Lately

No where really to start except to acknowledge that it's been about four months since I last did a blog post. Between now and then, well, a lot has happened, both good and bad. There's too much to get into in one post. Suffice to say, for now, that Jeff and I are doing well and we're thankful for all the many, wonderful blessings we encounter on a daily basis.

It's odd, after such a long time off, to think about getting back into this again. Getting back into blogging. Thinking about putting into words everything that's happened between August 30 and now seems more than a little daunting. In due time.

For today, mostly to ease myself back into this process, I'm simply going to write briefly about one thing we have been doing lately: skiing. Specifically, we've been blessed with great snowfall this December--perfect snow for cross-country skiing.

Since Jeff and I purchased cross-country/Nordic skis a few years ago for our Christmas presents to ourselves, we've typically had a few opportunities each winter to use them skiing around our farm and in the road ditches near where we live. This year, I've already had my skis out three times and it's only December! Love it! The skis have been a lovely vehicle for deeper exploration of the pastures of the family farm.

Take a look at a few photos...

 We have to make our own tracks on the farm, but that's OK. It's great exercise and it's so satisfying to ski entirely within the borders of one's own land. My ski-in, ski-out chalet happens to be my own home! Just lacking a hot tub... ;)

Abby photobombed in the background, coming down the hill.

 I love the way snow piles among the sagebrush and other plants out in the pasture, and then the wind manipulates and carves into it. Dunes of sparkling snow.

 Lately has also been somewhat chilly. It hasn't been above freezing on the farm for a few weeks now. Sage Creek, which flows through our pastures, is completely iced up and is also great skiing as the wind has blown snow into the creek bed. I managed another selfie (below). No selfie stick required. Just propped the phone up on a tuft of grass and hit the timer.

 Anyone remember Iggy? He's still with us. He LOVES to go for walks, runs, and skis, especially in the pastures. With his shaggy coat, he was made for winter. He's a happy pup.

Old Ig, as we often call him.

 Jeff and I took turns breaking trail on a nice ski on the creek a few days ago. So peaceful and lovely down in there, protected from the wind.

Happy ski faces! 

I think I'll try to tackle some of the bigger events that have happened this fall one post at a time, including our health, the 5K On the Farm, and the big move. Be patient with me as I ease myself back into this!!!

Until next time, everyone! Let me know if you're still reading....

"A Weight Worth Waiting For"

In Montana, we are blessed with beautiful, inspiring landscapes and people.  One of the best showcases for both of these is the magazine Montana Quarterly, published by Big Sky Publishing, out of Bozeman. Some of the best writers and photographers in the state are routinely featured in this  award winning magazine.

Each issue of Montana Quarterly features a spotlight article on a town in Montana, usually a small town.  The issue that recently came out this fall did an article on Chester, which is one of our anchors to the Hi-Line for supplies and groceries, and also the town where I work.  The article was written by one of my favorite Montana writers, Jeff Hull.

The article is appropriately titled, "Small Town that Lives Big," and covers what might seem to be a renaissance of activity in Chester.  As a newcomer, I learned a few things I didn't know about Chester and the people who call it home, but what won me over most about the article (writing nerd that I am!) was Jeff Hull's tremendous prose.

Take this excerpt, the second paragraph of the article:

"This is a land of exquisite patience. It requires footfalls.  It can only be solved by gazing both at the horizon and at your feet, by opening your nose and breathing what the growth of wheat smells like, by crumbling the soil between your fingertips, by noticing the way the wind wants to comb your hair.  Amid such fastness, each single note of bird song acquires a weight worth waiting for.  Be still, and you will be deeply moved." 

This short paragraph puts into words how I have felt this land should be approached.  With stillness and patience.  In a sense, Hull's words are the Mission Statement for this blog.  There is more here than meets the eye.

If you see an issue of Montana Quarterly at your local newsstand, pick it up.  It is always worth the money spent.  And, if you're looking for a good book, check out Jeff Hull's book Pale Morning Done, perhaps at your local bookstore.  If not, there's always Amazon.  I recommend taking your issue of Montana Quarterly or your copy of Pale Morning Done, and heading out to an open space with a lawn chair or blanket and a good glass of wine.  As you read, take pause now and again-  "Be still, and you will be deeply moved."