A weekend on the road without the bookstore but still so many bookstore connections along with other threads. Could it possibly be ten years ago? One of the very first times the traveling bookstore set up in Missoula, Montana in front of Radius Gallery on Main Street. Of course, now that gallery has its beautiful and larger digs on Higgins. But that day when it was still on Main, the bookstore was parked out front, set up on a sunny day. Jenny Montgomery, poet, was next door to Radius in a tiny space that same day slinging her poetry in the collection entitled Hatch. I remember my delight finding a poet doing a pop-up and I remember the empanadas we had for lunch that day with our conversations. Now Jenny and family have the amazing Montgomery Distillery on Front Street in Missoula, making all sorts of delicious spirits. And yes, thankfully she still slings her art as well.
Had the good fortune to attend the Norman Maclean Literay Festival in Missoula on Saturday, amazed by the line-up. Hearing talks by artist John Potter and activist Rosalyn LaPier along with writers Debra Gwartney and Gretel Erhlich among others. Truly inspired by Bill McKibbin's call to those of us who are older to use our powers to fight the good fight because we all must do as much as possible in these critical times. And then Rick Bass with friends offering up the Black Ram Guitar Project. This is a call to artists and musicians to use their creativity to protect forests in northwest Montana. So much needs to be done, and yes, regardless of age or place we each can step up in our own way.
As if all this wasn't enough for a weekend, also went over to Helena to visit dear Cuban friends. Another reminder of how time provides so much texture in our lives with people, places and experiences. I met this couple when they first came to the US with their young daughter to start a life here. Now they are both caught up in Helena with work, community projects and family, certainly helping to make this place better. They also add their delicious food to the Helena scene with the food truck, Habana 406, which you definitely need to check out.
One weekend. Memories, new people, inspiration, good food. And on top of all this, heard the traveling bookstore has been accepted to participate in the LA Times Festival of Books in April 2025! Guess that means another exciting long distance bookstore tour will happen this spring.
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