Scenes of the Week

Monday-Wake up to a Choteau, Montana sunrise day.

Tuesday-Winter blues day. Complain to the trees.

Wednesday- Time to watch those wonderful Upper Seymour Lake waves glisten in the sun.

Thursday-Slide down a canyon's throat for fun.

Friday-Fields of flowers in Glacier National Park brighten the day.

Saturday-The day of sun and sand on a beach in Hawaii.

The last day is Sunday-Let your choice of view impress you!

Dark is our Teacher

     Throughout the past few months, there have been multiple suicides in my town. Everyone in my school feels the losses as a pain of their own and the community wants to ensure that people get help before it's too late. I attended a lantern lighting ceremony last night to honor the suicide victims and their families. It was a great event that helped start healing, closure, and hope. The event also triggered some thoughts of my own relating to my experiences.

     The poem below is what I wrote to explain that believe it or not, the phrase "it gets better" is true. I want people to stick around to be able to realize this and learn that tough times do make people stronger. Everything else I post about in my blog can't be enjoyed if a person isn't alive to experience it. Everyone has their purpose in the world, from something small like making someone laugh from a joke stated in class or something large like contributing to a long lasting friendship. People need to remember to stay strong and that every storm passes, no matter how hopeless and weak they feel at the moment.

Lessons from the Dark

The world is a magnificent place, yet we can’t enjoy it if we are nonexistent.

I know the feeling of being weighted down so much that I thought I could never be lifted.

But, stemming from the darkest times of my life are the reasons why I must overcome strife.

Down deep in a hole was where I learned what I never thought a person could know.

Climbing out to the edge was a glorious relief.

Mirroring the climb, my new-found perspectives are steep.

I know the field of utmost despair.

I know the profound appreciation of life a person gains from having to sit there.

I know the anguish of being banished from the sun.

I know the overflowing of love a person has to give after the battle is won.

I know the fear of not knowing tomorrow.

I know the fighter inside someone who overcomes sorrow.

I know frailty and meekness, destruction and hate.

I know that healing is possible, no matter how long we must patiently wait.

I might feel regret for my darkened past and the mistakes I made in my life.

But, I know that people will never achieve deeper knowledge and brighter selves unless they stay strong through strife.

Don’t give up on yourself or the people that surround you.

You have lessons to learn that will surely astound you.

by Jessica Herzog

Lunch with the Birds

Various Mountain Chickadees eat at "Feeding Post", Montana's best restaurant for birds.

"Are there any open tables?"

This Steller's Jay reserved the exclusive table on the porch. He must be a king!

"We Clark's Nutcrackers enjoy dining at Feeding Post too!"

No one wants to pass up a feast.

"This place sure beats robbing food from the campers!"

"Now if only the birders would stop taking pictures...There's food in my feathers!"

The Reasons why I Wrote Imajin8

I'm not the owner of a single track mind.
I perpetually crave a new view.
Luckily I reside in a world where ideas are far from few.

I have brain built for thinking and legs made strong for walking.
With enough ambition the world is mine for the taking.

We can all open our front doors.
We can find new inspiration.
Boredom only happens when creativity stops flowing.

If I could make the world better and light up a few faces I could accomplish a purpose.
I want to show people that contentment can come in surplus.

Let's take a step outside.
Let's turn the wheel of creation.
I can assure you greatness will come sans hesitation.

Just open your mind.
Discover new a new view.
Imagine what can happen from the power of you!

by Jessica Herzog

Skiing Far and Wide

     Winter seems like the dreariest time for many people. Seemingly, the only way to pass time is to sit inside, hoping for the snow to melt.  However, fun times await those who seek them... even in winter. Cross country skiing is enjoyable, inexpensive, and can be done almost anywhere from golf courses to lodges. All you need to enjoy winter is the urge to get off the couch an onto the trails!

     I have been cross country skiing only a handful of times, but the perfect place makes me want to go as much as possible. Homestake Lodge is one of those great places you will want to come back to. "Homestake" is one of many places cross country skiing can be done in and around Butte, Montana. There are a multitude of beautiful trails from easy glides to steep hills that make a novice's heart race. Great food is served in the lodge, and you can even rent out equipment. (Visit their website, www.homestakelodge.com , for more information.) My adventure was sure to be memorable at this place.


After putting on my gear and checking the map, I was ready to hit the trails. Cross country skiing takes some getting used to, but there were lots of beginner trails to choose from.

Cross country skiing can be enjoyed with family and friends. Even your dog can come along! I had a great day with my mom and brother. 

Seeing all the fabulous scenery made up for the times that I got scared skiing down a hill or fell down. Tall trees and frozen ponds highlighted by a bright winter sun sure beat watching the re-runs of  tv shows I saw last week!

My first time skiing at Homestake Lodge was a great experience. I traded my couch for the outdoors, and had a fabulous day. I'm even hoping winter will last a bit longer so I can ski more. Give cross country skiing a try the next time you are bored and have a few hours ahead of you. The scenery, fun times, and memories made will be worth it!