Historical Depot Christmas Beacon - Missoula, Montana

"A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories." -  Honore de Balzac (1799-1850)

And wasn't part of first Christmas's true beauty and hope that of a mother's heart? It amazes me to think on Mary's (and Joseph's, too, but that doesn't tie in to my quote) trust and obedience amidst a situation that must have garnered an avalanche of questions. Possibles: What?! Why? Who?! How?!!! When? Where?!  And despite - or perhaps because of? - these, they continued on as directed. May we be inspired in this season to shine our best light, whether it be toward someone's hopeful future or with thankful reflections from our own history. 

Downtown Night Lights - Livingston, Montana

A spectacular sunset faded to moody blues, the perfect contrast to Livingston's night lights. Persisting balmy temps ensured the evening streets were busy with a well-rounded traffic blend - foot, bicycle, and motorized all represented. But no horses parked at the hitching rail.

X Marks the Spot, Missoula, Montana

Being a frontier type of town, Missoula, Montana, has a rich railroad history. The old restored train depot graces the top of downtown's main street, separating the business district from the active rail yard. If you cruise the drag on a weekend night, you'll inevitably loop around the red "Crossings" statue, created in 1986 by Arlee artist Taäg Peterson.