Springy - Missoula, Montana

“A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road.” - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

Geared Down - Missoula, Montana

If you're gearing up for a romantic Valentine's Day (this Saturday, people), check out the luscious love poetry Janet's posted this week at Another Porch. 

A small sample to whet your appetite: 

"Surge of something sacred and sweet

Stuns her; spills summer-slow, sigh-soft

Whispers wake wellsprings where want wafts

Wild within to a boom-boom beat..."

-  from "Ah, Love" by Janet Martin

Just like chocolate, you'll want more. 

Click here to keep feeding.

Roundness, Missoula, Montana

“I am not a smart man, particularly, but one day, at long last, I stumbled from the dark woods of my own, and my family's, and my country's past, holding in my hands these truths: that love grows from the rich loam of forgiveness; that mongrels make good dogs; that the evidence of God exists in the roundness of things. This much, at least, I've figured out. I know this much is true.”
- Wally Lamb, “I Know This Much Is True”

Waffle Iron, Missoula, Montana

Given my attraction to the industrial milieu, it’s pretty perfect that I spend my work day surrounded by the very same. The break room back door overlooks a machine yard, outdoor picnic tables provide views of the train tracks, and a sunny yellow crane is directly opposite today’s shady lunch spot on the south lawn. Weather in the 70s plus mechanical vistas - life is grand! Maybe I'll top it off with waffles for supper. (Now where did that come from?)

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.)