Seven Thousand Flags - Never Forget - Rose Park, Missoula, Montana

A solemn sea of seven thousand USA flags at Missoula's Memorial Rose Garden to never forget each precious life forever tied to September 11, 2001.

Thank you to the many volunteers and the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries for their faithful work and dedication ro this event for 24 years running.

Epic Bearded Griz Fan - University of Montana, Missoula, Montana

In the levels of fandom, Most Dedicated Fan status definitely goes to this gent and his energetic family who drove across Montana to cheer on the University of Montana Grizzlies today.  Oh, and dyeing his epic beard Griz-maroon AND layering on a small vat of glitter is absolutely icing on the commitment cake. 

A big thanks to these Griz enthusiasts for the friendly post-game chat and pose, and also for granting verbal permission to post his photo. (Alas, in the moment's delight, I spaced on asking a name...doh!)

Pop-Up Mission Mountains - Ravalli, Montana

Never gets old, whatever the season - that first pop-up view of the Mission range upon cresting Highway 93's winding hill just past Ravalli, Montana. 

"I think back to ... the dry summers when Father and George and the other homesteaders watched as cloud after cloud dragged across the Rockies and the tufts of rain would catch on the distant peaks and be of no help to their fields." - The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig (1939-2015), p. 46-47 (lg type)

Bumbly Bee and Lavender - Missoula, Montana

Pollinators buzzed busily in the last of a neighbour's lavender blooms flanking this morning's walk. Smaller bees zoomed between top spikes, but this bigger bumbly fellow kept to stems drooping right to the sidewalk. Had me wondering ehy...perhaps he was fairly loaded up and so conserving energy ...or maybe taking the opportunity for some bee-alone-time while away from the hive!  (-:

Redemption Cross - Chase Matthew - Missoula, Montana

Well done, Chase Matthew!  - for bringing your high energy band to Missoula, Montana's Washington-Grizzly Stadium AND, even more, for sharing some of your redemption story and the hope of Jesus as the reason you wear that Cross with sincerity.

(Bonus best-stadium-view showcases Mount Sentinel and the iconic M trail.)

Morning Reflections - Victor, Montana

Daisy faces lifted toward

  the morning sun

Air so still 

  the reflections of my heart 

  become clear. 

-P.Richards

(Big thanks to Pat Richards for the guest perspectives - both words and view! Chew on more of her refreshing weekly musings at God's Friday Girl!)

Church with Jelly Roll - University of Montana Stadium, Missoula, Montana

Jelly Roll brought legit Church to Washington-Grizzly Stadium tonite, unapoligetically honouring Jesus right where he'a at, speaking Truth in love to Missoula, Montana. May his songs and words of Life filter for miles through canyons and streets,  as so often happens on a hot summer night.

Red Poppy Buzz - Missoula, Montana

Red poppies were this morning's hot spot for our neighbourhood bees - and even with some blossom sharing (aka caring, haha...)! Among the buzzing patch, this one bloom hosted four or five different bees, cycling through in a do-si-do dance switcheroo.