Smokey Mountain Canyon - Sharrott Creek Fire, Stevensville, Montana

“Break-through sunlight 

filters through wildfire smoke, and suddenly you see the depth of what you didn’t know existed - there is a canyon and a whole other hill where you thought it was just one big tree-covered mountain. And so it often is under the shining light of truth paired with love - you see what you could not see before, your perception widens.” -Cyndy Hull

Wishing For Sky - Missoula, Montana

"All stories are love stories. 
Paul remembered someone famous saying that...All men get the things they love. 
The tragedy of some men is not that they are denied, but that they wish they'd loved something else."

-From The Last Days of Nightt by Graham Moore, p. 26

Lichen Love - Missoula, Montana

"...lichen (tiny but relentless!)..."
Quote from A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson
 
Another wee nature heart, this one found with a lacey collar.
 
In case you didn't notice, I've got a theme going towards Valentine's Day.  Tune in tomorrow for the next installation!
 

Tenacious, East Missoula, Montana

A long time past, some bold soul passing marked their unique print on this old neighborhood fence. And through all the weathering years, their mark held fast and declared their nameless influence to any traveler of alleys and paths less taken.
 
And so it is with those who love, in everyday deed and truth. Even if their name escapes memory, their strong example leaves a clinging and distinct imprint, un-erased by life’s roughest seasons. When threatened by discouragement and status quo, we can choose to follow the trail they've marked toward undeterred truth, and be heartened.
So provoked, the road we travel is forever altered, and we are ever thankful.
 
Happy Valentine's Day.

As they slowly unfold their tender petals & vulnerable core each morning, I think flowers remind us to let Love mend our worries & cast away fear, that we would open our hearts even if we're not yet bold.
(& there's no "April Fool's!" waiting in the wings.)

Still Feeling the Love, Hamilton, Montana

I’m still enjoying my Valentine roses (pink is for beauty or happiness, I've been told - well, that & they were out of red, but what do I care?), & a mushy card written with love, love, love. Every day I think a thankful, “Pinch me…I never thought I could be so blessed…” .