Beyond the Cold and Dark

Embracing the Quiet of Winter

Steve McGann

To overstate the obvious, winter contains two basic things – dark, and cold. One momentous early human discovery dealt with both of these obstacles to life. That was fire. This advance brought on more than light and warmth. Soon there was…

When All Else Fails

Jeff Beyl

I was writing about autumn in Montana. Specifically, about fly-fishing the Yellowstone River in autumn. I added the cottonwood leaves turning bright orange and yellow and they would let loose from the branches as a breeze came by and they fluttered…

Connecting Community

Angie Ripple

I recently came across a quote that really hit home with me: “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” As I reflect on my journey as the founder of this local publication…

The Babbling Brook and other Cliches

Jeff Beyl

Why don’t you describe the sound of the river to the students,” the teacher prompted from the back of the classroom.When I was young, I always dreaded having to stand up and talk in front of the class. But this time I was not a student. I…

Been There, Done That Got The Hat

Steve McGann

The saying, “Been there, done that, got the t-shirt” mildly pokes fun at people who did stuff and, even before they could brag about it you knew about their exploits, because their t-shirt advertised it. They had been to parks, climbed…