Sunday Morning’s Quiet Fog - Missoula, Montana

drive through fogged in streets - 
wintry brisk, this quiet town -
to grandness unveiled  

Just Pay Attention - Missoula, Montana

“It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.”
— Praying by Mary Oliver (1935-2019)

Grateful, Fruitful - Missoula, Montana

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
– Marcel Proust (1871-1922)

Common Things - Missoula, Montana

“One should use common words to say uncommon things.”

-Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

Off-Season Reflections - Polson, Montana

 “... And I'm just a reflection of the love that I've been given 
Everybody wants to be somebody, I wanna be somebody too

If I'm gonna be known for something, I wanna be known for You...”

- from “Be The Moon” by Chris Tomlin

On Sunset And Friendship - Livingston, Montana

“Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.”  
-Washington Irving (1763-1859)

Looking Left - Livingston, Montana

Today, I have good news! Well, at least within a very small proverbial sphere...of me, myself, and I...but I sincerely wish this same news upon you (and you, and you-ou!) also, which is: This morning, I pulled on a pair of tweedy winter trousers that I haven’t worn since last winter...AND THEY FIT JUST FINE!!! Those of you who have worked from home for any stretch within the past 10 months understand why this is cause for all-caps and exclamation points. So, take heart (plus nap, walk in the snow, and eat more good protein and salad) and be nice to yourself!

Friday 13th Regroup - Near Livingston, Montana

Spooky Friday the 13th Thought:

After working so hard and continuously to root out passive aggressive behaviours gleaned from various childhood influencers, I (literally) laughed out loud today upon realizing that - ironically - the ability to speak this language is now a useful item in my very own corporate toolbox. Spooky but true that people i like will sometimes just not respond to a clearly worded message yet will digest the same message carefully couched in the most obtusely apologetic phrases you wish you did not have to craft.

But all is not lost! At least these days I know when I tilt that direction, and its a last resort to attain a worthwhile goal! Plus, these things propel you out into wide open, soul-saving, deep-breathing spaces.