A tipi painted by a dearest friend, a Sioux. At the home of another dear friend, a Crow. Not a drop of indigenous of my own, but around me the blessings of friendship. My childhood in Oklahoma, the territory originally built with tears. A state constitution stolen...

Grand Tetons loom over the meadow where I rest. The universe reminds me of the gift of life. All my senses are engaged. This day, I know I am loved. The next day, a moment of zen.

Will we be alright? As we are reminded of our foibles. The pain of being human, imperfect in our thoughts and deeds. We reflect and reset with true forgiveness for each other. An internal race to find peace in one day, a fast burden. And heighten our attention to...

Fallen across the earth reflecting truth. A lone figure reset by her dear friend. Always faithful. Always welcoming, profound and sweet. This morning I reflected on the blessings of the clarity of Montana. Fresh with the glory of simplicity. The wonder of this massive...

August in Montana. The rest of the world bakes and burns. I contemplate if it's too hot to weed. The shade and breeze provide for a nice walk with Benny. We will walk, not weed. It's Saturday.

The Great Pyrenees, 100 pounds of fluffy and white. A sweet girl gives kisses and belly rubs. The doxies crawl on her, sleep with her, take food from her mouth. Quiet and soft, a princess in her grass bed, Or the hole she digs in the dirt. That is her favorite place...

Native. Restored. Good. A constant vigil from one season to the next. The enemy lies in wait, sneaking around every rock, under every root. Ready to spring into invasive action, unable to retreat. Aha, I say. I see you, Mustard. And you, Cheat. And you, Broad Leaf. I...

This engine, Engine 78, was lost in the Harris Fire on Farewell Road. My friend and firefighter Dan Steffensen almost died that day. This photo begins what the citizens of Red Lodge remember as the Summer of Hell, the start of the Robertson Draw Fire on June 13, 2021....

We don't need clocks in the mountains. We wake up with the sun. Our day is guided by the trending shade. Late in the day, darkening Beartooth skies tell us to head for home. When a sudden downpour reminds us to plan dinner. After the rain, the pine and sage aroma...

Gandalf was not alone. Other great philosophers include Scarlet and Annie. Life teaches us to wait until morning. Problems or darkness that sinks us in the night disappears when we rise with the sun.