Welcome to my sixteenth annual Christmas Music Marathon. I know, I can’t believe I’ve been doing it this long either. For those of you who may be new to the blog here is how the Christmas Music Marathon works. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through Christmas I will post a photo and a Christmas song each day. There will classic tunes, church hymns, Christmas carols, and new songs focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

The purpose of this marathon is to give you a place to come and take a break from the chaos that has become the holiday season and enjoy a few minutes to maybe focus and reset your day. There will be an emphasis on the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Christ.

One tradition of this marathon is that I always start with the same song. In the midst of shopping, family gatherings, office parties, TV specials, and neighborhood lights, it’s easy to feel a little lost in the crowd. Bethlehem was a city of chaos when Christ was born. The gospel of Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus had issued a decree that everyone should be registered in their hometown. This required Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem where the city was filled with people who had come from near and far to comply with the decree. There was not an empty room for rent in the entire city! One song that gives us a glimpse of this scene is Trisha Yearwood’s, “Take a Walk Through Bethlehem”.

Okay, we’re up and running for another year. Come back every day for a new installment of old favorites and new music to celebrate the season.

Is there a better place for the pup’s treats? I don’t think so.

Aww…some Monday

This photo represents my life in coffee mugs. The center mug speaks to the fact that I was born and raised in Oklahoma. The green mug tells you that church was a heavy influence in my life and Harvard Ave. Baptist Church in Tulsa holds a special place in my heart. Some of my fondest youth memories was church camp at Falls Creek, in southern Oklahoma, which was the largest youth church camp in the world at the time. I attended from 7th thru 12th grade. The OU mugs speaks to my college years and yes, that is my tassel. My degree was in architecture and the mug on the far leftds indicates that I was a member of the American Institute of Architects during my professional career. There you have it…my life in coffee mugs. Have a bless week.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

This week, the theme at 4M tells us that The 11th month of year is considered bleary, lets share cheery songs of happiness and gratitude. So, put a smile on your face and make someone happy. Have a blessed week.

Almost Time to Go to Work

Santa is going to have to put down his cup of coffee, put his cocker spaniel in the kennel, hang up the fishing gear and get ready to pull an all nighter.

Aww…some Monday

WWII Warbirds

Mondays Music Moves Me

An Eclectic Mix

Ozark Autumn 2.0

People must remember that a soldier does not pick his enemy nor the cause for which he fights. He does not pick the location nor the time of the battle. He merely goes where he is deployed and attempts to accomplish the assigned mission. All of the decisions were made by people, in Washington, most of whom have never put on a uniform nor been on the battlefield. They have no clue what life on the field of conflict is like.

To all active duty personnel and my fellow vets, those who came before, those I served with and those who have followed, thank you for your service and commitment to this Republic and it’s people.

1966

Vietnam 1967-68

Ozark Autumn 2025

Autumn in the Ozarks is a special time of year. The temperatures drop, the leaves change colors and the land prepares itself for winter. This year the colors were awesome, if not a little short lived. My wife and I took a drive over to Dogwood Canyon.

Dogwood Canyon is a 10,000 acre, non profit wildlife and nature preserve owned and operated by Bass Pro Shops. You can walk trails, rent bikes, take a tram ride and even fish, for a fee. We chose the tram ride that took us over three miles from the main building and stopped several times for photo ops and to learn more about the area. It was a great day. Here are a few images from the excursion.

They maintain a herd of Bison, including a white one, a herd of Elk and one of Longhorn cattle on the property. These animals receive the very best of treatment.

It was a great visit. If you’re ever planning a trip to Branson, Missouri, Dogwood Canyon is a must see part of your trip.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme this week is Remembering our veterans with songs of inspiration, thanksgiving and praise. This just might be the most inspirational video I have ever seen of this classic hymn.

Frankoma Pottery – Mid-Century Oklahoma

Aww…some Monday – CMM Preview

I know it’s a little early to post Christmas stuff, but I have begun to photograph and edit the images for my 16th annual Christmas Music Marathon! This year most of the images will come from local retail stores, flea markets and antique shops. The image above is a silk banner that I found at a rural flea market in Carr Lane, MO which is nothing more than a four-way stop with a convenience store, a boat dealer, and a flea market. It’s on the highway we use to travel to Branson, MO. For those of you new to the blog, the Christmas Music Marathon works like this. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and going through the end of the year, I will post an image or two and a song that relates to Christmas each day. There will be classic tunes, hymns, and new music that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of the Savior. Stop by anytime and view a new image and maybe find a Christmas song that is new to you.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

In keeping with the Christmas preview, here are a few examples of what you might find when you stop by during the Christmas Music Marathon. Looking forward to your visits.