My family moved to a farm in Northeast Kansas when I was in the 2nd grade. That meant a new school and a new mode of transportation to get to school: a big yellow school bus.
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Author Archives
Greg Vessar
I love music, I love to travel, and I love to write. My blog "A Thousand Miles from Kansas" combines all three. I am a Kansas boy and an educator on sabbatical. I have lived in many places around the globe and I currently live in northern Japan. Journey with me as I combine my loves of music, travel, and the written word as I navigate through life.
Hello. I’m Johnny Cash…well his Top Ten songs anyway!
Although rock and heavy metal are my genres of choice, variety is the spice of life. My love for music was born out of the many genres I was exposed to growing up in Kansas. Country music was played in my house a lot growing up. So, I’ve listened to Johnny Cash all my life. Cash’s music is the reason I connected with one of my oldest, and dearest friends.
The Bittersweet Tree
I wrote “The Bittersweet Tree” in 1988. It was always a favorite of my Grandmother’s. It was published in the quarterly magazine Sunflower Petals back in 1989. The poetry magazine was published by the Kansas State Poetry Society. I have revised it a few times since that first publication, but it is still pretty true to my original composition. I hope you enjoy my poem.
Cat Balls Ramen!
This Japanese ramen joint will solve your winter cravings for warm Japanese comfort food!
Snow Haiku 3
Another snow fall, another snow haiku. I look forward to spring!
The 10 Best Van Halen Songs!
From the first clanks of the cowbell that lead to the crunch of Eddie’s guitar, “Dance the Night Away” gently explodes into the air and announces the arrival of a classic rock tune.
The TEN Best Snow Songs
“We come from the land of the ice and snow from the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.” ~Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
Tokyo Part Three: 47 Ronin
One of the greatest samurai stories of Japanese loyalty and revenge can be found in the legendary tale of the 47 Ronin, also known as the Ako Incident. The story of these 47 samurai and their loyalty to their master is inspirational and heart breaking. While in Tokyo last month, I visited the ashes of the legendary 47 Ronin interred at Sengakuji Temple.
Winter Haiku 2
Sometimes the best way to stay warm in northern Japan is to indulge in some hot street food!
Snow Haiku 2
We had so much snow overnight in Misawa, I was inspired to write another snowy haiku. I think I have shoveled more snow in the past two months than I have my entire life. I am more than ready for spring!
