Early BLooms, Missoula, Montana

If states were regarded as having a gender, Montana could be considered feminine if only because of the phrase, "It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind."  Last week, my viewfinder framed snow on my neighbor's rooftop. This week, spring has sprung full bore and toes in the flip-flops are no longer blue-hued! (It also means my forest hiking is limited until a super hot spell assures me the ticks are far away. Sigh. It's tough to be a wuss.)

Easter Wings, Missoula, Montana

Easter Wings

By George Herbert 1593–1633

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,

      Though foolishly he lost the same,

            Decaying more and more,

                  Till he became

                        Most poore:

                        With thee

                  O let me rise

            As larks, harmoniously,

      And sing this day thy victories:

Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

My tender age in sorrow did beginne

      And still with sicknesses and shame.

            Thou didst so punish sinne,

                  That I became

                        Most thinne.

                        With thee

                  Let me combine,

            And feel thy victorie:

         For, if I imp my wing on thine,

Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

(Note: Be sure to read the archaic definition of "imp", as relates to falconry.
And check out the cool old manuscripts and discussion at the link in the poem title.)

Dewdroprism, Corvallis, Montana

If you're ever out hiking and desperately miss your velveteen bunny rabbit, a fuzzy leaf of Common Mullein will stand in as an emergency substitute. ("I will name him George, and I will hug him and pet him....") More commonly, mullein is used as a medicinal poultice and brewed in a tea to treat varied respiratory complaints. (And some promote it's qualities for an even more common purpose as, ahem, shall we say cowboy papier de toilette.)

Skyscape 3, Stevensville, Montana

“In the Delta, most of the world seemed sky. The clouds were large - larger than horses or houses, larger than boats or churches or gins, larger than anything except the fields the Fairchilds planted.” - Eudora Welty, “Delta Wedding”, page 4

Commuter View, Eastside Highway, Corvallis, Montana

Yes, this is a prime example of why many people trade in ready access to opera and shopping for shorter commutes with a world-class Montana view. Just play it safe and come armed with an income not dependent on the local economy.

Skyscape 2, Stevensville, Montana

"Thoughts went out of her head and the landscape filled it."
- Eudora Welty, "Delta Wedding", p.4, 1946 hardcover edition

My sister emailed from Asia yesterday specifically to check up on me. Since I haven't posted comments beneath this week's photos, she wanted to be sure I was okay.  (Kind of her to not phrase her concern more at, "I've never known you at a loss for words - you should check your temperature!" But that's not her usual style - my sisters are grand humourists, but they default to sincere kindness.)

The Eudora Welty quote is a fitting answer to her sisterly query. 
It perfectly describes a common mental state in Montana.
When - not "if"!- you come visit, you'll see what I mean.

Boundary Sentinels, Stevensville, Montana

Spring Skyscape 1, Corvallis, Montana