis-hopkinsons-claim
2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner
3
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/03/star-spangled-banner-becomes-us-national-anthem-march-3-1931-432140
4
https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/proclamations/2841/flag-day-1949
Posted in Holidays, Personal Thoughts, Reflections by Jason with no comments yet.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
And Happy Holidays!
Kindness and Compassion rule!
With love always,
Jason and Roby
Posted in Faith, Holidays by Jason with no comments yet.
Gratitude – Thanksgiving 2020
I think we can all agree that since March 2020 this year has not been the best. Okay, it’s been awful, and that’s putting it mildly. It started out with a bang and full of hopes and goals, and then the bottom fell out with the coronavirus – COVID19. I’m not so sure that anyone thought this was going to be as devastating as it has been, or the number of people that have died around the world because of it. COVID19 became a pandemic quickly with no way to avoid it. As of this writing there is no active vaccine; in other words, you can’t just run out and be vaccinated against it as you can the ‘flu’. Vaccines are being worked on with three being very promising, but we won’t see them until next year, and between now and then hundreds of thousands more will have succumbed to it. Wearing a mask is about the only defense we have against this coronavirus, but so many people refuse to wear one for whatever reason. Despite this ravage, we have, or should I say I have a great deal to be thankful for.
Although I live alone here in Dallas, and my family is in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, I am so very grateful for them. My older sister, that I have only seen once in the last 25 years, and whom doesn’t talk with me now [for whatever reason]…I love her very much and miss her terribly. She has taught me a lot over the years, and we have shared a lot; our combined genealogy research found many ancestors and solved several unknowns; thanks to the internet we were able to share many places that we knew we’d never be able to go; and we shared photos that we had taken. We laughed, and cried, and commiserated with each other. I’m very grateful she’s my sister.
My three nieces, Carolyn, Wren, and Lindsay, their husbands and children, all very much a part of my life, although they, too, live far apart from me.
My friends, many of whom I consider family, not only those I have known face-to-face, but those virtual friends from around the globe. Each make a part of who I am, whom I have become, and all are important in my life.
I am grateful for all of the doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and medical technicians that have helped “fix” my body and keep me going, and those that have helped me transition to the man I have always believed myself to be.
I am also grateful for those in veterinary medicine that over the years have taken great care of my dogs; they have done so with caring and compassion.
I am grateful for those people that deliver our goods across the nation; the long haul drivers, the pilots of the skies, the train conductors, and those that deliver the mail across the country and to our mailboxes; and to those river pilots and captains of the seas that bring goods to us from overseas. Without them, our commerce would collapse and we would have none of the conveniences we enjoy today.
I am grateful for those that deliver our energy resources across the country and to those that work in the oil fields and ocean oil rigs risking their lives to bring this resource to us.
I am very grateful to a woman that over the years has not only saved my life on several occasions, but also has taught me a lot about caring, compassion, acceptance and love. Her job has definitely not been an easy one with me [at times], but she has hung in there at the worst of times and during the best of times. Without her the last 10 years I’m not sure where I would be, or if I would be at all.
I am grateful for having a roof over my head. It’s not a palace, but it is warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and is filled with love. And I have enough to eat and enough food for my dog. I have not wanted.
There is far more that I am grateful for, but I would end up writing a chapter for a book that few would want to read. And, while I believe in God, and consider myself a Christian, I am very grateful for all that God has given me and the blessings I enjoy.
I look around and see that I am rich beyond belief.
I hope that everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, even if virtually. Blessings to you all!
Jason
Posted in Holidays, Perspectives, Reflections by Jason with no comments yet.
In Memory of Those Who Fought and Died
Unselfishly, you left your fathers and your mothers,
Leaving your beloved children and wives,
On foreign soil, you found yourself planted
Without your sacrifice, their cause would be lost
Many horrors you had endured and seen.
You cheered as your enemies littered the ground;
When it was over, you all came back home,
Some found themselves in the company of friends
Those who survived were forever scarred
Those who did not now sleep eternally
With a hand upon my heart, I feel The pride and respect; my reverence is revealed
In the tears that now stream down my upturned face
Freedom was the gift that you unselfishly gave
Every day, I give my utmost admiration
~ Author Unknown ~
Posted in Holidays by Jason with no comments yet.
You’re a Grand Old Flag
Song by George M. Cohan
There’s a feeling comes a-stealing
And it sets my brain a-reeling
When I’m list’ning to the music of a military band
Any tune like “Yankee Doodle”
Simply sets me off my noodle
It’s that patriotic something
That no one can understand
“Way down South in the land of cotton”
Melody untiring
Ain’t that inspiring!
Hurrah! Hurrah! We’ll join the jubilee
And that’s going some
For the Yankees, by gum!
Red, white and blue
I am for you
Honest, you’re a grand old flag
You’re a grand old flag
You’re a high-flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave
You’re the emblem of
The land I love
The home of the free and the brave
Ev’ry heart beats true
Under red, white and blue
Where there’s never a boast or brag
But should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag
I’m a cranky hanky panky
I’m a dead square honest Yankee
And I’m mighty proud of that old flag
That flies for Uncle Sam
Though I don’t believe in raving
Ev’ry time I see it waving
There’s a chill runs up my back
That makes me glad I’m what I am
Here’s a land with a million soldiers
That’s if we should need ’em
We’ll fight for freedom!
Hurrah! Hurrah! For ev’ry Yankee tar
And old G.A.R.
Ev’ry stripe, ev’ry star
Red, white and blue
Hats off to you
Honest, you’re a grand old flag
You’re a grand old flag
You’re a high-flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave
You’re the emblem of
The land I love
The home of the free and the brave
Ev’ry heart beats true
Under red, white and blue
Where there’s never a boast or brag
But should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag
Songwriters: George Cohan / KENNETH ELKINSONYou’re a Grand Old Flag lyrics © Word Music LLC, S.I.A.E. Direzione Generale, Edward B Marks Music Company, George M. Cohan Music Co., George M Cohan Music Publishing Company, Hal Leonard Corporation D/B/a Rubank Inc., Megatrax Music, WORD MUSIC, LLC, GEORGE COHAN M MUSIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, GEORGE M. COHAN MUSIC PUB CO
Posted in Holidays by Jason with 1 comment.
The “Season”
It’s been a while since I have written anything, and that has been for a number of reasons, one of which is I didn’t have much to write because I have not been out taking any photos, or, at least, not many photos. And now, I am beginning a move, which will mean that a new life begins for me after this move; a new year and a “new” life. I am excited about moving, but for a while I might still be limited in the ability to get out and take photos. Hopefully that limitation will only be short lived.
For me, as a Christian, this is the season our Christ was born. At least, December 25th is when we celebrate His birth, even though it is estimated that He was probably born in September. I consider the fact I am moving into an apartment as an early Christmas present. I won’t be fully moved in by Christmas, but hopefully will be by New Year’s. At least that is the plan. About the only packing I have to do is where I live, and then I have to find someone to help me move the furniture out of here. After that I can worry about the storage sheds, but my concentration now is the place I am currently at.
I love Christmas. I love everything about it, well, for the most part. I don’t like most of the commercialism about the holiday [holyday], but I embrace the lights and some of the decorations. I really like the lighted trees – I can stand among them and revel in them and feel SO alive. They remind me of the Star of the East that guided the three wise men to where the baby Jesus was born. Christmas carols, religious and secular both, have people humming and singing and in a lighter mood, at least most of the time. It seems as though the month of December literally comes “alive” with sharing and good cheer, giving, bringing family and friends together. In some ways, it is a rebirth in us all. It is sad, however, that after the New Year all the positive energy fades slowly away and brings us back to the stress and reality of the secular world.
It is the season of celebration, a time of reflection, a time of renewed or new faith. It is not about receiving, but about giving. The giving doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, but can be a hug, spending time with loved ones or someone in the hospital that might not have visitors. There are many ways of giving, and giving doesn’t necessarily belong to one religion or another, one belief or non-belief.
This is a photo I took several years ago at Christmas time that I turned into a Christmas card. I share it now with you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
From my heart to yours
Posted in Faith, Holidays, Seasons, View Point by Jason with no comments yet.
Pumpkin Patch Time Again
It’s October, time when harvest is over, most fields are bare and have been tilled for winter crops or waiting for spring, trees are in full Autumn color, temperatures have fallen from its summertime sizzle to hints of frost at night, the smell of campfires abound, and Hallowe’en is in the air. There is an air of “excitement” as the end of the year holidays return.
I love Autumn. And Hallowe’en. Pumpkin patches spring up everywhere – fields, grocery stores, road side stands – and no two are alike; some are round and squat, some are tall, some are bumpy, others are smooth. most are orange, some are greyish-white, and some are multicolored. Everywhere you look, pumpkins are sitting on door steps, around trees, sitting on hay bales and next to corn stalks. Carved pumpkins are waiting to be lit with candles on Hallowe’en night. And some kids are waiting to steal pumpkins and smash them in the middle of the street.
I recently got my chance to make the yearly trek to my favorite pumpkin patch in Flower Mound, Tx. The entire month of October a family dedicates the fields around their house to selling pumpkins and providing activities for the kids. And during the month they must have thousands of pumpkins to populate the fields. Corn stalks and hay bales sell out early in the month, but there is still plenty of hay for mazes and a tower for the kids to play in and on.
This year was different, however, because in past years my wife and I took one our dogs up to be photographed. So, this year I was just taking photos of pumpkins and some of the activities. It didn’t feel quite right, but it was okay. It got me out of the house and into fresh October air for a few hours, so that was good. By the time I left, I was tired, and my back was beginning to hurt a little. I took a little over 150 photos, which is pretty normal for me. Well, there is always next year to look forward to, and I am already doing that.
Posted in Holidays, Seasons by Jason with 1 comment.
The 4th and Freedom
Independence Day, or more commonly known as The 4th of July, is a day of great celebration for our country. It is the day that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence which declared our independence from Great Britain. Many don’t know that the document was actually dated July 2nd, 1776, not July 4th, 1776, but was approved by Congress on July 4th, thus making this date the date that is recognized as our date of Independence.
This Day of Independence has become a big federal holiday, marked with parades, back yard barbecues, picnics, baseball games, water sports, and, of course, fireworks. When I was a kid living in Iowa we had a big neighborhood party complete with parade. All the kids would decorate their bicycles with streamers and cards pinned to the wheel spokes, and some would decorate wagons that the toddlers could ride in, a couple being pulled by bicycles. It was a big “to do” when we were younger, but as we got to be teens [we were all pretty much the same age], the parade went by the wayside and we focused more on the picnic and party that was held in several conjoining back yards. My parents, on a trip out West, had stopped one year at a fireworks stand and bought some fireworks, so we’d shoot those off at night – bottle rockets, Roman candles, sparklers, and such – giving a good 30 minute “show” to the adults who would “oooh” and “ahhh” appropriately. In the 1960’s it was still a time of innocence and as children we didn’t really understand the meaning of the holiday except that it provided a day of fun and lots of food.
In this day and time after September 11, 2001 our independence means more than it ever did. Long gone is the historical battle for freedom from our “Mother” country and the religious impositions that drove citizens to leave in search of of a place to worship freely and without dictation and fear. Now we strive to maintain, without restriction, the freedoms granted us by that Declaration and our Constitution: our unalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness; the freedom to assemble; the freedom of religious expression; freedom of speech; and freedom to “petition the Government for a redress of grievances”.
We often take photographs of our nations’ flag, that which we sentimentally call “Old Glory”, but when we do so, do we really think of the lives that have been lost defending that flag and our country, or do we just see a symbol, that flag that flies over buildings and in front of schools, something so commonplace we never think of its importance to our history, to our lives? Freedom came at a price, a huge price for those that believe in this country, that have given their lives for our Independence.
So, on the day that we celebrate with family and friends, with picnics, fun and fireworks, and with camera in hand, let us remember the reason behind this day and humbly pay tribute to something we take for granted: our Freedom.
Posted in Holidays by Jason with no comments yet.