Rich’s Short Stories and Thoughts

I Looked Outside

I looked outside
      to see the sun
rising in the east,
as it did yesterday
and the day before.
It brightened and warmed 
the day for us.
Throughout the day, 
it lighted the path for all
and helped them grow, 
develop and bloom.
It continued day after day.
At the end of the growing time,
it also helps mature all for Harvest.
Even though clouds try to hide its glow,
It never ceases to shine 
although sometimes hidden,
does offer a consistence 
in our world.
By days end,
it will set with an amazing glow.
It has been another good day.
Life so parallels the sun… 
we wake up each morning
 with a bright shine,
to warm and light other's day 
to rest again, 
at day's end 
with a glow 
and the feeling 
that we have brightened another's day!
Rich Hoback 9.23.2022

A Butterfly Invitation into Nature

I watched the Black Swallowtail Butterfly 
flit from one flower to another.
He finally landed in front of me, 
and opened its wings.
I thought how lucky I was 
to catch it in that pose.
I was lucky, I felt.
Then as I lowered my camera,
I continued to watch it.
A feeling came over me,
that it was not posing for my camera.
It was more as an Invitation into Nature;
an Invitation into Its world.

Rich Hoback 8.16.2022

In a Patch of Red Clover

August found me traveling
down a dirt road. 
I was taken back into history
as I came upon a seeded area 
of Red Clover. 
As I stepped out of my car and into the clover,
I was taken into a different place in time 
as the clover came alive around my feet. 
The Butterflies and Damselflies, Dragonfly's and Bumble Bees
I found Peace of being among them.
Rich Hoback 8.15.22

Not the Highways, but the Byways
with no particular place to go,
gravel roads…some old,
some just new to me. 
Old barn, old bridge…
old fella behind the wheel.
Elk in the clouds,
weeds that bloom
like flowers,
some in water and some 
In the dirt.
It is not as much the 
things you see… but more,
Its how you see them.

Rich Hoback 7.28.2022

Beyond My Backyard Fence

As we sit and look 
at the backyard fences
in our lives and  
we are affected.
What is a fence anyway,
a border for a protection
or a marker that says ‘mine’?
It perhaps creates a comfort,
sometimes too comfortable though
and loose an interest, a drive to
Reach out if you will 
perhaps a bit of a stretch…
“Beyond the Backyard Fence”.
Rich Hoback 5.13.2022

Not as much…

It is not as much
What you have learned in life,
But how you lived from what you learned.
It is not much how you shined
When young,
But also, how well you mellow
When you are old.
It is not as much how well 
You are known
But also 
How well people know you.
Rich Hoback 5.11.2022

Pleasant Surprises

Sometimes it is not as much
the Nature you were seeking,
but the reward of Nature 
that sought out its best for you.

Rich.Hoback 4.27.2022

Auntie Florence and the Easter Bunny

It was 1949 and I was 6 years old when I received my plastic bunny. It had a hose and a rubber squeeze bulb that made it hop around. It was so much fun and I still treasure it. There was more to that Easter season that created special memories. Auntie Florence was such a sweet and kind soul. She had taught school for many years. She even taught Indian Children in South Dakota. That was when she and Uncle Billy spent summers there, while they were homesteading a piece of property. She did not have children of their own as she had been afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis, leaving her twisted and chair ridden for the rest of her life. Her ‘chair’ was a white kitchen chair that Uncle Billy has placed casters on the bottom so she could move around the house. For that reason, she cared for me, taught me values and never once lost her Faith in God who had given her strength. Now comes the Easter Bunny. She had my Mom get it for her as a gift to me. It was placed on the floor, under the china buffet and next to the little nest that was filled with bright green plastic grass. I was allowed to make it hop around a bit when I stopped after school. I looked forward to the jelly beans the resembled Easter Eggs. This ritual continued for several years. She eventually allowed me to take it home with me. It wasn’t until several years later when Mom explained to me a secret! After Uncle Billy went to his store to work, Auntie Florence would slither off of her chair and down on the floor next to the buffet, with her sack of Jelly beans. She placed them carefully, one of each color laid side by side in the nest. Unable to climb back into her chair, she sat on the floor until Uncle Billy came home for lunch. He lifted her back to her chair…. This began another day of the Easter Advent for us. I still have that plastic Easter Bunny. I also still have all of the great memories that surrounded it. Not many days go by that I have not thought about all of the things that she did for and with me. She was what I call, an Angel in disguise.

Rich Hoback Easter 4.3.21

Be Yourself …. Think for Yourself

Be Yourself.... Think for Yourself
I looked up high into the sky
and then down to the ground...
What was I supposed to see?
How then would I know what it was 
that I was supposed to see? 
I looked around me, in front 
and at my back ... but I saw not a sole.
I was alone!!!!
So against the tree I rested my back
but not so were my thoughts ....
When I was sent into this world,
why was it that I am on this journey alone?
Should I expect to have someone tell me 
when I was to look up, or perhaps look down
and to tell me just when to turn around...
NO it was my gift to be of independent thought
and actions.
So now as I walk into my world...
I look up at the bright sun that lights my world,
I look down at the grass that cushions my step
and my falls.
I look ahead to see those that have led me..
and behind me that have followed my lead.
I am not only satisfied,
but also content, as I 
"Walk With Eyes Wide Open"


Rich Hoback 2021

Another Day

 I look up the hill as my eyes follow the deer trail leading me.
It seems so long since we broke camp this morning.   My legs are tired and my back is sore from carrying my heavy knapsack and rifle.    I know that my partners, Jacob Reznor and Edward Robinson feel the same as I do.   
Just over one more hill, I know our travels will be easier.  I know it, as I encourage my partners, ‘We must reach the top before nightfall as tomorrow is another day”
 I visualize that scene as I look up this trail, again.
   It would be as my Great Great Grand Uncle, Trapper John Valentine Hoback would have experienced.   The three hardy men had made their journey across the plains and mountains and to their final destination.  That destination would yet to be determined as they lead the Astorian Party westward.
What did they see as the topped the hill ahead of them?  It would be the Teton Mountains, with the Grand Teton rising above the rest.   Their eyes would be of the first white men to see them.
It would be Uncle John’s final place of rest.

Sing out loud , Sing out Strong

I had barely parked in the Abor Lake parking lot
when  a pretty Meadowlark came to greet me,
I call her She as her voice and message was so pretty.
She said 'you are in my domain and I have just one condition' 
okay
She Yes:  "Sing,  sing a song, Sing out loud ..... Sing out strong,  even if no one will  listen to you"   

Recognizing Gifts

Recognize things in nature as gifts to us

and Treat them as such.

When we curse creatures from eating our garden,

remember: Is it that they are eating your garden….

or is it that you planted your garden in it’s home?

Solution: Plant a little extra

Happy Sunday!

Rich

Fences to Understand

Fences

To keep things in,

to keep things out,

but also to protect us.

Look at them as Guidelines

of life.

At times we are too flexible

in using those guides ,

and fail.

Simple Guidelines were given

us for reasons.

If we follow them,

happiness , contentment

and safety will follow.

Rich Hoback 3.27.22

From Whence We Came

With my foot,

I took a step Forward

into the winter grass.

With my mind,

I took a step Backward

into History …..

Moving ahead with the future

in our lives

is better when we can

remember from whence we came..

Rich Hoback 3.18.2022

Nature Unfolded

Sometimes the tranquility of Nature

is more overwhelming

than all of flurry in the world.

It is the Peace of Nature Unfolded

for Me.

Rich.Hoback 3.7.2022

Reflections of Oneself

Reflections

This reflection of the

beautiful Bald Cypress

is a good example.

What we are

may not be in that which

we are seen by others.

The tree is beautiful all

year long , with It’s soft green foliage

and it’s little fruit like a globe the earth.

However for a very short period in the fall

it display’s it’s fire color coat.

Be sure that you offer the Reflection

of your true inner self each day,

and not  one that you think others

want to see.

Remember that we were all created unique with our own beauty.

Rich Hoback 2.13.2022

The Velveteen Rabbit my thoughts

A story, almost a Fairytale in now 100 years old.

It is about a stuffed rabbit wrapped with Velveteen fabric as a gift for Christmas for a small boy.    The boy found favor with his other presents and ignored the rabbit.  

Things change in the boy’s life and he found the Velveteen Rabbit to be his best friend, leaving the others lie still.

They became so close  , spending entire days with each other.

The boy became very sick and was not able to spend time with any of his toys, especially the Velveteen Rabbit.    Rabbit shed tears like he was alive.

A magical Fairy arrived to see the tears.    The Rabbit wished so hard that it could become a real , living  rabbit.   It’s wish was granted.

Now he could hop into the boys’ life for the benefit of smiles for each other.

The story is fiction however carrying a real message.

In life,  we might  leave our favorite friends to become close to a new one and even artificial.  While that friend can never be a real with real person, it does live as one in spirit forever.

Mine had a name. It was Teddy .    While it sets still now,  it still brings a smile to my face. 

Rich.Hoback 1.10.2021

Leaving the ‘Slippah’s ‘behind

A new day ! Take your Slippah’s off and leave them behind.

Allow your toes to feel the warm of the sand beneath your feet, allowing the warmth to transfer to your soul.

It will transfer that warmth to others.
Rich Hoback 1.9.21

The Baby and Old Bob McCann

There was an old fella in Avoca.

His name was Bob McCann.    Bob had a great big white beard.   Well it was white on most days.  You see….. Bob chewed tobacco . 

On most days, one would see old Bob in his chair as leaned back against his dilapidated gasoline station where he worked.  Next to him on that wall was his ragged old dog, his constant companion.

Also,  was the wheel off of car, I  suppose was there… waiting for repair.    I don’t know  though, as it never moved.  

I was fascinated with the old gasoline pumps with a glass bowl on top of each.  One for Regular and one for Ethyl,  although no-one ever saw her.   Bob would pump the gas up into that glass bowl to just dump it out into a car.

Old Bob’s uniform was always the same.  It was dirty old overalls held up with red suspenders, a dirty old white shirt and a  red and white cap.   Like most gas station workers, he always had an old rag hanging from his back pocket.

Bob and his wife  had a new grand child.     The ladies needed to be away from the house for a while one afternoon.   That left Bob to babysit.

When returning, Mrs.. McCann, asked old Bob:  “well Bob, how did you and the baby do while we were gone?”

His reply:   “we did fine Ma, I fed him peanuts”

“Peanuts Bob !   Babies can’t have Peanuts !”

“That’s okay Ma,

I chewed them for him first “

Taking the First Step

One Step at a Time

I heard a thought recently

which started  me to think

about so many times,

when it has been

easier to stand in the shadows

and not truly in focus;

Not remembering to look forward…..

……….‘Hope begins when standing

in the Dark,

and looking out

into the Light……….’

It is only then

we can appreciate

wonderful things waiting

for us to take that first step forward

and out of the shadows…

Rich Hoback 12.29.2021

The Dash Rich’s Thoughts

The Dash

Yesterday, I was reminded of the poem that  Linda Ellis scribed ,  about “The Dash” in our lives.

I write so often about life.   The are two facts in our life that we are not able to change nor plan; those being our Birth and our Death.   It is not so much about them,  but what we Can change is what lies between those events.   Linda uses a  – (dash) and I use the transition of …….. instead, but it means very little , the symbol we use to relate.

I refer to it as the journey we make in our life here on earth, simplified “life’s journey”.  

This part we Can change !

As we travel that journey with all of it’s twists and turns, ups and downs …… we let life effect our world.  Moreover when allowing  life to effect our world, we will also effect others.   Think about it !    A simple smile is catching, right?   A smile on your face will create one on all that you meet.   A song in your voice with help people that hear it, join in and soon create a beautiful chorus!   A frown on your face when saying ‘morning  will result in a ‘yah from those you greet but with a smile while looking someone into there eyes when saying “Good morning ~~~~~ ”  it will help make their day  a bit better !   This Is the part that we can change .

Soon the twists and turns will straighten out.   The hills and valleys will become little humps and bumps.   Are we expected to accomplish this overnight  🙂  naw that why we were given a lifetime to to it.

This My Friend’s is what I call ‘The Dash’  in our lives.

Rich Hoback 12.18.2021

Blade of Grass

Walt Whitman  used a metaphor “Leaves of Grass”   to assimilate ……
While we are unique individuals
like a single ‘single’ blade of grass
 with
Individual thoughts and dreams,
a sensory that helps us be creative
to use our talents are given to us
and allowed for us to be creative
to feel
to love
to share 
to be thankful
But combine as a group, 
we gather momentum,
strength,
speed and thrust …..
and an overall feeling of Thankfulness.
Sometimes, methinks that we have lost momentum
and regressed to the Me  
and a ‘single ‘ Leaf of Grass.
Rich’s Thoughts   12.9.2021

Stairway to Nowhere

Nowhere Stairway

Somewhat like life's journey,
while standing at the bottom 
of set of stairs......
Imagine what it might be at the top
and your goal to reach it.
They can be any kind of stairs,
be they wide or narrow,
straight as an arrow
or full of twists and turns.
It really doesn't matter
as you are determined 
to reach the top.
Lying at the top of the 
stairs might be what you
expected to find  
or something totally unexpected.
It does not matter what
you find at the top,
as much as it does 
when you can 
look back at the base of stairs
with a gleam in your eye
and a smile on your lips.
it is about the Journey
That creates the memories.

Rich Hoback 11.27.21

A Path is a Journey

The path ,
 like on Life's journey
does not matter the direction,
be it To or Fro .....
Greet those you meet
along the way 
with a smile
and one will
surely be returned 
to you.

Rich Hoback 9.3.21

Autumn Leaves

The Autumn leaves and a time of Harvest.

Much like life, we are seeded and grow

 the years pass but in a fury,

with not the time to breath deeply.

But in the Autumn of our life,

we have the time to relax, reflect and enjoy

the Harvest of our lives,

and Autumn Leaves.

Rich Hoback 9.21.21

Ladder to the Sun

As I look at growing plants,
I notice that in some degree 
that they one thing in common.
From the point where they emerge from seed,
They all reach for the sun.
It is from where they gain strength
and a distinct  colorization.
They have a common goal.
The more the competition ,
the taller they stand and grow through it.
We could learn from things that are taken for granted.

Rich Hoback 9.24.21

Tomorrow will be Clearer

I know that I am one who says to not worry so much about today's challenges as there is always a tomorrow to give you another try to make it better.  
However when the tomorrows do not seem to be in reach, it is okay to focus on the immediate .... one thing at a time.   When the sun comes up tomorrow, the view will be more clear.  A Promise.....

Autumn Leaves... and so the story goes

The Autumn leaves and a time of Harvest.
Much like life, we are seeded and grow
and the years pass but in a fury, 
with not the time to breath deeply.
But in the Autumn of our life,
we have the time to relax, reflect
and enjoy the Harvest of our lives,
and Autumn Leaves.

Rich Hoback 9.21.21

Fly Pretty Monarch —- Fly

If you love a butterfly,
set it free.   
If it comes back to you,
it felt that love too.
If however, you hold it too closely,
you might squeeze  life from it-.

Fly pretty Monarch, Fly !

AT TIMES

We find at times in life,
it is best to let others excel
as we watch.
At times in life,
it is well that we are happy
to stand equally with all.
However some times in  Life,
we need to stand out and 
above the crowd to shine
with the gifts we were 
created with.
Rich Hoback 8.29.21

THE WAY

The Way

Talking about the responsibilities given to us

and  also allowed to us  Choices to pursue .

They can go hand In hand to a fruitful  end result.

A wise man once shared his view of togetherness:

…..The path of life may be filled with twists and turns.

‘If you choose me to lead, I may falter and loose my way.

If you choose to lead me, I may feel that my way is far better

and fall back .  

If we choose however, to walk hand in hand as we follow the

path together, we will support each other in our weakness’s

and lift each other up in our individual strength’s . 

Together we will find The Way .’

©Rich Hoback  8.8 21

The Beginning of Our Country

About Our Independence

There are times of past  that race through my head as I lightly slumber.

It is Thursday.  It is the year of our Lord 1772,   249 years ago today.

There is so much unrest now in the colonies.

Oh that increased control and taxation by the throne.

We understand that as much as we need some of the security in this new land, fellow

Residents are feeling the pressures of mounting involvement by the Britons in our decisions and in our daily life.  We thought that we did come here to escape from those pressures.

It is the late summer now.  The vegetables have been preserved for the winter months.  The field plantings are near maturity.

Soon the animals will start to display the hardness of the upcoming winter by the amount of hair on their bodies.

The newborn livestock will be old enough to endue to the upcoming colder months.

Today there will be a gathering in the square for an afternoon in sharing of the food and renewing friendships. 

I am convinced that the conversations will include the concerns of our future in own new homeland.  With courage, I will might offer some thoughts about our role in that future.

I am certain that I will not be alone in those comments.

Martha is preparing the food now that will accompany us to the square.

The winter come and go, we feed the animals and people with our crops.

Our prayers include concerns for the safety of our families and fellowman.

The picnics in the town square continue.   The food and fellowship continues.

The open conversations have now diminished from openly sharing the mounting concerns for our colonies future.    But now…. Those conversations have regressed to a few talking in the darkness only by the light of a burning lantern…. Oh my what is going to happen.  What role will I play……..

The time now has advanced to the early spring of 1775, the Month of March on the 20^th day.  There is a meeting today of the convention held at the St. John’s Church in Concord.   I am certain of the topic…. But not the outcome.  Patrick is has been selected for his oratory skills to speak for us before a British audience.

I was not there but have heard that his offer was both authoritative, displaying a strength.

He condemned the throne for not listening to the repetitive memorandums of concern by the colonies that politely voiced our concerns with a strong united voice !   He ended his mounting heated presentation with a statement “Sir, Give Me Liberty… or Give Me Death”.  Oh my, I am sure that the report of this message will with haste  reach the throne.

The conversations have become more frequent and heated.

The ensuing events have also become pretty evident as to them taking place.

It is now late night in March, the 20^th day of 1775.

Martha had read the children stories as they retired.

She now sat by the light of the fire with her needles and yarn.

My evening will be filled again with concern and reading the Bible.

What is that I hear in the distance?   It is that of a galloping horse.  At this time of night !

What oh What could the be?

As the sound came closer.  It was a man dressed in black with a lantern in one hand and reigns of his racing horse at full gallop.   Then I heard his voice as he passed…….

“The British are coming!  The British are coming”

Paul had barely returned to Lexington by foot after his horse was taken from him by the British soldiers.   At his arrival, the British had arrived in force and attacked the city of Lexington!     Oh Lord !

The following year was filled with terror and skirmishes.   The throne become increasing involved in our daily lives.

Finally our growing colonies have concluded that rather to continue the domination by the British, that it would be time to declare in writing to the British Throne, our decision to direct our own lives and country, freedom from control and taxation.

On the 4^th day of July in the year of our Lord 1776 that the continental congress declared our independence.   

Approximately one month later on the 2^nd day of August in 1776 ; fifty six representatives attested by their signature that a new name of our country would be referred to as the United States of America. ……. And that our new country would be defended from the British with the arms of war.   WAR!  Oh dear Lord …….

The following days were filled with tears and fear…… planning.

I gathered my hat and coat, my powder horn and musket.

Martha and my children gathered tightly in my arms.

It was necessary then to say:

“I must go now.  My new country needs me now ….. I must go….. I must go “

Rich Hoback 7.4.2021

OPEN BOOK

Ones life is an open book

with  pages that one

can write in.

It can be of  feelings,

or like a diary,

recording the  days events.

It can be a  philosophy

for your  future,

or simply a record

 of days gone by.

    The Book is yours.

Only you can add the pages to it.

©Rich Hoback 6.14.21

David’s Glow

I look at this beautiful  Yellow Water Flag Iris

And remember why I have given it this name.

Designing our back yard many years ago,

Had included a smaller pond for gold fish

And exotic plants.       It was slow in development.

David  had seen a vision of it being surrounded with

A blooming plant that would grow in and  surrounding the water.

He gifted us with a single plant start of the Yellow Water Flag Iris.

With his smile, he said  ‘yes it is small but give it a chance as it will grow’.

…..And it did !

David was a gentle man with a kind heart.

I had never seen or heard a strong ‘belly laugh’ , but very easy to give a

Warm family smile.   

Likened to the Iris,  life for him was through good years of growth and also , the dry years.

His smile continued through all.

So with fond memories of him, he has left us with a dependable “Glow”.

Hence ……. “David’s Glow”

© Rich Hoback 6.7.21

Mr. Pete

  It was in the early spring of 2002 when I discovered a new little litter of multi colored fur balls in my Garden Shed. Counting five of them, one jet black, one grey tiger stripped, two calico and one little guy; a pretty black and white kitten, much like a Holstein cow. Leaving them undisturbed for a few weeks, I could tell that they were in the need of some sunshine to open their little closed eyes. It was infrequent when I saw the mother cat there with them. Knowing it was past the time that their father Tom Cat would protect his kingdom, I decided to leave the door open so that the Mother Cat would move them out of the shed. When checking on them that evening, sure enough they were gone. 
  I didn't see anything of the little kittens for several weeks, until one day, when I noticed a little black and white flash in the bushes that surround my yard. 
I continued to work in the yard and later that afternoon, as I stood gazing across the timber behind me.............. just taking in the pretty day, contemplating my next movements, and continuing my thoughts of recent events in my life that seemed so disconnected and without purpose..... 
  I felt this little nudge against the back of my leg. A bit startled, I jerked my leg away and as I did so, saw this little black and white ball of fur scurry into to bushes. As the days went on, first one, then two and finally all five little kittens came from their hiding. As I spoke softly to them, I could see that they were severely malnourished and lonely........ and also very frightened. 
As I continued to work, soon the little black and white kitten came closer and closer and finally close enough for me to stroke his dirty little fur coat. 
He was so weak that he could barely stand as I petted his back. 
It was at that moment I remembered almost three years to the day prior, when his grandfather Sammy came from out of nowhere to keep me company and give me encouragement when I most needed it. 
  I went to the house and retrieved some milk and a pie pan for the kittens to drink from. Although "Sweet Pea" as I called her then, quickly lapped at the milk the others stood back. I left my work and went into the house. By the next morning the milk was gone with no kittens in site. At the end of the day when I returned from work, and each day thereafter, was Sweet Pea on my doorstep waiting to say Hi Rich, how was your day, I sure missed you today. As I continued to put food out, the kittens would come to eat, and while Sweet Pea stood back and let his siblings eat. He appreciated much more the comforting strokes on his shiny fur while waiting for his turn to eat. 
  Yes, as he grew, Sweet Pea became a he and so his name changed to Mr. Pete! I could tell that this little friend was not as healthy as his brothers and sisters as they outgrew him two to one. His head was always out of proportion to the rest of his body. He didn't know that though. He was a good looking guy! 
The hey you's became Lucy, Gretchen, Myron and the little black one, Jet. (Jet is the only one still with me) They started answering to their names soon, rather than "come and get it". 
  As the season changed from summer to a chilly fall, Mr. Pete would come into my house for a few minutes at a time, just laying and watching me work in the kitchen. When it was time to leave, he would get up and issue a tom cat yowl. I would tease him about faking the female kitty routine to get some attention when all although he couldn't disguise his voice to let him back outside to be with his family. I think that he knew, all that he had to do was ask to stay and and he could have been accepted. 

 When the next morning came, here was Mr. Pete sitting on my doorstep with his four brother's and sister's, waiting for their dinner. 
Wednesday, I didn't see Pete all day. His siblings were listless and held back from eating. I left to go for my Wednesday night Taco at a neighboring town and returned an hour later. There was Mr. Pete, laying on my doorstep. He had died there while trying to reach me to say goodbye one more time. I buried him in my garden............... 
  The rest of the kitties are still a little lost without Pete, they are pretty listless. For his small stature, he was truly the leader of the family. This was because he wasn't afraid. 
So many times we hold back in life by not living it to the fullest. We do not have enough trust in peers, friendships... or in things so much larger than life itself. We do not understand closed doors. When we give that trust, doors opened by bravery instilled in us by HIM, appear to not even exist. Mr. Pete was that way. 
  I am content with the fact that he was the chosen one of that family of God's creatures to be the one with the bravery to forge a new path to my door and to my heart. 
He accomplished his task in the short time he was here on earth. 
  1) He found a way to nourish his siblings who were starving to death. 
  2) He displayed to them that is was safe and Ok to trust something so massive, erratic and unpredictable as a human. 
(Think of it in perspective, It would be like a human walking up to huge dinosaur, rubbing it's leg and looking up with a pretty smile to say "my brothers and sisters and I are so hungry, can you help us?" 
  3) He has helped that old dinosaur examine his trust in life and in something bigger than himself to say, I am so hungry, please feed me. 
He did a wonderful job in all duties assigned and now relieved of the task given to him. 
Now, Dear God, let me learn from this little life's lesson, sent to blaze a path into my life and apply those same unselfish goals to the tasks you have given me in my daily routine. Help me to use YOUR courage instilled in my life as I apply it for the good of those who are needing to discover it for themselves. 
Amen 
  Mr. Pete left his mark ... In his nephew "Jack". He had the same markings as Pete and the fact that only has one working eye didn’t bother him as he didn’t know it. 
  Like Mr. Pete, Jack displayed that same valor and amount of trust. At the end of his 5 years with us, Jack left but not until he made it to the steps where he knew I traveled each day. He rests next to Pete. 
Now, we have Pinky, who dragged himself in after being struck by a car. Pinky only has one eye but a heart as big as gold. 
God does surely a way of reaching us, doesn’t He. He understands our needs. 
Rich Hoback 5.30.21 

I Looked Outside
to see the sun.…
as it rises from the east,
as it did yesterday .… 
and as it did 
the day before .
It has once again brightened and warmed 
the day for us. 
It has lighted the path for all..…
and helped all things grow, 
to develop and to bloom. 
It continued day after day…. 
And  with the time of growth ending, 
it also helps mature all for Harvest. 
Even though clouds do try to hide it's glow, 
It never ceases to shine,  however created a sometimes hidden but consistent glow in our world. 
By the days end, 
it will set …..with an amazing glow. 
It has been another good day.
Life so parallels that sun… 
Wake up each morning with a bright shine, to warm and light another's day… and go to rest again with a glow at day's end, knowing the feeling that you have brightened another's day !
Rich Hoback
5.25.21

Time Stood Still

In Life we grow,

both in stature and in mind.

We are allowed so many, many experiences.

Some we pass through so quickly…….

some that last a life time.

I feel that through all, we do learn.

We are given the ability to make things transparent

and to look at our roots.

Mine is in a loving and life enriched farm beginning.

Oasis in the Prairie

On my walk today

I was weary,

overwhelmed ….overheated,

and a feeling of Thirst…

As I found my way

through the tall

Prairie grass,

my Eyes Opened

to a beautiful sight

of a tree to provide shade

to my body

and a pond

to cool my body .

Not only did it it quench

the Thirst I had developed

as well as my Soul …..

An Oasis in the Prairie !

Thank you….. thank You !

Rich Hoback

April 14, 2020

A Tree and a Hiccup

From a distance,
I looked in amazement at its beauty , its size and shape, how strong it is to have weathered the Nebraska storms over those many  years..

 How old is it?, I wondered….
I walked closer….
I put my arms around it trunk……….. or a tiny portion  of its girth.

My mind wandered further.  

To help a tree stand tall and strong.  Its roots grow down in order to mirror the above ground growth that my eyes can see.  How deep do they grow? 

How tall is this tree?
I leaned back to look.   I cannot see the top…
I began my Climb. 
Reaching for the next higher limb, I pulled my myself up… while thinking.   This was another phase in its growth,  its life. 

I climbed and climbed,  until I reached the top.  I am here!  I have reached the top!  I was too busy to count the distance. 

It is no longer necessary to me…….

The struggle was merely a labor of love and leaning.  I made it to the top! 
Now, how do I let myself back down…….

 ooops,  a Hiccup……
Just as in life,  make the journey enjoyable.  There will be questions.

There will be fears and struggles.    

 It helps to include a plan.  

Before embarking on a journey…
Look for a soft spot to land. 🙂

RlynnHoback   1128 20  

A Rusty Old Fence…….

Dad was a kind and gentle man.  He was so wise in his own way.

He said Son ……

Life is kinda like crossing a Barbed Wire Fence.  You see,  there are many ways to approach it.

You can go over it…… You can go under it.  You can jump over it ….

and sometimes it is possible to walk along beside it until you find a crossing through a gate.

You will find the easiest , the fastest, safest …. and the one most rewarding in the end.

There will be times that you will get pricked by it’s barbs and bleed.

At times you will find it easier to lay and your back and slither through the dirt as you slide under it. 

You will find in life,  that it is easier to put your  foot on a lower strand to push it down…..

as lift the upper strand ……… to allow others to pass ahead of you.

……….. And when you have crossed over it,  sometimes dirty and other times  ….bleeding.

You may have scars to last your lifetime….   but do not forget the event that got them there.

You can look back at that Rusty Old Barbed Wire Fence with an inner smile of accomplishment.

Go into the world with courage and a goal….  and Son don’t ever let that  rusty old barbed wire fence  ………….

Ever, Never turn you away !!  

Learn from it, live with it and never forget the memories or lessons it delivered to you.

Thank you Dad,   I Won’t……

RLH  Febr 2021   

Baking Cookies with Mama

I decided to bake some cookies this evening.  As I was doing so,  I Remember  Mama .   I was her helper in an early age.   It was just another together time for us.     

 She did the flour and stuff and of course the stirring.     Me,  I was the prep guy.   I rubbed the old cookie sheets with the paper from her Oleo  and sprinkled a little flour,  rubbing  it around with the palm of my hand…..and waited.

I watched her carefully dropping equal amounts of  the cookie dough on the sheets . Soon the wood burning  cook stove would be hot enough for baking them.   

My treat was when Mama handed me the mixing bowl and the stirring spoon!   She accidently left a little extra in the bottom for me.     Yes , it  had raw eggs in it.   Isn’t that so different now, raw eggs taboo to eat.  Shucks, Dad ate them ’bout raw for breakfast every day anyway and he lived a long time.  

Partners in the kitchen, Mama and me.    I learned so much from her!  Our rewards  were a Pinch and a Hug.    She gave me a pinch of Love and I gave her  huge hug,  lasting  for all of those years since.

Me?   Airbake cookie sheets, parchment paper and…..  as well as flour and I get along,  I make Cake mix  cookies and add some fun stuff to all varieties.  Tonight was . German Chocolate with Andes Mint bits ! 

Mama would just wink at me …..   

rlh 22321

Light In the Darkness

Take a step forward

If you will ,

With me….

Into the forest.

Close your eyes

For just a moment.

What is it that you see?

Darkness of course.

In the dark ,

You may feel lost,

Alone at times.

And perhaps  a bit

Of  fear.

Perhaps  not certain

of what is in the fore,

Or even far  behind. 

Are you able to smell

The fragrance of the flora

Or are you even aware?

Open you eyes

If you will.

You were not alone

And there will always be a

Light in the Darkness.

© Rich Hoback 22721

Be Yourself …. Think for Yourself

  
 I looked up high into the sky
 and then down to the ground...

 What was I supposed to see ?
 How then would I know what it was 
 that I was supposed to see ? 
 I looked around me , in front 
 and at my back ... but I saw not a sole.
 I was alone !!!!
 So against the tree I rested my back
 but not so were my thoughts ....
 When I was sent into this world,
 why was it that I am on this journey alone?
 Should I expect to have someone tell me 
 when I was to look up, or perhaps look down
 and to tell me just when to turn around...
 NO it was my gift to be of independent thought
 and actions.
 So now as I walk into my world...
 I look up at the bright sun that lights my world,
 I look down at the grass that cushions my step
 and my falls.
 I look ahead to see those that have led me..
 and behind me that have followed my lead.
 I am not only satisfied,
 but also content, as I 
 "Walk With Eyes Wide Open"
©  Rich Hoback  3.3.21 

Take A Chance

Let's think about it a bit....
When you get a chance,
take it.
Taking the Leap of Faith 
will never leave you alone 
or disappointed , 
if you really trust.
It you do not take a chance,
you might never have 
it presented to you again.

Life may not be a 'gimmie'.
It may be filled with taking 
a chance on something.
If you fail to pursue it however,
you will never know the rewards.

Rich Hoback 3.5.21

INFINITY

Don’t worry though,