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Nov 1Liked by 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.

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author

Miigwech, friend.

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Nov 3Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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Nov 2Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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author

I deeply appreciate this, David. Miigwech.

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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.

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author

Thanks for being there! It was a wonderful evening.

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Nov 2Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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author

Let us know how it goes! ✍🏽💚

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Nov 1Liked by Chris La Tray

Love - “2024_1006: The crunch of tires over gravel in the still, early morning darkness.”!

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author

We sleep on the not-visual senses too often, don’t we?

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Nov 1Liked by Chris La Tray

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

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Nov 3Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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author

💚

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Nov 3Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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author

I love this. You truly have a deeper than typical understanding of what these sentences are about, my dear. 🙌🏽

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17 hrs agoLiked by Chris La Tray

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.

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Nov 2Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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author

Miigwech. ❤️

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Nov 2Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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author

I met Kim at IAIA last summer. Her work is wonderful.

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Nov 2·edited Nov 2Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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author

I love it. I considered a fire that night myself but couldn’t carve out the time for it. Soon, though. 🔥

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Nov 2Liked by Chris La Tray

Thank you, man. I am encouraged with each installment. Peace and rest, a good omelette (maybe at the Ox?), and some metal - these things I wish for you in the near future.

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author

I appreciate it! 😂

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Nov 1Liked by Chris La Tray

Outstanding edition of your "sentences"...one more profound than the next.

I am besotted by the remarkable candle...

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author

I am besotted as well! 🕯️

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"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.

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It’s despicable.

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Nov 1Liked by Chris La Tray

Hey Chris, In an effort to get you to the SF Bay Area, perhaps you'd be interested in speaking at the Bay Area Book Festival in Berkeley, CA. It's May 31-June 1st - https://www.baybookfest.org/2025-call-for-proposals/. The last few years native writers have taken center stage - folks like Greg Sarris and Tommy Orange.

Be great if you could make it all the way out here.

cheers, April

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author

Ah, excellent. I’ll look into this. Miigwech!

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Nov 1Liked by Chris La Tray

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.

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Yeah, that’s her. She was mean and has been living in my head more than she deserves.

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