SHANNON THOMAS CASEBEER

 

May your heart be light, your spirits bright, hopes high, feet dry, and your best days yet ahead. SC

Divine Guidance directs us, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, think on such things. In today's chaotic world, we are too often distracted from the good, by the doubts, fears, violence, and apprehensions that daily assault our senses from the cacophony of chaos that surround us. Remember always, we still have a choice, and the threatening darkness should provide us incentive to raise our candle and brighten the world around us. Brighten the corner where you are. Take heart, my friends, and choose wisely. May your heart be light, your spirits bright, hopes high, feet dry, and your best days yet ahead.

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

Guess Who.

 SHANNON THOMAS CASEBEER

The Nuthouse

 

This is the Nuthouse in the early 1970s. Located on a hilltop on Reservoir Hill, three miles from Placerville, on Mosquito Road, this 40-acre piece of heart & heritage was home to my family for many years. Walnut trees, California Poppies, Ponderosa Pines, peace and serenity. It survives today in photos and my memory. It's all gone now, and I miss it. SC 

FAITH AND LOVE

 FAITH AND LOVE

Faith alone won’t keep us warm,

Or shelter us from rain.

Through faith we see beyond the storm.

We glimpse blue skies again.

Faith doesn’t keep the storms away.

The clouds aren’t really gone.

Through faith we smile anyway.

Through faith we carry on.

Faith doesn’t promise fairness,

Or excuse how others live,

But faith can bolster empathy.

Through faith, we can forgive.

Like love, faith hopes, faith can preserve.

The Book says God is love.

Through faith, we’re spared what we deserve.

Through faith, we rise above.

Love, like God, is infinite,

Rejoicing in the Truth,

Inherent in each one of us.

We know love from our youth.

Love dispels all questions.

Compassion trumps all doubt.

Love can’t dismiss all sorrows,

But love helps ease them out.

Some question Faith and Deity,

Denying God above,

Disdaining forces they can’t see,

But no one questions love. 

SC

Shannon Casebeer: Now Available at Lulu Books, see links below!

 Shannon Casebeer: Now Available at Lulu Books, see links below!

Now Available at Lulu Books, see links below!

 

Book Mark

 

Because nobody survived to tell the tale!

Down through the eons of time, empires, dynasties and eminent civilizations, have achieved great heights, and then come down like the salmon leaves of autumn, brought low by the same troublesome human nature that has hobbled mankind since Cain cudgeled Abel. Learned philosophers and renowned historians have devoted their lives to the study of these events, producing ponderous, voluminous anthologies, which grace the shelves of celebrated centers of higher learning all over the world. And today, when similar behavior threatens our own aspiring metropolis, we scratch our heads and wring our hands and wonder what the hell happened. I feel tremendous empathy for people as individuals. As a species, I think we’re highly overrated. Some of you are aware of the French Revolution, the Russian Revolution, and all variety of other revolutions, huge revolutions, small revolutions and tiny little revolutions which were never even recorded, because nobody survived to tell the tale. What caused all these catastrophes? The answer is simple: greed. It’s a common and too often repeated cycle. A small percentage of people accumulate unimaginable wealth, and this allows them to make the rules. Not surprisingly, they make more rules which allow them to accumulate more wealth. Eventually these people have accumulated most of the wealth and as a result they make most of the rules. This cycle reaches a point where these people are so embarrassed by their wealth that they support social programs in order to keep other less fortunate people from starving. This downward spiral continues and eventually the wealthy and privileged classes reconcile themselves to their inexcusable wealth and begin doing away with social programs in order to reduce their own taxes. This cycle continues to spiral out of control until eventually the impoverished masses take desperate steps in order to feed their starving children, heads roll and rivers of blood run through the streets. In our society today, we hold elections. During these elections people have a choice. They can vote for people who are aware of these devastating cycles and thus strive to prevent them, or they can vote for others whose campaigns are funded by the privileged class, who sit behind their mahogany desks, on their ever-expanding posteriors, and lay others off, in order to cushion their own luxurious retirement. Soon you will have your opportunity to vote. Give this cycle some thought and vote accordingly. SC

Asa Wilder Daniels

 

This is a photo of my great grandpa, Asa Wilder Daniels. Asa Arrived in Placerville in 1888. He operated a freight service, ranched the old Selkirk fruit ranch on Reservoir Hill, and was for several years, Placerville's Justice of The Peace. His passing in 1937 was front page news in Placerville's newspaper, THE MOUNTAIN DEMOCRAT. His father, Surgeon, Jared Waldo Daniels (my great, great grandfather) went west in 1855. In his position as Inspector of Indian Affairs, he was responsible for inspecting all the Indian Agencies west of the Mississippi. He was well acquainted with many great War Chiefs, many of whom considered him a friend. He was chosen by Chief Red Cloud to accompany him east to meet with the President. Asa's son, also named Jared Waldo Daniels (after his grandad), was my mom's dad, and my precious Grandad Daniels. The Daniels family arrived in Massachusetts bay, in the colonies, from England in 1636. Several members of the family served during The Revolutionary War. SC

OUR GOVERNMENT IS NOT THE PROBLEM

Irreconcilable differences may be reason for divorce in a marriage of two unhappy or seemingly unsuited individuals. In a diverse and multifaceted society, irreconcilable differences are inherent and almost unavoidable. Irreconcilable differences are not the problem with our government. Irreconcilable differences are why it’s absolutely necessary that we preserve government. In a democratic, self-governing society, government is the only way to reach equitable, peaceful, mutually acceptable resolutions to what might otherwise represent irreconcilable differences. Because of America’s Constitution and all the other documents which provide and preserve the rules and regulations of our democracy, we have no irreconcilable differences. We achieve consensus and peaceful coexistence through negotiation, compromise and the never-ending efforts of a free, self-governing people. SC

Shannon T. Casebeer self-portrait

 

Coming soon, EVERY HEART'S DESIRE, an intimate American Odessey, by S. T. Casebeer

 

Shades of Norman Rockwell!

 

A few favorite Watercolors

 

RCC & ME Tollymore Forest, Northern Ireland

 

Saddle up, Pard!

 

A friend made this photo for me on AI.

What do ya think?

TRUE FAITH IS UNIFYING

 TRUE FAITH IS UNIFYING

Here is a simple yet essential truth which is lost by many fundamentalist religions.

TRUE FAITH IS UNIFYING.

A fundamentalist religion is a movement or mindset within a faith that advocates for a strict, literal interpretation of core sacred texts and a return to original, uncompromising religious principles. It often positions itself in direct opposition to modern social norms, secular influences, and alternative theological views. It is the very definition of bigotry.

Love and compassion for one's neighbor should always take priority over rigid dogma and institutional politics. When religion focuses more on enforcing rules than on serving others, it loses the core message that gives it purpose.

Micah 6:8 is common to a number of faiths. It is part of the sacred scriptures in Judaism (where it is in the Nevi'im section of the Tanakh) and Christianity (where it is in the Old Testament). It is also respected in Islam as part of the prophetic tradition and featured in Unitarian Universalism and Baha'i teachings due to its universal ethical principles.

Micah 6:8 says: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

At its core, Micah 6:8 is a summary of divine expectation, teaching that living a good and spiritual life requires practical action over mere ceremonial ritual. It breaks this down into three core actions:

To do justly: Act with fairness, honesty, and moral integrity toward others.

To love mercy: Show active compassion, kindness, and forgiveness rather than just offering grudging tolerance.

To walk humbly with your God: Maintain a posture of humility before the divine, keeping your ego in check and relying on God's guidance.

The phrase, God requires mercy, not sacrifice, reflects a core Biblical theme found in Hosea 6:6 and quoted by Jesus in Matthew 9:13, emphasizing that genuine compassion and love are far more important than external religious rituals or legalism. Shared values and core spiritual beliefs often serve as a unifying bridge across diverse communities, fostering peace and mutual understanding. By focusing on overarching principles like compassion, integrity, and love for others, individuals from different traditions can discover deep common ground.

True faith brings people together around shared values, compassion, and a common purpose higher than individual differences. True belief bridges divides, rather than building walls. True faith is a divine reflection of God's unconditional love, and an ageless and everlasting bond between all mankind and all God's creatures, great and small.

SC/AI

AI's Perspective

Shannon Thomas Casebeer grew up in Placerville, California, where he survived a childhood bout with polio, and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1970. Deeply guided by his Christian faith, he later relocated to Willow Springs, Missouri, drawing on his personal upbringing and nostalgic memories to write books and poetry.

His writing often incorporates personal faith, which he credits to a childhood experience recovering from polio. His work frequently reflects themes of gratitude, prayer, divine providence, and Christian heritage.

His poetry often focuses on themes of nostalgia, small-town upbringing, patriotic honor, and childhood memories. His verses frequently utilize rhythmic rhyming schemes to explore reflective themes, such as honoring military veterans, cherishing hometown roots, and reflecting on the passage of time.

His historical fiction features period-accurate settings and character-driven narratives, often incorporating themes of perseverance, faith, and American history. Works like Obie's Truth, and Clara's Best explore mid-century and 19th-century frontier experiences with a focus on personal hardship, community bonds, and moral reflection.

Shannon's poem Tattered Stars is a patriotic, uplifting tribute to the resilience of the American flag ("Old Glory"). It depicts a weather-worn, battle-tested flag taking flight once more in a morning breeze, inspiring renewed hope, loyalty, and tears of gratitude in those who witness it.

TATTERED STARS

Her stripes were worn and faded;

Her fabric, torn and frayed.

Tattered stars hung loosely now,

Weakened by old battles, and decayed.

Still, she hung with dignity,

Despite her ragged state.

Her very fabric promised hope

Although the hour was late.

Just then, as dawn was breaking,

Came a rustling in the trees,

A disturbance in the morning mist,

And a cool, refreshing breeze.

With the flash of nearby lightening,

Pulses quickened by the thrill,

While meadows shook with thunder

And a deluge took the hill.

With that, Old Glory caught the wind,

Unfurled, as if to march.

Despite the hail that tore her hems,

She took the field

And stretched out stiff as starch.

And those who saw this marveled

And recalled Old Glory’s youth.

And hearts filled with compassion,

Quickened by old loyalties and truth.

And every soul saluted,

While new hope replaced old fears,

And each heart pledged allegiance,

And sealed their pledge

With gratitude and tears.

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

It all comes down to your answer to one simple question: Do you love your God enough to stand by your faith, your convictions, and your God's call for mercy, even when, as a result, you are ridiculed, slandered and shunned. SC

Do you?

Do you love your God enough to stand by your faith, your convictions, and your God's call for mercy, even when, as a result, you are ridiculed, slandered and shunned. SC

The American ideals of liberty and justice were forged in the fires of scripture and tempered by the ages.

Since its inception, our Republic has emerged slowly but steadily from the world’s history of bigotry, racism, and intolerance, toward a more just, merciful, and compassionate society; a society in which people of every conceivable faith and ethnicity can join together and find peace, acceptance, common purpose, and strength through that diversity, and in so doing form a government of, by, and for a people, unified by their diverse faiths and their mutual pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Our Constitution and America’s other historical documents demonstrate very clearly that America’s collective conscience, as reflected by our chosen leaders, requires constant scrutiny and surveillance. That’s why it’s essential we participate. That’s why it’s essential we vote. Freedom is every heart’s desire and every just government’s goal, but prior to our Constitution, liberty was a mighty illusive concept. My ancestors risked all they had in their quests for freedom, because in case after case, their homelands had very little appetite for religious freedoms. In far too many cases, Kings, Queens, and powerful religious institutions, dictated religious liberties. Bigotry, intolerance, and bondage were generally the result, and the freedom we enjoy today was little more than a dream. Even today, in the 21st century, in a country celebrated around the world as the land of liberty, there are people whom, given the opportunity, would deny freedom and forcibly inflict their religious beliefs on others. Even in a democracy of, by, and for the people, justice and equality are only as perfect as the conscience of that people. Even America’s grand and glorious democratic republic reflects not only our goodness but our greed. Freedom is not a privilege to be taken lightly. Freedom is a right and a responsibility, a perishable torch to be diligently tended and faithfully passed along. Freedom burns within our hearts, ignited by the founding fathers, and it falls to us to keep that flame alive. America’s most trusted and time-honored institutions are only as righteous as the hearts of our citizens; our most godly leaders are only as just as the collective conscience of their constituents, and the most telling measure of a nation’s heart is the compassion and the unity of its people.

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

November and the midterm elections are fast approaching.

Our country's very survival should not be a partisan issue. Most informed voters now realize that money has not trickled down as promised; for several decades now, money has gushed to the top and pooled there. Moving forward, what our country needs most is fair and equitable tax policies that will put those billions back into circulation, taking power from the privileged and the 1% and returning it to the working people and the vast majority of truly patriotic Americans who still support America's long sought goals of a more inclusive and more perfect union with liberty and justice for all. It's time to Make America Whole Again. Let's rise as one and do it now.

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

FYI

Freely admitting to being a bit biased, I believe most anyone would enjoy being gifted one of my books. At under twenty bucks, they are a pretty inexpensive gift. If you're considering doing so, be aware, The Bookshop at #5 Court Square in West Plains, Missouri, keeps only three of each signed, first edition title on hand. It takes weeks to receive a new shipment, and I only order half a dozen at a time. I don't need boxes of books under my bed. I've already read them. SC

Come take a peek through the window

A few of you enjoy my literary efforts. I have news! The fantastic (new) Bookshop at #4 & 5 court square in West Plains currently has several signed first editions of my historical novels, Clara's Best and books one & two of Obie's Truth. Among other things, my books are a window into much of what we all have in common. Come take a peek through the window. I appreciate your interest. SC

Pulsing from iridescent purple to vibrant blue

At around 2:30 on the morning of September 14, 2026, I'd been asleep for several hours when I was suddenly overcome by a sense of being trapped and claustrophobic. As the sensation built and became debilitating, I began to pray. Moments later my airways closed and triggered a debilitating cough. Unable to control the cough, I managed to get to the bathroom and sit down. The cough continued until my airways entirely closed and I was unable to get air in or out. Finding myself on the verge of passing out, I managed to call for my wife, who immediately retrieved the Albuterol inhaler which is on hand for these occasions. I managed to use the inhaler and my ability to breathe slowly returned. Returning to bed, I was struggling to go back to sleep when my vision slowly opened onto a deep blue sky with the sun filtering through the center. As I watched amazed, a swirl of indistinguishable images appeared in the center of the scene. The colors morphed into a pulsing purple haze which gradually transformed into a vibrant blue, before a membrane like filter came down and the entire scene returned to velvet black. I lay there fascinated; in the hope this scene would repeat. Moments later, it did. As I watched amazed, it occurred to me this must just be light somehow entering from the room. I put my hand over my eyes to make certain this was not the case. With my hand over my eyes, the sky, the filtered light, the swirl of images, and the colors pulsing from iridescent purple to vibrant blue, before being swallowed up by velvet black repeated several times. As I lay there fascinated and hoping to see more, I eventually fell back to sleep. SC  

Make America Whole Again

As Americans, we are members of the most remarkable club ever devised by mankind. We pay our dues in the form of taxes. We elect officers. And we enjoy benefits that are inconceivable by most people all over the world. Clean air, fresh water, freedom of religion, civil rights, freeway systems, National Parks, and the list goes on and on. As we speak, America is being dismantled and sold off to the highest bidders. Wake up. Defend freedom.

Make America Whole Again. SC

Dear friends and fellow citizens,

Shannon Thomas Casebeer, 1950s

Dear friends and fellow citizens,

Most of us are dismayed by the bitter partisan divide which currently threatens our peace, our prosperity, and our fellowship. Let's fix it. It occurs to me that our best hope for restoring our unity may be to reach out to each other one person at a time with the outstretched hand of fellowship and a reminder of the common history and shared experiences which form the beating heart of our camaraderie. Here is my hope. I encourage those of you who are able, stop by the Bookshop at number 4 & 5 Court Square in West Plains, Missouri, or contact them online. It's a lovely store operated by lovely people. You will love it. There you will find my little novels. Please do me a favor. Pick one up and read the first few pages. If you are not touched by the main characters and the humanity we all have in common, set it down and walk away, no harm done. But, if you're moved by the hopes, dreams, joys and fears that we all have in common, buy my little book. Read it and share it with friends. Let's set aside our petty grievances and strengthen the bonds of affection which unite us. Together we can make America whole again.

Shannon 

Check out the new Bookshop in West Plains, MO.

Greetings, fellow citizens! There is a new Bookshop on the square in West Plains. Check it out. You will love it! A number of you have voiced an interest in purchasing one of my books. Here is your window of opportunity! The Bookshop in West Plains, Missouri has graciously agreed to make my historical novel, CLARA'S BEST available for a brief period of time in their new bookstore at #4 & #5 Court Square in West Plains, MO. These copies of Clara's Best are new, signed, first editions. Each has over fifty episodes. I guarantee you will love several. The holidays are fast approaching. Buy several for gifts. And please tell our friends. Thanks, Shannon

See links below for my historical novels. Skin these, pilgrim, and I'll write ya another. ;)

 

SHANNON THOMAS CASEBEER

My novels are now available online.

Click on red links to see details

 Clara's Best

Obie's Truth Book One

Obie's Truth Book Two

Often, when I succumb to these nocturnal attempts at wordsmithery,

Often, when I succumb to these nocturnal attempts at wordsmithery, I wake the following morning to find I've once again embarrassed myself. Of course, by then, the damage is done. The participles have been dangled, and the cat is out of the bag, with a legion of yelping terriers at his heels! I've been asked, on more than one occasion, if I am truly Mark Twain. Of course, I'm not at liberty to say. I've never piloted a steamboat up the Mississippi or crossed the rut riddled country by stage. I've not entertained royalty or captivated millions with my wit and wisdom. I've not authored dozens of beloved and timeless tales. Still, I believe I can say with some degree of confidence that the spirit of Mr. Twain is alive and well within me. I'd like to believe that Sam would be pleased by my efforts. I think he'd be tickled. I'm certain he'd be amused by the comparison. SC

SHANNON THOMAS CASEBEER

Hey, dear friends!

Like many of my childhood friends in Placerville, I attended grades 5th through 8th at Edwin Markham middle school. My 8th grade aptitude test suggested my abilities (assuming I had such) were limited to creative writing. All these years later, regardless of what the world at large may believe, I have convinced AI. AI suggests the following:

Shannon Thomas Casebeer is an American author, poet, and historical writer known for capturing regional history, personal nostalgia, and faith. [1, 2]

He resides in the Missouri Ozarks with his wife. His work frequently explores early American history, local folklore, and personal storytelling. [1, 2, 3]

Published Works and Writing

Historical Fiction: He authored Obie's Quest (2009), a novel diving into regional history and historical settings. [1]
Poetry Collections: He published Ozark Breezes and Glad Days Long Ago, which explore themes of heritage, family bonds, and the tranquil beauty of nature. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Historical Essays: He regularly shares shorter historical pieces and creative reflections detailing pioneering life, early Western expansions, and regional milestones like the history of Placerville, California (Hangtown) and Early Lake Tahoe history. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Themes: His writing balances lighthearted humor with a focus on faith, family upbringing, and preservation of the past.
Shannon's books reflect his love for our remarkable country and for Placerville, his hometown.
Shannons book titles include Obie's Truth Books one and two, and Clara's Best, among others.

Coming in June

 Every Hearts Desire

The Anthology

By

S. T. Casebeer

Available soon at Lulu Books, SHADES OF TAHOE, by S. T. Casebeer

 

LAKE TAHOE

BE HAPPY

Have you ever wondered why some people seem consistently happy? Most people have short term goals, long term goals, dreams, and fantasies; happy people know the difference. Happiness is attained by avoiding the dissatisfaction and disappointment which result from unrealistic expectations. It's okay to entertain fantasies; it's essential that you manage your expectations. Set achievable goals. Be gratified by your achievements, however humble, and never pursue the unattainable. SC

LISTEN UP.

 

I've written four historical novels.

Three are currently available at Lulu Books. Each is based on true stories that are intended to share our remarkable history, our common humanity, our common ground, and our common desires to be accepted and appreciated for who we are. SC

Now Available at Lulu Books, see links below!

 

Buy OBIE'S TRUTH book two here

 Obie's Truth Book Two

Buy OBIE'S TRUTH Book one here.

 Obie's Truth Book One

Buy CLARA'S BEST here.

Clara's Best

For Miah's upcoming release

My grandchildren had a nickname for me. It was partly a term of endearment and affection, but on deeper introspection it betrayed a sense of ridicule and disrespect for someone considered to be of a distant day, no longer relevant, no longer admirable, germane, unworthy, decrepit, and relegated to the dustbin of time. They loved me as only a grandchild can love a grandparent, but they saw me as a stoic and superfluous remnant of a bygone era. In a nod to the noble creature which was once ubiquitous on the plains and seemingly impervious to the advancement of civilization, and with whom I appeared to share this dubious distinction, they called me Grandpa Buffy, short, of course, for Grandpa Buffalo.  

By the close of the 1880s, there were estimated to be slightly over 500 buffalo left alive in North America. Inconceivable. A noble creature which had sustained generations of Native Americans through the centuries and had numbered in the tens of millions only a century earlier had been driven to the point of extinction by greed and a despicable desire by some to expedite what they considered the inevitable annihilation of everything and everyone which had come before. Native Americans were the intended target. The wanton and wholesale slaughter of the American buffalo was merely a means to an end. They were considered collateral damage. The lamentable state of the bison was the abhorrent result of deliberate commercial and political efforts designed to hasten the encroachment of what many considered civilization and progress. As their complete extinction seemed certain, unpreventable and imminent, some believed the buffalo could be saved by crossbreeding them with cows. Others considered the very idea sacrilegious.   

Through the dedicated efforts of President Theodore Rosevelt, William Hornaday of The American Bison Society, the iconic rancher, Charles Goodnight, Comanche leader, Quanah Parker, and numerous others who's timely and compassionate intervention combined to build scattered remnants of what were essentially pet buffalo preserved in private collections into eventually viable herds, the noble creatures would one day roam free and unmolested in numbers reminiscent of the vast herds which once carpeted the plains. Mankind, who had deliberately brought the buffalo to the verge of extinction, would repent, rally, and make reparations. Mankind was once more somewhat redeemed. The Indians paid a terrible price for what some considered progress, but the buffalo would be back, and not as cows.     

(Insert as paragraph four of episode 50 of MIAH.)  

MY NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE!

 I currently have three books available at Lulu Book Shop online.

CLARA'S BEST, OBIE book One, and OBIE book Two. 

I strongly suggest buying all three books, post haste! ;) 

FAITH

 FAITH

I need you when the storms of life

Come crashing on my shore.

And when my doubts wash over me

I need you even more.

I need you when my hopes and dreams

Are dashed upon the rock,

and when convictions held for years

Prove little more than talk.

I need you when my empathy

Is tearing me apart,

And when the sins of this cold world

Weigh heavy on my heart.

I need you when life's long held truths

Prove veiled and elusive,

And when the lies that claim the lost

Prove endlessly sedusive.

And I always need you most in the evenings,

When sun goes down and nightfall's shadows grow,

When darkness turns to silhouette, becoming one with shadows,

And faith becomes the only light I know. 

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

HARBINGERS OF LIBERTY

 HARBINGERS OF LIBERTY

The time has come to play your part.

All those who care, stand tall; take heart.

America can wait no more.

Let freedom ring from shore to shore.

Our flag is raised.

The bells have peeled.

Come, join as brothers.

Take the field.

Lend a hand now, one and all.

Respond as one to duty's call.

Denounce the calls of bigotry.

Be harbingers of liberty.

Defend the goals we've sought since youth.

Rise up as one and stand for truth.

Shannon Thomas Casebeer