MONTANA

When I was in my four-foot-tall, loose-baby-teeth era, I was decidedly obsessed with the state of Montana. Every class project was on Yellowstone, Helena, or wild buffalo. When the 3rd graders performed the Nifty Fifty United States song for a mixture of overly-enthused and blasé parents, you can bet I represented Montana.

This all resulted directly from a family trip to MT. A trip that, as you probably wouldn't guess, I was not even a part of. The idea alone that my eldest brother, father, and uncle were exploring Montana landscapes was enough to spur my rather odd infatuation. Naturally, a few token horse shirts and buffalo sock souvenirs did a great deal to fuel this fire. 

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Fast forward to 2021. Good friends are getting married in Montana. I'm invited. Little Maggie's dreams are coming true, 20 years later. 

Touching down on the Kalispell runway I saw mountains looming out the plane window, sun streaming in, and clouds' shadows polka-dotting the horizon. It was a wholly invigorating feeling. 

With a large group of great friends, we crashed in a cozy cottage with an indoor hot tub supplied with hoards of snacks. That alone was worthy of the plane ticket, but Montana proved to be a lil bit o' heaven on earth.  We hiked, we soaked in hot springs, we took in views that took out our breath, and joined in the wedding celebrations of two very special, wonderful people. 

I am happy to report that my passion for the state is just as strong as ever. Montana, I'm coming back for you!

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