Curvaceous, Missoula, Montana

Spring has sprung in Western Montana, despite a couple weeks of setback to blowing and snowing.  The canal spanned by this curvy bridge is running with water, and the bench seat invites to stop for a calming look, or sit and read a good book.

Shadow and Light Reflections, Missoula, Montana

"My aspens dear, whose airy cages quelled,
Quelled or quenched in leaves the leaping sun..."
 from "Binsey Poplars" by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Corinthian Column, Missoula, Montana

An example of architectural features to be observed on a historic walking tour of downtown Missoula, Montana.

Time Keeper, Missoula, Montana

"Of all, clock makers and morticians should bear the keenest sense of priority - their lives daily spent in observance of the unflagging procession of time ... and the end thereof." -- David Parkin's diary, January 3, 1901  (from "Timepiece" by Richard Paul Evans.)

Thanks to my sis, P., for this quote. It was a good exercise to find a subject in Montana to accompany!

Willows and Water, Missoula, Montana

Especially for you, today: spring saplings of sunlight, fresh from Montana's Garden City.

Low Maintenance Pet, Missoula, Montana

When you next - or finally - plan a visit to Missoula, Montana, try to factor a First Friday in among your stay days. The first Friday of each month, art strollers, delighted foodies, and random musicians and dancers energize Missoula's downtown streets. This month, my favourite featured works at the 4 Ravens Gallery were the quirky sculptural creations of Bitterroot artist Dan Towell, especially this Jetson's era dog. He cranks up the happiness factor in every piece - take a look at more on his Flickr photostream. (And make sure you take a peek at his winsome floral blooms, which would add a note of delight to any room.)