Alfalfa, Missoula,Montana

Among the open spaces of our Alberta childhood home was a small alfalfa field along the road and bordered by untrimmed hedges. I remember our large family holding impromptu softball games on summer evenings. My mother was a crack hitter, but asthma precluded her from rounding the bases, so I was her designated runner. I took this role very seriously, and had no clue that I was otherwise too little to play. Looking back, I see the many ways my mother’s graciousness found ways to include people, no matter the type of gathering. To some extent, this gift rubbed off on us all. And for this I am grateful, because making room and inviting others to be a part often makes for more family - of the best kind.

Foxtails, Missoula, Montana

You may know this wayside grass by another name, but we’ve always called them foxtails.
(Unrelated Side Note: Grass by another name still must be mowed.)

Their silken strands were irresistibly close to hand during childhood field walks. Even now, I find their smooth texture and subtle shimmer mesmerising. Diving into this childlike wonder, I stop to admire their quiet movement in the breeze, and stoop to gently pull the glossy tails through my grasp.

Long May It Wave, Hamilton, Montana

" 'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

- From verse 2 of "The Star-Spangled Banner", by Francis Scott Key, 1814

The USA Flag Site includes four verses to this song for which I've only ever heard one.
Read the full lyrics here and be inspired to thanks.

Weed or Wildflower?, Missoula, Montana

These bright, buttery blooms scatter the hillside sloping down to the river trail below Missoula’s Orange Street bridge.

Gypsy Opulence, Stevensville, Montana

Here's a peek at the luscious interior of yesterday's gypsy vardo - more handicrafts of my creative neighbor! (And, yes, you really can sleep in it!)

Gypsy Wagon, Stevensville, Montana

Neighborhoods can be the most interesting and colourful places.

Over the last month or so, I watched the progress of this gypsy wagon from the very bottom up.
My delightful neighbor built it from an idea in her head, with occasional help from friends wielding tools and paintbrushes.
This Montana vardo made its public debut at this weekend's Renaissance Faire in Stevensville, Montana.