Your 2024 1004 comment got me thinking about how the word conservation is a figure of speech used frequently by groups where I live with conservation in their name but missing in action and silent on developer applications threatening the place we live and supportive of a recreation industry that has become the prominent exploiter of the West.
A small group of us recently opposed the expansion of a marina on our lake, which is the sole source of our drinking water. We opposed the expansion because the overwhelming science and water studies pointed out that power and wake boats are inland lake killers and are experiencing water quality issues. We made a case for eight months and a bunch of hearings and even hired an attorney after three of the five city council members voted to approve the marina expansion. The three counselors were fearful of a lawsuit by boaters and the billion-dollar boating industry instead of fearful of destroying the quality of our water. The silence of so-called conservation groups was disappointing. The small group we started is starting to grow, and we will not give up the fight to protect our water, but it was a heartbreaking loss. In 1949, Aldo Leopold wrote," A system of conservation based solely on economic self-interest is lopsided." My activism and this recent loss leave me wondering how our species will break the trend of our destructive ways. "...the very fortunes these people recline in." Thank you for your sentences, Chris La Tray.
"2024_1029: Falling into step with the old man in a cowboy hat on our way into the Miles City Murdoch’s, he tells me, “We just sold the last of our cattle, we’re getting out of the ranching business,” and, despite the unlikelihood of much else in common, not to mention the dark history of this land and the town’s namesake and what it means to the fortunes of me and my ancestors, the hurt in his face and eyes evoke every bit of compassion I would find for anyone."
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
The beautiful poetry of that single sentence. The heartbreak and the empathy.
This. Always appreciate the poignant reminder that we can hold multiple truths at once, without diminishing the anguish of anyone’s suffering.
I saw a documentary about farmer/rancher’s mental health at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival this year, and it still resonates. I don’t think there were any dry eyes in the room. There are always more layers than what can fit in the film, but I have a much deeper appreciation now. Nothing like seeing a Midwestern farmer break down as he watches the trailer shut on his dairy cows being driven away from his farm for the last time.
I didn't stay for the signing at Mill City (babysitter had a hot date), but very much enjoyed and learned from the conversation between you and James Vukelich. The energy of the closing exchange (release? baptism? adoption?) between you and the man who doesn't qualify for his tribe really stuck with me. His relief and grief really rippled through the place. Words matter - written, spoken, understood. And now I finally understand why Ojibwe words are so damn long.
Excited to dive into Little Shell this weekend. Thanks for being you.
What a gift, to have witnessed the gifting of that lovely candle about five minutes after finally meeting in person. Thanks for making the time for conversation in Minneapolis. I'd say 'here's to unexpected discomfort' but that doesn't quite fit (sort of like those one size fits all masks...). Anyway, may there be plenty of downtime waiting for you when the tour is officially complete!
2024_1010: Taking a break from the neck-straining watch for aurora activity overhead just in time to see one of my neighborhood's semi-feral rabbits bearing down for their evening bowel movement.
You inspire me to keep up the practice of looking out for this constant conversation between the mysterious and spectacular parts of our existence, and the more mundane sights and sounds that most vertebrates trudging along on this rock can relate to.
Your sentence for October 30th about your father was so moving. I’ve read your book, and I think it is a heartfelt testimony to your father’s life. There was nothing irresponsible about it at all. He must be very proud of you.
I love reading your words! And I am inspired to try the One Sentence Journal each day of November as I deepen my practice of Sit Spot to strengthen my relationship with land.
"What heartache to recognize the most beautiful of occupied landscapes breed the most loathsome of performative political bluster."
All those Trump and Gianforte and Zinke signs on the Flathead Reservation used to mystify me until I saw the demographics compared to the state's other reservations. The consequences of the Allotment Act playing out to this day.
Have been noticing the crunchy fallen leaves on my daily night clearing waste routine for few days! Thought of your gravel too :)… Sounds like smells punctuate my attention and take me on trips faster than any rockets can - sometimes without my permission alas!
Hey Chris, You're working so very hard these days. I have a totally, 100% unrelated question for you. I hope it doesn't upset you or anyone on this thread, but I need to hear a point of view other than my own.
The subject is Instagram! I'm a writer and artist and some folks have been poking me to join the platform. At some level, I get that it's a great place to connect with other artists and writers and get some good work out in the world. However, I do have some privacy concerns and want to protect myself. Also, the guy who owns it is a kind of a jerk. I don't feel good using his platform when he is such an obvious fart-head.
I think that you share my opinion of the fore-named fart-head. How do you use the platform and what's your method for coping?
I love your book! Thank you for writing it. Are you coming to the SF Bay Area at all?
RE: Instagram, April. I returned to it when the release of BLS was imminent, largely to help venues who invited me to do events with them promote those events. As a means to connect with other artists and writers and get work out ... I don't know. I think it's largely a waste of time and I'm not sure how much longer I'll use it. Remember, our art isn't the product, WE are the product. I wish it would all collapse, frankly.
Hey Chris, Thanks for this. I've been waiting for it to collapse so I don't have to endure another lecture on why I should join Instagram. It can also be a great place to be ignored and bullied. AND good luck for the Bay Area Book Festival! Let me know if you get in.
I'm so sorry. At first I was confused why someone would go to a reading where they obviously hadn't read the book, and start antagonizing the author. Then I remembered that she almost fell off her chair when she tried to sit down, and it occurred to me that she was probably drunk. It's definitely bizarre, but drunk people have a different "logic". I am still in awe of your grace in dealing with her. I still gave her enough stink-eye for both of us. Apparently, I'm not all that gracious myself.
I find myself more and more often not reading this post on the day it arrives, but rather setting it aside until I'm in a mental and emotional place to appreciate it.
I'm reading all of Kimberly Blaeser's poetry. This day and the previous one really resonated with me: 'Damp with mist, the north woods and the highest reaches of Gichigami are hard to leave behind.' I probably don't share politics with the old man in the cowboy hat, but my heart aches for him. And for us here in Montana. My guess is he sold to a developer, not another rancher. More private luxury ranches in our future.
Your 2024 1004 comment got me thinking about how the word conservation is a figure of speech used frequently by groups where I live with conservation in their name but missing in action and silent on developer applications threatening the place we live and supportive of a recreation industry that has become the prominent exploiter of the West.
A small group of us recently opposed the expansion of a marina on our lake, which is the sole source of our drinking water. We opposed the expansion because the overwhelming science and water studies pointed out that power and wake boats are inland lake killers and are experiencing water quality issues. We made a case for eight months and a bunch of hearings and even hired an attorney after three of the five city council members voted to approve the marina expansion. The three counselors were fearful of a lawsuit by boaters and the billion-dollar boating industry instead of fearful of destroying the quality of our water. The silence of so-called conservation groups was disappointing. The small group we started is starting to grow, and we will not give up the fight to protect our water, but it was a heartbreaking loss. In 1949, Aldo Leopold wrote," A system of conservation based solely on economic self-interest is lopsided." My activism and this recent loss leave me wondering how our species will break the trend of our destructive ways. "...the very fortunes these people recline in." Thank you for your sentences, Chris La Tray.
I deeply appreciate this, David. Miigwech.
"2024_1029: Falling into step with the old man in a cowboy hat on our way into the Miles City Murdoch’s, he tells me, “We just sold the last of our cattle, we’re getting out of the ranching business,” and, despite the unlikelihood of much else in common, not to mention the dark history of this land and the town’s namesake and what it means to the fortunes of me and my ancestors, the hurt in his face and eyes evoke every bit of compassion I would find for anyone."
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
The beautiful poetry of that single sentence. The heartbreak and the empathy.
Miigwech, friend.
This. Always appreciate the poignant reminder that we can hold multiple truths at once, without diminishing the anguish of anyone’s suffering.
I saw a documentary about farmer/rancher’s mental health at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival this year, and it still resonates. I don’t think there were any dry eyes in the room. There are always more layers than what can fit in the film, but I have a much deeper appreciation now. Nothing like seeing a Midwestern farmer break down as he watches the trailer shut on his dairy cows being driven away from his farm for the last time.
I didn't stay for the signing at Mill City (babysitter had a hot date), but very much enjoyed and learned from the conversation between you and James Vukelich. The energy of the closing exchange (release? baptism? adoption?) between you and the man who doesn't qualify for his tribe really stuck with me. His relief and grief really rippled through the place. Words matter - written, spoken, understood. And now I finally understand why Ojibwe words are so damn long.
Excited to dive into Little Shell this weekend. Thanks for being you.
Thanks for being there! It was a wonderful evening.
What a gift, to have witnessed the gifting of that lovely candle about five minutes after finally meeting in person. Thanks for making the time for conversation in Minneapolis. I'd say 'here's to unexpected discomfort' but that doesn't quite fit (sort of like those one size fits all masks...). Anyway, may there be plenty of downtime waiting for you when the tour is officially complete!
It was so great to meet you, Heidi. 💚
2024_1010: Taking a break from the neck-straining watch for aurora activity overhead just in time to see one of my neighborhood's semi-feral rabbits bearing down for their evening bowel movement.
I love this. You truly have a deeper than typical understanding of what these sentences are about, my dear. 🙌🏽
You inspire me to keep up the practice of looking out for this constant conversation between the mysterious and spectacular parts of our existence, and the more mundane sights and sounds that most vertebrates trudging along on this rock can relate to.
Your sentence for October 30th about your father was so moving. I’ve read your book, and I think it is a heartfelt testimony to your father’s life. There was nothing irresponsible about it at all. He must be very proud of you.
Miigwech. ❤️
I love reading your words! And I am inspired to try the One Sentence Journal each day of November as I deepen my practice of Sit Spot to strengthen my relationship with land.
Let us know how it goes! ✍🏽💚
"What heartache to recognize the most beautiful of occupied landscapes breed the most loathsome of performative political bluster."
All those Trump and Gianforte and Zinke signs on the Flathead Reservation used to mystify me until I saw the demographics compared to the state's other reservations. The consequences of the Allotment Act playing out to this day.
It’s despicable.
Love - “2024_1006: The crunch of tires over gravel in the still, early morning darkness.”!
We sleep on the not-visual senses too often, don’t we?
Have been noticing the crunchy fallen leaves on my daily night clearing waste routine for few days! Thought of your gravel too :)… Sounds like smells punctuate my attention and take me on trips faster than any rockets can - sometimes without my permission alas!
Hey Chris, You're working so very hard these days. I have a totally, 100% unrelated question for you. I hope it doesn't upset you or anyone on this thread, but I need to hear a point of view other than my own.
The subject is Instagram! I'm a writer and artist and some folks have been poking me to join the platform. At some level, I get that it's a great place to connect with other artists and writers and get some good work out in the world. However, I do have some privacy concerns and want to protect myself. Also, the guy who owns it is a kind of a jerk. I don't feel good using his platform when he is such an obvious fart-head.
I think that you share my opinion of the fore-named fart-head. How do you use the platform and what's your method for coping?
I love your book! Thank you for writing it. Are you coming to the SF Bay Area at all?
regards, April
RE: Instagram, April. I returned to it when the release of BLS was imminent, largely to help venues who invited me to do events with them promote those events. As a means to connect with other artists and writers and get work out ... I don't know. I think it's largely a waste of time and I'm not sure how much longer I'll use it. Remember, our art isn't the product, WE are the product. I wish it would all collapse, frankly.
Hey Chris, Thanks for this. I've been waiting for it to collapse so I don't have to endure another lecture on why I should join Instagram. It can also be a great place to be ignored and bullied. AND good luck for the Bay Area Book Festival! Let me know if you get in.
Was the OWL the awful woman at Prairie Lights? I have no idea why she was there if she was going to be so insulting and antagonistic.
Yeah, that’s her. She was mean and has been living in my head more than she deserves.
I'm so sorry. At first I was confused why someone would go to a reading where they obviously hadn't read the book, and start antagonizing the author. Then I remembered that she almost fell off her chair when she tried to sit down, and it occurred to me that she was probably drunk. It's definitely bizarre, but drunk people have a different "logic". I am still in awe of your grace in dealing with her. I still gave her enough stink-eye for both of us. Apparently, I'm not all that gracious myself.
I find myself more and more often not reading this post on the day it arrives, but rather setting it aside until I'm in a mental and emotional place to appreciate it.
Today was that day, and as usual I'm glad I did.
Love these, as always. And you’ve inspired me to be sharing my own on this platform.
Wonderful!
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t notice American Goldfinches, but because of your writing I now make special note. Thank you for that gift.
💚
I'm reading all of Kimberly Blaeser's poetry. This day and the previous one really resonated with me: 'Damp with mist, the north woods and the highest reaches of Gichigami are hard to leave behind.' I probably don't share politics with the old man in the cowboy hat, but my heart aches for him. And for us here in Montana. My guess is he sold to a developer, not another rancher. More private luxury ranches in our future.
I met Kim at IAIA last summer. Her work is wonderful.
My favorites;
2024_1011 (Nothing like a great belly laugh and all its accompaniments. My sister cackles when she laughs. Always makes my day brighter).
2024_1012
2024_1027
2024_1028
2024_1030
And one if mine, for you;
2024_1031 Outside in a velvet black night staring up at the universe while the warmth of a fire takes the chill.
Thank you Chris ,safe travels.
I love it. I considered a fire that night myself but couldn’t carve out the time for it. Soon, though. 🔥