406 Woman Vol.5. No.4

W h e r e M o n ta na G e t s E n g ag e d www.McGoughandCo.com

131 Central Avenue Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-9199 800-862-9199

Featured Stories

Wellness

outdoor woman

HEALTH

16 Samaritan House 20 FNBP

Getaway

24 Great Northern

54 Change 56 fitness

58 Skincare 60 sugar pills

406 Love

Family

34 Michael & Frankie 36 Jason & Annie

History

Food & Flavor

Art

30 Dan & Jody

38 Showthyme

contents

406 64 Engage

66 ALICE IVERS

70 Feat x Feet

42 Our Holiday Spirits

72 Big City Talent

44 Holiday Appetizers

76 Young classical stars

Home

50 A Home for Life

406

WOMAN 8

78 Book Review

w o m a n

406 publisher

Cindy Gerrity cindy@montanasky.net

business manager

Daley McDaniel daley@montanasky.net

editor

Kristen Pulsifer Kristen@whitefishstudycenter.com

director & design

Sara Joy Pinnell ayourartisan@yahoo.com

photographers Scott Wilson scott@scotteilson-photography.com Molly Claridge mclaridge@bresnan.net Rachel Catlett rachel@rachellynnphotography.com Daniel Seymour montanasharpeye@gmail.com

Cover Girl

St ephani e Bu f f k i n Stephanie Sellards Buffkin was born and raised in southeast A laska. She and her family moved to the flathead valley when she was 16. S tephanie currently lives in K alispell with her husband D an and their 3 girls . A va (9) E lle (4) and I sla (2).

S he is now a crazy stay at home " dance mom".

Photo by: Molly Claridge (www.bestillphotographymt.com.) s t y l e d b y 57 B o u t i q u e o f W h i t e f i s h hair/make up by Melanie Hobus Published by Skirts Publishing six times a year 6477 Hwy 93 S Suite 138, Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-1545 info@406woman.com Copyright©2012 Skirts Publishing

View current and past issues of 406 Woman at w w w . 4 0 6 W o m a n . c o m 406

WOMAN 10

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contributors

Er i n B l air

licensed Esthetician, is owner of the Skin Therapy Studio. Specializing in the effective treatment of acne and aging, Erin helps people have skin they can be proud of. She has trained with the best Acne Specialists in the country, and now brings world class acne therapy home to the Flathead Valley. Erin resides in Whitefish with her husband and daughter, where they enjoy nine months of winter and three months of company every year.

For help with problem skin, visit SkinTherapyStudio.com.

Sc ott W ilson

has lived in Montana for 6 years and is the owner of Scott Wilson Photography, located near Bigfork, Montana. He specializes in portrait, event, and landscape photography. When he's not wielding the camera, he likes to spend time with his family exploring the outdoors, building furniture in his woodworking shop, and scouting the surrounding area for great new portrait locations. Scott is excited to be the newest contributor to such a wonderful regional magazine as 406 Woman Magazine, and he hopes that his photographs will grace the pages in many more issues. Visit his web site or FB page to view his work. www. scottwilson-photography.com www.facebook.com/scottwilsonphoto

Heidi Long

Photographer Heidi Long has a passion for fine food, creative architecture, and social advocacy. Because of her dream job, Heidi was able to photograph and write about all three of these interests for this issue. Schooled at the Art Institute of Chicago and educated in life, Heidi’s energy, vision, and inventiveness have made her an indispensable partner in her clients’ marketing efforts. Her work is regularly featured in national ad campaigns, editorial publications, and, most prominently, on her mother’s refrigerator. She lives in Kalispell with her husband and two sons.

Del ia B uckmaster

Mom, fitness addict and health coach, Delia Buckmaster is the owner of Exhale Pilates Studio, a boutique fitness studio located in the beautiful resort town of Whitefish, Montana. Delia received her Full Pilates Certification in LA through STOTT ® Pilates. With over 10 years of fitness experience and a background in competitive sports, her belief that Pilates is the foundation for fitness makes her a leader in training your body and your mind. Living outside of the mainstream has not stopped her success in bringing the latest trends in fitness to Montana, including TRX ® Suspension Training ™ and Barre Fitness. Delia believes that the key to optimal health is not only fitness but a balance between healthy relationships, a fulfilling career, healthy eating, and spirituality. This belief led her into a career in health coaching through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City, a cutting edge leader in holistic education.

Thomas deHoo p, MD

Dr. deHoop moved to Kalispell from Cincinnati, OH in 2011 to join Kalispell Regional Medical Center and practice with Kalispell OB/GYN. Dr. deHoop attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and completed his internship there as well. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and served as an Associate Professor of obstetrics and gynecology. While in Cincinnati, Dr. deHoop was named among “Best Doctors in America” and “Best Doctors in Cincinnati” since 2006, as well as being recognized with several teaching awards from the College of Medicine. He practices general obstetrics and gynecology, with a special interest in robotic and minimally invasive surgery. He came to Kalispell with more than five years of experience using the daVinci® robotic surgery system.

Dr. deHoop has family ties to the Flathead Valley and completed a rotation here during his medical school training in the early 1990’s.

Since then, he had made it his goal to one day return to Northwest Montana for private practice. He and his wife, Betty, have three sons.

Abby Stanf ord

has a bachelors degree in photography and advertising. As a published freelance photographer Abby enjoys working with new people and new settings. She pursues her photography across the globe but is happy to consider Whitefish one of her "homes." To view Abby's work or contact her, please visit her website: abbydellphotography.com

C r isMar ie C amp bel l C hr is Enss

has been writing about women of the American West for more than a dozen years. She loves Western culture and travels extensively, collecting research for her books. She received the Spirit of the West Alive award, cosponsored by the Wild West Gazette, celebrating her efforts to keep the spirit of the Old West alive for future generations. Enss currently lives in a historic gold-mining town in Northern California.

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WOMAN 12

has been a consultant and coach for over 17 years, working with teams, couples and individuals. She also enjoys being on stage, painting and writing. As a result, her coaching specialty is working with actors, athletes and executives as a Performance Coach, helping people bring more of who they are to what they do, to create the results they want.

For the last decade she has had her own Management Consulting and Coaching business, Thrive! Inc., with her partner Susan Clarke. CrisMarie is an Olympian who participated in the 1988 Olympic Games. She is a Master Certified Martha Beck Coach, has her Diploma in Counseling from The Haven Institute, an International Training Center in BC, Canada, and an MBA from the University of Washington. You can contact her at: crismarie@thriveinc.com.

note} from the editor

Where’s the snow? The holidays are here, and I am having trouble feeling festive because the ground is brown. Hopefully this issue of 406 Woman Magazine can get those of you who are suffering from the same ‘lack of white ground’ syndrome as I am, into the holiday spirit.

406 Woman has many wonderful articles to indulge in, while curled up in your home on a cold dreary day. Everything from reports on true love and magnificent weddings to how to better manage your finances and business is available in this issue’s pages.

And, there’s Fondue! I have not thought of this wonderful treat in a long time, but what fun. Fondue is a great holiday meal or desert to serve to and enjoy with friends and family over the holiday. You may also find some other seasonal treats as you shuffle through the pages.

Don’t forget the books. Check out 406 Woman’s book reviews for either a great holiday read or a thoughtful gift. Books are wonderful gifts that can be passed around for a life time.

Enjoy your holidays, and I hope this 406 Woman issue will give you some informative reads to take with you through the holiday season. Stay warm, be safe and celebrate happily a beautiful time of year.

Happy Holidays-

Kristen Kristen Pulsifer Editor

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featured} Samaritan House

T h e P ow e r o f G r ay Samaritan House Homeless Shelter Story and photos by Heidi A. Long

If you ask anyone to name the opposite of “black” you’ll undoubtedly hear, “white”. If you proceed with “short, fat, good, smart”, the replies come just as quickly and easily. An interesting phenomenon occurs, however, when you ask for a word that is similar instead of opposite. There’s a pause before the reply. The answers don’t come as naturally to us. We seem to be hard wired to identify things that contrast. Thinking in terms of black and white provides us with simple answers in our very complex lives. The problem with this is that we miss the Power of Gray. In a black and white photograph there’s very little that’s actually black or white. The beauty and details are most often revealed in the countless shades of gray.

We do this with people too, by pointing out our differences instead of seeking our similarities. The faces you see here are the faces of homelessness in our valley- men, women and children who have stayed at the Samaritan House within the past year and a half. Are these the “shady” characters so many of us imagined? These Shades of Gray, like all of us, have their own story to tell. They’re veterans, mothers, carpenters, husbands, writers, machinists, cashiers, Democrats, Republicans. They are our neighbors.

406

WOMAN 16

Every year thousands of people struggle with homelessness right here in the Flathead Valley. Samaritan House provides 65 beds and three meals a day to men, women, and children. In 2011 we served nearly 1600 people. We serve people of all ages and races.

The percentage of homeless families in our shelter is almost twice that of the national average. 42% of our clients are homeless because of an unforeseen financial event such as job loss or foreclosure. 24% are veterans, 22% of our clients are staying with us because of domestic violence, 11% are homeless because of a medical event and 7% suffer from mental illness. These numbers add up to more than 100% because some of our clients are here for multiple reasons. While there is certainly a high percentage of substance abuse in the general homeless population, the residents of the Samaritan House cannot use alcohol or drugs or they forfeit their right to stay. If someone can’t go 30 days without these substances then they aren’t ready to be in our shelter. We aren’t a drug treatment facility. Samaritan House screens out registered violent and sexual offenders. We are here to serve the homeless who are trying to get themselves back on track.

Until about three years ago, when the recession hit hard, 80-90% of the residents at our shelter were employed. That number has dropped dramatically with the loss of jobs in the area. Each of our residents has a caseworker to help them set and achieve

financial goals, find employment if they are jobless, and make positive life changes. All residents at the shelter share in the daily chores (sweeping, mopping, laundry, washing dishes, etc) and no one is allowed to be in the rooms during the day as they are expected to be working or looking for work. People can stay with us rent-free for 30 days with a lifetime maximum of 3, 30 day stays. Families are generally allowed to stay for longer periods. Since it’s extremely difficult to go directly from homelessness to the private rental market, we offer 19 transitional housing units and 31 semi-permanent apartments for which residents pay no more than a certain percentage of their income.

The rental income from these units helps to keep our shelter sustainable.

These portraits offer us an opportunity to face our own stereotypes and misconceptions about homelessness and look deeper into the subtle yet powerful shades of gray.

Who Cares? The question is asked not with sarcasm but with enthusiasm because the answer is that an amazing number of people right here in our valley do care- very much. Every year, the Samaritan House homeless shelter is supported by over 170 private donors, 50 local businesses, 21 churches, 5 community and family foundations as well as countless volunteers. Thank you. The only reason we are able to do all we do is because you care. Please call 257-5801 if you’d like to help too.

featured}

Samaritan House

From top left to right: Who cares if a father and his son are living on the street? Who cares if a working man needs a little extra help to make it through a rough time? Who Cares if an army veteran with a quick smile struggles to survive in the face of disability and homelessness? Who cares if a man has a job and a wife but no home? Who cares if an employed veteran, who could be your mother, just needs a place to stay until she can find affordable housing? Who cares if a deaf woman faces barriers every single day that most of us can barely imagine? Who cares if a hard working family with two children and 2 full time jobs needs a place to stay until they can regain their independence? Who cares if all he needs is a twin bed in a room shared with 5 others and three meals a day to regain his dignity so he can start over? Who cares if a woman has lost her hearing and her home and now is losing her sight?

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outdoor woman}

FNBP

Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol The call-out came through late in the afternoon. Two teenage girls were lost somewhere off Big Mountain with night quickly approaching.

It had been one of those beautiful, inversion days on “The Big” where the snow ghosts look like pillars of glitter. Like most people that day, the two girls had decided to ditch some layers at the Summit Lodge.

They took off to explore the terrain, as they were unfamiliar with the mountain, and quickly found themselves lost. The notorious Big Mountain fog was slowly creeping back in, and with the descending sun quickly disappearing behind the 406

WOMAN 20

By Katie Edmiston Photos by Fly Out Media

silhouetted horizon, the reality of their situation sank in. As luck would have it, after a bit of trudging through knee-deep snow, they established enough cell service to place a 911 call. The dispatcher on duty determined their coordinates, and told them to “Stay put!”

In the meantime, the responding Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrollers were organizing and being briefed. With team roles assigned, off into the dark with headlamps and loaded packs they went.

Fortunately, the rare luxury of GPS coordinates expedited the search, and around 11:30 pm the patrol team reached the site

of the coordinates. After a few moments of calling out, muffled voices could be heard. While trying to determine the location of the voices, out of a large slash pile crawled two very cold, scared, and thankful girls.

Alice Ford, a dedicated and natural leader of the patrol, quickly attended to them.

After determining they were not suffering either frostbite or any injury, she and the other patrollers warmed them up to the point they were able to hike out under their own power. At 1:00 am, the thankful girls were finally reunited with their families.

outdoor woman}

This is just one example of the many call-outs the Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol (FNBP) has responded to over the course of 32 years. The FNBP traces its roots to the Nordic trails of the Isaac Walton Inn in Essex, Montana. In the 1970’s, the patrol primarily served just the trails, but within just a few years, a broader demand for their service incited a name change and organizational restructuring. Today, the non-profit group is comprised of trained, volunteer men and women specializing in winter, backcountry emergencies. As a non-profit, the FNBP raises all of its own funds through private donations and an annual fundraiser in early November: the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. These funds help to offset the costs off rescue equipment, training, and education fees. Because we maintain certification through the National Ski Patrol, we are required to meet their rigorous industry standards and complete courses such as Outdoor Emergency Care, Avalanche Safety, and Mountain Travel and Rescue.

Being a member of the patrol is no walk in the park; commitment, determination, and strength are essential. “It takes a lot of time and commitment to complete all the required training and refresher courses each year, and on top of that, not all missions have a happy ending,” said FNBP patroller Amy Moore. “That can be hard on a person. But at the end of the day, it’s those missions that do end well that make it so rewarding.”

FNBP brings together a diverse, and sometimes quirky, crew of likeminded individuals who share a passion for the outdoors. As Alice Ford put it, “For me it's amazing to be part of such a vibrant group of people that are so skilled, backcountry experienced, and have a common purpose”. This is particularly true when it comes to the ladies. According to Dena Rissman, a longtime member of FNBP, “Patrol seems to attract strong women, for obvious reasons. This kind of thing isn't for the weak”.

Of the 45 active patrol members only 9 are women (although there are some new female candidates this year). “I'd say that there is more camaraderie among us girls because there are fewer of us,” says Rissman.

“There just aren't a lot of women out there who are willing to go out in the dark and march around in the snow all night.”

Even though the female patrollers are fewer in numbers, they provide a necessary and important balance.

In order to have a well-rounded team like the Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol, it takes both men and women. “I think the woman component is great both for our patrol and for the people we are sent after.

Women offer attention to detail, great skiing ability, compassion and instinct that is different than a man's,” said Ford. One of the responding patrollers for the two lost girls, Jason Keister, acknowledged that very point, “Having Alice there in the field that night was key. Her

FNBP

presence, tone and first aid skills were such a comfort to the young girls. I’m not sure the guys could have provided the same level of comfort.”

The Flathead Valley is fortunate to have a backcountry patrol of dedicated members that include strong, capable men and women. The FNBP utilizes the natural skills and capabilities of an individual to maximize the effectiveness of the team. Everyone plays a part, and team confidence is a necessity. “We have to develop such a high level of trust in one another and be able to work effectively as a team,” said Ford. “You know that when you are called out on a nighttime mission for a lost person every minute counts, efficiency matters and safety is paramount.”

At the end of the day, “It’s about going out when nobody else really wants to go out,” said Keister. That is why the Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol exists.

Whether you are a novice or an avid winter recreationalist, emergency situations can arise. In any case, you can take comfort in knowing that there is a dedicated group of people out there ready and willing to respond.

If you would like to donate or learn more about us and what we do please visit our website: www.flatheadnordic.org.

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getaway}

Great Northern

T h e G i r l s o f G r e at N o r t h e r n

By Pip Hunt Photos by Abby Stanford, abbydellphotography.com

Fall is quickly fading in northern Montana. Snow is forecasted, the temperature drops to 18 and the north wind brings a chill to the air. The girls of Great Northern are getting together to celebrate the coming of the winter season in the best way they know how; with Christmas lights, snowflakes, fondue, and friends.

Kylanne Sandelin, owner of the Great Northern Getaway just north of Whitefish, MT. welcomes us into the lodge to welcome winter!! Kylanne and her husband, Jay, rent out their former family home of fifteen years. “We lived loved and laughed in this magical place that we built together” Kylanne remembers. “We raised our kids, foster kids, too many animals to count and hosted 100’s of guests here.

We continually heard how special it was. With the boys now grown and on their own, it was a logical choice to offer it to our ski guests from all over the world at Great Northern Powder Guides. The “lodge” as we call it now is only ten minutes from Great Northern Powder Guides base camp. We also wanted to offer it to year round vacationers that come to explore our beautiful valley.”

Great Northern Powder Guides brings the adventure to Great Northern Getaway. While some vacation homes offer you access to spas and beaches, the folks at Great Northern offer their guests adventure!! It’s Montana’s only backcountry cat skiing operation with over 10,000 skiable acres of fresh, untracked powder, you won’t have to compete with lift lines and locals to get the best of what Whitefish has to offer. Roomy custom built snowcats transport up to 14 skiers and boarders for a full day of 8-10,000 feet of vertical powder heaven.

The lodge is large but homey. You won’t find Italian marble or fancy rooms too perfect to relax in. Every room, every space beckons a warm and welcoming invitation.

It has a charm and magnificence all at once with no pretention. The high ceilings and log beams invite you to curl up with a cup of cocoa and a good book, while the snow silently wraps up the afternoon. It’s the perfect place to welcome in the holidays, and with good food, and friends we intend to do just that, Montana style.

Kylanne is the master of coordination. Not only did she invite us all over to decorate, eat, and celebrate, but she is also the woman behind the scenes of the lodge and Great Northern Powder Guides. From marketing, to bookings, and welcoming guests as they arrive, Ky will walk you through your vacation every step of the way.

While Ky is busy coordinating the arrival of guests and hanging Christmas lights, her friend and fellow teammate at GNPG is prepping in the kitchen. Martha Hunt, owner at Fondue to You catering company ensures that the food at this celebration will be delicious. Martha dances through the kitchen, prepping a plate full of apples and steamed broccoli to dip in the traditional Swiss cheese fondue that is bubbling on the stove behind her. A plate of bunderfleisch, a traditional air-cured beef, waits temptingly on the table. But the chef’s hat is not the only one Martha wears, she is also a part of the Great Northern Powder Guide’s family as one of the lead guides.

As the other ladies start to arrive, they make themselves cozy on the plush, leather couches, warm themselves by the fire and talking about the upcoming season. They casually sip on Champagne and William’s Pear Schnapp’s cocktails as the fire crackles and snaps in the fireplace.

Abby Stanford, Great Northern Powder Guides talented photographer and owner of Abbydell Photography, snaps away, taking candid portraits and delicately balanced photographs of the food as Martha brings out each dish.

Abby’s ability to make us feel relaxed and unobserved as she takes photos is uncanny. She captures our joy, the cozy winter comfort of the lodge and the food beautifully.

Just as Kylanne puts the last of the lights on the tallest tree, Martha brings a steaming pot of Fontina and Gruyere to the table. The girls of Great Northern settle at the spacious table, debating what to dip first. Bread, apples, broccoli? Martha gives them tips, like wrapping the bunderfleisch around the bread before dipping it in the cheese, or trying one of the gherkins with a bite of bunderfleisch. Before long, we’re all pros and sharing our favorite combinations, just like any family could in a cozy, winter lodge.

“There is nothing I love more than sharing this wonderful home. I love watching the joy it brings to those staying here; hearing the kids and adults laughing together as they play in the pond or sled down the hills or meet the ranch animals. This place was meant to be shared. And we feel really blessed we are able to do that,” Kylanne shares with us.

Great Northern Getaway is a 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom lodge. It can sleep up to fourteen people comfortably. The home sits on 70 private acres with access to hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking and snow shoeing, right from the front door! It boasts two gorgeous fireplaces, Jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom, a pool table and a massive wrap around deck. 1-406-881-2032 l 1-855-SNOWCAT l www.greatnorthernpowderguides.com l www.facebook.com/greatnorthernpowderguides

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Great Northern

Menu and Recipes for Girls of Great Northern Black Pepper Maple Pecans and Cranberry Crusted Almonds - Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp with Mango Salsa - Gourmet Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette - Cheese Fondue with French Bread - Bündnerfleisch or Viande des Grisons (an air dried beef from the Graubünden region of Switzerland) - Cornichons - Broccoli & Apples - Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Prosciutto wrapped shrimp with mango Salsa

Using thinly sliced Prosciutto, and cut each piece into long strips. Wrap a strip around each Shrimp. Grill until cooked and serve on a bed of Mango Salsa.

Salsa:

1 Mango diced finely 1/2 small pineapple diced finely ½ small red onion diced finely ½ red pepper diced finely 1-2 TBS diced fresh garlic (or to taste) Fresh Cilantro chopped finely (to taste) Juice of a lime Pinch of salt.

Combine all, and, preferably, let sit overnight in the fridge for flavors to develop.

Cocktail: Pear Champagne

Simple syrup Poire Williams schnapps 1 bottle prosecco Put 1tsp of simple syrup and 2tsp of Poire Williams Schnapps into a Champagne Flute, pour on prosecco, stir and add a slice of fresh Pear. Cheers!

Cheese Fondue

Cheese Fondue is a very simple dish and can be made from many different Cheeses depending on the region the recipe came from, or your personal tastes. The KEY is mature, imported cheeses. The Fondue can only be as good as the cheese. The difference between the cheese from a full 80lb wheel of aged Gruyere, and a domestic imitation is definitely flavor. I like to use Gruyere and Fontina, a Swiss/ Italian combination of cheeses and use 50/50.

1 1b of shredded Cheese (s) 1 ½ cp of Dry white wine (like Chablis) Garlic Clove Nutmeg Kirsch, (Cherry brandy, again use a good product)

Rub the cut garlic all over a fondue pot (ceramic coated cast iron pots are best), add the white wine. On a low heat add the cheese and slowly melt the cheese into the wine; but, you don’t want it to boil. Once all the cheese has melted, add some slaked Cornstarch or flour to bring the separation of cheese and wine together.

Add starch slowly and sparingly to ‘just’ bring fondue together, use as little as possible. Add nutmeg and Kirsch to taste. The blander (less mature) your cheese, the more Kirsch you will need to add tartness. Transfer the pot to the table burner to keep warm while you eat.

After ten years in the Alps, Martha Hunt found the lack of après-ski fondue in her new home of Crested Butte, C0., disappointing. She opened the Swiss Chalet in 1992, a restaurant specializing in cheese fondue, beef bourguignon, and raclette. After selling the restaurant in 2005, Martha and her husband Jim moved to Whitefish. She has continued the fondue tradition by starting her own catering company specializing in fondue parties, aptly named Fondue to You! 1-406-862-1814 l facebook.com/fonduetoyou l www.fonduetoyou.com

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406

WOMAN 30

Wedding

406 love}

Wedding

Dan & Jody Photographed by Sabrina Louise Photography Due to my Montana upbringing, the desert just wasn’t for me. I grew up in Montana, went to school in Eugene Oregon (Go Ducks!), and after college moved to Arizona due to my parents being there and a job that was ready to go for me.

After living in Arizona for 3 years, I finally came to the realization that I just didn’t fit in, and the desert wasn’t for me. I was ready for a move. The two destinations in mind were either home to Montana (probably Bozeman) or Denver, a place that has always sparked my attention. So, in the summer of 2010, I moved to the Front Range, Denver Colorado. As soon as I got to town I felt at home and still do. I love life in Colorado for many reasons- skiing, fishing, mountains, and NO 110 degree days! These are all positives to my new home, but the best part is that I met my wife Jody.

Jody and I met how every girl dreams to meet their husband, outside of a bar. It was a cold November night. I had stepped outside for some fresh air, and there was Jody by herself. We sparked up a conversation and everything about her just seemed great! She was with her brother who was in town, and we ended up hanging out the following night -the three of us.

As time went on, we were hung out more and more. We were both in a place in our lives where we knew what we wanted, and it was so nice to find a real and easy going relationship. An added bonus to Jody was her daughter, Riley, who stole my heart. Being only two at the time we met, I have had the luxury of being her “Dan” and the father figure in her life.

During our first year of dating, we were fortunate to travel to Curaco ( it is in the Caribbean for those of you who are as good at vacation geography as me). Then, a couple months later, we went to Hawaii for my sister’s wedding in June. I was able to meet all of Jody’s co-workers and friends in Curaco and Jody was able to meet my entire family in Hawaii. Everyone was very welcoming. We also traveled to Kansas to meet her family and had her parents go to Arizona to meet my parents. It was obvious to all of our family and friends that we were “meant to be”.

Close to our first Anniversary of meeting, I planned to propose to Jody. I picked out the ring, asked her dad for his blessing, and then one morning woke Riley up early and told her the plan. Riley ended up grabbing the ring from me and ran into the

bedroom where her mom was still lying in bed. She said, “Mommy will you marry Dan?” Jody at first was just hoping that I didn’t over hear Riley as she wasn’t sure where she came up with this thought, and then Riley said it again….at that moment I walked in the room and Riley showed her mom the ring. She rose from the bed, still half asleep, and… I guess we all know the answer.

It was a day I will never forget…..the proposal!

This was a dream come true for me, and I couldn’t wait to get married! Dan had become my best friend/lover and I wanted nothing more than to unite our family. We quickly started planning our big day. I had gone to a wedding nine years earlier, at the Evergreen Lake house, and decided at that wedding that this would be the location of my wedding someday. It was so memorable and gorgeous having a ceremony on the edge of the water with mountains surrounding and a beautiful log cabin to have the reception in…..all in one place!

We worked together on the details, and it was such a good adventure. Just like our relationship, planning the wedding together was fun and easy.

Dan found the caterer who then suggested a baker.

We searched for lodging, as most of our guests were coming from out of town, and we live an hour from the wedding location. Finding “the” dress was a process only because I had honestly never thought about what I would want my dress to be like. I was afraid of picking the wrong one, but let me tell ya….you know when you know. I remember putting on my dress for the first time, and it stood out like none of the other forty had.

The wedding details just kept coming and coming….towards the end I think we were both totally overwhelmed. Although, we did build a huge terraced vegetable garden a month and a half prior to the wedding, which took almost five weeks.

What were we thinking? However, when the time came for all of our friends and family to arrive, we had done the best we could with planning our big day. We tried to think of everything detail.

Before we knew it, the big day was upon us.

Friends and family were all in town, and it was so nice to have all of our loved ones together in the same place. After all the planning, the wedding went off without any issues… except, it went too quick. After the wedding, we had a couple of days to decompress with family, then we were off to Belize for our honeymoon.

Belize was awesome. We had 3 days of guided flyfishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon. Our first day of fishing we caught about 50-60 bonefish between Jody and I!!! I remember on the boat ride back, Jody saying, “this isn’t so hard”. Little did she know we just happened to have a great day fishing. The next morning I remember standing on the bow of the boat with my rod, rain pouring down, cold and wet, and there was lighting all around us. I was fine and determined to catch a tarpon. I remember the guide refusing to hold the rod, scared that he would get stuck by lighting, and telling Jody, “ this wouldn’t be where I would like to be on my honeymoon”. Jody is such an amazing person. Not once did she even complain about the weather. Needless to say, we did not have a 50 fish day, and I caught a tarpon for only about 30 seconds (totally worth it).

Now we are back to our lives in Denver, working and living. We are getting closer and learning more about each other each day. We are best friends, with a level of respect and trust that I would never have thought possible with another person. We love each other so much and hope to expand our family to 4 in the near future! Life couldn’t be better. We feel like the luckiest of people to have had met each other and carry on the lives that we do.

I am a firm believer that Jody and I have what we have today because of the great upbringings that we both had – my family in Montana and hers in Kansas. We would both like to thank our parents for all of the opportunities that they have given us, and most important, teaching us the values that are of the most importance in maintaining a healthy relationship with ourselves and each other. Thank You. 31

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Wedding

Michael & Frankie Photographed by Jayson Meuter

March 17, 2008 marks a major day in my life; I moved home to Whitefish, Montana from Seattle, because my grandma was dying of cancer. Little did I know, during my trip to Whitefish, my life would change forever. That night, I met Michael for the first time.

We both have a love for the outdoors, common friends, and a shared desire to live a simple, laid back, but much cherished life – which created an instant connection between us. For Michael, life was at its best when enjoying early morning powder on Big Mountain. For me it was mountain biking, rafting, and camping that caused my heart to race. It wasn't until we shared these activities with one another, and included our two dogs, Daisy and Kila, that our lives truly felt complete. You could say it was love at first sight.

Planning the wedding was a combined effort of family and friends. Our vision for that much-anticipated day was born not only from our commitment to one another, but also from our love of the land. From the start we both felt that it was important to showcase the natural life we both live. We had a very limited budget to work with, and I wanted simple elegance with no waste. If possible, all materials were to come from the outdoors or, at the very least, were to be reused after the wedding. Together we would trek out into the woods in search of twigs and rocks, collected from Big Mountain, for the mason jars that would 406

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later be reused in my kitchen for spices.

These jars, with homemade paper flowers, would be our centerpieces. The napkin rings were little wooden hearts, burnt with our initials and accented with twine to give them that rustic look. A burlap “Sweet Love” banner and the ring bearer pillow were handmade by one of Michael’s grandmothers, whose work has long been revered and cherished by family and friends.

Every detail had some meaning and thought behind it. Everything from the maple wood blocks that showcased our names, to the small jars of harvested maple syrup from Michael’s family in Vermont that were gifted to our guests. Also, many of the decorations where crafted by my new family, all of whom wanted to share their creativity and give of themselves to make our day memorable. There was truly no better way to bring everyone together and to ensure they were all a part of something special.

For the wedding, our good friend offered us the use of his incredible property, with Big Mountain as the backdrop. It was so fitting

considering Michael's love for skiing. And, if that wasn't perfect enough, the property was also located next to our first home.

Another close friend prepared all of the food, including a roasted pig, while countless others worked tirelessly to make everything come together.

So many of our close, local friends, and both of our families, shared their talents and time to give us the wedding of our dreams. Their efforts truly demonstrated the support they felt towards our relationship and future. The wedding itself was dedicated to my grandmother who passed away a few months after I moved back. Although she did not get a chance to meet Michael, we truly believe she is the reason we are together today.

We want to personally thank all of our family and friends (new and old) who supported us, as there are so many of you, and we will be forever grateful for all you’ve done for us.

The mountains in Montana are equal in size to the hearts and generosity of the people who live here. It is to the beauty of both the mountains and our friends that we owe this new life that is before us.

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Wedding

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Story

Jason + Annie Who are you?

Photos by: shannon hollman photography www.shannonhollman.com

Annie is just a small town girl raised on a ranch near Hot Springs, MT. Annie has lived in the Flathead Valley since the summer of 2001 working as a radiology technologist up until her motor vehicle accident in 2010, when she damaged her spinal cord and now lives as a paraplegic.

Over the last year and a half she has been studying echocardiography and interning at Kalispell Regional Medical Center while working at Rocky Mountain Heart and Lung.

Annie has always, and still enjoys many activities which include skiing, boating, going to the gym or really anything outdoors.

Jason was born and raised in the Flathead Valley. He has been working for his family business as long as he can remember, and he is now a part owner in the business himself, Crone Pro Seal. Jason is an avid bass fisherman, hunter, snowmobiler and snowboarder. He enjoys pushing the limits with everything he can get his hands on and entertaining his friends and family.

How did you meet?

Jay and I first met on the streets of Whitefish at the winter carnival in 2006. We got to know each other over the next couple of years as we began to hang out with mutual friends. But it wasn't until Memorial Day weekend of 2008 that what we thought was just a good friendship spiraled into something more. After a summer full of laughs and great memories, in October we never looked back - we knew what we had was something to never let go of.

The proposal?

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Jason and I had been dating for almost exactly two years, when on April 10, 2010 we were driving home and hit black ice on the highway. Our vehicle rolled before I was ejected. Unfortunately, I was left with a spinal cord injury

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with little hope of ever walking again. After two years and many changes to our lives, a few tears, a lot more laughs and plenty of learning curves for both Jason and me, Jason has stayed by my side. On the evening of April 24, 2012, when I came home from work, Jason asked if I wanted to eat dinner on the back porch of our home in lower valley. As we sat back there enjoying the wonderful spring evening, Jay pointed out that our local fox was out in the field. When I turned around to tell him that I couldn't see the fox, there it was, my perfect ring sitting on the table.

And, it was then, that Jay told me how much he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. In that moment, I said yes!

What is love?

Annie: Love is having someone who finds laughter through your tears, strength through your weakness. It’s being able to sit next to someone for hours, not saying a word and feeling like it was the best conversation ever. It is an indescribable feeling, something you just can't get enough of.

Jason: It is a feeling that is so strong you would do anything for that person. It can buckle your knees and make your heart hurt as if someone put 300 pounds on your chest.

What do you love most about each other?

Annie: I love Jay because he can make me so happy but so crazy in all the same moment. He makes me laugh out loud! I know that no matter what, he will always be by my side. We will always find something fun and a little crazy to do, and no matter what, he will probably always find a way to scare me just a bit. Jay always pushes me to challenge myself a little more whether it is on the ski hill, at the gym or just in my everyday life.

Jason: Annie is unquestionably the strongest woman I know. She has taken such a painful loss of being able to use her legs and turned it into such powerful accomplishments. I am so blessed to be with a woman, that no matter what we do, people come up to her and say what an inspiration she is. It is an amazing sight to be on the ski slopes with Annie, and everywhere I look all of the attention is focused on her. When people are either yelling from the chair lifts, "You go girl", or skiing by her saying "never give up", she brings out the best in everyone. So, I guess one of the many things I love about Annie is her amazing amount of will power.

When did you know you were in love?

Annie: Gosh! When did I know I was in love with Jay Crone? There are so many moments that I knew for sure that I didn't ever want to be without him. But I think the time in my life that I knew I was head over heels in love with Jay, was when I got to a point in my life, where I could do him absolutely no good, and he stayed right by my side without any hesitation. That is when I knew I was in love in Jay Crone!

Jason: It didn't take long to fall in love with Annie. Not long into our relationship I just got a feeling that she had my whole heart and I had hers. That’s all I needed.

Wedding details:

We will be celebrating our marriage this summer on the Flathead River, at Diamond B, with our closest friends and family. I plan to walk down the aisle to say my vows and kiss my groom. And without a doubt, I will not be missing my first dance as Jason's wife.

food}

Showthyme

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food}

Showthyme

Showthyme A new old favorite Story and photos by Heidi A. Long I walk into Showthyme restaurant in Bigfork and before owner Rose Funk has a chance to speak, I’m greeted first by the savory aroma of Chef Blu’s open kitchen. “Welcome, sit down, relax. You’re going to enjoy this,” is what I smell. Rose ushers me into the dining room, the converted lobby of the 1908 bank. Original art adorns the exposed brick walls in this intimate space that features 12 solid myrtle wood tables made by local craftsman, Mark King. A classic over-sized storefront window offers views of Electric Avenue and passersby. In the summer, the back patio is open for outdoor dining.

Downstairs, Showthyme’s “Vault” is open from October through May and features a more casual menu. There’s something here for just about everyone, which is one of the reasons why, year after year, Showthyme is a new old favorite. People keep coming back.

Showthyme has wowed and wooed diners with their “creative American” style of cooking for the past 23 years. Besides an innovative menu, Showthyme’s consistent high quality ingredients, excellent service, cozy ambience, and award-winning wine list have been the keys to success for owners Blu and Rose Funk. While Blu oversees the culinary aspects of Showthyme, he admits that Rose wears the most hats in the business.

“She’s willing to do and has done just about anything and everything to keep Showthyme running smoothly,” he says. Partners in love and in business, the pair has been married for over

twenty years. They credit each other, but mostly their staff. “We work with a fantastic group of people, many of whom have been with us for a very long time. We enjoy what we do,” says Blu. And, about his clientele, Blu declares, “It’s very rewarding after all these years to see Showthyme still filled with lots of laughter, and people having a good time. It’s very motivating. We’re fortunate to have such great local support.” The feeling is mutual. Rose and Blu support a number of local non-profit organizations, such as the Abbie Shelter, Samaritan House, and the Bigfork Museum, through fundraising wine tastings, dinners, do-

nated gift certificates, and countless other endeavors. Pick up a copy of Samaritan House’s Come to Our Table cookbook for Showthyme’s popular Stacked Dungeness Crab Salad recipe.

“It’s hard for us to say ‘No.’ ” admits Blu. You’d be hard pressed to attend a single valley fundraiser to which Showthyme hasn’t donated something.

Chef Blu approaches his cooking seriously, passionately and imaginatively, offering such fare as a marinated Patagonian Toothfish on fried jasmine rice, with a mild Thai red curry sauce. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Lightly 39

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seared, then roasted, the fish’s delicate flavors are perfectly complimented by the spiced sauce.

A summer favorite of mine, Angel’s Chicken Stuffed Green Chiles impart a delectable combination of smoky, spicy, and subtle flavors. Until then try the dry-aged center-cut Porterhouse Pork Chop with House Cured Bacon, Apple, & Apple Brandy Demi-Glaze. Really, you can’t lose. Blu’s attention to detail is evident with every bite. For his popular Peanut Bacon Brittle ice cream (first introduced at last year’s Taste of Bigfork) Blu of course cures his own bacon, makes his own brittle, and then folds them into his own house-made ice cream. He is not a Harvey Milquetoast kind of ice-cream maker. In addition to his original, Fresh Ginger Ice Cream,

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Chef Blu churns out some very inventive and divine flavors such as Roasted Pine Nut Chile, Poblano Pepper & Coconut Tequila, and Blood Orange-cicle. I savor every frozen spoonful of the Mango Habanera and wonder how it can be that good. For his Chocolate Terrine with Pistachio Crust (and most of his other chocolate desserts) Chef Blu uses made-to-order Mast Brothers Chocolate from Brooklyn, New York. “When I place my order, they then roast the beans and make the chocolate. It’s fresh, without fillers, at least 70-75% cacao.” Save room for dessert.

The day after Thanksgiving heralds truffle season for Chef Blu-chocolate truffles, that is. This Showthyme tradition started during their first

year of business when Chef Blu developed his renowned handmade chocolate truffle recipe using a very specific Belgian chocolate along with other top-secret ingredients. These prized candies are shipped all over the country. Supplies are limited, as is the season, so visit Electric Ave Gifts in Bigfork to stock up before they’re gone.

Showthyme is located at 548 Electric Avenue in downtown Bigfork. Winter hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00-10:00 p.m. Entrée prices range from $16-$30. Full liquor service is available. Call 837-0707 for reservations. Visit www.showthyme.com to view Showthyme’s current seasonal menu.

entertainment}spirits

Our Holiday Spirits

by O'Brien Byrd

Ahh, the Christmas party. We remember them all. Remember that time when Jane had a bit too much holiday cheer, and she told her boss what she really thought of him? What about the time Uncle Johnny thought it was impeccable timing to mention he had lost his job and was going to get a divorce? That was uncomfortable. Of course we all still shudder to remember when Nanny Smith showed us all her mole that she needed to get removed. And then there was the time the police knocked on your door, to ask if you were aware that your best friend was lying in the snow bank outside singing carols to passing cars. To your buddy, the party was an absolute success. Most would argue that it might have taken an unexpected turn towards something reminiscent of a frat party. Take your holiday occasion up a notch, but not enough so that Santa takes you off the ‘Good’ list.

A successful party lives on in everyone's memory long after the last glass of punch has been poured, and the last bite of dessert eaten. Make holiday gatherings a little more festive and special by extending the holiday spirit to the drinks and refreshments you offer your guests. Below are some recipes that will be crowd favorites, all in moderation. With that said, I feel that I should warn you of signs that you must look for during your event that will signal you to either continue with the holiday fun or pull the plug and run. The levels you should be aware of are as follows: Festivity Level 1 Your guests are gathered around, chatting amiably with each other, admiring each other’s reindeer sweaters and your thoughtfully placed Christmas ornaments. Your house if filled with aromas of cinnamon, fresh baked sugar cookies and pine. Grandma's fruitcake is on the table, no one eating it… surprise, surprise. Then, there are a couple of friends surrounding an upright piano singing Christmas carols. Some are sipping their cocktails, punch, beer, or champagne, and some are enjoying slow-roasted coffee or hot cocoa. Everyone is nibbling on hors d' oeuvres. Life is grand.

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Festivity Level 2 Your guests are talking loudly to each other, sometimes to nobody at all. Aunt Susan is rearranging your Christmas ornaments. The piano carolers have long forgotten Christmas songs and have begun singing “I Got You Babe” and are starting to fall off key. Guests

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are now gulping down cocktails and wolfing down hors d' oeuvres. It’s hot inside and family members soon shed the reindeer sweaters, revealing garments not intended for display that night. Wonderful aromas that flooded our senses before are now replaced with Grandpa Smith's pipe smoke. Nanny Smith told him when they first arrived it was not allowed, but hey, it’s Grandpa.

Festivity Level 3 A few of your guests are starting to talk politics now, and you may have heard some shouting coming from the kitchen. The two cousins back from college for winter break have started a wrestling match in the front room, and you're quite sure you heard Uncle Jim holler that he has the match winner. Guests are gulping other people's drink and wolfing the last thing left, the fruitcake! Two people are slumped over the upright piano singing, “ I Can't Get No Satisfaction” at an ear-piercing volume. Your dad and his brothers are

sleeping in chairs and on couches anywhere they can find them. You have cranberry salad on your sweater.

Festivity Level 4 Your guests have hor d' oeuvres smeared all over their bodies, and are dancing around your burning Christmas tree, and have consumed all ten gallons of alcohol at the party. The piano is missing. If you're at Festivity Level 4, the police will knock on your door. Nobody answers, and the police will then lob tear gas through your living room window. As host, your job is to make sure they don't arrest anyone. Or, if they're dead set on arresting someone, your job is to make sure it isn't you. The best way to do this is to show a lot of respect for the badge and to simply assure them you are doing nothing illegal.

Of course, if you are like most people I know nothing above Festivity Level 3 or below is successful. Let's all stay on Santa's 'Good' list this Christmas season and enjoy those levels responsibly.

Mulled Wine

1 750mL bottle of red wine 2 cinnamon sticks 2 sliced lemons 2 sliced oranges 5 whole cloves 1 herbal or citrus tea bag 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 ¼ cups sugar 1 ½ cups water

To Enjoy: In a large saucepan, add sugar and water. Bring to a boil and keep over flame till sugar is dissolved. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, tea bag, wine and sliced fruit to the mixture. Simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes stirring occasionally. Strain out cinnamon sticks and cloves and pull out tea bags. Enjoy!

Peppermint Paddy

½ oz. Peppermint Schnapps ½ oz. Dark Creme de Cocao 1oz. Cream (half and half) Add Peppermint schnapps, dark Creme de Cacao and cream.

Stir well and serve. You may garnish with a a sprig of mint or a mini candy cane if you like.

Grandma's Eggnog

1 dozen eggs 2 Cups of superfine granulated sugar 2 Cups of Dark Rum 2 Cups of Cognac or Brandy 2 Cups of Cream (half and half) 6 Cups of Milk Nutmeg

To Savor: Carefully separate the eggs and set the egg whites aside. In a large bowl beat the yolks and sugar until thick. Stir in your dark rum, cognac, milk and cream until well blended. Pour the yolk mixture into a large punchbowl. Refrigerate to chill completely. Just before serving, beat the egg whites until they are stiff. Gently fold the stiffened whites into the mixture, taking care not to beat or stir the nog. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve. Do not add ice.

Mistletoe Kiss

½ Glass of Champagne ½ Glass Pear Juice Garnish with mint sprig

Start Smooching by: filling a champagne flute or martini glass. Add a bit of Christmas spirit by tying some ribbon or Christmas ornaments to stemware. (Hint: chill glass, juice and champagne).

Apple Pie

1 Gallon Apple Cider 1 Gallon Apple Juice 2 Cups of Sugar 5 Cinnamon Sticks 1 750 ml Bottle of Everclear

To Slurp: Heat all the ingredients, except the Everclear, and continue until the sugar dissolves. Add the booze. Serve hot, warm or on the rocks. This is my ice fishing ole' standby. It’s also great for large gatherings. Makes 2-3 gallons. Be careful. It will sneak up on you.

Chocolate Martini Sweetened Cocoa Powder 1 ½ oz. Vanilla Vodka 1 ½ oz. White Creme d' Cacao 1 Hershey's Chocolate Kiss Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

To Pleasure: Wet the rim of a chilled martini glass with water, then dip the rim in cocoa powder (optional but delicious). In a cocktail shaker, fill ½ with ice, add vodka and Creme d' Cacao. Shake vigorously and pour into the martini glass. Drop a Hershey’s kiss into the glass and top with a splash of Godiva chocolate liqueur.

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Appetizers

Spice Up Your Holiday Appetizers

By Kristen Ledyard Owner/Executive Chef of John’s Angels Catering LLC

Turkey (can substitute roast beef) crostini with huckleberry goat cheese

Thinly sliced turkey Favorite baguette Olive oil Goat cheese Huckleberries Fresh parsley Salt and pepper

Set oven to 350 degrees. Slice your baguette into individual pieces. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast on a baking sheet until lightly brown. Take your goat cheese (room temperature) and add the huckleberries. Simply assemble the turkey on to the crostini and top with the goat cheese. For an added touch, chop the fresh parsley as a garnish for the top of the crostini.

Don’t forget that presentation is everything. Bring out your family heirloom platters as personal show pieces.

They add a special touch that can be followed by a wonderful family story.

Now we are on to a true Holiday treat.

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Beet Hummus with Crostini 4 Red beets (beets are available year round) White wine vinegar Ground cumin 1 lemon 1 clove garlic minced Olive oil Salt and pepper Favorite baguette (prepare as above)

Boil your beets and add a small amount of the vinegar to help them retain color.

This should take about 30 minutes.

Mash your beets. Add the juice, zest of one lemon, minced garlic and dash of ground cumin. If your mixture is too thick, simply add a touch of olive oil. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers or your favorite crostinis.

What a great healthy appetizer with Holiday color. The fun thing about creating new Holiday traditions is the conversation they bring with them. That is how Holiday traditions are created and passed down. Our next appetizer is a very memorable platter. Not only do the flavors explode, but the colors, as well.

In a sauté pan, wilt your spinach in a cup of white wine. Add the minced garlic as the spinach is wilting. Be sure to stir often so the spinach does not turn brown and over cook. Let cool, and then strain the spinach very well. In a bowl combine cream cheese and finely chopped sundried tomatoes (you may add red pepper flakes for extra spice).

Make sure you dry off your sundried tomatoes before chopping. Add salt and pepper to taste. Apply the cream cheese mixture to the tortillas with alternating colors. Sprinkle some of the spinach on each tortilla and roll them up. Use cream cheese to make sure they are sealed. Refrigerate for at least one hour (they can be stored overnight if necessary). Simply slice into circles and serve with your favorite hot beverage.

Holidays are about your personal touches. Make these appetizers with your own spin on them. Whether your personal touch is a spice or the presentation, make it memorable. Have a wonderful season and enjoy!

Red and Green Spinach pinwheels

Red and green tortillas Cream cheese (room temperature) Sundried tomatoes (in oil) Fresh spinach 1 tablespoon Minced garlic White wine (not a chardonnay) Red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper

Photo by Alisia Cubberly

Can you believe the Holidays are here?

It felt like summer just a few days ago. The winter holidays do bring an amazing time of thanks, togetherness, and delicious family recipes. Let’s spice up this Holiday season with some new additions and leave out the green bean casserole. First stop is to shop with your local stores. The huckleberries may be frozen, but they are still excellent for the season. For your family coming from out of town, this can be a special treat. Also, you can utilize your turkey or roast beef leftovers.

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Story and photos by Heidi A. Long www.longviews.com

A Home for Life

Rob and Chris Schumacher’s home on Whitefish Lake is not a place for mere residing. It’s a home made for laughing, loving, swimming, entertaining, relaxing, dancing, and playing.

Living. It’s a home for life. The 7500 square foot, timber and rock accent home is a place the family expects to enjoy for many generations.

When the West Coast couple and their three children began searching for an area in which to build, a friend sent them to Whitefish where they immediately discovered a great ski area, beautiful lake, quaint town, gorgeous mountains and even more importantly, fantastic people. What’s not to love about that? “We never considered a summer or winter home. We were after a place that addressed everything,” says Rob. While closer places like Lake Tahoe boasted similar amenities, part of the charm of Whitefish was in getting here. “It was well

Jerry Locati. In the end, the choice was clear; while driving out of Iron Horse one day, Rob saw a golf ball bouncing down the road next to the 10th fairway. This, by the way, means it was a very bad shot. Amused, Rob stopped to pick it up. It was a Titleist 1 with a Locati Architects logo on it. The next day Rob nailed a hole-in-one on the second hole in Iron Horse using that ball. He immediately called Locati to tell him he was hired. Finding a builder for the project proved to be just as easy. After interviewing multiple contractors and visiting Patience is a virtue when building your own their finished home projects to gauge qualhome. It took seven years to find “just the right ity, execution, and complexity, Rob again narlocation” and the Schumachers were in no hur- rowed the list to three. When he started callry to rush headlong into a building project that ing references, a clear winner emerged; Casey wouldn’t do the site-or their family- justice. A Malmquist of Malmquist Construction. “To thorough search for an architect resulted in a sustain a relationship with a builder years afshort list of three candidates, one of whom was ter the project is completed is truly huge and worth the journey.” The Schumachers had been in the valley for almost 7 years when Rob took a rainy day bike ride along Whitefish Lake and saw the “For Sale” sign on their current home site. He immediately recognized it as a unique piece of property. “It’s sloped, but not too steep.

It was also very important for me to be close enough to Whitefish to have city services,” says Rob. Most importantly, as much as the family loved some of the area developments and golf communities, they wanted to be on the lake.

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rare,” says Rob, who was impressed by the homeowners’ feedback. Next came landscape architect, Bruce Boody who Casey describes as being “…invaluable in the whole process-as always. He was very intuitive in fitting the home to the site.” Hunter Dominick of Hunter & Co. Interior Design completed the team.

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Form and function unite gracefully in this casually elegant home. As you descend the driveway, the home rises modestly from the landscape without obscuring the lake view. Reclaimed barn wood siding and rock wainscoting add texture to the home’s exterior while echoing the surrounding elements. Timbers frame the covered entry, drawing visitors down slab rock steps to the front door. Once inside, a panoramic view of Whitefish Lake spans the great room. In case you hadn’t noticed, you’re at the lake.

Natural light pours in, punctuated by

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timber posts and trusses. Interior designer, Hunter Dominic added cool hued furnishings to complement the warm toned timbers and further echo the home’s lakeside theme. Hunter’s touch shines throughout the residence.

All the artwork in the home is original and depicts various water scenes. Over the mantel, an oil painting portrays a lone swimmer pulling himself up from a pool. In the den off the kitchen, a giant painting of the three Schumacher children playing on the dock slides up at the flick of a switch to reveal a flatscreened TV. The den was Chris’ idea.

The area was originally laid out for dining but instead she proposed a space where she could interact with her children while cooking. The spacious kitchen is a cook’s dream featuring ample work surfaces and cupboard space as well as dual ovens and a connected pantry. A partial rock wall houses the kitchen hearth and, on the backside,

Page 50: Interior designer Hunter Dominic drew inspiration from the lake when selecting blue-toned furnishings, water themed artwork, clear glass table and fish rug. She even designed the “shimmering” chandelier. Page 51: Tons of fun- DB Masonry created a tiered fire pit, hot tub, and trampoline area right off the back patio of the home.

Page 52: Birch bark paneling adorns the master bedroom. Outside, aspen trees echo the interior and the lake beckons. Bottom left to right: Brett Miller camouflaged the outlet in the master bedroom. All the outlets in the home were faux painted to blend into the wall. Page 53 Kiln dried, dead standing timbers, antiqued to look reclaimed, add strength and beauty to the dining area just off the great room.

The lower ceiling along the bank of windows overlooking Whitefish Lake creates a more intimate space for the sitting and piano areas.

Bottom -Form and function unite in this cook-inspired kitchen with granite counters, a pass-through to the outdoor kitchen, dual stoves and sinks, water-toned tile back splash, and contrasting cabinetry.

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A Home for Life

frames a bar that separates the kitchen and great room areas. Each functional space combines to create a striking whole.

Rob Schumacher was very involved from the start.

“He really had a vision going into the project but was open to suggestions and collaboration. This always produces the best results,” says Casey Malmquist. Rob envisioned something “other” for the master bedroom and asked for birch bark wall coverings. Wayne, Malmquist Construction’s project manager, worked to deliver just that. “No one would touch it,” says Wayne. “I finally found a birch bark canoe maker out of Oregon. He wound up spending a month on site with us.” They procured the bark from Siberia and vacuum glued it onto plywood sheets, taking care to smooth out the edges and match up panels. Brett Miller of Preferred Painting followed up by faux painting the transitions as well as the electrical outlets. The whole meticulous process produced captivating results. “Wayne is awesome,” declares Rob.

Each aspect of the Schumachers’ lifestyle and personalities was addressed. 1200 square feet of covered outdoor living space include an inset rock barbecue, large fireplace, sitting and dining areas, and a kitchen pass-through that took considerable engineering to make it useable all four seasons without the granite counter transferring exterior temperatures to the inside. Rock patios radiate from the timber-framed outdoor kitchen and rear of the home, providing views of and access to the lake as well as a tiered rock fire pit and hot tub. A sunken trampoline provides an endless source of entertainment for the kids. The basement, which was finished out a year after the initial construction, houses a dance studio and movie theater much to the children’s delight as well.

In the end, the Schumacher residence is truly a testament to the thoughtful ingenuity, artistry, and craftsmanship of all involved. “I would call all three of them my friends,” says Rob of Casey Malmquist, Jerry Locati and Hunter Dominic. All of the Schumachers’ friends are calling them-so they can come and visit.

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wellness}

Change

How to Cope When You Are Catapulted into a Change Written by CrisMarie Campbell

My Experience Three years ago, around this time of year, I lost my brother to a fight with colon cancer. I was stunned. I had no training for losing a family member. My brother was 11 years older and had always been around. I assumed he would always be around, that is, until he wasn’t.

This catapulted me into a year of grief. This was a new experience for me, and I was not comfortable with the whole process. I felt like I was walking through quicksand. Everything seemed heavy, dark and dull. I was unequipped to go through this grief process. So instead of feeling those gut wrenching feelings of sadness, I shopped. AND shopped. AND shopped.

In addition, I started feeling badly about feeling heavy, dark and dull. See, I wasn’t that close with my brother.

He left home when I was eight years old. So why was I feeling so…dull?

As a Coach

ways felt successful in her life, aptly navigating any obstacle. She was finally achieving success in her career, which was requiring more travel, until she experienced kidney failure, which she almost died from.

Samantha had defined herself as a successful entrepreneur, having been on business teams that started two successful businesses in the past. She had taken a leap and struck out on her own, dedicating several years to starting her own boutique business, only to have it fail. Bam.

Dealing with the Change

Oprah columnist, author and life coach extraordinaire, Martha Beck, talks about these catalytic events catapulting us into square one of change process. In this square, our work is to: Grieve and Disbelieve, separating what Steven Hayes, a pioneer in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, calls the clean pain from the dirty pain.

I am a coach and people often come to me when they run into such a barrier. They are suffering due to the loss of a loved one, a career challenge, a relationship that isn’t working, or perhaps a health crisis. It is that moment, when everything we think defines us, and / or makes us important, goes up in smoke.

What do we do?

Clean pain is inherent in life. People we love die.

Things that we value get lost or broken. We fail at work. We don’t get the opportunity we want. Our bodies age and don’t work the way we want them to.

With clean pain comes grief, meaning the bundle of emotions that occur with a setback.

Jamie had been a free spirit who loved to travel and eat exotic foods with her partner Steve. She had al

Grieving is being willing to feel the bundle of un comfortable feelings. Sounds so simple right? Well, it isn’t.

Here are a couple of my clients’ experiences-

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Step One: Grieving

We are conditioned in our society to avoid feeling our feelings. We typically don’t like being around people who are feeling “negative” emotions (sad, angry, depressed) because we may begin to get in touch with our own, and we don’t have time for that right now! Our society in general says, “Suck it up and move on. Get over it already. Have a drink. Go shopping. Exercise. Work harder. Watch TV. That will distract you!” And so it goes.

In fact, these avoidance techniques do distract us, for a while. The problem is those nasty little feelings, are still in there. Our feelings are important indicators that help us navigate our lives. When we are tuned into our emotions and allow them to flow, we can tell what we like and what we don’t. When we avoid them, we stay in relationships that don’t work, jobs that make us miserable, and we navigate our lives without a connection to our heart. So, when we avoid our emotions, we do this at our own peril.

As a coach, my first step is to create a space to allow the client to drop in and become aware, acknowledge and feel what they are feeling - the clean pain.

It is amazing how once clients connect to how they really feel, things begin to shift and change.

Once Jamie was able to acknowledge and feel how angry and sad she was that her body had “betrayed” her, she was able to take in more information about her health condition.

Samantha opened up to her feelings of sadness and

Once Jamie was able to acknowledge and feel how angry and sad she was that her body had “betrayed” her, she was able to take in more information about her health condition.

disappointment. She also acknowledged that underneath she felt embarrassed since she had talked so confidently about her abilities.

Once feelings begin to flow, it is on to step two.

Step Two: Disbelieving

The other part of my job is to help clients look at how they are continuing to create their own suffering. This is about looking at their dirty pain or “stinking thinking.”

Dirty pain is a bit harder than clean pain because it is self-generated and self-maintained. It is the pain we experience when we think our lives are over because our loved one is gone, or no one else will ever hire us. We will never be successful or no one could love me like this. Dirty pain is the private hell we create and experience through our own thoughts.

So how do we deal with the Dirty Pain? There are many ways, but one simple way is to notice that it is what’s going on. Often the very act of noticing that you are in dirty pain helps lessen its grip. One way of noticing your dirty pain is to write down your scary, unattractive, negative story that keeps you stuck, and give it a title.

Jamie did some writing and realized that she was telling herself that: She could never trust her body enough to travel. Because she couldn’t travel, Steve was going to leave her, and she would be alone. She titled this tale, her “All Alone” story. Once she saw it, she was more apt to recognize when it would rear its ugly head.

This allowed her to have more space around it rather than being controlled by it.

Samantha’s dirty pain was that: She would never succeed again. No one cared or respected her. In fact, they wanted to see her fail. She labeled this her “I’m A Failure” story. Seeing this, she was

able to recognize how much she had tried to do it all by herself, rather than utilizing help like a mentor or business manager to support her success. She also realized how much valuable experience she had gained through the process.

In summary,

When catapulted into square one of the change process:

1. Grieve: allow yourself to become aware, acknowledge and feel your feelings, your real feelings. This is simply your clean pain flowing through you. Be assured that along with clean pain comes the ability to bear it and get through it stronger than you were before.

2. Disbelieve: Look at the thoughts that are creating your suffering, the dirty pain. Externalize them by writing them down, giving them a story title so that you can recognize the dirty pain story when it next rears its ugly head and tries to take over.

For me, I had to accept that I didn’t need a reason to grieve. Heck, I had lost my brother and that was enough. I allowed myself to express my clean pain. I felt sad and lost and allowed myself to express that raw, gut wrenching sadness. I also, recognized that I was telling myself that I didn’t deserve to feel bad or lost. I wasn’t really close to my brother. In fact, I wasn’t really a good sister to him. I titled this tale my “bad sister” dirty pain story. I also realized it wasn’t helping me, and I let it go when it would arise.

I know now that having done my own work on grieving and disbelieving makes me a better coach and able to help others move through change. So, even when it’s hard, I get to remember, this too shall pass, and as a result, my life will be richer.

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health}

fitness

Health First, Weight Second

By Delia Buckmaster Photo by Katy Mendoza from Lot 22 photography

You can’t turn on the TV, drive down the road or go to a party without being confronted by America’s hottest obsession: weight. Diets are a 40 billion dollar industry that make promises that this will finally be the solution - your shortcut to a thinner you. If these diets all worked, would the industry really be that profitable? How in the world did humans exist without media and other people telling us what to eat? The world of nutrition has become incredibly complex. What we need is to be aware that the objective is not to be thinner but healthier; and, the loss of weight will come with a healthier life.

It wasn’t until three years ago that I become fascinated by food and nutrition. I discovered “clean eating” and noticed more than just a weight loss. My skin looked better, I had more energy and my fitness levels were stronger. It was one of those ‘aha!’ moments, and I wanted to learn more. I therefore chose to enroll in school to become a health coach. Halfway through the program, we touched on almost every dietary theory out there, and, I became more confused than ever.

Here’s the thing. Nutrition is a funny science. It’s the only field where people can scientifically prove opposing theories and still be right. No perfect eating works for everybody. The food that is perfect for your unique body, age and lifestyle may make another gain weight and feel lethargic. We are too individualistic to eat the same exact food as everyone else.

Being healthy is not supposed to be that complicated. The body knows what to eat. It’s the brain that makes mistakes. So how do we train the brain? Start by working with your body instead of against it. Eating consciously and making simple lifestyle changes will create positive results and release you from the endless cycle of dieting.

Ask yourself these questions…

1. How are my relationships?

2. Am I happy in my career?

3. What is my level of physical activity?

4. Do I have spirituality?

5. Can I improve my nutrition?

When you discover which of the above is missing, you will have a clearer visual of your imbalances. It’s a starting point for determining where you may want to spend more time and energy improving.

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health}

The Circle of Life

fitness

Research shows that almost all diets result in a 10-pound gain once off the diet. Get out of the diet mentality and listen to what you truly need. There is no such thing as a quick fix. I repeat there is no such thing as a quick fix.

Here are 12 simple ways you can make a change in your health a reality this year: 1. Drink More Water 2. Practice Cooking

3. Increase Whole Grains

4. Increase Sweet Vegetables

5. Increase Leafy Green Vegetables 6. Experiment with Protein

7. Eater Fewer Processed Foods

8. Make a Habit of Nurturing Your Body

This exercise will help you to discover which primary foods you are missing the most. The Circle of Life has 12 sections.

Look at each section and place a dot on the line marking how satisfied you are with each area of your life. A dot placed at the center of the circle or close to the middle indicates dissatisfaction, while a dot placed on the periphery indicates

ultimate happiness. When you have placed a dot on each of the lines, connect the dots to see your circle of life. You will have a clear visual of any imbalances in primary food and a starting point for determining where you may wish to spend more time and energy to create balance and joy in your life. © Integrative Nutrition

9. Have Healthy Relationships

10. Enjoy Regular Physical Activity 11. Find Work You Love

12. Develop a Spiritual Practice

You don’t need to follow the steps in any order.

You can tackle one new step a day, a week or a month. This isn’t a short-term diet, this is a long-term lifestyle. Trust your instincts.

health}

A:

Answers

Q:

Skincare Answers

By Erin Blair, Licensed Esthetician

I hear a lot of conflicting advice about whether my diet affects my skin. What do you think? Does what I eat make a difference?

The short answer is yes, absolutely. Consider that our bodies are made up of cells, and those cells completely rely upon food and water to go about their microscopic, busy lives. Because our bodies are little more than cells, cells, and more cells, every function of our health depends on what we feed them. A teacher of mine, Florence Barrett-Hill, once said, “Our cells are only as good as what they get for lunch.” I love the simple picture that paints, and remember it frequently when deciding what to eat.

Of course, that begs the question of what to eat.

My studies at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition have taught me to focus on adding more whole foods (for example, brown rice as opposed to white rice, which has been stripped of all its vitamins, protein and fiber) as the most important first step toward a healthy diet. Whole foods provide more nutrients, and are slower to convert to sugar in the body, which is a very good thing.

Buy bread that is made ENTIRELY of whole grains rather than simply ‘made with whole grains’, which is a marketing ploy. Whole fruits and vegetables, unprocessed grains and beans, and lean meat (including lots of

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fish) are the basics of a healthy skin diet. breakouts. As you might imagine, fast food, Yes, you’ve heard it before, and this could with its saturated fat, salt, and high-sugar be where the discussion ends; but, there’s white bread is the enemy of acne. more to it.

It’s worth noting that for some, wheat can There are specific nutrients that our skin contribute to inflammation and make either requires. Multitudes of peer reviews, and acne, eczema, or any other inflammatory published scientific studies from around the condition worse. The best way to know if world, show an interesting trend: people wheat is causing a problem is to eliminate suffering from skin disorders have certain it for a period of time (anywhere from two nutrient deficiencies in common. Increasing weeks to six months, depending on who you these nutrients helps alleviate symptoms ask), and add it back in again. As for eczema, and speed healing. it comes with its own list of foods to eat or avoid, as does psoriasis.

Take acne sufferers, for instance. For years they have been told that diet holds no bear- The more I study the skin and nutrition, ing on their condition. But the studies dis- the more I am amazed that anyone could agree. People with acne are frequently defi- deny the link. In fact, the published findings cient in zinc, selenium, magnesium, omega have been around for awhile, some of them 3 fatty acids, vitamin A and other antioxi- for decades. Early dermatology textbooks dants. Acne can be lessened by hormone- placed a lot of emphasis on the connection regulating and anti-inflammatory foods between diet and skin health. Somewhere such as fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich along the line, mainstream western mediwhole foods, fish, green tea, soy, berries, cine lost touch with the value of nutrition. turmeric and ginger.

But, I believe, it’s only a matter of time before common sense makes a comeback.

On the other hand, sugar, low fiber (processed) carbohydrates, meat, milk, satu- Send your question for Skincare Answers to rated fats and even peanuts can incite acne skintherapystudio@gmail.com

health}

contraception

Q:

sugar pills

By Dr. Thomas deHoop

I am currently on oral contraception and a friend of mine told

me that I could avoid having my period by beginning a new packet

A:

of pills on the day that I would normally be starting “sugar

Your friend is correct. You can take active pills continuously and avoid menses for an indefinite period of time. Most monthly oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) have 21 days of active pills and 7 days of a placebo or “sugar” pill. The function of the placebo pill is to stop all the hormonal support to the lining of the uterus so it will shed. Continuing to take active pills (the first 21 days) of combination (estrogen and progesterone) OCPs beyond 21 days can extend the time between periods and be done safely. By taking only the active pills, you support the lining of the uterus until you decide to stop for a week. This is the idea behind several OCPs on the market that have 9 weeks of active pills and 7 days of placebo or “sugar” pills. If you are doing this with a monthly pill, it is important that you use a pill brand that has the same amount of hormones for each of the first 21 days (monophasic pills). Multiphasic pills change the amount of hormones during each week of the first 21; taking the pills for more than 21 days means you will have varying amounts of hormones each week which may lead to breakthrough bleeding.

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pills” at the end of the pack.

Since you will be starting a new pack every three weeks, you need to make sure you have enough pills every month. The best way is to have your provider write a prescription for the pills to be taken continuously. You will need 4 packs every 3 months.

Controlling the timing of when periods occur is one of the non-contraceptive benefits of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). Other benefits include a reduction in ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, pelvic infection, painful periods, heavy bleeding, and benign breast disease. With monophasic pills, you can continue taking active pills for up to 6 to 9 weeks before breakthrough bleeding may occur. Every woman responds differently and will have breakthrough bleeding after a variable amount of time. Most studies have shown that most women will not experience breakthrough bleeding up to 9 weeks of active pills. You can extend past this, but expect that you may have some breakthrough bleeding. If breakthrough bleeding occurs, you can stop and take the placebo pills for 7 days and start a period that will bring you back to baseline.

To make sure that the pill doesn`t fail, you should make sure that you don`t take the placebo or ‘sugar’ pill for more than 7 days. These pills at the end of a pack don`t have any hormones that suppress ovulation which is why a period occurs. If you take these for more than 7 days, you increase the chance that ovulation and pregnancy can occur.

To make sure you are on the right pill, and there are no contraindications to continuous pill usage, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider before making a change.

PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be medical advice. It is general health information and does not take into account your particular health status nor is it a substitute for personal medical care. Neither Kalispell OB/GYN nor any party involved in creating, publishing or delivering this publication shall be liable for any damages arising out of the use of the content herein.

family}engage

“Engage”

By Kristen Pulsifer I stretch out on my bed, computer in my lap. I begin typing, and the next thing I know, I am being woken up by my four year old. I slowly pick up my lulled-back head and wipe the drool from my chin (and from my key board) and look towards my child. Her hair is tussled and crusted to her own slab of drool that has formed on her own chin.

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Anyway, I held her in my arms on the plane, and she finally fell asleep. I sighed, and let my head clunk against the window of the plane. The gentleman next to me quietly laughed and nudged me, as if he had known me for years. “You’ll miss this some day, I promise.” I politely smiled and rolled my eyes, thinking ‘bull!#*@!’. But he was right. Every time I am either awake in the I slide my computer aside and hoist her sweet wee hours of the night with my girls, or so anbody on to my lap. I ask her what is wrong, and gry I could cry, I remember that man, and know she very poignantly says, “There were snakes what he said was truer than anything else I have with boots by my bed, and I could not get out heard from anyone in regards to kid advice. of bed and across the floor to get to you, and the turtles were stuck …” she is asleep on my Why do I tell you this? Because as I think of all chest. I smile and hold her. My mind of course the advice of what to do with your children over flashes to all those nights when she was just a the holidays, and the things you can do to keep little baby, and she would sleep on me for hours. them ‘bright, vibrant and mentally stimulated’, At that time, it was a bit easier, as she fit on my I can’t get past what I felt the other night when chest. Now her legs stretch to my knees, and my daughter crawled into my lap and under the her head is curled up under my chin, forcing my covers with me. What it felt like to slide that head into a horrifically awkward position. She computer aside, take a deep breath and simply enjoy being with her. We all need to find ways just doesn’t fit the way she used to! to simply enjoy each other. Think of all of those I have another memory flash, of a plane ride I holiday catalogue pictures, with all of the family took with my older daughter, when she was members wearing matching pajamas- I am not only 8 months old. I was flying with her, by saying you have to go that far, but whether it’s myself, and she had just embarked on her first skiing, skating, sledding or just sitting in front day of the ROTA virus. At that time I had no idea of the fire and a silly movie, just take pleasure in what she was sick with, but I knew I was sick one another’s company. of changing the foulest diapers you could imagine! The contents were of a substance I never Educators say that “academic skills are lost dreamed could come from such a small body. when the brain is unengaged for an extended

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period of time. And believe it or not, that can begin to happen even in a week.” Possible, but I also know that the brain is not “unengaged” when its owner is focusing on quality time with family. Experienced educators also say, “You can turn practically anything into a learning experience to keep your child's brain stimulated. Not only will this help prevent learning loss, but give your child a positive outlook on learning, and therefore improve their attitude.” What a wonderful time to simply either talk to each other or just play a game – those things will engage the brain.

Whatever it is, just keep loved ones close to home, safe and happy. Work on benefiting from each other’s company without the stresses of school and work. TAKE A BREAK and ‘engage your brain’ in appreciating the moment, friends and family. And remember the words of that kind man on the airplane. I will never forget them, because they have gotten me through a plethora of crazy times.

Happy Holidays! Be safe and enjoy.

Information cited from: Tiffany Cooper Gueye, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life). “Seven Educational Activities for Your Child Over the Holidays.”

history} ALICE IVERS

ALICE IVERS The Gambling Outlaw

by Chris Enss

The gamblers at the table in Deadwood, South Dakota, each sized up the other, showing their best poker faces. This was “Poker Alice’s” gambling house, and she was in her element. She shifted her cigar to the other corner of her mouth, her attention narrowly focused on the face of the man holding the only other hand besides hers. All the other players had folded, tossing their cards onto the table.

“Well, I’ll see yah,” the man breathed and added another bag of gold dust to the small mountain of tiny sacks already in the center of the table. “What yah got, Alice?” he asked.

“You ain’t going to raise me again?” Alice said and lifted an eyebrow, shifting the cigar once more. “No? Well, it’s pretty full,” she said with a sweeping gesture displaying her cards. “Three aces and a pair of ladies. Beat that and the dust is yours.”

“Take the pot,” her opponent snarled. Disgusted, he rose and stomped to the door, disappearing into the night.

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Alice removed a gun from the folds of her skirt and placed it on the table in front of her. She considered the possibility that the disgruntled gambler might walk back into the gaming hall and accuse her of cheating, and she wanted to be ready. It wouldn’t have been the first time Alice Ivers, more famously known as Poker

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Alice, shot a combative card shark. While working at a gambling parlor in Deadwood in 1890, she successfully fended off a drunken miner who had pulled a knife on a fellow dealer.

Back then, a steady stream of prospectors, ranchers, and cowhands filtered in and out of a Deadwood saloon owned by a man named Bedrock Tom where Alice worked. An inexperienced musician playing an out-oftune accordion squeezed out a familiar melody, inviting in the pleasure-seekers walking by the establishment.

Burlap curtains were pulled over the dusty windows, and fans hung down from the ceiling and turned lazily.

A distressed mahogany bar stood along one wall of the business, and behind it was a bartender splashing amber liquid into glasses as fast as he could. A row of tables and chairs occupied the area opposite the bar.

Every seat was filled with a card player. Poker Alice sat among a sea of male gamblers. She was alarmingly beautiful, fair-skinned, well-dressed, and slim. She had one eye on the cards she was dealing and another on the men at the game two tables down.

Warren G. Tubbs was studying the cards in his hand so intently he didn’t notice the hulk of a man next to him get up and walk around behind him. The huge man with massive shoulders and ham-like hands that hung low at his side peered over Warren’s shoulder and eyeballed the mountain of chips before him. Alice’s bright-blue eyes carefully watched the brute’s actions.

She watched as he casually reached for his belt and pro-

duced a sharp knife from a leather sheath hanging off his waist. Just as he was about to plunge the weapon into Warren’s back, a gunshot rang out.

The frivolity in the saloon came to a sudden halt. A sick look filled the stranger’s face, and he slowly dropped the knife. He turned briefly to see from which direction the bullet came. Alice stared back at him, her .38 pistol pointed at his head. The man collapsed face first onto the floor. His body was quickly removed to make way for another player. In a matter of minutes the action inside the tavern returned to normal. Warren caught Alice’s gaze and grinned. He nodded to her and waggled his fingers in a kind of salute. She offered a slight smile and turned her attention back to the poker game in front of her.

Historians claim that Alice Ivers was born in Sudbury, Devonshire, England, on February 17, 1853. She came to America when she was three years old. The family settled in the South, where she was graduated from a women’s college. Her father was a colonel with the Confederate Army during the Civil War, commanding the Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry. Two of her brothers were killed in the battle of Malvern Hill. Sometime after the close of the war, she married Frank F. Duffield and moved to Leadville, Colorado, where Duffield was killed in a mine explosion.

After her first husband’s death, Alice turned to gambling for her livelihood. She married Warren Tubbs,

Photos from left to right: Alice Ivers, aka Poker Alice of Sturgis. Here she is shown in her later years, smoking a cigar, a vice she became famous for. Attorney Harry Atwater gave Poker Alice her pardon from Governor Bulow in December 1928 after her second violation of the Volstead Act. Poker Alice and six men sit around a gaming table, one man holding a revolver. Pictures of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are visible on the wall in the background. All PHOTOs COURTESY OF THE STATE ARCHIVES OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY who she thought was a professional gambler—though he soon saw the wisdom of leaving that work to her.

She had a reputation for always dealing a fair deck. It was from her steady poker face that she earned her sobriquet. She often boasted that God gave her the best poker face of any man, woman, or child ever made, and seasoned poker players say that a royal flush or a pair of deuces in her hand made no difference in the face of Poker Alice. She gambled for high stakes without a quiver of the hand as she dealt, without the twitch of a face muscle. While playing cards she was a cold as the steel of her .38 revolver.

Alice and Tubbs wandered around the West for more than a year after they were married: Colorado, Nevada, Montana—wherever there was money to be made and men with nerve enough to take on Poker Alice.

She broke the bank at faro in Silver City, New Mexico, winning a total of 6,000 dollars. She and her husband continued to travel after that big win.

Alice turned banker and began dealing her own faro game wherever the pair went. She is believed to be the first female faro card dealer in the West, and was very successful. The couple eventually made their way to New York. The purpose for the trip was so Alice could purchase a wardrobe befitting a high-stakes poker player. She bought beautiful gowns, hats, expensive jewelry—all the finery needed to help her gain entrance into the most elite gambling houses west of Independence, Missouri.

Any house would pay twenty-five dollars a week to a female dealer (of which there were few), roughly ten percent more than their male counterparts, but that pay was only a drop in the bucket compared to the thousands Alice made in winnings. According to various newspaper accounts, Alice’s exceptional card playing ability was due in large part to the fact that she was a mathematical genius. According to rival gamblers, she had a talent for counting cards and quickly deducing the possible outcome of each hand.

Somewhere during her travels she acquired a taste for alcohol and cigars. When people learned Poker Alice was in town, they would flock to see the talented card player in her extraordinary dresses, puffing on a cigar.

In the winter of 1874, twenty-one-year-old Poker Alice had heard a rumor that there was a sizable amount to be made at the newest boomtown in Colorado called King Solomon’s Mine. She went afoot over the Colorado Rockies from Del Norte, on the west side of the San Luis Valley, to King Solomon’s Mine. There was no trail, and the snowdrifts were high. Her husband had decided not to make the trip with her. He was a regular at the saloons in Denver and didn’t want to be far from a drink at his favorite watering hole. Three eager miners accompanied Alice on the journey. There were only seven people in the mining town on the other end of the trail. By the time Alice built a cabin with her own hands, there were enough miners there for the poker

to be hugely profitable. When Alice returned from King Solomon’s Mine in 1876, she and Warren followed the gold rush riches to Deadwood, South Dakota. Her reputation preceded her. Residents soon began referring to her as the “Faro Queen of Deadwood.” Whenever lawman and gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok was in town, he liked to play against the Queen. In fact, he had invited her to sit in on a hand with him on August 2, 1876, the day Jack McCall shot and killed the legendary Western character. Alice had declined, citing a prior engagement.

In the early 1900s, Warren was suffering with tuberculosis and needed rest. He and Alice purchased a homestead on the Moreau River outside the town of Sturgis, South Dakota, where he could rest and relax. During a blizzard in 1910, Warren developed pneumonia and died. Alice transported his frozen remains in a horsedrawn sled into Sturgis, where his funeral was held and his body was buried. Alice remarried less than a year later. Her new husband was an obnoxious drunk named George Huckert. Huckert died on their third wedding anniversary.

At this point in her long life, Poker Alice rid herself of the fashionable dresses she once wore and took to wearing men’s shirts, khaki skirts, and an old campaign hat. Her beauty had all but faded, and her hair had turned silver. The only thing that remained of the Alice of old was her cigars.

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art}

dance

Feat x Feet

Written by Ashley Wold Photos by Karen Weyer Photography

In 1998 Feat x Feet Youth Tap Ensemble was formed by Ashley Wold and on December 7, 2012 three members of Feat x Feet will be performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. The show will be the first full length tap show to be presented at the Kennedy Center in the past 41 years. 15 youth were chosen from across the United States and 3 are from Feat x Feet! The company is truly living up to its name…accomplishing a “feat” using their feet. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the dancers and their Director Ashley Wold.

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Bridget Unterreiner, daughter of Joe and Colleen Unterreiner is a senior at Glacier High will celebrate her 18th birthday on December 6th the day before she gets to perform at the Kennedy Center in a piece called “Machine” choregraphed by New York City Tap Professional Michelle Dorrance. Bridget says there is no better way to celebrate her birthday than rehearsing for the performance of her lifetime. Marlow Schulz, a junior at Whitefish High School is the daughter of Krista and Derick Schulz and she was cast as the Ring Leader in a piece choreographed

by Michelle Dorrance called “The Waltz”. Marlow said she literally screamed out loud in the school hallway when she received the text from her Director Ashley that she had been selected. Perrey Sobba, a senior at Whitefish High and daughter of Beth Sobba and Dr. David Sobba, will also perform in “The Waltz” and was cast as the “diva”. Perrey’s response to her acceptance was “this is the best day of my life!” To go from the studio where the group meets every Tuesday night at the O’Shgaughnessy

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Center in Whitefish MT to the stage of the Kennedy Center is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

This performance opportunity came about through 3 years of hard work and dedication by Lane Alexander, director of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project after endless hours of work to get the show to the Kennedy Center.

Ashley and several of her students have attended the annual festival and this past August as usual. 14 Feat x Feet members were able to attend this past summer. Marlow, Bridget and Perrey were given the opportunity to audition for this performance and underwent a 3 hour audition at the end of a 8 hours day for a week of dancing. The girls then waited until the Aug 30 which was the day they were to be notified. That day came and went, a video of each had to be made and sent to the choreographer in NYC and finally in Oct the news came that all three had been selected and cast!

This long road for Feat x Feet all began 16 years ago when Director Ashley Wold attended the Chicago Human Rhythm Project for the first time. It is a 10 day intensive tap festival under the direction of Lane Alexander. The festival gathers the best teachers from across the United States and students gather from around the world to take classes for up to 8 hours a day. The festival also presents 3 full length tap performances featuring the guest artists.

In one of the shows North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble performed. Ashley was sitting with her a few students that attended the festival with her that watching the

show and she told them, we are going to make this happen in Montana. Feat x Feet was created that year and 5 years later Feat x Feet was asked to guest perform at the Chicago Human Rhtyhm project and got to share the stage with tap professional from around the US and 5 other youth tap ensembles. Feat x Feet impressed the crowd with 9 dancers performing a piece that is still in their repertoire that was choregraphed by Austrilian tap professional.

Ashley wanted her students with a passion for tap and a desire to learn to have more than an end of the year recital with a 3 minute piece to perform in. The Feat x Feet Youth Tap Ensemble presented their first show and only show for the year in February 1999. The company has grown over the years to support 5 full length tap shows each January at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish as well as a summer show which features Feat x Feet members and tap professionals from NYC! Most recently Ashley has brought in NYC tap professional, choreographer of the TV Hit So You Think You Can Dance, Tony award winner for Bring in Da’Noise, Bring in Da’Funk Derek K Grant. Also NYC tap professional Aaron Tolson, Carson Murphy and Stomp member Nicholas Young. In 2008 Feat x Feet brought in NYC professional Michelle Dorrance. Ashley brings students to one major tap festival every summer, Chicago Human Rhythm Project still being the favorite, but has also attended LA Tap Festival and Tap City in New York City.

Feat x Feet holds annual audition each March, a summer intensive in Whitefish each June w NYC tap professionals including a show and regular classes and rehearsals Sept through April.

All information available at www.featbyfeet.com or calling Ashley 406-270-5806 or emailing featxfeet@gmail.com

Feat x Feet Tap School offers classes in both Whitefish and Kalispell.

Feat x Feet Youth Tap Ensemble holds classes in Whitefish and performs at the I.A. O’Shaughnessy Center.

The next show will be in Whitefish at the O’Shaughnessy Center Jan 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13. Tickets are available by calling the ticket hotline on 471-4400 or on the web site. The show will feature the pieces in part that the girls performed at the Kennedy Center all with all Feat x Feet repitoire along with dances by the Feat x Feet Tap School students. It is sure to be another great series of shows!

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art} Big City Talent

Big City Talent in a Small Town

By Miriam Singer & John Simpson

Photo of Mike Eldred by D. Pierce Studio

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Having just returned from New York City where we paid $90 a person for a show at Cafe Carlyle, and $70 per person each, at half price, for a performance on Broadway we really appreciate living in Whitefish where we get world-class talent for a small town ticket price. Thank you to Don “K” Subaru which puts advertising money into entertaining us, in the hope that one day we will drive to the show in our new Subaru. Dinah Shore sang, “See the USA in Your Chevrolet!” Please contact John Simpson at John@donk.com if you have a good idea for a Subaru jingle.

Who knows, there may be a reward for you if it’s used in their advertising. And read the rave review on Subaru in the December 3rd issue of Fortune Magazine.

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In December, Don “K” Subaru is doing a Christmas show benefit for Flathead Valley food banks including Polson, Eureka and Libby. The show, Home for the Holidays with Mike Eldred, stars Mike Eldred who will be traveling from Nashville, Tennessee with his accomplished accompanist Jeff Steinberg. The Christmas show is one night only on Friday, December 21st at 8pm at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Mike Eldred’s John Denver show in September was a wonderful delight. He moved us deeply with his singing and his warmth.

Mike Eldred starred on Broadway in Les Miserables as Jean Valjean. He was in the original cast of the Tony-nominated The Civil War. Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times said, The voices are stellar. Mike Eldred ... soars...

His amazing voice – a high-flying, full-bodied tenor, intensely romantic, alternately wrenching and joyful – was so compelling that you forgot you were in a theater, forgot everything but the sound pouring out of his throat. -- Kevin Nance, The Tennessean

Listening to his soothing tenor embrace one is reminded that talent, personality, training and experience can combine to create a truly unique and amazing sound. -Evans Donnell, ArtNowNashville

Eldred has won numerous performance awards, including Nashville Scene’s Best Musical Theatre Performer. He was nominated as Nashville Music Awards Male Vocalist of the Year. He has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, Trisha Yearwood, CeCe Winans and Michael Bolton.

Jeff Steinberg currently serves as a frequent POPS Conductor for The Nashville Symphony. He's written for the Maynard Ferguson and Count Basie bands.

He arranged for and performed with Milton Berle, Johnny Carson, Perry Como, Diahann Carroll, Michael Feinstein, Crystal Gayle, Robert Goulet, Shari Lewis and Bob Hope. Upon graduating from the Berklee School in 1969, he joined The Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Buddy DeFranco and toured the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Japan.

art} Big City Talent To buy tickets for Home for the Holidays with Mike Eldred on December 21st ($20, $23,$26,$29), please go to http://sands.skytics.com or log onto Skytics.com.

Cocoa Martini, a three woman African-American vocal trio from Seattle backed by the powerhouse Bill Anschell Trio, also from Seattle, recently put on four great shows in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Bigfork. The performances were energetic and packed with riveting rhythmic intensity. Arrangements were written by Nadine Shanti, their musical director. Nadine along with Kay Bailey and Kimberley Reason sang their hearts out, often in harmony and also alone. The band kept the energy kept moving all evening long. They were fabulously entertaining and original in their concept, while honoring the tradition of the vocal harmony groups that went before. And they did it all with their own flavor...Cocoa. And coming from Seattle as they do, they also had an original song about coffee...in three part harmony of course.

Photo of Cocoa Martini by Jerry Davis Photography

These shows are produced by Singer & Simpson Productions and brought to you by Don “K” Subaru with special thanks to The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Tachyon Productions, the Daily Interlake and 406 Woman.

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art} Young stars

Young classical music stars grace concert hall stage this winter Written by Marti Ebbert Kurth Photos submitted by the artists This winter the Glacier Symphony will feature two up-and-coming young women artists as guest soloists in two distinctly different concerts. The January 19-20 Peter and the Wolf concert will feature Natalie Dungey, a 13-year-old trumpet sensation from Issaquah, Wash. performing "Trumpet Concerto" a work written specifically for her by GSC Music Director, John Zoltek.

Then on February 23-24, the symphony will perform "Guitar Virtuoso and Beethoven's Eroica" a concert featuring celebrated Croatian guitarist, Ana Vidovic, in "Concierto de Aranjuaz", one of the most popular works for solo guitar and orchestra by Joaquin Rodrigo.

Both artists began as child prodigies and have garnered national and international acclaim. And though both hail from different parts of the world, their paths are firmly rooted in a passionate desire to play music.

Natalie's talent was the inspiration for Zoltek's piece, after he invited her to perform at the 2011 Festival Amadeus in Whitefish and she stunned audiences with a skill and technique far beyond her years.

"When composing this work for Natalie I hoped to capture and express a sense of youthful innocence, play and exuberance, while still allowing for a bit of technical concerto flash," Maestro Zoltek explains.

Natalie has grown up in a musical family. Her mother is a professional violinist and her father a professional trumpeter and band director.

As a toddler she sat on her father's lap while he taught trumpet lessons and attended rehearsals for the church orchestra, grabbing the mouthpiece and playing any chance she got.

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"She could be found carrying (dragging) an old trumpet her dad gave her around the house and blasting away. She begged him to teach her, but he refused, believing she was too young," notes her website bio.

"Undeterred, Natalie assigned herself the first few pages of a method book. After practicing them diligently, she put stars on the ones she could do well and again asked her dad to teach her. Finally, at age seven, she began formal lessons with her dad, insisting that he teach her 'just like his students.'"

She gained international attention through her performance of the "Arutunian Trumpet Concerto" at the National Trumpet Competition when she was 10. Since then she has been a featured soloist with

Ana Vidovic will perform a solo

recital during her weekend with the Glacier Symphony at the "Symphony Soloist Spotlight" on Thursday, Feb. 21, 7:00 p.m. at the Alpine Lighting Ballroom, 333 Main St. Kalispell. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this intimate performance that offers audiences a chance to enjoy a glass of wine during the concert and meet and chat with the artist.

Tickets are $15 and seating is limited; advance purchase is recommended. Call 257-3241 or buy online at www.gscmusic.org.

Christopher O'Reilly on NPR's From The Top and performed the world premiere of "Calling The Calvary" by Hollywood film composer Mateo Messina wrote for her.

In addition to Natalie's performance, the "Peter and the Wolf - Winter Family Concert" will feature Prokofiev's iconic work of the same name. The piece is a delightful introduction to the various instruments of the orchestra and will be illustrated by costumed dancers from the Noble Dance Company. Performances will be Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at Whitefish Performing Arts and Sunday, January 20, 2013, 3:00 p.m. at Flathead High Performance Hall, Kalispell. Tickets are available in a range of prices and seating tiers. All youth through grade 12 are admitted free to these concerts.

Call the GSC to reserve seats, 257-3241 or buy online at www.gscmusic.org.

"It is difficult to know where to begin when discussing the enormous talents of Ana Vidovic. Her dynamic range, beauty of sound, precision of articulation and virtuosity are such that listening becomes more of an absolute musical experience."

-Stephen Griesgraber Guitar Review

Born in 1980, Ana Vidovic also grew up in a musical family in the small town of Karlovac near Zagreb, Croatia. Her father played electric guitar and her brothers played piano and guitar and they had lots of instruments in their house. It was her brother Viktor, seven years older and himself an accomplished classical guitarist by the age of 12, who inspired her to play guitar. At age five he began teaching her how to read music and the basics of the instrument. At age seven she debuted her first public solo in a concert that her brother was holding. By 11, Ana was entering competitions and performing internationally, and at 13 she became the youngest student to ever attend the prestigious National Musical Academy in Zagreb.

In 2001 Vidovic's reputation in Europe led to an invitation to study with Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. After graduating in 2005 she made Baltimore her home base from which she tours extensively performing in concerts, music festivals and recitals and occasionally teaching master classes.

Her international career includes recitals in New York, London, Paris, Vienna,

Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas, and St. Louis and beyond. "Guitar Virtuoso," Vidovic's performance of works by Bach, Torroba, Paganini and Walton, was released on DVD in 2006.

She has recorded 6 CD's of her music and has won an impressive number of prizes and international competitions.

But perhaps the most modern example of her popularity is a YouTube posting of her 2006 solo performance at the New York Guitar Festival which has received over 4.5 MILLION views and continues to grow daily!

When asked in a recent phone interview about what its like to be a female classical guitarist in a world dominated by male guitarists Ana acknowledged that the stereotype is changing.

"It's still considered to be a guy's instrument and obviously more men than women play guitar. I think little girls are more directed (by their parents) to play piano, etc. People think that to play guitar one needs to have physical strength or big hands. But that is not the case and I think that is changing and we actually have a lot of women who are playing the guitar and are drawn to the instrument," she said.

She is inspired by a passion for music and love for the sound of the instrument. "I love performing sharing my music with the audiences. It's the most wonderful feeling when you have the audience breathing with you and listening very carefully. I really appreciate them. In the end it is always the passion for the music that keeps me going."

Ana's reviewers laud her skillful balance between musical expression and excitement, her precision of articulation and virtuosity. "She achieves tempos and long phrasing that are usually only heard in violin and piano virtuosos... It is a celebration of classical music and classical guitar," said Brian Roberts, professor of guitar at Wayne State University.

Catch the performance of "Guitar Virtuoso and Beethoven's Eroica" on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, 7:30 pm at Whitefish Performing Arts Center, and Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, 3:00 pm at Flathead High Performance Hall, Kalispell. Tickets are available in a range of prices and seating tiers and all youth through grade 12 are admitted free of charge. Buy online at www.gscmusic.org or call 257-3241.

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art} books

Book Review Sponsored by

862-9659 - 242 Central Avenue, Whitefish Below Copperleaf Chocolat Co.

Shine, Shine, Shine By: Lydia Metzer BOOK REVIEWS BY JOAN G. SMITH Maxon and Sunny met when Maxon was seven and Sunny a bit younger.

They were different from other people and immediately liked each other. Sunny had been born in Burma and her father was a strange minister. When her father was killed, Sunny’s mother took her to the USA , and Nu, her mother’s housekeeper, came along. Sunny had two loving, smart women to raise her and be her family. Maxon had only a cruel father, brothers and mother.

Sunny and her family brought love, fun and sense to Maxon’s life. It was inevitable that Maxon and Sunny would eventually marry. Maxon was a genius engineer, on a NASA mission to the moon, and was programming

robots for a new colony. Money was no problem, so Sunny decided to have a perfect home, on a perfect street, and be normal. They eventually have a son, Bubber, who is quite bright as well. He is also autistic, so the doctors have him medicated.

Sunny was born bald, but she decides, in her 30’s, to match her perfect house and life, with perfect wigs. It takes having Maxon on his way to the moon, her mother ill in the hospital, being pregnant again and taking Bubber off his medication to decide to ditch the wigs and be totally herself.

I will close this review with this quote from the fly leaf of this novel. This

book is, “A debut of singular power and intelligence.” Shine, Shine, Shine is a unique love story, an adventure between worlds, and a stunning novel of love, death, and what it means to be human.

Road to Valor By: Aili and Andres McConnon Gino Bartali won the Tour de France in 1938 and again in 1948, after World War II. He was an Italian cyclist who loved his bike and used it in many different ways, especially during World War II where he saved many lives.

He was able to use his cycling winnings to support a Jewish family he hid in an apartment, during the war.

He was also a Roman Catholic who used the church to help him smuggle counterfeit identity documents, hidden in his bicycle, past Fascist and Nazi check points. This only worked because the soldiers recognized him as a national hero in training.

The authors, Aili and Andres McConnon, based their book on ten years of research in Italy, France and Israel.

They also interviewed Bartali’s family, 406

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former teammates and a Holocaust survivor Bartali had saved.

Bartali also had to fight Mussolini’s Fascists who tried to use him for propaganda purposes. Bartatli grew up in a poor and rural Tuscany, where he slowly saved enough money to buy a bicycle – and not a very good one!

The McConnons have written a non-fiction, untold story of one of the great athletes of the 20th century. Aili McConnon has earned degrees from Princeton University, Cambridge and Columbia University.

Andres graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University and was a history major. They both have many credits writing and researching as journalists. While researching this

book, he lived in Paris, Florence, and the Italian Riviera.

Road to Valor is the inspiring, against all odds, story of Gino Bartali, who made the greatest comeback in Tour de France history. He was a true hero who inspired a nation.

art} books

Anna’s Wish Author: Bruno Hachler Illustrated by: Friederike Rave Children's book Reviews By Kristen Pulsifer

“Anna had never seen snow- she could only imagine it. Then, one day, while passing the bakery, she felt something soft and cold touch her cheek…” This is Anna. Apparently, she needs to move to the Flathead Valley and experience some snow!

I thought of this book the other day while I was watching the rain come down, and found myself wishing for snow. This sweet story describes a town where snow used to pour down and provide kids with sledding, skating, skiing and all of the other winter time activities so many are fortunate to enjoy every year. Then, one day, Anna peers through the window of her favorite bakery at a small, magical, white horse that almost seems too real. This model horse sparkles and looks to be standing in actual snow! This prompts Anna to ask questions about snow and then run home and pull out an old sled that has been stored in her basement.

The next day, when snow still refuses to fall, Anna returns to the window of the bakery to stare at this little white horse. Entranced, she makes an earnest wish to this little horse and begs for snow. “Like tiny stars, her wishes floated up into the sky and froze. Then, slowly, they began to fall back down to the earth.” Snow begins to fall and fall, covering everything. Snowmen are built, sleds are pulled out, and joy spreads through the small town that has for so long, wished for snow.

This is a sweet story about magic, a little girl’s wishes, and the joys that winter and the holidays truly bring. Anna’s Wish can be found at Book Works, in Whitefish, and, of course, on line.

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