Knapweed Invitation, Missoula, Montana

the wind wafts
and swirls
beckoning petals
invite the honey bee

- c.hull

Stairway To, Missoula, Montana

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time

I’se been a-climbin’ on,

And reachin’ landin’s,

And turnin’ corners,

And sometimes goin’ in the dark

Where there ain’t been no light.

So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

Rainbow Apology, Central Montana

“Rainbows apologize for angry skies.”
― Sylvia Voirol

Potentilla Blooming, Missoula, Montana

The humble potentilla blooms relentlessly in countless home and parking lot landscapes. While use in medicine sparked its medieval Latin name root meaning "powerful little (plant)", its persistent flowers are a forceful reminder toward cheer and resilience. Hurrah for the strength of the small
!

Weekend Essentials, Victor, Montana

Juicy worms - what more do you need for a hot time in the big town tonight?

But perhaps your plans are not so much local street dance, but more at wilderness camping and fishing. 
Enter the small luxury of “Juicy Worms“. 

I love how Montana’s convenience stores cover all the bases - a welcome of homey flowers and anticipation of what varied customers might need. 
At Casey's store - just outside of Victor, Montana, on the constantly scenic Eastside Highway - you'll find fresh cinnamon rolls and locally created tamales, and everything in between - including juicy worms.
Entrepreneurship is alive and well in the Big Sky state.

Nursery Neon, Missoula, Montana

The garden is Open!

Caras Nursery is one of Missoula's wonderful garden centers, and so much more than just a plant source. Throughout the year, they play host to varied community events, as well as garden-related classes. Whatever the season, a meander through their landscape is a delightful escape, and just a few minutes from the busy-ness of Reserve Street traffic.

Alley Corner Vine, Missoula, Montana

Looking at this photo set this Sunday School ditty on 'repeat' in my head : “Brighten the corner where you are….!”  
(Click the text link to join in with Burl Ives and choir!)

Thank you, Ira Ogdon, for a catchy reminder that a simple kindness or passing smile may be so much more to someone on the receiving end.

Poppy Plush (Closer), Hamilton, Montana

This could be: A plushy velvet pouf ensconced in a cozy, glowing reading cocoon - perfect for putting feet up, with coffee and an absorbing book at hand. All faerie-sized, of course.