Full Spring Ahead - Bitterroot Valley, Montana

“…but if you never do, don't be discontented about it. We make our own lives wherever we are, after all . . . They are broad or narrow according to what we put into them, not what we get out. Life is rich and full here . . . everywhere . . . if we can only learn how to open our whole hearts to its richness and fulness." “

-Mrs. Allan to Anne, Anne of Avonlea, Chapter 15 by L.M. Montgomery 

Straining Up-Reaching Down, Missoula, Montana,

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”  - Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888)

Sinuous, Sealy Lake, Montana

sin·u·ous [sínnyoo əss]  adj
2.  winding or serpentine: full of bends and curves
 - the sinuous course of a stream
[Late 16th century. < Latin sinuosus < sinus "curve"]
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation.

We tracked down this pocket of calm before we even made it to the ski area.

Yarrow Brights, Stevensville, Montana

The bright blooms of yarrow complement the silver shades of willow and rail. With temps dropping below freezing at night, the leaves and grasses at Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge will quickly change into autumn clothes.

Reflections on Willow Pond, Victor, Montana

Further along my distracting pond, the willows' celadon reflections impart a dreamy, Monet-like quality. (Enjoy a deep, relaxing breath...inhale the peace.)

Return Trip View, Bitterroot River, Hamilton, Montana

If you compare this to yesterday’s photo, you’ll see the willows at the end of this view are the same batch as at the beginning of yesterday’s path.

Wandering the Willow Path, Bitterroot River, Hamilton, Montana

This leaf-strewn path is a lovely stretch for the legs - or the more modest ‘limbs’, in 1870's speak.

Willow and Water

The pattern of willows against the dark water caught my eye, reminding me of graceful Asian scroll paintings.  Rainy late-October weather provided lush lighting for a gorgeous walk along the Bitterroot River on the west edge of Hamilton, MT.
Can anyone provide a more vivid artwork example than the two links above?