32 Comments

I've only been here (WF) about 8 yrs but I was just saying to my friend yesterday that this summer has felt so reminiscent of one of those years when I first got here. Breathtakingly beautiful sunsets and perfect temps that have me outside all day. I keep hoping that we would also have an August where instead of rising temps like everyone else, it starts turning to fall. But I'm a dreamer. I'm so excited to purchase the field guide! When I first got here I explored so much of the state but Covid made me a bit of a recluse it seems. I can't wait to get out and start wandering again!

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I feel like every day that passes from this point on that isn't awful is one stolen from the awfulness that summers have become. It really is a throwback season so far! But I have to admit ... I'm already dreaming of fall myself. It's my favorite time of year.

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I hadn't heard the news about Ada Limón but my immediate reaction is HELL YES! This makes me so happy (and I cannot think of anyone better to succeed Joy Harjo).

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It's about perfect, isn't it?

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Ada Limon is the poet amazes me most for the past couple of years! an extraordinary artist who actually makes a living as a poet and not as an academic! what an amazing choice!!! i'm reading her new book for the 3rd time already! A brilliant choice. I can't wait to see what her "project" will be.

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I can't either!

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One of these years I shall make it as far west as western Montana. Sounds like a great little publication to have handy when I do. :)

Four otters were chomping on lily pads here last night, and wrestling with each other, and suddenly a drab day felt far more perfect. The wild things always seem to remind me to look closer.

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I was literally JUST THINKING about the idea of "looking closer" for wild relatives. Earlier this week over the course of just a couple days I identified western kingbirds in two different locations ... for the first time ever. Have they been here all along? Probably, and I just didn't pay attention. But not anymore. So many thrills just under our noses, all the time, waiting....

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Just what I needed this morning. A lovely illustration of Montana at her best. I can see it all "in my mind's eye" as Mom used to say. Thank you. Enjoy it while it lasts.

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While it lasts, indeed. Thank you.

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I’m so glad to be introduced to the beauty of Montana through you! The details of your writing make me want to visit again.

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You know where to find us, Francia.

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Thank you for this morning’s essay! It is the perfect start to a glorious summer morning! 🙏🏻🌞

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Thank you, Kate! It's glorious here this morning too.

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I did not know about the Wildsam Field Guides, but now I can't wait to get this one (with your signature!) in my hot little hands. And yes yes yes to Ada Limón. Part of what I'm loving about her selection is everyone's joy about her selection.

"... A horse gives way to another

horse and then suddenly there are two horses,

just like that. That’s how I loved you. ..."

(from "What I Didn't Know Before," by Ada Limón, https://www.washingtonsquarereview.com/ada-limn)

That kind of love, she lights it in people's hearts, and it's wonderful to watch it spread.

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It truly is.

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That Ada Limón poem is a killer!

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I miss those types of summer days and nights, so lovely to read about them. And YES to Ada Limón! Beautiful.

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Congratulations! And thanks for telling me about the poets. I have an embarrassingly small knowledge of current poetry, so I will learn about these two!

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Both are among our best. And thank you!

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Hi Chris!

Poem is beautiful.

I ordered the book!

Sincerely,

Melissa

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Thank you, Melissa!

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What a bubble of joy this is in my day!

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🫧

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What a great poem! And congrats on your essay being published in the guide. What did you write about?

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Thanks. I wrote about the Métis, Red River carts, and how so many roads and highways today are built over trails made by them.

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Awesome. I hope I can visit someday soon, and I know what guide I'll use.

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I can’t believe I still haven’t been to Montana. This is madness! Congrats on the Wildsam guide. Dream gig!

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"the Harjo/Limón 1-2 punch"

Hell yeah.

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