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Karen Leigh Portrait of an artist

Moon Over Montana In Native American culture the March moon is the Crow moon.

The full moon shares the symbolism of the circle as an image of wholeness and strength, and is also symbolic of the height of power, peak of clarity and fullness and obtainment of desire.

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Woman to Woman 72 In The Scheme of Things 74 MW Kitchen 76 Facing The Odds 79 Fabulous Female 80 Be A Force of Beauty 85 Living Well 90 Montana Treasures 92 Intuitive Insights 94 Look To The Stars 96

FEATURES

MW Inbox 8 Rock Your Locks 10 MIddle of the Night 12 Inside Out 14 Bedtime Stories 16 Peaks & Valleys 19 In The Know 22 Petals, Projects & Pizazz 24 Jewels' Gems 26 Feature Story 28 Panache 34 Relationships By Bunny 36 History Lesson 40 Keeping It Real 43 Ask The Coach 44 Living Beautifully 46 Healthy Living 47 Family Matters 48 Lipstick Logic 52 Inside The Treasure Chest 56 MW Treasure Chest 57 Creating With Colette 58 Western Comfort 62 Age-ing to Sage-ing 64 Snapshots of Life 67 Awakening Mind 70

March

MARCH 2014

The Creative Issue Pulisher Editor-in-Chief Cindy Branch Editor Gina Ellis Creative Director Rick Anderson Editing Department Andrea Blair

All material appearing in Montana Woman Magazine may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the publisher.

All contents Š 2014 Montana Woman. The views expressed by the writers are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Montana Woman Magazine.

Advertising Director Gina Ellis Advertising Department Cindy O’Boyle Gina Ellis Danielle Thompson Photographers Andrea Blair Jill Courtney Jennifer Steven Valerie McIntyre Digital Art Department Zach Klehm Jennifer Steven

Send All Letters, Original Stories, and Poetry To: 1103 S Main St Kalispell, MT 59901 Visit our website montanawoman.com Email the editor info@montanawoman.com (406) 755.5753

I believe the seeds of creativity live in everyone. Some individuals are fortunate that their sprouting imaginations were nurtured and grown into strong creative thinking abilities. We are fortunate that they call Montana home.

Montana is blessed with a wide variety of creative people. People, who invent, imagine, problem-solve, create and communicate in fresh, new ways. In addition, to many artisans and craftsmen, Montana is blessed with creative thinkers in the forms of scientists, engineers, medical researchers, writers, illustrators, designers, inventors, educators, and parents. Those with the ability to “think outside of the box” will lead the future and make special things happen.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Every March and April, I make a promise to myself that I will not let any of the first signs of spring go by unnoticed. I eagerly seek out the first signs of spring both in my landscape and in the wild. It's sort of a mental checklist that I maintain, as a way of deriving maximum satisfaction from what I believe to be the second most exciting time of the year (autumn being my favorite). To me, it feels almost sacrilegious to miss out on viewing the first signs of spring.

Clip & Mail!

There are some hopeful signs of spring emerging...daytime temperatures have

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As you thumb through the pages of this month’s issue (The Creative Issue), I am sure you will agree that Montana truly is the land of creativity. I hope you will take the many opportunities to enjoy the signs of spring. May you find inspiration in the landscape, peace in the quiet stillness and hope in the creativity of it all.

nudged into the higher digits and the snow is melting...the geese are flying overhead, returning to their nesting grounds...red-winged blackbirds and chickadees can be heard with their spring calls... and soon the robins will begin their journey back to Montana.

Spring is the time of year that people’s outlooks match the sunny days. Spring is a time of beauty, time to reflect and the perfect time to dream and create.

Before you know it – glacier lilies, daffodils and tulips will be making their grand entrance through the snowy ground. Keep an eye out for spring; it’s on its way!

This is the time of year I plan my garden. The colorful pages of the seed catalogues feed my soul with visions of seedlings popping through the soil.

When the seeds arrive in my mailbox, I am filled with joy and my creativity is ready to spring into action.

Take Care,

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word from our readers Cindy:

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Montana Woman:

Love the cover of this month’s issue. Very classy!! We have so much fun working with the Montana Woman Magazine team.

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Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary Issue.

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I have been lucky enough to share the last four years working with and being a part of this amazing family! They have supported me by not only showcasing my work and financially sponsoring my continued education, but are true friends. They will continue on showing their support and telling our stories. Thank you and congratulations to Montana Woman Magazine!

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Montana Woman:

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ROCK YOUR LOCKS

Healthy Hair

Hello ladies! I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful that spring is beginning to show up and that means less damage for our hair. It’s time to love your hair into spring with nurturing treatments from your roots to your tips. I highly recommend adding a deep conditioning treatment to your next salon visit. Ask your hair dresser what he or she recommends to bring back the luster and elasticity to your

By Jhette Black

locks after a long, dry and oh so cold winter in Montana!

In between visits, make sure you are taking that extra step to give your hair the love it needs to recover from the winter. I have great hair mask recipes you can make at home. I love to do this at the end of the week with a glass of wine or a cup of hot chocolate (depending on the mask I’m making).

Enjoy!

If you’re feeling

Sweet

Banana Mask: Mix 1 mashed banana 1 egg 3 tablespoons of honey 3 tablespoons of milk 5 tablespoons of olive oil

Make sure it’s well combined and then apply to hair. Leave for 15 – 30 minutes and wash out with a gentle shampoo. I like to have a moist warm towel ready and wrap my hair in this while I enjoy a good read and my coco.

If you’re feeling like a glass of

Red Wine

Avocado Mask: Flesh of one ripe avocado, well mashed 1 tablespoon of honey 2 tablespoons of olive oil

How about a little

Bubbly?

Olive Oil and Honey Mask: 3 tablespoons of olive oil 2 tablespoons of honey Mix ingredients; apply to your hair and wrap your head in plastic film. Leave for at least 30 minutes. Shampoo as usual, rinsing well.

Let our readers know which one you like the best!

Mix until creamy; then apply to your hair. Leave for 20 minutes and wash out with a gentle shampoo. I like to wrap this in a moist, warm towel and sip my wine in my favorite chair by the fire. It’s divine!

GIVING BACK TO MONTANA MEANS A GREAT DEAL

As a family-owned business, Kendall knows first-hand the importance of supporting local organizations. In the last year we have given $65,000 back to Missoula through community outreach and sponsorships. LET’S START SOMETHING GREAT.

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MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Organizing Once and for All

By Margie Johnson

Organizing is usually a continual thing, something one needs to work at each day to maintain. Starting in early March many Montana women purge clothes closets of unwanted clothing and make the children sacrifice toys from their overstuffed bedrooms.

Spring is when we annually reach up and wipe off the top of the refrigerator or dust cobwebs from ceilings. You get the idea. Springtime is when we clean-out, clear-out and straighten-out areas of our home that yell for attention until we can’t stand the sight.

But how about if we could entirely omit some of those spring chores… like those dresser drawers of scrambled T-shirts and mismatched socks?

I have a solution, but let me first give credit where credit is due. I was over at my sister-in-law’s home, Verna Johnson, and she pulled out her dresser drawers and showed me how she neatly organized T-shirts and socks

by rolling them up and keeping the columns of clothing in place by cutting and inserting stripes of stiff cardboard between the rows. As you can see in my final results I even had room to add my husband’s handkerchiefs and two swim-trunks.

Speaking of final results…here is the best news yet. I made this change three years ago and have never had to re-organize those drawers since!

Once T-shirts or socks are laid flat and simply rolled-up and properly placed, (arranging socks according to color or pattern) there is no need for hubby or kids to search and jumble-up or dig and dismantle, making a disorganized mess in the drawer. They simply select from everything in view. After items are laundered, they are merely rolled and replaced, each in their empty spot.

Future organizing becomes obsolete.

Plus, here is an added bonus. My husband, who was in the military for 27

years, was taught this clever tip when packing his footlocker: Rolled-up clothing causes fewer wrinkles and creates more room.

Enough said on being clever. Outsmart those overstuffed bedroom drawers when spring cleaning this year. Once and for all, keep them organized! So get in there and quit wishing it done, instead get it done! The hardest part is getting started. Eleanor Roosevelt was right when she said, “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”

Actually, Eleanor’s words are giving me a needed nudge, right now. Instead of wishing and planning I am just going to reach over here and organize my bedside drawer of candy. It’s overstocked and needs to be devoured….

I mean downsized. Yum, I like this middle of the night spring-cleaning.

Sweet dreams.

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INSIDE OUT

Wisdom

By Gina Ellis

I, like so many other people, have gone round and round with time. I have had to decipher the hidden beliefs that were creating my relationship with time and rework them into truth and love. In short, time is not the enemy; it is a gift that allows us to shape it to our benefit with every moment. When I think of it, time has continued to grant me my greatest treasure‌a gift that evolves throughout my mind body and spirit. The gift of wisdom is one that lives within us all and one that flourishes with every breath. Time is the conductor of wisdom, delivering the perfect circumstance for us to gain new understanding and further awaken our potential.

In my forties, I now have a much deeper appreciation of moments that would have, in the past, frustrated me to the point of blowing! Take for instance my parenting, when I had my first child he did not get dirty, I changed his clothes at least 3 times a day and hand washed his pacifier anytime it touched the ground. Twenty-three months later he had a sister. She also stayed very clean, sucked her thumb (so I didn’t have to worry about dirty pacifiers.) Oh, and yes, I used cloth diapers for everyone- even on the go.

Sixteen months later, they had a little brother who was colic and cried all but a few of the 24 hours we were trying to survive. Evolution - we all got dirty and

I had a whole new love for the outdoors because it was the only place big enough to soothe my nerves. We switched to disposable diapers and bathed just once a day. People would try to tell me how fast the time would go and that my kids would be grown before I knew what happened. I could not, on my best day, comprehend this analogy on life. In fact I wanted to react with violence when someone would hand me this blurb of disassociated comfort. I would think to myself that they were selfish and really just trying to soften their own discomfort of watching me manage such chaos without cracking.

Now, with my fourth child entering high school and my third getting ready to launch into his independent life, I smile as I remember the chaos and the blessings that were hidden inside those

moments of my life. I couldn’t see then how much those experiences of love, joy and absolute exhaustion were perfect in their design. My understanding grew as I journeyed and realized that I was able to thrive in situations much more trying because the wisdom I had gained had expanded my level of peace and secured a trust within that could not be unsettled.

Time indeed cultivates wisdom. I feel more so than ever an unwillingness to skate by unaware of my internal and external conditions. When I was young I was in a hurry and viewed my value through the context of perfection. I can’t help but feel a little sad at the time I spent judging my life and those around me with such rigidity. Love is so much more powerful and creative! Time has taught me love, which to me, is the root

of life and the source of wisdom. My experiences now hold a richness I can’t help but embrace. I am not in a race to the end, rather, I try to be cognizant of the moment I am creating and mindful of the results I want. Challenges have been simplified because I know that I will get where I am going and that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Wisdom is respecting the fact that we are all on this bus together; each one of us in our own way learning and traveling to our destinations; feeling different bumps along our ride and appreciating different views from our windows. It’s all good, even when it’s not… it will be.

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BEDTIME STORIES

for

GROWNUPS

By Pat McGlynn

Play

Yesterday a group of friends and I held our annual sledding party on a private drive north of Columbia Falls. The weather was less than perfect. There was an adequate base of snow but the day was unusually warm and rainy for January in Montana. This did not dampen our enthusiasm. Chili was cooked, a bonfire lit and the roadway groomed to a glistening sheen. Each year we celebrate our host’s birthday by pulling out the runner sleds that he collects and race neck-and-neck down the hill. There is a very large bend in the road and some of the sleds steer better than others. The contests often look more like bumper cars than races.

I wonder how far the laughter and shouting can be heard as we barrel into a pile up. A four wheeler with a long rope pulls the willing participants back up the road at the end of the trip. This is a luxury we enjoy as adults. By adults, I mean there is no one in the group younger than 55 years old. If you close your eyes and listen, it sounds like any sledding hill filled with children.

I lie on my stomach and hold the wooden bars with my soggy mittens. I taunt my opponent as I slide back and forth revving my machine, loosening the runners from the slush that is forming. Then it’s off down the hill.

My face is only about four inches from

the glazed road, the sled making a crunching sound as it flies over the ice. I scream to my friend to “watch out” as she weaves into my lane. I am gaining on her but the bend is coming; if she takes the turn too wide we are going to crash. Her grandson, who is snowboarding along the edge, dives out of the way. Somehow we make it around the turn without a collision. We high five each other at the end when we see we have set a new record for distance this trip. My friend and I trudge back up the hill pulling our sleds since everyone else has disappeared to watch the football playoffs.

Sledding makes me feel like I am eight years old again. In our youth, we used to toboggan downhill in snowy pastures. We didn’t have a smooth road for runner sleds. The exhilaration is the same now as before -wind in your face, sounds of sled over packed snow, teasing, laughing, wet clothes, and matted hat hair – all good for the soul.

My dog, Aries, played all day with other dogs and youngsters who threw snowballs for her to catch. The children built snow forts and waged snowball fights with the adults. I think about all the ways that people and animals have of playing, actions that are simply for enjoyment; no purpose; no agenda.

My sister and I took a vacation to Sedona a couple years ago. After about our fourth day of hiking, she sat on a stump and said, “You go ahead and do your thing. I’ll be right here when you get back.” I was totally bewildered. She said, “You told me we were going to relax and have fun, but we keep hiking every day.” I was so totally absorbed in the rock, the beauty and the warmth of the sun, it never dawned on me that this was not her idea of play. I enjoy physical activity – kayaking, hiking, swimming and riding my horse. Sometimes, I like to just sit in a place of grandeur like Glacier, the ocean, a forest or the lake.

After awhile, I need to move again.

Taking her desires into consideration, my sister and I reached an amicable compromise.

Currently in middle age, my friends and I are exploring hobbies and opportunities to play. The kids are grown and gone. We are and have been conscientious, hard working and focused. It won’t be long and we will have more time on our hands.

Now what? It has been so many years of being the responsible adult that I struggled to make a list in my journal of what I consider play. That cracks me up. To get my list, I play the game If I Were King. That means letting my imagination go. If money or time was

not a limitation, what would I enjoy the most? It’s a pleasurable exercise. I see myself visiting my daughters more often, taking excursions to the ocean, riding my horse into the mountains and writing stories. Just envisioning these activities makes me happy.

Our perception dictates our definition of play. A rancher friend of mine needed a hand to help move cows to summer pasture. To him, it was work. To me, it was glorious play. This does not mean I did not take my role seriously. I moved when and where directed. I pushed, I guided, I ran back and gathered stragglers. Other times, I guarded dirt paths that could become an escape route. This was not an ordinary task for me. It was filled with excitement and camaraderie. I was definitely playing.

When I returned home last night, I listened to a webinar online as I cooked my dinner. The speaker mentioned “sacred playfulness.” He said it was a

source of creative inspiration. That term has been running through my mind. When we can let go and play, relax, be in the moment, have fun without any expectations – we are in a place of openness. We are happy and joyful. This is where we are one with Spirit. Ideas, insights and motivation flow into our being. Guidance is delivered when we are not blocking and over-thinking. The silliness of yesterday’s activities is still in my heart.

I allow myself to be inspired, to create without purpose. I am giving myself permission to simply enjoy the writing of this story for my own pleasure.

I am fortunate to have a job that is rewarding. There are many times in my day that if I just slow down and become aware, I experience pure joy. Nothing makes me happier than to help others be successful tending their land, to see a child grow their first vegetable, or feel that I have contributed to protecting our environment. Sure, I can see it as

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work and then it creates a feeling of drudgery. If I look at it as doing exactly what I would be doing If I Were King, it makes my heart soar. I am surrounded by the magnificence of the mountains, the spectacular reflections in the lake and the endless fields of wheat as I travel around the valley carrying on my duties. As I head into 2014, I will make room for more play in my life.

It is all in my mind. The way I look at my everyday activities will determine whether I see them as a chore or not.

I will seek joy and share it with the community I serve. I invite you to add more play to your life and encourage your friends to do the same.

Best wishes,Pat

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PEAKS & VALLEYS

A Wild Birthday Party Kathleen Clary Miller

A spotted one no bigger than a bunny springs on all four wobbly legs through the tall grass in reaction to my car passing. While enjoying my daily hike, a jittery doe dashes willy-nilly, her white tail flashing as she darts across the dirt road in order to create distraction from what no doubt lies behind her in the bushes. Her sister leaps my neighbor’s fence, startled by his horse or llama, a cluster of about-tobe-born legs dangling from beneath her belly.

It’s that time again: The birth announcement of the fawns.

I try hard not to look when I pass by the recent aftermath of labor and delivery; it is important to keep a mother’s secret safe. It’s far from easy, however, to engage in the self-discipline necessary in order to turn away from wonder! The fawns are so delicate, small enough to cradle in the cupping of my hands—were I to commit such folly. Determined not to undermine nature’s process, I face front, ignoring both frantic mother and fragile child, and onward I go.

Back at the house, from my floor to ceiling window that overlooks the forest surrounding the Ninemile Valley, I am a fortunate and appreciative audience.

Because does are dropping fawns around every corner, other wildlife join in the celebrationv. They are

members of the circle of life, with dinner on their minds.

A fox high-tails it through the brush beneath the pine forest, followed by a doe in hot pursuit. I glimpse the tail of my resident mountain lion that manages to keep hidden 364 days of the year.

The brown bear that has to no avail wrestled with my bear-proof trashcan for a month now comes lumbering through the trees.

He looks right, then left, then right at me, but decides to move on in search of the party. Wise choice.

The straggler is a large white rabbit that emerges from underneath the buckboard (“I’m late! I’m late!”). His head snaps from side to side, his nose high and twitching, searching out the scent that will lead him in the direction of the birthday bash. Having caught the drift, he freezes then lunges through the lupines that cluster around the wagon wheel.

Meanwhile Cody, my faithful German shepherd, is a manic wreck, tearing from window to window, one side of the house to the other, ears erect and wide eyes trying to discern which aperture offers the optimal view—or more likely, chasing target. Ultimately, his commotion will interfere with my viewing. Intent on remaining the anonymous ogler so that the party guests will stick around for me to see, I close him in the mudroom where

he is frustrated beyond his capability to cope.

Domesticated animals have no control.

In the end, after the predatory parade passes, the air settles down and evening settles in. Mama and baby deer are nestled together on the patch of soft green grass just outside my back door.

Mother rises, baby nurses.

Another pair approach. The fawns, barely able to stand on spindly sticks that will grow to be like graceful legs of dancers, frolic with each other. Their play is out of control and frenetic; another aspect of life they will master in time.

hunting every year, but me? I’d rather watch the early summer spectacle, and, well, quite frankly… you can’t have your cake and eat it too. I prefer to hunker down beneath the bedroom windowsill with my daughter who is expecting her first child, and my first grandchild, and we clandestinely spy on the miraculous scene before us—our very own reality entertainment right here in the woods of Western Montana.

Who needs television or even a ticket to the circus?

In my own backyard I’ve got the greatest show on earth.

I’m in no hurry for that time to come. A couple of my neighbors go deer

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I’m in love with Montana.

For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.”

John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

IN THE KNOW

Prenatal Massage

By Laurel L. McGee

Hi! My name is Laurel L. McGee, Licensed Massage Therapist. I completed my training in 2009 and have embraced this profession with gratitude and enthusiasm. I am also certified through the Nurturing the Mother (registered Trademark), Claire Marie Miller Seminars.

I’d like to have a conversation with you about prenatal (pregnancy) massage and its benefits for the soon-to-be Mom and growing child.

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body immediately begins to change.

Changes may be very subtle in the first tri-mester, with little to no unpleasant symptoms, or as some women report, these changes begin early and wreak havoc on their bodies - morning sickness, fatigue, tender breasts, emotional changes, and you may or not develop a noticeably larger belly or other physical symptoms. As each

week passes, the changes become more obvious. Either way, taking care of yourself not only physically but emotionally as well is of utmost importance.

Your doctor will provide a health and wellness program, and hopefully that will include pre-natal massages.

Pre-natal massages take into account the special needs of the mother and developing child. A doctor’s permission order is often requested to make sure it’s safe for you to receive treatments, and your doctor may even have recommendations for certified prenatal massage therapists at hand. A joint effort between doctor and massage therapist is often a bonus.

As pregnancy progresses your body’s structure and muscles are beginning to shift to make room for your baby to grow. Discomfort in the hips, ribs, and low back may develop. Massage is

a way to assist these areas, to relax the muscles and add comfort to the overall emotional changes.

Benefits to massage are: • Emotional release – lifts mood and self-image • Comfort – ability to let go and relax • Better circulation • Stretches muscles, tendons and ligaments that tighten during pregnancy • Decreases aches and pains I hope this conversation has given you a guideline and information to understand how prenatal massage may provide comfort, health and wellness to your pregnancy.

See you soon at MW Spa.

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PETALS, PROJECTS & PIZZAZZ

By Lisa Levandowski

Happy Birthday

March 12th is the birthdate of the Girl Scouts. On this day Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization’s first 18 girls. The organization quickly caught on and today there are over 3.7 million members. It seems only fitting to have a bouquet inspired by the Girl Scouts.

This fun bouquet requires: 1 7" tall cylinder vase 2 green aspidistra leaves 2 stems of orgonia 2 yellow alstromeria 2 sunflowers 5 yellow carnations 4 small rubber bands 1/4 bunch of beargrass Step 1: Cut the stem off of each aspidistra leaf and wrap one at a time around the cylinder. Secureboth in place with rubber bands.Step 2: Cut the orgonia and place snugly into vase.

Step 3: Hold the alstromeria stems together with a rubber band just below the blooms. Then recut the alstroemeria, Secure the stems at the base with another rubber band, and place into position in the cylinder.

Step 4: Clip sunflowers short and put into vase.

Step 5: Fill in with your yellow carnations. (It creates a more garden-like effect if the blooms are staggered).

Step 6: Cover your rubber bands with ribbon, raffia, or bind wire, and put a little beargrass on the sides for interest.

Now technically the arrangement is done, but I can't help thinking of s’mores when I think of Girl Scouts, so naturally we added some s’more accents. To secure the graham crackers and Hershey bar in place, simply take a heavy duty piece of wire and hot glue the wire to the back of the cracker or Hershey bar. Bend the wire to achieve the look you desire. Next hot glue the marshmallows and voila! You now have a truly Girl Scout inspired bouquet. From all of us at Glacier Wallflower & Gifts, happy birthday Girl Scouts! Order this bouquet on our website, www.glacierwallflowers. com, and a portion of the profits will go to the local Girl Scout troop.

Girl Scout Slogan: Do a good turn daily.

Motto: Be prepared.

Law: I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and

helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scouts pursue 4 goals:

developing their full potential; relating to others with increasing understanding, skill and respect; developing a meaningful set of values to guide their actions and make sound decisions; and contributing to the improvement of society.

Cookies:

100% of net revenue stays with local girl scout council and troop. The money is used for community activities (attending events and museums), and can also be used to purchase materials for a Take Action project to benefit the community.

JEWELS’ GEMS

Enough Already!

By Jewels Devine

“If success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all.” Anna Quindlen

Darlings, if I hear of one more self-help book or how-to-improve-your-life talk show, I am going to scream. If you are actually seeking help, wonderful, there’s an ocean of experts out there to guide you.

But like all good things, self-improvement has its disadvantages. Some people take it too far. Instead of improving their lives, they become delusional. They have all of the answers, and it’s all so simple! It seems that there is a shingle on every corner for life coaches and self-help gurus. Really?

Since when do we need a coach on the sidelines to tell us how to live our lives?

What qualifies them to hand out advice? Does a cookie cutter course make them any more qualified at life than the rest of us?

What really tans my hide is when some new and improved self-help graduate decides they need to pass along their wisdom. Not only pass it along, but also shove it down your throat.

Most of these “enlightened” ones are so gung-ho on improving, they easily lose sight of the reason for the change in the first place: to make life better. But they are so preoccupied with preparing to live that they’re not actually living. What is the point in that, my dears?

Remember when Rhonda and her Secret was all anyone would want to discuss? People were all just yelling about the power of positive thoughts. If you see

the castle you can have it. If you can visualize your ideal partner, job or whatever else was missing in your life, it’s waiting for you. A single negative thought and your whole world was over. Toast.

Being game, I visualized a bloody mary in my hand at the beginning of my day.

Did it appear? No…at least not of its own doing. Big Daddy had to go to the store, purchase the ingredients, then stop by the liquor store, and then return home. He then blended the perfect drink for me. Did the Universe give me the bloody Mary? No. Big Daddy supplied it for me – just like he has for the past twenty years. No big secret here folks!

Don’t get me wrong; I am not against selfimprovement or positive thinking or anything that makes your life better. I am against things that make your life worse – especially when they parade around us as our savior. Life is more pleasant with a positive outlook. However, if you run from negative thoughts then they will ruin you.

Reality is a good place, and we shouldn’t run from it by lying to ourselves. Even if we’re lying positively!

I think ideals help give us something to aim at.

However, we need to be sure that our ideals are our own.

If you chase somebody else’s idea of what you should be you will come to a point when you realize you’ve

been robbed of your own life. The self-help industry will tell you what kind of person is the most happy and “successful” and then tell you exactly how to be that person. They teach you that you can be the best person in the world! That’s awesome! WOO! Except for the insinuation that you are pretty much a zero right now – you aren’t a “successful person” – whatever one of those is.

no different. It takes time, introspection, work and maybe the help of a qualified professional. Self-help gurus are a dime a dozen, my dears. Being told, “I’m Special and I’m Worth It!” sounds wonderful, but it is not a cure all. Over the years, I have found that a dry martini was the only self-help I have needed.

Ta Ta,

Darlings, we all need a little help sometimes, some outside perspective. We know that crash diets don’t benefit us in the long run, that get rich quick schemes don’t pan out and instant gratification doesn’t last.

Well, self-improvement is

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FEATURE ARTICLE

A Portrait of An Artist

Karen Leigh

By Rena Desmond/ Photo By Valerie McIntyre

On a cold wintery day in January I was determined to be one of the first in line at FVCC to register for the Senior Institute Watercolor class taught by Karen Leigh. In the past I always registered by mail. This time was different. Several people told me that this class fills up quickly. When I arrived there were a lot of senior citizens already in line. My only hope was that I was early enough to have made the cutoff. I finally arrived at the registration desk, paid my fee and held my breath while the young man put my information into the computer. He looked up and said, “You’re all set.” I have to say that it was all worth it. From the time the class started, I was transformed. I was amazed at how I was able to shut out everything else and concentrate on painting. I shared this with Karen during our interview and she said, “You have transitioned from the left side of your brain to your right side. This is very healthy.”

"Bird's Eye View" New York City

Karen Leigh is a 4th generation Montanan who has lived in the Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park since 1970. She grew up in Great Falls, east of the mountains. Her great grandfather was Cornelius Hedges. As a young

"Canaletto's Canal" Venice attorney with degrees from Harvard and Yale, he headed west, leaving his wife and young son behind. He hoped to find his fortune in Virginia City, Montana. He didn’t find his fortune there, so he moved to Helena, where he opened up a law practice and then sent for his family. He later became one of the most influential men in Montana history. While visiting Yellowstone Park with the Langford-Doane Expedition he suggested that it become a national park. It became the first one in the world. He was the first superintendent of schools for the territory of Montana and rode horseback to visit all the schools in his district. Cornelius Hedges elementary school continues to educate the youth of Kalispell and can be seen from Karen’s studio window.

She is very proud of her history.

I asked her if anyone was artistic in her family. She said, “Half of my

family is English and the other half is Norwegian. They were immigrants and they farmed. My mother had very good taste. She was good at decorating, she set a beautiful table and dressed with great style but didn't draw or paint. So, I really didn't know where the artistic part of me came from, but I always knew, even as a little kid, that it was what I wanted to do.”

About 15 years ago she visited a cousin of hers who lived in one of those old big houses in Helena. They were chatting about family history when he said, “I want to show you something.” She followed him upstairs and at the end of a long dark hallway was a watercolor in an old dark frame that was done in 1890

by Cornelius Hedges’ niece, Margaret Hedges Atwater. She was a part of the family that stayed east. Karen said, “The painting looked like I had done it, it was absolutely shocking.” Of

course she asked her cousin if she could take it home to reframe it and have it archived, and he obligingly agreed.

She still has the painting in her studio.

On the back of the painting is written, Margaret Atwater, April 19th, 1890 Provincetown, Mass. This discovery prompted some research. Karen knew that Margaret had attended Smith College, so she phoned the archivist there and found out that Margaret and her classmates kept up a round robin letter for many years. Oddly enough, Karen and her sorority sisters have kept a round robin letter going as well.

Smith College has copies of all these letters and pictures, and sent them to Karen. Margaret studied in Paris for two years before returning to the states and continued painting for the rest of her life. For Karen it was really exciting to find out who she acquired her artistic talent from. She would say, “I didn’t

choose art, ART chose me.” Art is her passion.

Karen’s parents were always supportive of letting her paint. She attended Montana State University and received a degree in graphic design.

Her mother said she must also have a teaching degree. She remains grateful to her mother because she probably wouldn’t have done it otherwise. After graduation she moved to Seattle and worked for a screen printing firm. She realized quickly that she was at the bottom rung and she would never have a vacation of any length to fulfill her dream to travel. She then taught for 3 years in Great Falls, where she met her future husband. They lived in Germany for several years and in Helena until her husband took a job with the Forest Service in Kalispell. Karen had loved this area since she was a child, and besides, her sister and her family lived here. She has been here since.

Karen’s primary interest has always been transparent watercolor and she has studied under a number of well-known painters, including Irving Shapiro, Al Brouillette, Skip Lawrence and Joseph Zbukvic. Always on the lookout for ‘accidental magnificence’, she is particularly interested in finding beauty in unexpected places.

She thought that one day she would like to teach a class in watercolor, so she carried a small portfolio under her arm into the Dean of Instruction's office at FVCC and asked if she could teach a summer school class. He agreed. The college at that time was located on Main Street in the old Elks building, where she taught her very first class. The college then moved her class to the Old Depot Building that now houses the Chamber of Commerce. When some of the classes moved to Central School, her favorite classroom was located on the second floor in the northeast corner of the building. She remembers

the beautiful tall windows, the 18 foot ceilings and the north and west light.

Then the College moved to the new building on the present campus. And lo and behold, she is still there after some 40 years.

Over the years she has taught many different classes, such as drawing, calligraphy and design. Little by little she has narrowed it down and now she teaches just watercolor, her first love. She teaches classes in her studio occasionally for 1 or 2 students and does workshops all around the state by invitation. She has taken 2 or 3 groups overseas to paint. On her first trip she traveled with 12 women to France. Her daughter, an artist also, proved to be a very good interpreter as well. A visit to Monet's Gardens was a must. On Mondays the gardens are closed to the general public, but with permission from the Monet Foundation they let a few artists in to paint. Karen was lucky enough to bring her class and spend the entire day all by themselves in Monet’s Gardens. She describes the experience as absolutely magical. She has also traveled abroad to Venice, Italy with students, and had the privilege of taking in some of the most beautifully inspiring and historic scenery an artist could dream of seeing in person.

I visited with one of Karen’s students (Bill) who started taking classes from her when she was teaching at Central School. Bill was in the very first class she taught, and lo and behold there he was in the class I took in January of 2013. She keeps up with what’s going on in the watercolor world. She is always bringing in new ideas. Bill has worked on several series. Her classes are always full but she tries to accommodate everyone who is interested in joining the group. She thinks everyone has the ability to make art and she convinces them that they can do a tremendous job.

Certainly for FVCC she has been a real asset. Bill said that, “I’m certainly no

artist, but she makes me think that I can paint.”

Inspired by the beauty and spirit of her native Montana, she has painted many landscapes. Although landscapes are beautiful and work very well for teaching purposes, she loves the city, urban landscapes and New York.

Just give her a city with fire escapes, garbage cans and junkyards and she will find wonderful subject matter.

In the summertime she loves to take

"Florentine Arches"

her students outside to paint because they have the whole day. Some of her favorite spots include Schlegel's Heavy Equipment (down on Hwy 93) or Somers Antiques. She likes to make something beautiful out of things that many people would not normally find pleasing to look at, and looks for inspiration in unexpected places.

She thinks many artists go through different phases, such as the flower phase, the landscape phase and figure and portrait phase.

For ten years, in collaboration with calligrapher Gini Ogle, she produced

she doesn’t get all the color but she gets the shape; I find all of her work beautiful.

an published a line of prints, posters, calendars, and note cards which were marketed under the name of Echo Designs. Karen maintains a studio in

the newly renovated Eastside Brick, formerly the local hospital constructed in 1911. You can also view her work on her website at karenleighart.com.

One of the many other things she loves to do is work in her sketchbooks.

I was honored that she brought 3 of them for me to look at. As I paged through them, I was transported to other places and times.

She captured the history, architecture, and the warmth of the people in Venice and Romania. All her sketchbooks are done on location.

She says sometimes

The year 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of Karen Leigh’s career teaching watercolor classes at FVCC. Through her teaching Karen has helped countless students realize their artistic aspirations. Her work is included in the collections of Beringer Wineries, ConAgra Industries and the Smithsonian. She is a signature member of the Montana Watercolor Society. She received the Gold Medal in its 2006 National Juried Show and the President’s Award in 2008. She was selected to design an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree and was honored at a reception hosted by First Lady Laura Bush at the White House.

She was also selected for inclusion in the 2008 and 2009 C.M. Russell “Masters in Miniature” invitational.

You can rest assured that I will be one of the first senior citizens in line at FVCC to register for Karen Leigh’s watercolor class. You know, she did make me think that I could paint.

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HISTORIC

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Life is Sweet without Wheat

PANACHE

Dress Shirt Apron

•

First lay your shirt flat. Take a pen and draw a line from the outer edge of the collar to just below the armpit of the shirt.

•

Once you are happy with your lines, cut your shirt leaving about a ¼ inch seam allowance on the outside of your lines (you should still be able to see your pen marks plus ¼ inch border when you’re done cutting).

By Gina Ellis Well, it’s almost time to begin enjoying long days and warmer weather. I look forward to the grass greening and spending time outdoors with just a jacket rather than a down coat, hat and mittens.

I know it sounds a little off, but the satisfaction of spring cleaning can be pretty substantial and if you want to venture out on a limb with me I think we could agree that sometimes, with the right inspiration to motivate you, deep cleaning can turn into a form of fun.

About a year ago, my sister-in-law gave me an apron that I absolutely love! She had made it from an old dress shirt that she picked up at the second hand store (your husband’s old shirt will do just fine too).

I have composed a list of the materials you will need and the directions to make this cute apron that’s just perfect to inspire your heart as you clean your house to welcome spring.

Materials: • One large button down men’s shirt • Coordinating thread • Sewing machine

• • •

•

•

Open your shirt so the front and back are laying flat and opposite of each other.

Cut off the back of the following the collar line and leaving about a ½ inch seam allowance.

•

To finish this raw edge, simply tuck it under the finished edge of the fold down collar and hand sew in place (essentially tacking the collar down).

•

To finish the raw edges from the removal of the sleeves, fold over and iron a seam about ½ inch wide on the back side of the shirt.

•

Finish this with a zigzag stich on your sewing machine (I like to use a fun color of thread to dress it up).

Scissors Seam ripper Iron

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•

Using the back of the shirt, which you cut away, cut 2 four inch wide strips that are equal in length (cut as long as you can because they are your apron ties).

•

Fold strips in half, length wise and press.

•

Sew to close all but narrow edge of one end.

•

Turn right side out and press with your iron

•

Sew a nice line around the three finished edges to complete your ties.

•

Going back to your apron, press a ½ inch seam along each unfinished side.

•

Tuck the unfinished side of your tie into the seam and stich the seam closed (do this on both sides).

•

Last, pull the tie out from the side and press down with your iron.

That’s it! Now you have something adorable to clean in and it will make the job twice the fun!

RELATIONSHIPS BY BUNNY

To Be or Not To Be (Vulnerable)

By Bunny Sweets

Bottom Line: This adorable woman couldn’t stand that she gave away privileged information to someone who hadn’t earned it; knowing that we tend to cherish something a little deeper when we’ve had to work for it.

Well my sweets, the promise of spring is in the air. It’s very enticing, don’t you think? New life, warmth, longer days, and celebrations of hope are on the horizon. It’s such an exciting time to create new goals, and form a plan for success to come. As women, I have found it to be rather common that we aim high and work ourselves close to death trying to achieve our ideal. Most interesting is our ability to maintain a joyful heart throughout most of our efforts. I know for me a vision is so powerful that without the skill of breaking it down into not only manageable steps, but flexible steps as well, I would have succumbed to depression long ago. The other really important thing we need to commit to in our excitement is our willingness to be honest with the moment. Just the other day I had lunch with a darling young girl (a long time friend of my daughter’s). She was clearly suffering

on the inside and no matter how cute she appeared, she oozed with internal discord.

Me being me, I got straight to the point…no drama, just the facts. She began with the age old “I feel like such an idiot!” I can’t tell you how many times I have listened to the most intelligent, successful women exclaim those words - it kills me every time!

The general cause is usually the same; they get caught up in a vision for the future and get so busy working toward it that they lose track of the present reality. One thing I know for sure is that a vision that isn’t connected to the reality of what the moment is delivering is one that will end in moments like the one this dear girl was having. Anyway, my sweet child continued and I settled myself and my fresh, aromatic, hot tea into the story.

I shared with my young friend that I have had to learn to adore spring in Montana. She looked at me, puzzled, as I continued. I went on to tell her that the reality is, spring in Montana is a mud bath—messy to the max—and that it is actually the promise of summer that generates my joy and commitment to work through spring. If you don’t have a strategy for introducing the new season, you may find your landscape eroded and the flowers that were ready to bud and grow snuffed out! Still distraught, I broke it down in hopes of an “ah-ha” moment that would change her life. I gently explained that from my perspective she had spent so much energy giving to the hope that she had neglected to prep and tame the surface so that it was ready to grow something.

She had been fixated on the dream of her garden in full bloom and had lost track of reality; of the process it takes to achieve a beautiful producing garden.

With a desperate look on her face she asked me what she could have done different? I adore this question. It makes me laugh every time I hear it!

Of course I reminded my little tootsie bell that I was not in the practice of shortchanging a friend the opportunity to be brilliant. With a nervous smile she got to work and confessed that she recognized an imbalance with the level of information she was offering versus what her new love interest was putting out.

This little darling continued to tell me that she had told herself this was simply personality differences and she was committed to being herself. She went on, and then it happened, the “ah-ha”.

After this cutie patootie explained that she could see how she was completely slave driving herself to reach her dream. She understood that she had lost connection with the fact that her “dream boy” had not engaged at the level she was sharing…and now as she pondered it, she realized he really hadn’t requested any of the information she had given to him (this part is always a little rough but tough love is sometimes for the best). I gave my friend a comforting hug as she digested the reality she had formed.

Over a fresh cup of tea, I shared with my blossoming sweet angel that our stories are just that, they are OURS! Now, I’m

not a particularly guarded woman, but I do think the choice to share personal information is something that many of us would benefit from viewing with a little more awareness. Dreams create passion, growth, and inspiration.

However, awareness is the birthplace of possibility and as such I encourage all of you lovely ladies to evaluate just how much you give away. I think most men want to earn what they receive (and if you don’t find that attractive, please find a good therapist)! Let them do their fair share of the intimacy building and stay connected to the moment, no matter how sure you are of the outcome.

I’ll say it again, a little encouragement is one thing but, pay

attention to what truly is taking place!

Don’t lose sight of your dream but don’t let it create stupid either (forgive me for being so blunt). You know, they didn’t come up with the phrase “you can’t fix stupid” without sufficient evidence.

If you want a beautiful garden in the summer, you must find the patience and the attentiveness to cultivate it from the very beginning, and remember to always honor your sweet!

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Montana Woman has been in publication since 1994, and is a monthly magazine designed to be a positive resource tool for women throughout the great state of Montana. Each issue features Montana women who are pioneering forth to make a difference in today’s hectic world. Topics of importance to women, such as business, health, fashion, fitness, investment, history, beauty, and numerous other subjects are featured to educate, entertain and inform.

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It is our goal to provide an insight that will benefit women professionally and personally. In doing so, we hope to encourage women to be active community members and positive role models for our next generation. The Montana Woman family strives to provide information for the assistance in success for Montana’s women of all ages.

The magazine highlights Montana owned and operated businesses that are unique and community-minded. Montana Woman inspires readers across the state by keeping them up-to-date on topical trends. This is done by staying on track with current events, fashion, and points of interest.

Montana Woman strives to be an active voice in Montana’s communities and supports local charities as well as fundraising events. Together we can truly make a difference.

In addition to the print and iPad editions, issues are also available online at montanawoman.com. Online advertising is available to complement your print ad campaign.

Our readership consists of: 65% 22–50 years of age 25% Women 50+ years of age 15% people under the age of 27 50% are career women 20% are business owners 20% are homemakers 10% are retired

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HISTORY LESSON

Homesteading Women of Montana

By Gina Ellis

Homesteading is not something that comes to mind when appreciating the creative qualities of Montana Women.

However, can you just imagine the skill involved with homesteading as a single woman in the late 1800’s?

Talk about exercising one’s ability to innovate solutions against a multitude of social, economic and natural challenges! There is nothing quite like the determination and ingenuity of a Montana woman.

For me to write about just one woman in this article would do a great injustice to the many single women who participate in the Homestead Act. I was astonished at the documented percentages of women who independently claimed stake to their property and met the requirements necessary to call it their own.

Most of us think of homesteading in terms of farming or establishing residence on a piece of land. In fact, it was much more specific than that.

It was a survey that carved western North America and is described as “one of the most astonishing man-made constructs on earth.” This was actually the first step in creating the Homestead Act and it was truly significant in acting as inspiration for other survey projects around the world. In 1862 the Homestead Act was accepted, allowing for free homesteads to be acquired with the belief it would create wealth

and communities and strengthen democracy. I can’t help but believe the larger part of this concept was to alleviate the claims to land that the Indians were trying to make by securing ownership through private citizens. The wording of this Act was very neutral stating that as long as you were “head of household” and 21 years of age, you were eligible. A homesteader could live on and work the land for 5 years (later reduced to 3 years in 1912) then apply for the title or patent to the land by having two neighbors vouch that they had met the requirements. Another way to acquire land, through the commutation clause, was to live on it and cultivate it for 6 months and then purchase it for $1.25 an acre. Later, after understanding that the land in the west was often not all lush and farmable, the acreage allotment was increased from 160 acres to 320 acres if some of it was deemed dry farmland that was not suitable for irrigation.

Testimonies such as Success of a ‘Lone’ Woman enticed others to head west and stake their claim. The Homestead Act allowed women to apply for land under the same requirements as men but they had to be 21 years of age and unmarried. It was believed that white women were the necessary component to launch civilization in

the west, contributing to the structure that made society work - schools, churches and high moral standards.

This motivated congress to approve women the ability to claim land in their own name. Sometimes married women were allowed to register land in their name if their husbands were confirmed drunkards, abandoned them, or they were Mormon and living in a plural marriage because those marriages were not recognized as legal.

The number of women who claimed and proved up in the west is impressive to say the least, especially in Montana.

In research done by Sunday Anne Walker-Kuntz, she found that between 1909 and 1934 the government issued 4,066 land patents in Yellowstone County, and of these 146 were claimed by women, totaling 150,000 acres. This was the trend throughout Montana, and during this time women experienced harsh criticism for their independent

ways. Most of them had outside jobs such as being editors at the local newspapers, or postmasters. They had to hire out the work to be done and many of them sold shortly after they proved up their homestead (talk about sweat equity!). A very large portion of the commuters (people who purchased the land after a short time) were women and many didn’t live on the land but rather they were local school teachers etc. who lived with their parents and sold shortly after they gained title to the land. This behavior didn’t follow the original intent of the Homestead Act, but don’t forget the full purpose of the act which could have just as easily been criticized for its nature.

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In general, homesteading did a lot in forwarding the liberalization of women’s roles throughout the country.

It gave them an opportunity to shine with their ability to make wise financial investments and turn a profit. It also showed their willingness to work and achieve success in ways that stepped outside the norm and pushed the confined beliefs of the country as a whole. Not only did woman show up to erect churches, schools and instill values, she brought brain and brawn with her and I must say I am proud!

For a more detailed look at the homesteading women of Montana I encourage you to read Montana Women Homesteaders, A field of their own edited by Sarah Carter. It’s a wonderful book with images and detail that I guarantee will stir your heart and put a smile on your face.

Izaak Walton Inn

Essex, Montana

406.888.5700

izaakwaltoninn.com

KEEPING IT REAL

| By Cindy O’Boyle

Saffron Saffron is the stigma of the saffron crocus flower and is largely cultivated and harvested by hand. It can take 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce a single pound of saffron spice and is considered to be one of the world’s most expensive spices, due to the amount of labor involved in harvesting.

The bright orange spice has a strong honey-like smell and taste. Although most saffron is now produced in Spain, it is often used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. This spice is popular with seafood dishes, risottos and paella to enhance the flavor.

Saffron is available in threads (whole stigmas) and ground. Your best bet is to go with threads. Not only will they retain their flavor longer, but you will be assured you have purchased pure saffron.

Powdered saffron is not as strong, tends to lose flavor, and is also easily mixed with fillers and imitations. Since so little is needed, you will find ground saffron sold in packets of about 1/16 of a teaspoon, and threads equaling about ¼ gram, or ½ teaspoon. These seemingly small amounts will often flavor more than one dish.

If you cannot find saffron on your local markets spice shelves, try asking at the service desk. Saffron is often hidden in the office to thwart would-be thieves.

ASK THE COACH

By Sherri Gerek

Dear Sherri: As the youngest of five siblings, I get frustrated with family treating me like a child despite the fact I turn 50 soon. Rather than include me in decisions, they tell me what to do, and I resent it. For the past nine years I have owned and operated a successful small business. I make all manner of decisions for my company, and yet no-one considers I might have valuable input for our parent’s upcoming 60th anniversary party?! Yesterday the sister I refer to as Marge-in-Charge called to inform me she needs money for the party, but nothing more. I suggested a few ideas I thought would be nice, but she wasn’t receptive, which led to an argument. We both said things we regret, and although we apologized, I am still upset about it today. Marge knows how to get under my skin, and this cycle has been going on between us since we were kids. I am tired of being disregarded, but know conflict like this hurts others unnecessarily. What suggestions do you have for a new way of relating that will be better for everyone?

Sincerely, All Grown Up

Dear All Grown Up:

it takes is for one person to show up differently, and the relationship will become different. This Lesson in hovering is an internal process I share in detail in the book. I also expand on the importance “acceptance” plays in creating harmony in our lives. Further self-exploration is gleaned through the worksheets at the conclusion of each Lesson.

Reading your message, I can appreciate where you are coming from, and I thank you for sharing your story.

I imagine most readers will reflect on the dynamics at work within their own family relationships as they read along.

Congratulations for creating a successful business for yourself. Although you have managed to do so, you share the validation you would like most from your family is just not there. Sure you feel frustrated. Anyone in your position would be inclined to feel the same way.

Before getting into new ways of relating, let me say – good for you! You recognize a long held pattern at work here, and you want to relate better with family in the future. The first step toward change is always the recognition that change is needed. With that first step behind you now… let’s fly forward!

In my new book – The Hummingbird Way, Putting Hover, Zip, and Zoom to Work in Your Life! Lesson 2 will be one you may think was written just for you!

Hover and Rise Above is a lesson on learning to rise above your circumstances to find a new perspective.

Perspective, after all, is nothing more than your lens on the world – what you perceive to be true. You will discover what’s “true” for you, may not be “true” for someone else because

we each experience life differently.

Since our experiences are as unique as we are, how we relate to the world around us is an extension of how we perceive life to be. At times, rising above our circumstances calls for us to detach from emotion in the heat of the moment.

This skill of hovering takes some practice to master, but imagine yourself having done the work and beginning to realize new, uplifting solutions to age old problems. Sound like something you would be interested in trying?

Here, you refer to a way of being for you and your sister that has been many years in the making. You

already know when the conversation begins where it will ultimately end up, right? You might sense frustration or anger building…signs that stress is present. Hovering above the emotion, in that moment ,allows you to find a new perspective, and this new perspective will lead the way to making a fresh choice, one that can elevate the outcome for everyone concerned. All

In closing, a question to keep in mind whenever you face a conflict situation is: What is the highest vision I hold of myself, and what will I choose to do right now to align with that vision?

This simple question is fundamental to living a life of integrity and purpose.

Recall it often, and think of it as a sturdy foundation on which to build your phenomenal life.

I hope you are inspired to try a new approach with your loved ones!

The Hummingbird Way is available on Amazon.com, BN.com, coming soon to eBook! Order your signed copy here: www.letsstrutyourstuff.com

Tien’s Place Oriental Dining 329 9th St W Columbia Falls, MT 59912-3821 (406) 892-1585

LIVING BEAUTIFULLY

MAKEUP, SKIN CARE & HAIR

By Emily Myers

While other beauty columnists are writing about spring trends, I will write about my favorite beauty buys from 2013. Since we still have snow hanging on tree limbs, my mind simply can’t think spring until more buds appear.

Grab a pen, you’ll want to take notes!

If you have ever read my column, you know the strong emphasis I place on caring for the skin as it is the real “foundation” of your beauty regimen. With so many new products on the market, I’ve always struggled sticking with one brand or line, but alas, I think I’ve found “the one.” Drum roll please…introducing Epicuren and Nerium AD Night Treatment and Day Cream! Yes, these are my skin perfection products of today! I use a four-step Epicuren system that consists of Clarify Cleanser to mildly exfoliate and purify my pores, Protein Mist Enzyme Toner that restores the skin’s PH while imparting hydration, Gel Plus Enzyme Protein Gel to firm and tighten and finally the Acidophilus Probiotic Facial Cream specially created for problematic and inflammatory skin conditions. For intense anti-aging treatment, I use my very own Nerium

AD Night Treatment and Day Cream (which can be purchased from yours truly) in combination with the Epicuren products. All of these products are super awesome due to the fact that they’re all natural and/or plant derived! The results?

Beautiful, youthful, glowing skin!

Since being a makeup artist for MAC, this line has always been my go to.

They are on the up-and-up for everything beauty; this year, however, my favorite makeup product came from The Research Council of Makeup Artists (RCMA), a professional grade makeup company. I bought two cream foundation palettes (Kehoe), each of which contains 18 hand poured wells of customizable foundations. I have become a lover of cream foundations because of the high pigment and coverage capability.

You can cover, conceal and contour with one palette.

Simply choose one of two; the VK #10 palette works best for warm and cool undertones while the VK #11 palette is great for olive toned skin (again, contact me for purchase).

One more makeup product before I move on to hair care that I cannot live without is my Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer. A little

goes a long way. One pump delivers high shine on the upper cheekbone, brow bone and anywhere else you want extra glow power!

I like using this product underneath foundation, but it can be used after or on bare skin just as beautifully.

try it. I have now been using this amazing product for two months and I too am a convert. It’s free of sulfates, which dry and damage, not to mention is a known toxin and harsh chemical. My hair is thicker, shinier and healthier!

Last year a good friend of mine (you know who you are), informed me that “friends don’t let friends shampoo.” What? I know, I know. She was referring to her new found love of WEN. This is a cleansing conditioner that has now been on the market for a few years, but I had yet to

Like my Facebook page, EmJ Cosmetics and share with me your favorite beauty products and why. I love to hear what everyone else is using. Get ready; next month, we’ll be updating your makeup bag for our long awaited Spring Trend!

Vitamin E

GREEN TEA &

HealthyLiving

Information Provided By Joe Withey

By walking, drinking three cups of green tea, and taking 400 IU of vitamin E per day, overweight men and women, average age 71, were able to lose from two to five inches around the waist, and lower fasting blood glucose levels by an average of 5.8 mg per deciliter of blood, a 5 percent decrease.

Doctors gave 22 older overweight men and women a placebo or green tea and vitamin E, and asked participants to walk for 30 minutes per day, six days a week. After 12 weeks, while the placebo group had not improved, those taking green tea with vitamin E had greater exercise capacity, had lost a significant amount of weight and abdominal fat mass, had lower fasting glucose levels and fewer signs of oxidative stress, all while keeping their typical diet.

FAMILY MATTERS

Cultivate Creativity – Or

Else!

The best part of my oldest son's personality is his love of life. Every day is an opportunity for a party in Ted's world. He loves people, he loves laughing, and he loves living life to its fullest. On paper, that's exactly what we want to say about our children. In reality, that personality trait in a child will run you ragged. Trust me.

heaviness in his eyelids, no slowness to his breathing, and no quiet anywhere in his room. He laughed loudly, begging for another round of Goodnight Moon.

Finally, I left him with a kiss on the forehead and the book to read on his own. "Sshhhh, Teddy. It's time for quiet.

Stay in your bed and rest for a bit." He nodded and smiled sweetly.

Oh. My.

Years ago, I put sweet Ted in his toddler bed for his afternoon nap. Most days, he was happy to curl up with a story and his blankie. His eyelids would become low and heavy. Eventually he would fall asleep. That day, there was no

It took about an hour for him to settle down, but eventually I could hear him talking softly to himself and clearly taking "quiet time" to himself. So I peeked into his room.

By Kisa Davison

When I cracked open the door, I could see Ted standing on his bed leaning against the wall. It looked very much like he was painting or swiping the wall with something. And then, the smell hit me.

Oh. My.

I opened the door in a flurry of confusion and concern (mostly for my carpet and walls, mind you). And sure enough, Ted had slipped off his diaper and managed to use the contents as

finger paints for a mural on his wall.

"See! Mama, see!"

Oh. My.

Steve Jobs once said, “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while.”

Clearly, Ted had tapped into his creative side that afternoon. And while I mourned the loss of my pristine walls and untainted carpet, I was immediately transfixed and suspended in a state of confusion. Ted was so happy and so proud of himself for his

"work of art." How could I, as his loving mother, condemn his masterpiece?

Oh. My.

Cultivating creativity in children can be less disturbing and more encouraging if we put some effort and thought into it as parents. That smelly afternoon took me down a new path with all of my children. I knew that day that I had a responsibility to do better for them.

Creativity is cultivated by freedom and stifled by continuous monitoring, direction and pressure to conform. In the real world, there are few questions that have one right answer. And fewer problems that have one right solution.

Cultivating creativity in children makes

for a better world and is crucial to the success of our species.

What can we do as parents to do our part?

1. Tell Stories. Maybe you read books or retell stories told to you. For my kids, they love reenactments and retellings of my life history. They even love hearing the stories behind the most mundane of household chores. My daughter's favorite is how Grandma Annie taught me a slick way to peel hardboiled eggs.

2. Get Messy. Play in the mud. Stomp in a puddle. Finger paint. (Dirty diapers optional.)

3. Play. Really, just play.

just free time in their busy schedule to daydream.

6. Put Away the Clown Suit. I'm often quoted by even my own children saying, "My job is to keep you healthy and safe. That's it." In other words, I'm not a circus clown. Kids don't actually need us to entertain them. If given the opportunity, they can be quite entertaining on their own!

7. Let Them Decide. When kids have to make decisions, they actually sharpen cognitive skills in problem-solving. If they are young, you can give them a choice. "Would you like to read Dr. Seuss or Jack Kerouac?" As they mature, let them make decisions about what they will do, how they will do, or when they will do it. Parents should always retain the right to veto, but at least we can give them the experience of having to make a decision.

8. Lose Track. Turn them loose in the house or the yard or the park and see

4. Ask Questions. Lots of questions.

Open-ended questions are best. "Why is that horse swatting his tail? Why do stars shine? What do you think our puppy is thinking about when he hears your voice?" Let them think, discover and hypothesize without your know-itall interjections.

5. Set the Scene. A big part of our job as parents is to make sure that our children's environment is set up for them to thrive. Think of setting up a tank for a pet snake; something to climb on, something to hide under and some water to drink. For kids, it could be paints and paper, music and instruments, or

what happens. Obviously, you are still responsible for protecting your children from harmful people, places, and things.

But what would they do if they had the freedom to safely explore?

In the end, cultivating creativity in our children is an essential responsibility.

This can be a difficult task given our aversion to emergency room visits or a propensity toward clean carpets.

But, it's clearly as important for the development of healthy, productive adults as any nutritional, educational, or moral aspect of parenting.

One final word to the wise, crayons and finger paints are always easier to clean up than a dirty diaper.

Public Safety Education Infrastructure

For Kalispell, - Tammi

Representing District 4 is about Public Service, NOT self-service.

Please Vote June 3rd. fisherforkalispell.com

Lipstick Logic THE PSYCHOLOGY and PHYSIOLOGY OF SHOES

From Stilettos to Work Boots to Orthotics

By Bev Erickson

Photo by Kara Frei

S

hoes have long served, not only as walking aids and protectors of our feet, but also as fashion statements and status symbols.

Have you ever thought about the endless styles of shoes and boots people wear and what their foot gear might be saying about them? The shoes we put on our feet serve many purposes and sometimes help us or hurt us and often define us. Have you ever looked a person’s shoes and made a character judgment about him or her, based on the shoes on their feet?

Living in the Philippine Islands, there once was a beautiful lady named Imelda Marcos who had an obsession for shoes. It has been reported she owned 2,700 pairs. Once asked about her shoe collection, Mrs. Marcos supposedly answered, “I collected them because it was like a symbol of thanksgiving and love.” When she and her husband were driven out of the Philippines after decades of bringing tyranny to the Philippine people, hundreds of boxes of Mrs. Marcos' shoes were left behind, only to be eaten by termites or destroyed by water damage and years of neglect.

Someone skilled in psychology might put a clinical name on Mrs. Marcos' obsession for shoes.

What do your shoes say about you?

I know a guy who wears a red ankle-high canvas basketball shoe on one foot and a green one on the other foot– both with white laces. I’m quite sure his choice of shoes is deliberate, as is the choice of the teenage girl I often see wearing black combat boots; or the woman who chooses to wear “stiletto work boots” – yes, there is such thing.

the Sahara desert wear sandals as survival gear to protect their feet from the 170 degree Fahrenheit temperatures of the sand.

The oldest shoes known In the United States are a pair of sandals found in California, believed to be 9,000 years old.

Shoes help us play, walk, run, dance, climb, stay warm or cool. They help us stay fit. Or, they can contribute to an accident and injury.

Good fitting shoes help keep our feet healthy and strong.

Shoes can be our feet’s best friend.

Shoes walk, work, jog, dance, and play sports across the planet every day. Shoes come in endless styles, colors, brands and sizes serving hundreds of purposes. There are shoes for baby feet, wide feet and narrow feet. There are special orthotic shoes for injured feet and for feet that didn’t grow quite right.

There are even shoes to fit really, really big feet.

Guinness World Records confirmed on October 12, 2011, that Brahim Takioullah from Morocco holds claim to having the world's largest feet and wears a European size 58.

With over 7 billion people on earth, that means there are approximately 14 billion

feet that need or wear shoes of some kind every day.

When you dressed this morning, what kind of shoes or boots did you put on — tennis shoes, ballet shoes or your favorite cowboy boots?

When you purchased the footgear you have on, did you chose them for color, quality, comfort or because they fit an image you wanted to portray?

For thousands and thousands of years, people have been wearing shoes for the practical reason of protecting their feet from extreme cold and extreme heat. Eskimos, who live in the coldest parts of the world, often wear boots covered with caribou fur to help keep their feet warm. People who live in

The next time you put on your shoes, take time to look at them to see how they are made. Shoes usually have a top, sides, a heel, and soles. Some boots have steel toes. Some shoes have open holes to expose toes.

Laces, buckles and Velcro straps cinch up shoes to keep them on our feet. While choosing stylish high stiletto heels with slippery soles for dancing may look fabulous, they offer little protection and may actually contribute to a serious fall and injury.

Style aside, one of the best things you can do for your feet is to make sure your shoes fit properly. Because feet are generally small compared to the rest of our body, they take a real beating in a life-time, absorbing the impact of our weight with every step we take.

As we age, foot pain and foot disorders become common

complaints and shoes become more and more important for comfort and stability. Foot pain increases as arches break down and bunions grow, making it harder to walk and maintain good balance. Falling seems to increase with age for any number of reasons, but sometimes falling is simply due to poor fitting shoes.

Being able to walk and walk comfortably is important at any age. Walking is one of the best ways to exercise and stay aerobically fit. Healthy feet contribute to a healthy heart and a healthy lifestyle Did you know each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons? All of these structural elements are important to help support the weight of your body, keep you balanced and help you move through your daily routine of work, fitness or play with comfort.

The next time you decide to buy a pair of shoes, think about the intricacy of your feet and how important it is to take good care of them.

Submitted by Bev Erickson, Lipstick Logic co-founder and avid walker, putting in 4 miles most days.

1997

Serving Montana since

Wilma Mixon-Hall Broker / Realtor,

native Montanan • insightful conscientious • result oriented.

——

Call

——

406-883-3346 109 3rd Ave E, Polson MT 59860 www.savoirfaireproperties.com

A lot has changed in the last few years. And we’re all wondering how many more hits we can take.

It always looks bad when you’re down, but rest assured we will get back up. We should know, in the last three years Express Employment Professionals has helped over 1 million people find jobs. Because where others see adversity, we see opportunity… and we are on a mission… for one million more.

(406) 257-2255 4 Sunset Plaza Ste. 101, Kalispell, MT 59901

ExpressPros.com

INSIDE THE TREASURE CHEST

By Page 57’s, Neil McIntyre

I couldn’t have asked for a better childhood growing up in Kalispell. We had lots of animals, horses, dogs, and cats, and acres of land to explore. My parents worked out of a shop my dad built on our property, so I got to hang out with my family and friends whenever I wanted. Of course there was enough room to kick a soccer ball around, which got me started playing soccer all throughout high school.

I have always enjoyed figuring out how things work, which is why I chose to pursue a career in physics.

After attending an accelerated master’s program in applied optical physics at the University of Oregon, I was hired by a laser manufacturing company in Washington State to be a product engineer where I currently oversee one of the laser product lines. I work as the liaison between the design team and the manufacturing team to coordinate the smooth production of lasers with medical, material processing, and defense applications.

This job brings out the best parts of me, my passion for technology, problem solving, and working with people to produce solutions that lead to real life applications. I love knowing that my work is making a difference in people’s lives, even if it is indirect. This job has taken me away from Kalispell and my home temporarily, but I am happy it can be a starting point to a career where I can hopefully return someday to the place that shaped me into the person I am today.

MW TREASURE CHEST

Neil McIntyre Product Engineer

Otis

Man's best friend Photo by Valerie McIntyre

Cre ing with Colette

By Colette Gross

Creating on the Move!

I must confess I am not in Montana as I write this month’s article! I am in sunny warm Tucson, Arizona! What an adventure my husband and I have had since driving out of the Flathead on an icy morning in January. We headed south to Tucson to meet up with our “new” vintage Airstream Travel trailer that was awaiting us there.

Pulling into the RV Park and seeing our new home was momentous. I could barely contain my excitement. Stepping inside and getting to feel the potential was a dream-come-true! I had spent most of the trip down envisioning, dreaming and scheming about decorating and transforming the generic

trailer into our own personalized place.

Let the makeover begin!

As most of you know, RV’s have a good basic look to their upholstery, window treatments and flooring, and none of them have a vintage vibe until they have been transformed and retro fitted with a bit of creativity. Ah, my specialty! I wanted to do the makeover in stages, so that we would be able to live in it while the transformation occurred, and keep it affordable as well. My husband knew my plans and was eager to see my nesting begin!

I started with the flooring, since that is the foundation for everything, and I selected charcoal grey carpet that would be neutral yet fashionable for

the palette I had selected for the living room. With the exterior of the trailer in aluminum with blue awnings, I wanted to keep a cool color palette inside also and charcoal grey works well. Next came the sofa which will eventually be recovered, but for this first phase I wanted an easy update. I shopped for a king size bed cover and by the 5th store,

found the ideal piece: a sky blue with dove grey stripes that I could then use to cover the sofa and use the king shams as pillow coverings by tucking the sofa pillows into one end of the sham, then folding the balance of the fabric around to create an “envelope” pillow with no sewing!

The next challenge was finding a chair for the dining area that would complement my look as well as fit in the small space. I was so excited when I spotted the perfect chair! It was a charcoal grey high-backed chair that had a retro look that would complement the accessories I had in mind. These accent pieces need to be functional and offer a style that expresses our taste.

In any RV, you can make minimal changes to transform the factory looks into your own by adding color, texture, natural elements and a few “special finds.” The result is a unique home no matter where you travel. Remember to think outside the box and that just because the piece wasn’t designed for an RV doesn't mean you can’t try it; just be Cre8ive!

All the best, Colette, Shop Girl The Shops at Station 8

Montana The Magazine of Western History For over 60 years…one of the best history magazines in the nation!

Contact us for subscriptions, memberships, back issue sales, and advertising rates: tryan@mt.gov (406) 444-4708

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! facebook.com/MontanaHistoricalSociety twitter.com/@MtHist P.O. Box 201201, Helena, MT 59620-1201

ESIDENTIA IAL & R L PA

IN

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is it time for a

FRESH NEW LOOK? 253.9653

kalispellpainting.com

DaVINCI ROBOTIC SURGERY A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL OPTION

By Cindy O’Boyle

Richard H. Taylor, M.D. & Robert M. Rogers Jr., M.D. Answer your questions.

M

inimally invasive surgeries are performed through probes as thin as a pencil with the incision requiring on stitch or steristrip. The advantages of minimally invasive surgeries are numerous. Some include: less pain, less blood loss, less risk of infection, quicker recovery, less scarring and better outcomes and patient satisfaction. In addition, patients often return home quicker than from traditional surgeries.

The smaller incisions leave less scar tissue. Surprisingly, 70% of surgeries

nationally are still performed with a large traditional incision.

(versus 2D like a T.V.) and magnifies what we see by 10 times!”

Drs. Taylor and Rogers have been performing complex surgery for women through tiny ‘keyhole’ incisions, with a combined experience of 64 years (since 1989). By performing thousands of all types of female surgeries as ‘band-aid’ surgeries, they have developed techniques allowing patients to go home safely within five to six hours after surgery (including patients having surgery for cyst removal and hysterectomies). Therefore, it is understandable why 90% of patients choose this option, and are grateful.

Patients often question if the Robot can operate on it’s own. The answer is ‘no’.

Though it is called a ‘robot’, DaVinci cannot act on it’s own. Instead the surgery is performed entirely by the doctor.

Not all female surgeries require the use of the Robot. Your Doctor will determine what surgery should be performed with the robot. Richard H. Taylor, MD and Robert M. Rogers, Jr., M.D. are board certified gynecologists at Northwest Women’s Healthcare in Kalispell. For more information on other services provided by Northwest Women’s Healthcare, please visit nwwhc.org.

Drs. Rogers and Taylor are often asked to explain DaVinci Robotic Surgery.

Dr. Taylor explains, “The Robot simply enhances what we have been doing for years.

It’s an advancement in surgical technology.

It attaches to the RICHARD H. TAYLOR, MD ROBERT M. ROGERS JR., MD JANNA SULLIVAN, WHNP instruments that 75 Claremont St. CATHY SIMENSEN, WHNP go through the tiny SHAWN SHANAHAN, WHNP Suite A ‘keyholes’ in the KARRIN SAX, WHNP Kalispell, JULIE COOK, FNP-BC Montana 59901 abdomen. The Robot KATHLEEN OLSON, WHNP Telephone: enhances surgery LACI BURK, FNP-BC 406-752-8282 by providing a Fax: 406-257-2225 3-dimensional image

WESTERN COMFORT

Hemingway’s Whiskey

By Brandi Glass

Ernest Hemingway is best known as an American author and journalist. His writing style had a strong influence on 20th century fiction, while his life of adventure and public image influenced later generations.

Some of Hemingway’s novels often read like cocktail lists. The writer’s enthusiasm for bars, booze and the art of the cocktail is well documented, and certainly, Hemingway helped introduce some now-classic cocktails to American drinkers –most famously the Papa Doble. When in Paris Hemingway would start the day at a sidewalk café on La Rive Gauche and read the Herald Tribune with a simple cognac and soda. To be like Papa here is what you need to do:

The Papa Doble 2 parts good cognac 5 parts soda water Pour over ice Dash of good bitters (to make it pop) Hemingway Daiquiri 1 ½ oz white rum ¼ oz maraschino liqueur ½ oz grapefruit juice ¾ oz lime juice ¾ oz simple syrup Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker filed with ice.

Shake Well Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Death In The Afternoon (Also Known as The Hemingway) 1 ½ oz absinthe 4 ½ oz champagne, chilled Pour the absinthe into a champagne flute. Top with the champagne.

AGE-ING TO SAGE-ING速

An Extraordinary Rite of Passage

By Ina Albert / Photo by Sue Lund

We stood at the incubator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the largest hospital in Minneapolis. Our newest grandson born two and a half months early, a tiny waif whose life depended on tubes feeding fluids to every part of his body. His parents were permitted to hold him every so often to provide a human touch. Though small, he tenaciously devoured to the energy pumping through him.

Grandparents waited outside the NICU looking grave, trying to be encouraging and supportive, yet their faces were taut, their eyes frightened. He would be in the hospital for six weeks before they could be sure he would make it to the outside world. Cerebral fluid had collected on his brain so a shunt had to be inserted to drain the fluid into his abdominal cavity. That piece of tubing would be lengthened as he grew and would be with him for the rest of his life.

The years that followed were difficult for the young

boy and for the family. He was diagnosed autistic and required special care, medication and therapy for years. He ran from room to room, banging his head against the walls and floor. But, by the time he reached five years old, he was playing, speaking and eating constantly. At six and seven he would jump into bed with us in the morning when we visited to play the game of "What If?" What if pigs could fly? What if it snowed in summer? What if we could ride a big horse? Though strange environments frightened him, when we took him to the playground, he courageously climbed the sliding board ladder slipping down into our arms.

By fourth and fifth grades he was mainstreamed in school. In sixth grade he began studying for his bar mitzvah, the rite of passage to become an adult in the Jewish community. Today he loves Hebrew and Sunday school, swimming, roller coasters, computer games, and has loads of friends.

This past weekend he mounted the steps of the synagogue and accepted a prayer shawl from his grandfathers. Both men spoke about their memories of those difficult times and how proud they are of him.

His Grandpa Allen, a rabbi, presented him with a prayer shawl that belonged to the boy’s great, great, great

grandfather and told the following story: “When I was growing up there was a ritual every Sunday. My entire family visited relatives and always paid their respects to my great grandfather who was in a nursing home. The old man no longer spoke, but he could still communicate with gestures. The last Sunday we visited him, I went into his room and he motioned me to come close to him. Then he pointed to the drawer in his bedside table beckoning me to open it. In the drawer was his prayer shawl in a faded cloth bag. He gestured for me to take it out of the bag and give it to him. I did. Then he pulled on my sleeve to bring me closer to him and placed his prayer shawl in my hands. I looked down at the faded silk shawl, searching for the right words to thank him, but the moment after Great Grandpa placed the prayer shawl in my palms he had leaned back on his pillows and took his last breath. This prayer shawl is now yours, Jake, to carry on the family tradition of commitment to Jewish life. We are so proud of you.”

He led the congregation of over 200 in prayer, reading in Hebrew from the sacred Torah scroll and its commentary. Then Jake delivered the traditional bar mitzvah speech:

“I’ve had a number of difficulties growing up,” he said. “I was born two and a half months early, had two brain surgeries and couldn’t walk for two years. I had sensory issues and became easily frustrated. My illnesses needed a lot of therapy and I worked hard. I had the help of many doctors, nurses and teachers. I am thankful that I had all this help. I still have autism, but very little, and I struggle with the physical stamina required for running and pushups. All these things have built my character and I see myself as an outgoing person that sees things in a positive way.

I learned that when difficult things happen, it is how we respond that makes the difference.”

The congregation sat in silence. There are few moments as precious as this one and there were very few dry eyes in the synagogue.

More important, all of us experienced a powerful sense of the grandeur of human possibility that this young man represented. He gave us a lesson for a lifetime.

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SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE

By Douglas E Waldron

I rented a two-bedroom house back in my college days with a guy named Ed who had a striking resemblance to Charles Manson. His hair and his beard were both long and unkempt and he had large bulging eyes. Although he had an almost demonic appearance, he was truly a nice guy with a heart of gold but he did have some unusual qualities. For instance, he was a vegetarian health nut who smoked. I asked him how he thought that smoking could possibly be healthy and he replied, "Well, tobacco is natural." He was full of peculiar ideas such as this but none of them matched the unusual behavior he exhibited after having gone to sleep.

It wasn't long after Ed had moved in that I was awakened in the wee hours of the morning by the sound of screaming coming from his bedroom. Thinking that something was terribly wrong I rushed into his room and found him thrashing around on his bed, his eyes wide open as he screamed. I asked him what was wrong but he didn't respond other than to continue screaming. I grabbed his arm and shook him and as I did, his screaming stopped. He gave me a puzzled look and in a calm, sleepy voice said, "Is something wrong?"

"Is something wrong?" I exclaimed.

"You woke me up screaming at the top of your lungs. When I came in here, you were screaming and rolling around in your bed as if you were wrestling a bear.

You tell me what's wrong!"

Ed sat up and explained to me that this sort of thing was a regular occurrence with him and that in the future I should just ignore it. At this particular moment in time, Ed failed to mention that he also was prone to sleepwalking as I found out about a few nights later.

I was sleeping soundly, all tucked in my bed when I felt a sensation not unlike that of an earthquake. I opened my eyes to find Ed standing at the foot of my bed with a firm grip on my bedposts. He was shaking my bed violently and I must

confess that the thought never entered my mind that he might be sleepwalking.

My first initial thought was that the house was on fire or something like that and I rolled out of bed onto my feet.

"I'm up Ed! What's wrong?" He stopped shaking the bed for a second but didn't acknowledge me. "Ed!" I said. "What is it?" He began shaking the bed again and it was then that I realized that he could possibly be walking in his sleep. "Ed!" I yelled. "Ed!" As I grabbed his arm and lightly shook it, he woke up and said, "What are you doing here?"

"I live here Ed. This is my bedroom."

"Yes, it is." he said. Without saying another word, Ed turned around, walked back to his room and shut the door. I stood there and was more than just a little wired. I closed my door, locked it and went back to bed. Just as I began to doze off, the screaming started.

There was no mention of the incident

by Ed the next morning, and when I questioned him about it, he genuinely had no recollection of his wanderings the previous night. He apologized profusely and told me that he had been sleep walking since he was a child. Since these incidents had occurred within

the first weeks that Ed had moved in with me I figured that his yelling and wandering would be something that I should expect to happen on a regular basis, however, it was two months before it happened again.

I had been studying at a friend's house and had arrived home rather late in the evening. When I pulled in the driveway of my house, I noticed that the lights were out and I figured that, due to the late hour, Ed had already gone to bed. Since so much time had passed since Ed had done anything strange in his sleep, I had forgotten about his midnight escapades and had totally let my guard down. That was a big mistake.

I entered the house through the carport door that opened into the kitchen. As I reached for the light switch a screeching voice cried out, "LOOK OUT! LOOK OUT! LOOK OUT!" I hit the floor as I dived under the kitchen table. "LOOK OUT!" the voice cried out again.

"Ed? For crying out loud! What's going on?" Not knowing whether this was a valid emergency, I began an "infantry" crawl towards the light switch. "Ed? What's going on?" I said again. I felt my way up the wall to the switch and turned on the lights in the kitchen.

There was Ed in the doorway of the

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kitchen leading into the hallway to the bedrooms, his arms outstretched above his head, his eyes wide open and bugging out. “Hey man, are you okay?"

"LOOOOOK OUUUT!" he screamed as he turned and ran down the hall.

"LOOOOOK OUUUT!" he screamed as he slammed the door to his room. I stood speechless in the kitchen as he screamed in his bedroom. I had become ready for the fight of my life against a brood of burglars but instead I found a nutty roommate running around in his sleep shouting warnings against who knows what.

Throughout the time, that Ed and I remained roommates I kept my bedroom door locked at night. It was not at all uncommon for me to wake up at night to Ed's bloodcurdling screams and on occasion, I would wake up to the sound of him trying to turn the doorknob of my bedroom door. There

was even one night that I woke up to find every light in the house turned on.

Ed had piled up the couch and chair cushions around him and was lying on the living room floor looking at the ceiling. When I asked him what he was doing, he replied as he pointed to the corner, "Look at me, I'm in the corner."

The next morning, being his usual perky self, he asked me how I had slept.

a perfect opportunity to ask his bride what she thought of Ed's screaming and sleepwalking. She said, "Screaming?

Sleepwalking?"

I said, "Why not ask yourself. You're up in the corner."

I realized that she actually had no knowledge of what I was talking about, suppressing my laughter, the only statement I could offer her was, "You'll find out soon enough."

He looked at me as if I was crazy because he had no idea what I was talking about. After all, he had slept through the whole thing.

Thinking she was being sarcastic I said, Oh, did I say screaming and sleepwalking? I meant to say look out, look out, look out!"What are you talking about?" she asked.

Ed eventually met a very nice girl and fell in love. They soon married and stopped in to see me briefly on their way to their honeymoon destination.

Ed had excused himself to make a phone call and I thought this would be

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THE AWAKENING MIND

Addictions and Beyond

By Lora Lonsberry, Ph.D.

Whether your addiction is to the highly processed food-like substances of “The Western Diet’” medications that once worked, or another substance or process, Neurofeedback helps bring increased success to the treatment of addiction. Combining Neurofeedback with other addiction treatments can help a person finally escape the cycle of addiction.

Why is Neurofeedback so effective?

Many people think addiction is due to a lack of self-discipline, but addiction is physiological, not psychological.

Addiction is a brain disease, a mental health disorder that severely debilitates

a person in all aspects of his or her life.

In addition, people with addiction frequently suffer from other mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

Neurofeedback treats the dysregulated brain subserving addiction.

Through Neurofeedback, a person’s brain is retrained. Teaching the brain how to be calm, focused, and

relaxed helps a person think more clearly and recognize choice-points in each moment without habitual defensiveness. Neurofeedback training provides a solid base on which to build recovery and prevent relapses. It helps teach the tools one needs to cope long term.

For a person who has relied on a substance to manage day-to-day, medications may be just another substance. While medications may be helpful and useful to begin change in the short-term, recovery from addiction is about the long term. It’s about changing the architecture of your brain to make more coherent choices flow naturally and unconsciously.

How does an addict stop the cycle of addiction?

Neurofeedback retrains the brain patterns causing dysfunction, giving a person with addiction the ability to succeed long past the typical 30-day treatment cycle. Since Neurofeedback helps a person manage emotions and mood and improve sleep, adding Neurofeedback to an addiction treatment program gives people the necessary tools to help them be in control, achieve success, and avoid relapse.

Neurofeedback is a respectful approach to treating any addiction. It helps replace maladaptive behaviors with more healthy patterns. Neurofeedback can help a person be aware of triggers that often lead to numbing and destructive behavior patterns.

Unlike prescription medications which have to be continued indefinitely, once your new self-regulating patterns are hard-wired in to your brain through repeated learning, you have them thereafter. Just like the skill of bike riding.

Whether it is high fructose corn syrup, refined flower and sugar, or prescription

drugs, with Neurofeedback a person can gain the tools necessary to free themselves from the destructive cycles of addiction.

How does Neurofeedback help end addiction?

During times of stress, a person with addiction needs to be able to remain calm, responsive, and harmonious in order to make the choices needed to stay on course.

Neurofeedback teaches a person’s brain to connect to a calm, fluid and flexible state, even in stressful situations (an outcome many are seeking by using their habit of choice).

In addition, health professionals who use Neurofeedback report that more than 85% of their clients that train with Neurofeedback improve their ability to focus and regulate behavior and reduce their impulsivity.

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WOMAN TO WOMAN

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Juvederm is a product used as a filler for dynamic lines on the face.

The difference after injections is remarkable, and women love the way it helps soften facial lines and take a few years off of how we look. Botox is a neuromodulator that can help relax dynamic lines due to contractions of

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We would love to help you start the new year with a gift for yourself. Isn’t it wonderful to look and feel pretty and have these products available in the privacy of your provider’s office?

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IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS

The Things We Try

By Nan Russell

This is my 133rd article for Montana Woman, and it got me thinking about why I continue to write these monthly life reflections columns, and what it means to try to do something one thinks they want to do. Let me explain.

A decade ago I left a successful career on the east coast to return to Montana where I was born in order to fulfill a life dream to work from the mountains I love, and launch a second-stage career as a writer. Despite extensive research into how to be a successful writer, the

actual-doing was different from my imagining-of-doing. Like many things, what we think something is like and what it is, aren’t the same. And so it was with becoming a writer.

That’s why after all this time, I still volunteer to write every month for Montana Woman. It’s reminds me of the difference between being and becoming. I believe life is about becoming who we are capable of becoming. For me, that means I’ll never be a “finished” writer; I’ll always be someone striving to improve my craft, enhance my thinking, increase my discipline, and figure out how to help or inspire people along the way.

Fast forward to today. With four non-fiction books published, numerous byline articles, blogs, white papers, and columns under my belt, my original thought to “give it a try” morphed into a personal understanding about making my writing dream happen – Yoda was right: “There is no try.” It’s all about the doing. And doing means failures, setbacks, rejections, and disappointment, as much as it means persistence, passion, determination, and success.

Yet, not everything we want to experience and learn should be taken with a Yoda philosophy. Not everything we explore or attempt should be viewed as a commitment or a path of no return.

Sometimes we should move on, change course, or give up. Sometimes just the trying is the endeavor.

My 7 year old granddaughter just started riding lessons and wants to know when she can learn to jump. The next week her 4 year old sister tried out for a gymnastics team and made it. If they didn’t “try” and explore what they’re interested in, they might never know what they like or don’t like; where their life’s talents and passions may lie, and what eventually will, for them, be worth the doing.

In the scheme of things, I’ve tried lots of things. Some worked out and some didn’t. How are you going to know if you want to go for it, or even can, unless you first try? But, trying isn’t the same

as committing. Only when we become vulnerable enough to step forward, to commit to our dreams, aspirations, or goals does trying stop and doing begin.

Only then, do our dreams happen.

I’ve learned that while wishing and hoping makes you a dreamer; acting and doing makes you someone who can turn your dreams into reality. When it comes to life-dreams and aspirations, I think 20th-century operatic star, Beverly Sills was right when she said, “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.”

FROM THE MW KITCHEN

By Epi Curious

Paella (pah/EH/yah)

Paella is a Valencian rice dish that originated on the east coast of Spain. There are a few varieties of paella; however, my favorite recipe includes seafood. There is one thing that most paella recipes seem to agree on; that the sunny, fluffy yellow rice dish is loaded with fresh ingredients and a variety of proteins. I love the use of saffron and olive oil in this rice dish.

My favorite paella recipe is a rich, smoky creation cooked over a grill. (An alternative option to using a grill is to use a 1 inch sautĂŠ pan on the stove instead of the grill.) Classic paella is perfect for the barbeque because everything cooks together in one pan and absorbs the smoky flavor of the fire. They key to this dish is the crusty caramelized layer of rice that forms on the bottom of the pan. While the combination of ingredients ranges from the traditional rabbit and snails to vegetables and seafood, this version, known as Paella Mixta, contains seafood, Spanish chorizo and chicken.

Ingredients: 2 medium, ripe tomatoes 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika Freshly ground black pepper 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces 8 oz Spanish chorizo, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

Directions: Core and halve the tomatoes. Grate the flesh side of each half on the large holes of a box grater set over a medium bowl, stopping when you get to the skin. Discard the skins. You should have about 3/4 cup of tomato pulp and juice; set aside.

Place the shrimp in a medium bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon of the paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and refrigerate.

Place the chicken in a medium bowl and season generously with salt and pepper; set aside.

Heat an outdoor grill to high (about 450°F to 550°F). Place a 15-inch paella pan (or cast iron Dutch oven) on the grill, cover, and heat until hot, about 2 minutes. Add the chorizo to the pan, close the grill, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is starting to brown and the fat is rendered, about 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the chorizo to a large bowl; set aside.

There should be a thin layer of rendered fat in the pan. If there’s not enough, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan in a single layer, close the grill, and sear, stirring occasionally, until both sides of the

1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, as needed 1 medium yellow onion, small dice 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 large pinch saffron threads 2 cups paella rice (about 1 pound), sometimes labeled bomba or Valencia

16 mussels, Manila clams, or a combination, scrubbed 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves 2 medium lemons, cut into 8 wedges each, for serving

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning the shrimp and chicken 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium chicken broth

chicken pieces are golden brown, about 6 minutes total. (You will need to rotate the pan occasionally on the grill to evenly distribute the heat.) Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to the bowl with the chorizo; set aside.

Add the onion to the pan, season with salt and pepper, close the grill, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed on a gas grill or moving the paella pan to a cooler part of a charcoal grill so that the onions don’t burn. Add the garlic, remaining 3/4 teaspoon paprika, and saffron, stir to combine, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the reserved tomato pulp and juice and cook until the mixture has slightly darkened in color, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and measured salt and stir to coat in the tomato mixture.

Add the broth and stir to combine.

Arrange the rice mixture in an even layer. Distribute the reserved chorizo and chicken over the rice, adding any accumulated juices from the bowl.

(Do not stir the rice from this point on.)

Close the grill and bring the mixture to a lively simmer. Continue to simmer,

checking occasionally, until the rice grains have swelled, most of the liquid has been absorbed, and the rice begins to make a crackling sound, about 12 minutes. (Make sure to rotate the pan occasionally to evenly distribute the heat, and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a lively simmer.)

Arrange the reserved shrimp and the shellfish (hinge-side down) in the rice, nestling them slightly. Close the grill and cook until the shellfish have opened, the shrimp are just cooked through, and the rice is tender but still al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Remove the pan from the grill, cover with foil, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Before serving the paella, discard any unopened shellfish and sprinkle the dish with the parsley. Serve with the lemon wedges.

To change things up a bit, I like to add garlic cloves, fresh fish (cod, halibut or rockfish), diced carrots and green peas (fresh or frozen). This dish is well worth the time it takes.

Enjoy!

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Time is free, but it’s priceless You can’t own it, but you can use it You can’t keep it, but you can spend it Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.

Imagine time as if you are given a certain amount of coupons at the beginning of your life; at the end of each day, you have to hand in one of your coupons until they are all gone. At that point, your life is over. When it comes down to it, most people probably don’t think of time as something they own, but if you think about it the expression that you can “spend” time implies that time is something you have!

Thinking of time as something you own is useful. Would you find it easy to waste something if you knew you owned it? Using the coupon analogy helps. Imagining a stack of coupons shrinking day after day reminds me to be careful in how I spend my time. Plus it encourages me to take as much action as possible before they’re all gone.

I look back on a lot of moments where I wasted time. Instead of spending time watching useless TV programs or

Time

By Jose Frank

FACING THE ODDS spending money on things I didn’t need nor really wanted, I could have been out meeting people or reading a great book.

I come across a great deal of people that find time unimportant; they “kill” time.

They do things that are not important in order to make time go faster. If it were simply a matter of making up the time you’re “killing” on another date, it wouldn’t be so bad. However, time is limited!

You only have whatever you’re given that’s it. Once it’s gone, you never get it back!

Everything you want to do—see, feel, touch, experience—can only happen within the time you are given. Your life’s to-do-list doesn’t get done by itself, if you are not planning and working on doing everything you want to do, you are just letting that stack of coupons get shorter and shorter. One day you will be confronted with the realization of how

much you still have to do and how little time you have to do it with. Pushing the things you want to do or accomplish into the future is not a good plan. Do what you want to do now or you might not be able to do it at all.

The strange thing about all the time we have is that some people don’t seem to appreciate it. After all, how many people do we know that work all day in jobs they hate or stay in relationships they can’t stand? Why would you spend a single second, doing something intolerable? Life is too short to waste it, all the time you spend in bad relationships or workplaces just isn’t worth it.

Let’s get rid of all those time-wasters.

From now on let’s spend none of our time in situations we can’t stand. It might take some time and effort to get where you want to be, but I’d say that was time spent very wisely!

Fabulous Female Spring Into Creativity and Improve Your Wellness

By Stacey A. Rowcliffe

As spring begins and new life emerges, we consider growth and change in ourselves. One area of our lives that can help improve overall wellness and brain function is creativity. Even if you don't consider yourself a "creative" person, you can receive the brain and wellness benefits creativity offers. For

instance, just listening to music can provide the brain with the stimulation it needs to reach its full potential. "It's almost as if the brain ramps up its sensorimotor processing in order to be in a creative state." (Limb, C. ,2008) In fact, one study done showed that after hearing a short piece of music,

participants were more likely to interpret a neutral expression such as happy or sad that would match the music's tone. This was similar with other facial expressions as well and very noticeable when the expressions were close to neutral. We essentially become more attuned to our environment and

Stacey A. Rowcliffe the people around us, based upon the type of music we are listening to. So, how can we use this to live well and enhance our lives? If you are feeling down or low, try listening to a dose of happy and upbeat tunes which can stimulate your brain to focus on the positive people and things in your environment and lift you up.

Another interesting fact in regards to music is that "there is no single creative area of the brain -- no focal activation of a single area." (Limb, C. 2008) Dr. Allen Braun adds, "You see a strong and consistent pattern of activity throughout the brain that enables creativity." This means exposure to creativity (i.e. music, art) can improve the health and wellness of your brain over all, and even stimulate some of your own creativity in the process. Before you know it you could be feeling better and growing!

A great start to your wellness path this spring would be to listen to different types of music to help improve your mood for the day. Play music during work, play and at home. Keep a diary or log to document how your day went as a result of the music you listened to that day. If you want to take it to the next level, start something creative in the evenings at home. Try writing or drawing. Do it to enhance your life and wellness and not to create the perfect masterpiece or best-selling novel; enjoy the growth in your own creativity.

As humans, we can't control the events that happen in our lives; but we can control our response to them. Music and other creative outlets can help us through the hard times and teach us to enjoy whatever life throws our way. Be well and spring into the creative world all around you.

Blessings 'n Hugs, Stacey A. Rowcliffe

Author of: Female Fusion

Part of the Proceeds Donated to Dove’s Foundation for Self-Esteem eBook available on Amazon.com, Nook, iBooks and Indie Authors at: www.staceyrowcliffe.com

Daffodils William Wordsworth (1770-1850) I WANDER’D lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at one I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the Milky Way, They stretch’d in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed – and gazed – but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my hear with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

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Aries, the ram, sets in the west at the end of March, and so ‘will go out like a lamb.’

FOLKLORE AND FACTS

By Cindy O’Boyle

March was the first month of the year until 1752, commencing on March 25th. Scotland changed the month to January in 1599, but the rest of the world was slow in following.

Native Americans called March ‘Worm Moon’ because as the temperatures began to warm and the ground began to thaw, earthworms casts appeared, heralding the return of the robins, and the last moon of winter.

Another popular animal in March sayings is the hare. The proverbial phrase ‘mad as a March hare’ has a similar origin: a ‘March hare’ is a brown hare in the breeding season, noted for its leaping, boxing, and chasing in circles in its mating ritual.

I am sure we have all heard the saying ‘March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb’. March is a transitional month known for extreme weather, but why are those particular animals used in the popular saying? Some authorities believe the lion and the lamb saying has a heavenly connection. The constellation Leo, the lion is rising in the east at the beginning of March, hence the ‘comes in like a lion,’ while

The most popular March event is St. Patrick’s Day. Saint Patrick used the three-leaf clover (or shamrock) to explain the holy Trinity and cleansed Ireland of snakes by driving them into the sea with his staff (or shillelagh). To this day, shamrocks and shillelaghs are well known symbols of St. Patrick’s Day, and, there are no snakes in Ireland.

St. Patrick’s real name was Maewyn Succant. (No wonder he changed it!)

The History of Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup

By Miriah Kardelis

Some people are born to be in the beauty business. Diane Ranger – the founder of Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup – is one of them. A native of Athens, Texas; Diane Ranger pioneered the idea of mineral makeup. With a master’s degree in education from University of Houston, she hoped to one day own a school in California.

But as fate would have it she wandered into a tiny body care shop in Rice Village. “It was like falling in love. It was the most amazing gourmet of body care I had ever seen – blues, greens, all kind of colors. I bought everything I could.” She moved to California and began to create her own natural body care products and custom-blend of makeup from her kitchen. She called her business Bare Escentuals because of the name’s natural connotations.

She sold natural soaps, shower gels, scrubs and lotions from various makers.

Within a year, word got around about her little shop; and she finally started to see a steady stream of shoppers.

Diane’s business got a boost of publicity

with The Cosmetic Ingredient Review in 1976, which assessed the safety of cosmetic ingredients. In 1977, Ranger started selling minerals such as a reddish-brown shade of Iron-Oxide called Indian Earth. Woman wore it all over their face, cheeks, eyes and lips. Soon after her customers started asking for lighter versions of Indian Earth that they could wear as powder.

Ranger started working with chemists to help create blended mineral powders in light, medium and dark shades. It became the store’s top selling item.

The cosmetics contained none of the chemicals and preservatives that often irritated women’s skin; ingredients such as alcohol, perfume, talc, binders and fillers. Moreover the products contained no animal products and were not tested on animals. This attracted women concerned with healthy lifestyle choices. To build sales on the interests of health-oriented customers, Diane began to offer classes in special techniques of mineral makeup application; something that

became a significant aspect of the Bare Escentuals brand.

Ranger was a pioneer. She met with department store buyers to try and get them to sell her makeup. Some scoffed.

Others didn’t understand her products.

She then brought in a business partner by the name of Nicholas Frank.

Together they opened four stores and two franchises in the Bay Area. The stores generated about $2 million in yearly sales. A turning point in the company’s history occurred in August 1990, when Ranger found new capital for sustaining Bare Escentuals through an investment group led by retail specialist John Hansen. The longevity of the product line, the quality of the store concept, and employee loyalty to the product attracted Hansen to the Bare Escentuals brand. The investment group acquired the assets and the brand concept. Ranger became Vice President and had responsibility for product development, but left the company shortly after the change. Hansen

personality set the tone for the entire company. The key to her enormous and ever growing popularity is her approachability. When Blodgett became CEO of Bare Escentuals the company was a tiny maker of bath and body products. She saw the potential of selling a healthy mineral based makeup line. A powder foundation that was good for your skin made great sense, but the shades Bare Escentuals had created just weren’t working. The reformulated line contained: six eye shadows, six blushes, five foundations and brushes. Following Blodgett’s lead, the company packaged and marketed the new products in a down-to-earth style to appeal to a broader range of women. The company refined the store concept to focus on cosmetics, rather than the bath and body care lines.

Blodgett achieved this by creating the atmosphere of a boudoir, with a makeup bar in the center of the store to encourage customers to play and experiment with the range of colors and products.

applied his retail knowledge to cultivate the company’s strengths. He built on employee loyalty with extensive training on product ingredients, as they differed from mainstream cosmetic brands. Hansen expanded Bare Escentuals in 1991 opening new stores in San Francisco and San Mateo. By 1993 Bare Escentuals operated 14 stores and generated approximately $6 million in revenues. Disappointed by these results, Hansen considered his lack of experience in the cosmetic industry a factor in the company’s limited success.

In 1994 Hansen hired cosmetic industry mogul, Leslie Blodgett as Chief Executive. Blodgett brought

a passion for cosmetics to Bare Escentuals. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, her experience in the cosmetic world began as a sales associate at Bloomingdales in New York. Blodgett came in with an unpretentious manner to the development and marketing strategies of Bare Escentuals. “It takes an unconventional thinker to start a revolution, and that’s exactly what Leslie is.” In 1995, after only a few months of being CEO, Leslie launched the cosmetics under the brand name bareMinerals. The industry and the women it serves had never seen anything like it. Leslie’s warm

There were only seven people in the office “winging” it. Leslie spent many sleepless nights wondering if this company was going to make it. She soon found herself watching the smiling women on QVC at two in the morning.

She thought to herself; she could do that. She bought a white suit and a $29 fake 5-carat diamond ring and decided to give it her best shot. She went on air August 30, 1997. “Do you want to make your skin break out even more? Then don’t buy my product. But if you’re interested in something pure that you can actually sleep in, then let’s talk.”

That day she sold over $45,000.00 worth of product. This gave the company the growth it needed that led to a 2006 IPO. The same year it also brought on the sale of the company to Shiseido for $1.7 billion. Even though she was scheduled every six weeks on QVC; she needed more time to talk about the application process. That’s

when the infomercials came in. They now had the ability to get the message out daily. The infomercials were a success; but the people couldn’t find the product. It was time to focus on distribution. “Sephora was an especially hard sell. I sent a white limo to Sephora’s headquarters, which was right down the street and brought the

buyers to our boutique. It worked. A few years later, Nordstrom Called.” In the mid 2000’s, the company started to grow too fast. A lot of sales were lost.

The company hired Myles McCormick as the Chief Financial Officer is 2004.

He became the CEO while Leslie took the executive chairman position.

“Myles has always done the hard math

and business analysis. I make decisions from the gut.”

Women liked the product; but still had questions. She went online daily but couldn’t keep up. That’s when she noticed other women were responding for her. That inspired her to start hosting events at the boutiques.

She invited people to come share

tips and ideas. Many women wrote letters of praise for Blodgett and the bareMinerals products. The customer suggestions and feedback became the foundation for her decisions as to new product development. She started naming products after her loyal fans.

There are numerous reasons why bareMinerals is good for your skin, and the products have been tested by dermatologists to support the benefits for the skin. BareMinerals is safe to use with many skin conditions, and the products can even help heal or clear up certain conditions like rosacea, acne, dry skin, oily skin and sensitive skin over time. BareMinerals is also so healthy and beneficial for your skin that you can even sleep with it on. In addition, bareMinerals has such a natural look that you can use a slightly darker shade of the product without worrying about getting that embarrassing makeup line around your neck. BareMinerals cosmetics come from the finest natural ingredients, all of which are made from pure minerals.

The main ingredients in bareMinerals products are titanium dioxide, mica, bismuth oxychloride and zinc oxide.

Titanium dioxide is one of the 21 different FDA-approved sunscreen ingredients used for skin. It remains on the surface of the skin to help scatter UV light and form a barrier to block

harmful rays. Mica is a typical coloring agent used in mineral makeup and helps give your skin a glowing appearance.

Bismuth oxychloride is what gives the makeup a pearlized look. Zinc oxide is used to soothe, protect and heal the skin. It is also another barrier used to protect your face from harmful UV rays. Zinc oxide contains an astringent and antiseptic, which makes it beneficial for healthier skin. “Women want to feel pretty. They remind me of what I do. It’s powerful. I don’t

want to be a business. I want to be a community”.

This is just another great example of women who think outside of the box and take action. If you haven’t tried bareMinerals, I invite you to swing by MW Spa and take a look. We’d love to welcome you to our community!

let us help you sparkle

HOST WITH US TO RECEIVE FREE JEWELS AND FABULOUS DISCOUNTS 3275 North Reserve Street, Suite F Missoula, Montana 59808 ColdstoneMontana@yahoo.com 406.549.5595 (fax) 406.549.5596 It’s a Great Day for Ice Cream!

Carrie Gable 406-253-4005 Kristine Nixon 406-885-3266 WWW.MYTOUCHSTONECRYSTAL

LIVING WELL

By Dan Gregerson, LPCP

Montana Center for Wellness & Pain Management

The

When someone is referred by their doctor to a counselor to help with chronic pain, they often fear it means the doctor thinks the pain is “all in your head.” However, at the Montana Center for Wellness and Pain Management, counseling is used to assist patients in a variety of ways, none of which involves convincing someone their pain isn’t ‘real.’

Many people who are in pain feel the emotional effects of suffering along with the physical aspects of pain. These may include feelings of anger, sadness, hopelessness or despair. In addition, pain can alter one’s personality, disrupt sleep, interfere with work and relationships and often have a profound effect on family members. Counseling, combined with a comprehensive pain treatment program, can help manage

a chronic condition. The trained professionals at the Montana Center teach techniques to reduce the overall experience of pain, lessen muscle tension and reduce stress. In addition, counseling may help people redefine the situation and shift from negative, destructive attitudes to more positive and accurate thinking about their condition and future.

Pain is a complex issue, composed not just of the physiological source, but also influenced by an individual’s beliefs about pain, their mood and behavior.

For example, people under stress tend to tense muscles, have headaches and higher blood pressure, as well as a host of other physical problems, all of which contribute to higher pain levels. Therefore, learning stressmanagement techniques can make a direct contribution to decreasing pain levels by reducing muscle tension.

Chronic pain also typically leads to global changes in a person’s life and relationships. Pain may cause someone to have difficulty working or be unable to work. This can lead to identity issues, such as feelings of worthlessness, as well as financial stress. Both of these issues may cause problems with relationships as conflict arises over money or sex (the two topic couples most often fight about) or many other potential troubles. People in chronic pain may become isolated, feeling that

no one truly understands all they are going through.

There is an old saying that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

Through a combination of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, deep breathing, self-hypnosis, relaxation training, imagery, and stress management skills, you can regain control of your world, reduce suffering, and learn to again experience contentment and happiness in life.

Dan Gregerson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with the Montana Center for Wellness and Pain Management. He has been in the Flathead Valley since 1997, working in private practice, at a therapeutic boarding school for adolescents, and has been specializing in the area of Chronic Pain management since 2008. In addition, Dan continues to maintain a private practice and facilitates a Domestic Violence group for court-ordered offenders. Dan’s background includes being an ordained Lutheran minister, a carpenter, a proofreader and manager of a Llama ranch.

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MONTANA TREASURES

By Gina Ellis

It’s impressive to me how many Montanans have exercised the courage to believe in a dream and take the initiative to form a plan of action that leaves no room for doubt or lack of effort. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Chuck Lewis, inventor of the Chukgrip. I would have never predicted the level of enthusiasm I felt after hearing his story and experiencing his invention. He has created a grip that has revolutionized my outdoor activities and the enjoyment I gain from my active lifestyle. I encourage all of our readers to take a look at his website, www.chukgrips.com. If you enjoy a rich outdoor life with hiking, hunting and skiing this may be one of the most helpful products you’ve come across.

CHUK GRIPS

Margo and her Chuk Grips along the course of her Antarctic Expedition.

Chuck was kind enough to visit with me about his path to innovation and the development of his dream.

“I'm Chuck Lewis, inventor of the Chukgrips. I live on Blacktail Mountain just off Flathead Lake in Northwestern Montana and in 192 I started crosscountry skiing almost every day. At night I was a cook at the Montana Grill. That way I was able to hike and cross country ski almost every day.

“Working with my hands all my life, and also because of an old football injury, my wrists and hands were sore daily. When I would use my ski poles, the straps would hurt my wrist. I knew there had to be a better way to use these poles and get more power and comfort

from them. So, I began to draw pictures and make clay models of a grip that would work well and be universal for other users. ”Starting in 1995 and continuing for three years afterwards, I worked in my garage till 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning on prototypes with rubber molds. I would send the prototype grips to other users and friends to try out so I could get some feedback on them. After more than three years in this stage, I decided that it was time to invest in a steel mold and start making the actual grips. As the mold was being made I did a patent search and also an internet search.

Both searches showed that there was nothing like my idea on the market. It also showed me there were 2500 copyrights on words that

go with the words ‘grip’ or ‘grips.’ There were no words left to come up with a name for my grips. This went on for some time until a friend of mine told me to name them after myself like other inventors have done before.

“I have been very fortunate to come up with a grip that can be used by so many different poling sports as well as many different sized hands and people. Users write to me very often commenting on how pleased

they are with the comfort, power, and versatility of the ChukGrips. This is the first time an ergonomically correct grip has been done for poles. It has been a long and hard process. ” Chuck thanked me for the opportunity to share his story in the hopes it would not only create awareness of his product, but that it would inspire people to stay active and believe in their dreams.

Chuk Grips Chuck Lewis PO Box 830 Lakeside, MT 59922

406-260-3419 406-844-2112

www.chukgrips.com chuck77lewis@gmail.com

Sassafras An inspiring Collection of Original Art, Crafts and beautiful Antiques Open

Monday – Saturday | 10 - 6 pm 120 Main Street Kalispell, Montana 59901 406.752.2433

Intuitive inSIGHTS

By Mel Mathes

DEAR READERS,

More from Dr. Suess on manifesting:

I hope your life is filled with love and gratitude for having all the wonderful things you've manifested!

1. ACT as if you already are.

The people and the events in our lives are a direct effect of something we manifested by ourselves or with the help of unknown others. Sometimes, I'm not always sure of the lessons mankind is trying to learn in its evolution, but for some reason we are all here to participate in or to bear witness to it.

3. LET GO of your need to have all the answers.

I had been wrestling with something that I was trying to manifest....a new website! After several failed attempts of having companies create a "free new website," I realized that I was like the little guy in Dr Suess's Green Eggs and Ham. I was resisting what God or the universe was trying to give me by creating my own website! The opportunity showed itself to me many times and several people told me how happy they were with creating their own website using Vistaprint. Ahhhh!

I'm embarrassed to say, I should have tried earlier I found that I am smarter than I thought I was.

Needless to say, I now have the new website that I was trying to manifest. It is: www.foryourheadonly.net, and I like it! I do like Green Eggs and Ham! Sometimes our manifestations arrive complete and ready to use as we choose. At other times we have to participate fully in the creating of our manifestations...it becomes an opportunity to learn and to grow as an individual! These manifestations are the best kind! You will know just what to do with them when they arrive and you will be the person you need to be to fully embrace it. You should be able to experience gratitude for not only what you manifested, but for your ability to receive it and for the lessons learned as well!

2. NO more defeating self-talk.

4. GIVE UP control of who, how, what, where and WHEN! 5. JUNK any limitations you’ve placed on yourself.

6. IGNORE current appearance of unwanted circumstances.

7. TRUST yourself, your God, your life will be on track.

8. KNOW your journey and destination are solid.

9. DROP the blame, shame and pain.

Today is a new moment.

10. LIVE for yourself. Be authentic.

Pleasing others at your expense is a no-no.

11. KEEP people in your life that truly love you, motivate you, encourage you, inspire you, enhance you and make you happy. Get rid of leeches and naysayers, those with huge value differentials and anyone belittling or attacking you!

This line of thinking will clear the way to believing and manifesting your mind and heart’s desire. Keep in mind that what you're manifesting should not cause harm to yourself and others!

From The Secret Daily Teachings “The fastest way to receive is to give, because giving starts the reciprocal action of receiving. We all receive

according to how much we give. Give the best of you everywhere you go. Give a smile. Give thanks. Give kindness.

Give love.”

Your giving should be a giving without expectation of return - a giving for the sheer joy of it.

May joy be with you, Mel My sessions are generally twenty minutes to one hour long. I'm available 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM MT. You can reach me by telephone at 1-406-892-8034 or 1-888-396-6600.

Or you can call for appointment and meet with me in my in my office!

You can also view more about me on my new website foryourheadonly. net or Facebook! I will also answer questions in upcoming issues that are sent to my email address: melmathes@ montanasky.net.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

P.S. Watch for my specials on Facebook!

Mel Mathes

20 Over

Years of

Intuitive Coaching Tarot Specialist • Life Readings • $1 per minute melmathes.com/petinsights.com

888-396-6600 406-892-8034 MC. VISA. DISCOVER AND UNION PAY

Look to the Stars

/ By Star Gazer

Pisces / February 19 – March 20 Now is a good day to take chances. You may be quite successful if you're ready to defend the things you really care about. Pretend that you're the director of a film and that you've just met a potential producer for your movie. You just happen to have your script in hand. Are you ready to move up in the world? Are you ready for success?

Aries / Mar 21 – Apr 19 You have a kind of creativity that knows no bounds and a kind of originality that knows no limits.

How are you going to go about expressing this rich creativity that abounds inside of you? If your environment doesn't allow you to express this creativity, change environments and try to make a new reality for yourself. This is the only way you'll be able to use this incredible energy productively.

Taurus / Apr 20 – May 20 This is an ideal month to take a look at your financial situation, so get out your bank statements or dividend reports. Try and pretend that you're with your banker and describing your situation as objectively as possible, without overestimating what you bring in or underestimating what you spend. You won't regret this process, since it could prevent you from making some big mistakes later.

Gemini / May 21 – Jun 20 You may have been worrying about something you did recently that you aren't very proud of.

Soon you'll discover that all that worrying was for nothing. The reality you've been trying to run away from lately will be right before your eyes and you'll see that it isn't so bad after all. You'll be rewarded for all your hard work, as if life were trying to give you a lesson about being optimistic. So don't be so negative!

Cancer / Jun 21 – Jul 22 Not all friendships are the same. You may have learned that the hard way, but that's OK. Currently you could feel like putting your friendships in some kind of order and getting a bit of perspective on things. It's time to figure which of your friends are really there for you when you need them, which of them show you how much they care about you, and which ones do not. Each kind of friendship can

be useful to you in its own way. Don't be afraid to admit this.

Leo / Jul 23 – Aug 22 Not only do you want to live life to the fullest every second, you also feel the need to leave your special mark on the world you live in. You just have to be creative in life. You can't help it. That great project you've been thinking about for a while is just beginning to take shape. You may find some of the materials you needed to really get things going! A financial gift or the gift of someone's time?

Someone's generosity could really make your day!

Virgo / Aug 23 – Sep 22 Your mind is in a period of great activity, and your curiosity about the world around you is practically insatiable. You're interested in anything and everything. You want to be able to understand everything from the simplest to the most complicated. Nothing could get in the way of your thirst for knowledge. So get a good supply of books about the things you would like to learn about and try and meet some new people.

Libra / Sep 23 – Oct 22 It's very difficult for you to reconcile your desire for creativity and originality in your life to the constraints that society puts on you to be an efficient, productive person. This is one of the great dilemmas facing a lot of people these days.

It's as if you have to hide your real personality in order to live up to what other people expect of you.

Some advice for today: don't be so hard on yourself.

You're only human.

Scorpio / Oct 23 – Nov 21 You seem to have a lot of resentment toward someone who may have hurt you. Don't keep these feelings inside or they'll eat away at you.

Take advantage of your time to put all your cards on the table and forget about revenge, because it could just turn against you. Instead, why don't you try to reach out to that person and explain your feelings to him or her? The good energy you get from this experience could be very beneficial to you tomorrow.

Sagittarius / Nov 22 – Dec 21 You may feel like hiding yourself away in your ivory tower and watching the performance that is going on before your eyes. And why not, if this allows you to get the perspective you need on things? Use this period in your life to give things their real value and to see where certain people actually fit into your world. You're a very lucky person to be able to find this kind of balance in your life.

Capricorn / Dec 22 – Jan 19 Have you been wanting to talk to your partner about something important? Well, it's up to you to make the first move. In fact, that's just what your partner is waiting for you to do. Take advantage of your day today to tell your partner exactly what you expect from him or her and to share some of your worries.

You're someone who is lucky enough to know what you want, but it isn't always easy for you to tell other people what that is. Be strong.

Aquarius / Jan 20 – Feb 18 You enjoy your freedom. You're a very independent person and you hate it when anything gets in your way. That's all right, but you may want to take a look at your financial situation even if that's not really your thing. You tend to resent having to deal with these lowly material questions, but if you don't, you could severely restrict your freedom to live life to its fullest. Be reasonable about things.

Glacier Wallflower

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