Now, I don’t mean to offend those of you in cities who love living where there are bright lights, lots of traffic, big buildings, and crowds of people. BUT,
Give me one main street, cars I can count on my two hands, businesses who know customers by name, plentiful opportunities for building friendships as well as volunteering to help others, mountains in the background, and a river that runs through it… and I’ll be happy!
My favorite places to go in my little town? 1. Our independent version of McDonalds is “Sugar High” (It has great burgers and terrific huckleberry shakes) 2. The Manor Nursing Home (I love helping the residents there – it’s such a loving place) 3. The Madison Valley Library (We have a five star library… doesn’t get any better!) 4. Lion’s Club Park (The walking trail bordering the Madison River is divine)
In a little town like Ennis, you can see the stars at night. No bright lights to block out their beauty…
Today’s prompt was: How do you express your gratitude?
Whenever I feel grateful Which is certainly most of the time I cheerfully, freely express it Often in cards I write in rhyme
I’m grateful for the animals That come and rest in our space But when they eat branches or flowers I shoo them off – give them chase!
I thank God for our sunsets That reflect on the mountains east The beauty of their presence Is for my eyes a heavenly feast!
I express to our sweet visitors Who came from Switzerland to here How much we enjoy their presence Creating memories so dear
Here they are on the Madison Fishing with Bob on the shore The peacefulness and the beauty, Made up for no catches, zero score
Our hostess was Fran, the musician Who entertained us with lunch and a song We thanked her with hugs and elation With such beauty, what could go wrong?
I thank God for USA’s freedom For the way we celebrate each year Parades, the rodeo, barbecues… what a crowd All came to see the bronc riders and to cheer
Our Swiss guest, Laszlo, really caught the mood Donning a cowboy hat, he weathered the rain He enjoyed all the cowboys and cowgirls Watched many get bucked off- lose the rein
Saskia smiled at the chance to be here Their first USA trip – They chose this Montana spot I’m expressing my gratitude for their visit And thanking God for perfect weather -not too hot!
Of course, you can count on huge crowds On Independence Day every year The parade is the main attraction Literally thousands come to view and to cheer
Horses are plentiful, some large, some small And the floats are the old fashioned type Throwing candy, waving flags, squirting water, They live up to all the hype!
The Bible says:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18 (NIV)
If you’ve gotten out of the habit of being thankful, it’s time to get back into spiritual shape. Every morning, as soon as the alarm goes off (or you wake up on your own… this side of the grass), make a habit of thanking God for a new day — and ask Him for guidance as you embark on new victories and challenges in the hours ahead.
We began our day at the nursing home Grateful we could help the residents out Pushed them in their wheel chairs Where they could hear the crowds shout
We thanked Madison Valley Manor For placing a row of chairs at road’s side We had first class seating to view All the cars, horses, floats… want a ride?
Back home we were treated To our own neighborhood parade & song The neighbors’ grandkids rode their bikes “Happy Birthday, Uncle Sam!” Sing along!
How do you express your gratitude When you are overwhelmed with glee? I wish you could have been here To say Thanks to the kids with me!
Thank you for the daily prompt That encourages me to write I don’t get at it every day, but often… You inspire my muse’s light!
How do you express your gratitude To those who touch your heart I hope you do it daily & often – If not, now’s a good time to start!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek
(Happy Independence Day! and Happy Birthday to our pastor, Mary Grace Reynolds, 28 today! Hooray!)
I’m grateful for her presence in our lives! God bless you, MGR!!
It’s a beautiful evening for a maiden fly fishing adventure. Bob & Steve took Mary Grace out on the Madison.
First, she needed a rod, reel, tippet, and some flies. Steve Hundley made a box of ’em for her!Then he taught her how to tie one on.
Every flyfisherperson needs a good pair of boots. Thank you, Fran McNiell!!
Every fisherperson needs a license, too. Next year Mary Grace will be a resident and it won’t cost as much, we hope! It was $120 for non-residents this year. That was quite an increase!
Mary Grace watched carefully as Bob readied the boat.
Three happy fisher(wo)men!! Almost ready…
OK, boat’s in the water… now hop in!
The weather was warm (92 degrees) – but it will be cooler on the river.
I watched to be sure they were on their way… (They put in at 8 Mile Fishing access) Then I drove the pick up with trailer home.
Happy Fly Fishing, Mary Grace. I hope you have a great time!!
Stay tuned, friends. I’ll give you a report tomorrow to let you know how they did. I hope they are able to catch a few big ones. They will call when they are ready for me to get them at the “take out” in Ennis. Bob says, “The tug is the drug.”
Some of you are new to JanBeek, and maybe you have not had a chance to peruse my blog enough to see this beautiful area around Montana’s Madison Valley where I live.
Here are some of my favorite shots of the scenery around me:
I found this one on the web and did a screen shot. In the springtime, Bob & I take our ATV up to this outlook. The wild flowers are magnificent and the snow-capped mountains are breath-taking! (God is quite an artist, isn’t He?)I think this one was taken by my favorite photographer, Ed Coyle, but he usually has his name on his. So, if it’s not… and you know who took it, please let me know. I love it!!
Our fall colors are so beautiful and the “Big Sky” filled with wonderful cloud structures never fail to amaze me. We are so blessed to be here.
I love this one with the cattle out in the snow.
That was the scene that greeted us when we returned home late January from a 5 week vacation in California. The winter break was good, but it’s always good to be home!
My friend, Susan Phillips, took this one.
The Madison River runs through our little town of Ennis. It’s a fly-fishing mecca!! Can you feel the peace of the river?
My friend, Caroline Feldman, posted this one. I think she took it on one of her ATV ventures with CG.Go to Ed Coyle’s website, click “LOVE”… because I guarantee you WILL love his photos!! (Don’t use them without giving him credit, please.) Ed Coyle Photography
You should put Ennis, Montana on your “Bucket List.” If you have never ventured to this part of the USA, make it a “Must Do!” We’ll be happy to welcome you.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek and enjoying a few of our scenes with me.
