Your Community Builder
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Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, several friends went walking one morning, through the nearby park, along some hills, loving and appreciating the view, enjoying their time together. Gal #1: “I’m out of water, I’ll soon need a drink. Are we about to the end of this trail?” The second gal mentioned that she was having a hard time breathing. Gal #3 mentioned a notice about the air quality being fairly good but the Grass Pollen was high; they WERE on a lot of grass, so, of course, breathing probably was a bit hard. The...
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, You have given to us some days that are special and worth a celebration and there’s one very special one this Sunday, that would be THE 4th of JULY! May we pause to consider what it means to be an American. America was not founded on the idea of being “free-lunch” – we are given the opportunity to work and to feel good about ourselves and we are to help others. Your Word says we are to pray for our leaders, too. A friend shared the little piece below which says it so very well. The au...
To many of us, Independence Day is celebrated with rodeo. I hope that as you are celebrating this year with big beef burgers and a rodeo and hopefully no fireworks due to the extreme fire danger in this drought, you take some time to reflect on this amazing country that we are lucky to live in. I am pretty sure that I have gone to a rodeo on the fourth of July almost every year of my life. One of the best explanations of what rodeo is about was written by an amazing young rodeo cowboy that I have the privilege of knowing, Cha...
Those of you who follow Facebook probably know that I made a trip to Ekalaka last week. Actually it wasn’t so much a trip to Ekalaka as a trip to Camp Needmore for a family reunion. I did get to Ekalaka and will tell you of my impressions. First the trip; I flew from Sacramento to Denver and then rode to Ekalaka with my sister Marti and her husband Roy Cornwell. I asked for wheelchair service for the trip since I have trouble walking. That was a real lifesaver, instead of being worn out, I was quite able to function n...
As I sit here today on Father's Day, I find it hard to believe that my father would have turned 102 this July. He has been gone for 24 years, but he still lives large in my memory. He was one of those people with the classic cowboy look, and that look landed him on the front of the Montana map tipping his hat during the 80's. During that time, he would be approached by tourists to have him sign their maps. The name of the photographer was identified as Harley Hettick, so when...
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, a friend mentioned that she and several friends had a difficult time trying to go to sleep. Taking pills didn’t help, neither did going to bed early or working late. ‘J.J.’ smiled and said, “You wanna hear how I DO IT?” Of course, they wanted to hear. She mentioned that she’d read somewhere about reciting the alphabet – like WHAT? So, struggling with some depression, she thought she would give that a try. But – what was it she was going to alphabetize; she tried naming some famil...
Fourth of July at Belltower Hall - back - when growing up, I recall that it was fifty dollars worth - and it may have increased after the initial startup, But it was such a great time for a kid - firecrackers and sparklers - and booms and spark showers radiated - in the darkened sky, Those times still set within a friendly way with me - a summer peacefulness - even with the excitement - before our eyes. Jimmy Carroll (1932-2010) - would always set them off - us kids were not allowed close - in case something would erupt, And...
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, a 3-generation family occupies a row in church. The young family has three little children; Mamma holds the baby, 2-year-old hugs Daddy, the 4-year-old climbs onto the seats, walks over to Grandpa; the audience stands, singing. Gramps knows she’s there, but waits until she pats his arm, turns, smiles and picks her up. She hugs him just as little sister hugs daddy; she puts her head on his shoulder and shuts her eyes. So cute. Dads and Fathers, may you pay attention to what and how our...
Summer is the time when I decide to roll up my sleeves and clean out some junk. However, my parents were children of the Great Depression, so I can still hear their voices ringing in my ears when I think about pitching stuff that could potentially have some use in the future--even though it has received no usage within the last 25 years. Marilee Robinson of Billings, Montana sent me her delightful book “East Meets West,” and one of her essays, which I have abridged this week, is called “Throwin' It Out.” I love her style o...
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, a friend mentioned some interesting dates throughout the WHOLE calendar, but she really liked those in June; the one that gave her a chuckle was the 9th, Donald Duck Day, his first appearance was in 1934. She also loves Iced Tea and there was a DAY for that also – the 10th! She thought National Loving Day, the 12th, was really special, too as well as it was also Peanut Butter Cookie Day. Flag Day is the 14th, National Fudge Day is the 16th, her Daddy really likes the 17th as it is...
Happy Spring to all! It has been some beautiful weather, but would be nice to see some more moisture. Just thought it was time to share some notes from the Mayor and a few reminders. It is spring and moving into summer. Please show your pride in the community and keep your lawns mowed and trimmed. Keep sidewalks clean. If you have an elderly neighbor, or a vacant property next to you, think about paying it forward and pitch in. Ekalaka has good people, so I have no doubt you...
"Have you lost your mind?" Millie Woolley asked. "Yes, I thought you were smarter than that!" added Shelly Carroccia, as we stood outside the papered over storefront windows of the boutique my daughter Brooke and I are starting on McLeod Street in Big Timber. Of course, these women whom I greatly respect and admire, know what they are talking about regarding running a business and working really hard past retirement age, so I decided to completely disregard their warnings. Afterall, what could go wrong with our business plan...
Have you considered selling your harvest or homemade jams at a farmers market? Do you know what it takes to become a farmers market group with other farmers like you? Would you like to join a farmers market group? Farmers markets are a great way to connect with people while making some extra income. There are a variety of ways to be a part of a farmers market group or a vendor at a single event. Southeast Montana has an array of farmers markets and stands available throughout the summer. Local producers from Terry, Glendive,...
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, when one thinks about Dairy Products, we might wonder which are the most important for the well-being of the human body. Just ask anybody, and they’ll perhaps say that Ice Cream is probably the most favorite of all dairy products. Of ice cream, it’s been said that it is: cool, creamy, refreshing, and comforting. Like a gentle prairie breeze, clear skies, warm sunshine, ice cream sweeps over one – it is healthy, refreshing and relaxing. In a spiritual way, Lord, Your Word is like th...
I receive many submissions from readers, and I love to share them. However, in my 26 years of writing this column, I believe this is the funniest piece any reader has ever sent me. Thanks, Tom Ogle of Paris, Illinois for making me laugh out loud recalling your fond adventures on a Montana ranch in this story entitled "Montana Flat Tires and Rattlesnakes." On October 3, 2015 my dream of becoming "Tom Selleck in Montana" quickly became "Tom Ogle, just make it back to Paris, Illinois.” I had negotiated a stay at a real w...
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, without hope there seems to be nothing to fight for. Without hope we forget: “God is great. With HIM nothing is impossible.” Hope, like seeds, can’t grow unless they’re planted. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, You, Lord, smile from above and say, “Relax, dear one, it’s just a bend, not the end.” When You solve our problems, we have faith in Your abilities and when You don’t solve our problems, You have faith in our abilities. Could be we’re to see the Big Picture...
by Susan Metcalf With Memorial Day coming up on Monday, I feel it is important to remember that Memorial Day is about much more than barbecues and a day off. It is a time to remember and honor loved ones and fallen heroes, and it is also important to thank all veterans for their service. I love this Facebook essay so much that I have to share an excerpt from "Memorial Day: A Time for Heroes" by Nancy Sullivan Geng: I picked up the photo and turned it over. Yellowing tape held a prayer card that read: "Lloyd 'Bud' Heitzman,...
My column about aging awhile back brought several suggestions on how to combat aging including advice on where to get the best deal on orthotic inserts for my shoes to suggestions that if I would forego wearing foundation, cross my heart undergarments, it would help pull the wrinkles out of my face. Although those were helpful hints, I decided it might be easier to just change the way I perceive the aging process. As branding season is upon us, it underscores that cowboying with your grown children is a humbling experience....
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: Several of us took a trip to the Big City. Lord, what totally awesome views You have created! We for sure noticed the change in seasons, the sprinkling of snow still on the North side of draws, hills, berms and roofs of buildings, too cool! The Highwood Mountains were stunning. A thrill to see a small band of sheep and baby lambs, herds of cattle and frisky black baby calves, they were so cute against the little spots of white snow; then three geese in a field near some antelope, and fields of w...
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, the cloud formations, from our point of view here on our hilltop, are breathtaking! We do need rain in our area. One minute it looks like rain clouds bounding over the horizon; a bit later, the sun is bursting through again in a teasing way. The rain drops are so few and far between in our particular area and the valley of trees below really do need a wash job. So glad You are in charge of the weather, Lord and that You can handle that job. That would be quite a feat for any of us t...
Many years ago in the mail I received a hilarious self-published book from Maralee Robinson of Billings, Montana. It is called "East Meets West: Real Dude Meets Real Cowboy: Indoor Plumbing Meets Outdoor Plumbing, and All the Things They Have in Common." The book is a collection of reflections of a city girl who married a cowboy. The book was somewhat longer than the title, and it was so funny I couldn't put it down. Maralee dedicated the book to her cowboy husband, their children, any woman married to a cowboy, or any woman...
Sunday is Mother's Day, so I would like to wish all mothers a special day. Those of us who have lost our mothers realize how time spent with our mothers is more valuable than any other gift we could give or be given. I have never written a column that has been requested for reprint more than this column I wrote about my mother and our journey through Alzheimer's together. My mother, Florence Roberts, has been gone for 15 years, but sadly Alzheimer's Disease stole her from me several years before that. Every year on Mother's...
Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, a couple of us gals were comparing our weeks, days; then the question of how we slept popped up. THAT’S an interesting subject; believe it or not, a few of us could relate to lack of sleep. Jill mentioned her past lack of sleep: “Is it really considered ‘misplacing’ if the misplaced object is yourself? Yup – that was me. The rest of my story: I went to use the bathroom, came out later … my husband asked me what I had been doing in there for almost four hours. Oops – I must have dozed...
A few years back, a young man came to the ranch to learn all he could about cowboying during calving season. Of course, I talked him into writing a guest column for me to chronicle his experience. The following story chronicles his impression of ranch life on our outfit. My name is Bryan Bade. I am from St. Louis, Missouri, and I am spending two months on the Metcalf Ranch learning as much as I can about ranching and cowboying. I have learned so much I could write a book, but Susan told me this can only be 1000 words long....
My father’s family is traced back to West Virginia, which was still Virginia when my great-great and great-grandfather lived there before moving west. There are Curry/Currey family reunions in West Virginia to this day. I was told by a cousin there that all people with our name in WV are related. ‘Currey’ and ‘Curry’ were used interchangeably, there at that time. I researched this part of the family the last few years using Ancestry.com and other sources. It is postulated that the family may have come from Northeast...
