Until the storm, my view out back was dominated by a huge ponderosa. A forester I know estimated it was maybe 200 years old. It was on a bench over Grant Creek, basically a perfect place for families to have camped 200 years ago -- and later -- berries along the creek bottom, abundant game on the hillsides. Old maps show gravesites up in the hills on both sides of Grant Creek here, a short ways north of the Town Pump.
The ponderosa was home to birds from kestrels to turkeys. Bears and lions move up and down the corridor along the creek. In all those years, this majestic tree saw a lot of life.
After all that, it was blown over in 15 minutes of high winds. On the one hand, it's kind of funny to mourn a tree. On the other, it isn't at all.
Glad to hear you were largely spared in that wild storm! Most of our friends got lucky in one way or another there, but I hope you get your power and water back ASAP!
So excited for you to see a pallet of your own books ready to be out in the world, carried in bags and set on shelves after being read.
Any chance your book tour will be including any Canadian stops? (Calgary would be lucky to host you!) ((I know the logistics of this are insane but you never know.))
Thinking about the topography — those storms came through Idaho sparking fires on both sides of the Clearwater, barreled up Lolo Pass, and then descended on Missoula and you. I heard about the wind you had and wondered if there is a weather word that describes such a thing — it’s not a chinook or a scirocco, I don’t think, but a similar word that holds all that power. Thunderstorm is not sufficient.
I'm sorry the storm has affected you. I've perhaps never left a comment but I felt compelled to, seriously well done on your book(s), what an exciting time, e joy your signing. Awesome 👌
I'm glad to hear that you were spared during that storm.
Also, I'm glad that people have been banding together to help get things put back in order.
Our neighbour, Jasper (Alberta) had a wildfire that destroyed a fair number of structures. And it's been a couple of days now since the area has now been declared safe.
Lastly, this made me chuckle: 'A bonanza of irritability coming your way!'
Congratulations, Chris! I can't wait to receive my copy from F&F. Hope you're back on the grid soon and Universe help us all for what is looking to be another bad fire season.
A meteorological storm to hype you up for a book tour whirlwind! Glad it wasn’t too disastrous for you - but no power and water sucks. Amazing what can transpire in a very short time.
I’m crossing my fingers that you’ll have time to blow through the Denver area. Otherwise, looking forward to the upcoming “bonanza of irritability,” ha!
Yay I am SO EXCITED for your book to make its way to all the people who will be inspired and challenged and changed by your writing and work. Sending you so much solidarity, love and care from Philly!!
Congratulations, Chris! I can't wait to get my copy from F&F. And that's a lot of miles! I hope to catch you at a book signing somewhere. My road trip is likely not happening this year, got some unexpected bills. I'll try to visit Montana to see you and Nia next year.
Until the storm, my view out back was dominated by a huge ponderosa. A forester I know estimated it was maybe 200 years old. It was on a bench over Grant Creek, basically a perfect place for families to have camped 200 years ago -- and later -- berries along the creek bottom, abundant game on the hillsides. Old maps show gravesites up in the hills on both sides of Grant Creek here, a short ways north of the Town Pump.
The ponderosa was home to birds from kestrels to turkeys. Bears and lions move up and down the corridor along the creek. In all those years, this majestic tree saw a lot of life.
After all that, it was blown over in 15 minutes of high winds. On the one hand, it's kind of funny to mourn a tree. On the other, it isn't at all.
I find myself sharing in your mourning even though I've never laid eyes on the tree. Thank you for the eulogy.
Beautiful, Charlie. I can totally relate.
Glad to hear you were largely spared in that wild storm! Most of our friends got lucky in one way or another there, but I hope you get your power and water back ASAP!
So excited for you to see a pallet of your own books ready to be out in the world, carried in bags and set on shelves after being read.
Any chance your book tour will be including any Canadian stops? (Calgary would be lucky to host you!) ((I know the logistics of this are insane but you never know.))
Seconding a Calgary visit!
I'm really hoping for a Canadian edition of the book. There should be! So let's all keep our fingers crossed....
Thinking about the topography — those storms came through Idaho sparking fires on both sides of the Clearwater, barreled up Lolo Pass, and then descended on Missoula and you. I heard about the wind you had and wondered if there is a weather word that describes such a thing — it’s not a chinook or a scirocco, I don’t think, but a similar word that holds all that power. Thunderstorm is not sufficient.
I read a report that had a name for the winds but I can't find it. Clearly it wasn't dramatic enough.
I'm sorry the storm has affected you. I've perhaps never left a comment but I felt compelled to, seriously well done on your book(s), what an exciting time, e joy your signing. Awesome 👌
Miigwech. And thanks for the comment!
I'm glad to hear that you were spared during that storm.
Also, I'm glad that people have been banding together to help get things put back in order.
Our neighbour, Jasper (Alberta) had a wildfire that destroyed a fair number of structures. And it's been a couple of days now since the area has now been declared safe.
Lastly, this made me chuckle: 'A bonanza of irritability coming your way!'
What is happening in Jasper is terrible. What a bummer for such a beautiful place.
Ordered my copy, stay irritable but cool and calm.
Always! 😂
Congratulations, Chris! I can't wait to receive my copy from F&F. Hope you're back on the grid soon and Universe help us all for what is looking to be another bad fire season.
Ugh, what a summer it's been.
A meteorological storm to hype you up for a book tour whirlwind! Glad it wasn’t too disastrous for you - but no power and water sucks. Amazing what can transpire in a very short time.
I’m crossing my fingers that you’ll have time to blow through the Denver area. Otherwise, looking forward to the upcoming “bonanza of irritability,” ha!
I'm going to get out there eventually!
Through traveling and storms, and the book arrival,
and your life so exciting, alive,
My heart is FULL of happiness for you, Chris.
Take in every moment,
Let it carry you.💜
❤️❤️
Congratulations! I can’t wait to dig into my copy. I can’t imagine how it must feel to hold it and see it after all your work.
It feels wonderful and I hope you like it!
Glad you weathered that crazy storm. We didn’t get it here.
So excited for your book to arrive at my house!!!!
I'm excited for that too!
Yay I am SO EXCITED for your book to make its way to all the people who will be inspired and challenged and changed by your writing and work. Sending you so much solidarity, love and care from Philly!!
❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations, Chris! I can't wait to get my copy from F&F. And that's a lot of miles! I hope to catch you at a book signing somewhere. My road trip is likely not happening this year, got some unexpected bills. I'll try to visit Montana to see you and Nia next year.
You'll get here. We'll both probably still be here too.
I'm so sorry to hear about your storm. My house got hit by a tornado in 2006, and we all got hit by a Derecho in 2020. Climate change is so scary.
I just got the call yesterday from Prairie Lights book store that my copy of your book is in. I'm excited to go pick it up on my lunch break today.
I hope you get your power back up as soon as possible and that your book takes the world by storm. Ugh, I know. I'll show myself out...
I'm hoping to get out to Prairie Lights in October!
That's great! If I'm in town when you read, I will definitely show up. I would love to meet you in person. I admire your writing so much.
This is so exciting Chris, and I've ordered my signed copy! I can't wait to read it -- congratulations!
I remember signing yours. I can't wait for you to have it. ❤️
Heartfelt congratulations on the book becoming REAL.
May the future winds be kind and yet remind us of their power.
Best.
Miigwech!
Not sure this is correct, but better than “liking” Miigwech, I will try “giiyoon”!