and returns home to find it.

George Augustus Moore

I intended to blog more during this trip. Every day almost. Several times a day I think I have to write about this! Unfortunately, rural Montana is not known for its internet service. As in, good luck getting it or cell reception. And because we've been busy enjoying family, friends and country life, I haven't been able to frequent WiFi-enabled establishments long enough to write an actual post. 

So although it has been a bit quiet around these here parts, I have loads to share. The scenery... the food. Love.

Shall we start with a double rainbow? Oh my god!









One place that is a must-visit for me is Dave's Sushi. Amazing. Original. I can't get enough. We decided to eat there for lunch and had a lovely meal dining on the patio. The day was beautiful and the food didn't disappoint.







The Roost has quickly become a new favorite. It is hands-down the best fried chicken I've ever had in my life. Judging by the guttural noises Mario made while eating it, I'm guessing this meal was life-changing for him. Kiddo love it, too. That's saying something.








While on the hunt for a sweet treat, we stumbled upon this amazing goodie shop called La Chatelaine. They create each little piece of edible art by hand. We struck up a conversation with the lady working that day (aka the nicest person in the whole world) and enjoyed what may have been the best ice cream. Ever. I mustered up the courage to ask if I could shoot some quick pics for my blog and was met with a yes, of course. I could have spent the day in this wonderful place.

Mario and I have had several discussions about moving back to Bozeman over the last couple weeks. Every family member also has an opinion on the matter. I love the town, but can't finish my education in the area.  Establishing a rewarding career is important, and I don't want to lose momentum, but it means spending a few more years away from family. My sister-in-law joined me this last week for a exploratory road trip to Pocatello, Idaho. It is definitely not the town for us, and I felt bad eliminating a prospective school, but I feel hopeful we will find a place we love that also has a grad school for me. Once I get established in a career, Bozeman will likely be in our future.

There is something about it that is unlike any other place I've ever been.

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs...

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Bozeman, Montana is such a funky, unique town. I can't think of much I don't like about it, in fact. The food, the atmosphere, the people... we will likely call it home again one day. 

In the meantime, I soak up all the town has to offer during our visits. A place that we must grace with our presence at least once during our stay is the Cateye Cafe. So. Good.

Mario has been working all week, so Kiddo and I got up, packed our suitcases in the car (for the umpteenth time) and ventured out for a breakfast date.





A pensive moment captured by Kiddo.

So many chachkies to look at.


"The Fishbowl": A scramble with salmon, tomatoes, and spinach. My favorite.

This was declared to be the best bacon this kid has ever had.


 After an amazing meal, we walked a couple blogs to a local coffee shop with WiFi and read, downloaded an audiobook for the upcoming drive, and edited photos. The best kind of morning.


Kiddo and I have definitely entered vacation mode. It's a great feeling. No pressures. Just us... enjoying each others company. Swoon.


Good Eats.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

You must travel it by yourself.
It is not far. It is within reach.
Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know.
Perhaps it is everywhere - on water and land.


Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Thanks to our early morning flight Saturday, we had our feet on Montana soil by lunchtime. 


Ranch life is so amazing to me and also so foreign. I was a city kid through and through.

There is a symphony that plays out day after day in order to keep things running. There are no weekends or days off for a rancher. 





I've never been more dirty, tired and scraped up than I am after a day spent on the ranch. Despite liberal applications of bug spray, 75% of my body is covered in bites. My skin imparts a golden brown hue. Some of my clothes will never be the same. 


I love it. 

But that wasn't always the case. Over the 10 years I have been visiting The Ranch, I have often found myself bored. Listless. Unsure what to do with myself. While my husband went out and relived his ranch kid ways, I would sit around wondering when he would be back and what we would be doing next. 






This visit is different. I'm seeing this awesome place through the lens of a camera. I'm coming a more fit, strong version of myself. A person more comfortable in my own skin. That has made all the difference. 
 



I didn't just stand there and hand my husband tools while he changed pivot tires. I got in a CrossFit workout... loosening bolts, heaving giant tires around, and wading through waist-high wheat. Mastering the four-wheeler controls and driving over pivot trenches all while standing (thanks to the two hundred pound tire balancing on the back). 


 
Kiddo and I have been on several long, discovery-filled walks. 



I have taken almost three hundred photos in less than two days. 

This is the place where I saw my first shooting star.  Where I came to understand my husband so much better. To see where he came from and what elements shaped him into the incredible, kind, strong man he has become. The man who can seemingly do anything.



Linking up:

Sami's Shenanigans
still being [molly]

Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Instagram