MontanaWomanSpring

April 2013

MONTANA

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Tammi Fisher Leaving a Legacy What Women Want

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Facing the Odds

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Spring forward to the 221st Issue

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april Features Inbox 8

Consider the Possibilities 15 Peaks & Valleys 17

Encouragement for Today 58

Race for the Cure 19

Lipstic Logic 60

Snapshots of Life 22

Ask the Coach 64

Ask Jeff 24

Coffee, Kids & Chaos 67

Facing the Odds 26

Homework with Rhonda 68

Cover Story 29

Cre8ing with Colette 70

Jewels’ Gems 48

Panache 72

Everyday Fitness 38

Clutter Control 73

Middle of the Night 41

Soul Responsibilities 75

Candid Cuisine 42

Thrive 76

In the Kitchen 44

What Women Want 78

Western Comfort 46

Written in Stone 80

Business on my Mind 49

Inside Out 82

In the Know 53

History Lesson 84

Steppin’ Out 55

Age-ing to Sage-ing 86

Living Beautifully 56

Community Matters 88

MW Treasure Chest 57

Woman to Woman 91 Intuitive Insights 95 Look to the Stars 96

April 2013

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Editor and Publisher Cindy Branch Creative Team Jennifer Steven Rick Anderson Assistant Editor Andrea Blair Administrative Assistant Gina Ellis Advertising Director Cindy Branch Advertising Department Cindy O’Boyle Gina Ellis Alisia Cubberly Sarah Doyle Photographers A Street Photography Andrea Blair Jill Courtney Jennifer Steven Alisia Cubberly Art Department Intern Zach Klehm

All material appearing in Montana Woman Magazine may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the publisher.

All contents Š 2013 Montana Woman. The views expressed by the writers are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Montana Woman Magazine.

Send All Letters, Original Stories, and Poetry To: 1103 S Main St Kalispell, MT 59901 Visit our website montanawoman.com Email the editor info@montanawoman.com (406) 755.5753

r

emember when you were a kid on your family vacation, traveling by car? For me the excitement of reaching our destination almost overshadowed the joy of the journey. I am sure my mom got tired of hearing voices from the back seat of the station wagon inquiring, “Are we there yet?” I loved that old wood paneled station wagon with the pop up seats in the back. Lots of good memories and laughter were shared rolling down the road.

That is exactly how I feel about the arrival of spring this year. Is it here yet? The sunny days, blue skies and patches of green grass have me itching to dig in the dirt. I look forward to planting my seeds and watching them grow. Growth is such an important part of life, whether it is watching your plants grow or experiencing personal growth.

During a recent phone conversation with my mom I was gently reminded that you should never stop setting goals for yourself that encourage growth. My mom informed me that on April 6th she will be participating in a one-mile marathon. The reason this impressed me so much is that I have never known my mother to even express interest in such an event. I asked her if she thought that was a good idea. She shockingly asked me why I thought it wasn’t a good idea.

Reluctantly I reminded her that she recently had two knee replacements and heart surgery. She assured me that she just finished physical rehab and her therapists assured her it would be fine.

I couldn’t help myself; I had to ask what sparked this sudden interest in participating in a marathon. She was quiet for a minute and then informed me that it was a benefit for people who couldn’t afford physical rehab. (The fundraiser benefits the patients of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab at Angel Medical Center.) Mom was impressed with the difference the therapy made in her life and the joy she experienced in visiting her new friends three times a week during the sessions. She wanted everyone who needed physical therapy to have the same opportunity she had. I have to admit I have never been prouder of my mom than I was at that moment.

Mom then asked me the question that I had asked her so many times over the years, “Can you sponsor me?” I happily wrote out a check to show my support. In honor of my mom, I took it one step further. A team in Montana will be walking on April 6th to show our support and help raise funds for The Foundation for Angel Medical Center.

I encourage you to take a deep breath of fresh air, soak up the spring rays of sunshine and embrace growth. I will practice my patience and enjoy the here and now and not keep asking, “Are we there yet?” Just like the car trips of days gone by, the destination isn’t what is remembered years from now. The journey truly is the joy. Thanks, Mom, for the reminder.

Take Care,

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Jennifer Steven

Rick Anderson

Jessica Crist

Trish Schaf

Nan Russell

Jeri Mae Rowley

Robin Schaefer

Doug Waldron

Sherri Gerek

Lisa Levandowski

Andrea Blair

Amy Grisak

Contributors

Colette Gross

Holly Alastra

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Made in Montana

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IN BOX

Things that make us Dear Montana Woman Magazine: I enjoyed the March issue. It was full of great history, fun facts and tempting drink and food recipes! Thank you for putting out such a beautiful publication. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for readers next month.

Beth B. ~ Polson Cindy: I think you must have a wee bit of the Irish in you. Blarney or not the fun gift featured in the MW Promotional section was hilarious. I laughed until I cried. Where do you find these things?

Great Job! Wilma S. ~ Butte Montana Woman, Wow! I am so impressed with the March issue. It was good to see a focus on the Celtic heritage, fashion, food and history instead of viewing it as a drinking holiday (St. Patrick’s). The colors and the images are breath taking.

I also enjoyed Steppin’ Out and the explanation of St. Joseph’s day. I love that you celebrate all the cultures present in Montana.

Stefi L. ~ Helena Montana Woman: I love the latest addition to Montana Woman Magazine: I was blessed in November, treated in December, wishful in January, tempted in February and felt lucky in March. I am ready to fool around in April! Oh the joys of page 57……

Jamie J. ~ Great Falls Cindy, I want to thank you for the review on Syke’s in your February issue. I have many memories of eating home-style lunches with my grandfather at this old diner. I had no idea they featured such elaborate entrees. My sweetheart and I spent a wonderful Valentine’s evening enjoying an amazing dinner at Syke’s.

Your review was right on – the food was fabulous, the dessert was heavenly and the wine and candlelight were the perfect finishing touches. Thank you for the great article and the reminder of this hometown eatery.

Twila M. ~ Kalispell

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Montana Woman Behind The Scenes April Cover Look

Cover Model Tammi Fisher Photographer Jennifer Steven Hair Gary Burton Make up Jeff Fulford Wardrobe furnished by Machalllie G’s Wardrobe Stylist Savannah Gentry On location in Kalispell at the Historic Flathead County Courthouse

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Every Day is New

By Kari Jo Klehm Photos: Be Still Photography

Mikayla’s Miracles and Blessings Foundation I grew up addicted to the written word, voracious for the ideas presented on pages and pages of yet to be explored thoughts and places. The library wasn’t always accessible, so the newspaper was my consistent daily fix.

The actual news of the day didn’t always catch my eye, but I was hooked on Erma Bombeck’s, At Wit’s End, for years—those years extending into adulthood and parenthood. Bombeck’s columns, and then her books, became hysterically comforting and enlightening beacons for me. And then there was the column, Some Mothers Don’t Get the Perfect Endings. I cut it out of the paper years ago, and to this day, my eyes cloud and I try, unsuccessfully, to hold back the tears. I’d have to be dead to read it without crying.

You live long enough, you learn lessons you didn’t think were possible.

You also learn that some mothers don’t get perfect beginnings. Hearts get hammered. They get hammered hard, but they hammer back.

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I met Sabrina Wisher last fall. She came to the meeting with her oldest and youngest children, Mikayla and Hunter, to talk to my Lions club about her daughter Mikayla and the fundraiser she was spearheading to get Mikayla a new bed. Sounds simple enough, right?

Well, the cost of the bed was going to be $9,000.00. Not your ordinary bed; not even your ordinary hospital bed. A bed, however, that would allow her 21 year old daughter to be safe from falling and becoming entangled—both very real, life threatening hazards. Mikayla had been in the same bed since she was three years old. It simply was no longer adequate.

When you have a child with the special needs that require special help, the state generally helps but, in Mikayla’s need for a new bed, that was not to be. Their solution was for her to sleep on the floor. Sabrina, who hasn’t accepted “no” in a very long time, decided to go after a bed in a different way. The Facebook page, “A Bed for Mikayla,” letters to the SleepSafe Beds Company and a community of friends, family and service organizations to sell raffle tickets were the forces that came together. The result of this effort was $28,000!!

Okay, this is very good, but wait…it gets better. That money has now gone on to do things even more remarkable than getting a new bed for Mikayla. It has turned into the Mikayla’s Miracles and Blessings Foundation, which has acquired and placed two more beds.

One for a young man in Missoula, who has no family, is now safer. He won’t fall out of bed anymore. A woman here in Kalispell won’t have to sleep on the floor anymore. Her transfers and feedings will not only be safer, but much less daunting. The foundation is right now purchasing a tricycle that will grow with the little girl that will be receiving it.

Sabrina has assured me that “this is only the beginning,” and of this, I have no

doubts at all. She’s thinking of Montana first, and Make a Wish-big, or bigger.

Sabrina doesn’t do things by halves.

Sabrina is a full-speed-ahead woman.

Born and raised here in Kalispell, her upbringing was tumultuous, but she thrived. She has said that she had a lot of mothers thanks to her small army of friends’ moms. Her father’s business of automobile salvage has been where Sabrina has worked for the last 23 years.

That time has been pivotal in the direction that her life took.

Marines. This is a family of achievers.

There have been milestones (watching your daughter flying down Big Mountain in a sit/ski or taking therapy on horseback) and setbacks (40+ cases of pneumonia and more than enough life flights). Sabrina has dreams for her kids, just like all moms. One day Sabrina will push Mikayla (in her stroller) across the half-marathon finish line, and Mikayla will stand up to receive her award.

Again, I know this will happen, because that’s “just how Mikayla rolls”.

She was married for a short time and then became a mother. When she was three months into motherhood, “normal” went missing. Mikayla was born in the spring of 1991. By summer, she was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome and her young parents were told that she might reach a year old, but probably not.

Aicardi Syndrome, in mostly all cases, strikes girls. A rare genetic disorder, it generally rears its hideous head around the baby’s 3rd month. Infantile spasms and frightening seizures are only calmed by a variety of drugs, if and when that’s even possible. It is not a one prescription fits all kind of thing. Ever changing cocktails are mixed to find what works best for now.

From the moment Mikayla was diagnosed, her mother swore they were going to beat the doctor’s prediction.

Mikayla will be 22 this May! Sabrina’s force of will, abiding faith and love for her daughter has carried them to now. She’s been a single mom since shortly after Mikayla was born, worked steadily with her dad (her rock), and then to make life even more full, raised two young kids, (“They’re mine, they just didn’t give me stretch marks”), Audrey and Steel, and had her last baby, a boy named Hunter. Hunter is now 15 and a loving and faith filled young man.

Audrey and Steel are currently U.S.

As I was telling Sabrina recently, my being a Lion is for purely selfish reasons; it makes me feel good. The fact that it helps somebody else is an added benefit. It’s been said that all prayers are answered. Sometimes “no” is the answer, sometimes “wait” is the answer and even the “yes” we all want is an answer. The Wisher girls have had all those answers and their response has always been, “No givin’ up!”

Shortly after I met the Wisher girls last fall, the Evergreen Lions club decided that we would like to help them and their foundation. Please come to our Lions Spaghetti dinner on April 18th!

Be a part of something special as we hold the auctions (both silent and live) for Mikayla’s Miracles and Blessings Foundation. It will be at the Evergreen Jr. High gym @ 6 p.m.

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E ve r gre en L i o ns S p agh e tt i Di nne r April 18th at the Evergreen School Gym Go for the Green Raffle Drawing $1500 shopping spree at any/all Evergreen businesses (proceeds from the dinner and the Raffle going to the Evergreen Lions)

Auctions-both silent and live. Benefits go to the

Mikayla’s Miracles and Blessings Foundation Dinner starts at 6 p.m. at the Evergreen School Gym. The dinner is $15 for a family, $7 for one adult, and $5 for kids-under 6 is free.

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Consider The Possibilities

Thinking about

Thinking

By Elsie Johnson

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My 10 year-old child doesn’t understand what she just read. She says she doesn’t remember, so we read it over and over again. Is this cause for concern?

eep in mind that when we think about an idea, we sense our thoughts in a couple of different ways. Word thinking is like listening to the radio; we hear, and sometimes see, words that represent the idea or concept. Picture thinking is seeing scenes like videos.

When we think with words, we see or hear them at the speed of words, about 5 per second. When thinking in pictures we see up to 35 images per second. Picture and word thinking are not mutually exclusive since most people think in both words and pictures, though some persons are solely word or solely picture thinkers. Imagine a bell curve, place those who can think solely in word or solely in pictures at the each side at the base, then imagine the remainder of the bell contains thinkers who sense thoughts in both words and pictures.

A couple of clients come to mind to explain what is happening for your daughter. One boy around the same age was discouraged. He could read the same books as his peers, yet he felt left out because he could not talk with them about the books. Another older teen girl could read aloud with emphasis and emotion, bringing the words

to life as she performed; yet she had no understanding of the materials she read.

Likewise, your daughter can say the words, but she is not getting the picture.

Until she has pictures to go with the words, she will not “get the picture” or understand. If she is not using her picture thinking to “see” what she is reading, then she is not “getting the picture.” Ask her to tell you what she sees or senses at shorter passages, perhaps a paragraph. If her picture is unclear, find the word(s) causing the uncertainty and discuss them. If her difficulty continues, find help for her so she can get the tools to understand and use her picture thinking to her advantage so she can avoid developing coping behaviors that take the place of learning; like trying too hard, creating stress and anxiety, avoidance, or dependence.

Elsie Johnson, a Registered Educational Therapist, and certified DDAI Facilitator, has helped hundred of adults and children gain control over their ABILITY to learn through understanding how to take advantage of their picture thinking – thus taking responsibility and pride in learning.

Learn more at: thelearningoptions.com

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Peaks & Valleys While maintaining vigil at my mother’s bedside, her last words, although perplexing to the nurse on duty, made perfect sense to me.

“Where are my cookbooks?” she queried lucidly.”

| by Kathleen Clary Miller

A Recipe for Well-Being

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rom the time I could crawl, it was across the kitchen to a wall of shelves my father built to house the love of his life’s hundreds of hardcover volumes. Every Junior League on the planet earth had a spin on the chicken potpie or turkey divan. Each recipe collection contained markings, folded pages, and small scraps of paper whereupon my mother would weave orts of wisdom, often unrelated to actual entertaining. But when her directions did apply to any upcoming occasion, she relied on the tried and true success of some former fete.

This was very well accepted by all the ladies—even those who claim to abhor mayonnaise!

From the summer I was wrapped around Old Yeller until the one when I wept through the last page in Gone With the Wind, sultry, simmering afternoons would find her nestled in our Pasadena family room—the cool brick floor beneath her stylish high heels, her legs crossed so that a hint of petticoat displayed. There she would read—until evening when my father came home to mix the cocktail— recipes. I could not fathom the attraction to yet another list of guidelines dictated in short order, and simply in order to prepare a meal! Boring. Not to mention, the sheer number she studied and saved far outweighed the few she actually attempted.

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Why were these her reading material of choice? Compulsive obsession, I thought, long before I knew the meaning of those words.

Years later as I poured over her books and yellowed newspaper clippings while sorting through the contents of my childhood home, I discovered, really, my mother’s diary. Between the printed outlines of sugar, flour, butter and spices her musings brought to mind the occasions she had shared with bridge club buddies, charity luncheon friends, and cherished family.

But the real treasure lay in her cryptic comments, most especially found in the collection of her mother’s recipes that at one time she had collected, typed, bound, and dedicated to me, For Kathleen-the one I think is most like her.

In it, she writes, All this Mexican stuff is not my mother’s—just more San Diego County influence on my sister.

Under the heading “Mayfield (the Catholic girl’s school I attended) Faculty Luncheon Punch—a great hit with the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus” she scribbled, I got all the Holy Child nuns drunk on this (not on purpose) but it doesn’t taste alcoholic, although it is—2 members of my committee refused to spoil a good thing by putting in the soda water.

Alongside Select 8 medium size fully ripe red tomatoes, she penned, HA! There was a day when you could, this noted in 1980. “Burt Reynolds’ Beef Stew” earned the margin notation, Mother did like this—I think she had a sort of crush on Burt Reynolds.

On and on she chronicles, remarking who was in attendance, who snickered and puckered over the lemon pie, and who was whose daughter, niece, friend or foe. By the time I’d fingered all the pages, I’d recreated my mother’s social calendar, and therefore the memory of her little girl watching grownups celebrate at table.

Ironically, I’ve noticed this year that a substantial segment of my spending money goes to the number of cooking magazines to which I now subscribe—and never used to. The magnetic pull to the culinary section of the bookstore is lately undeniable.

While my husband watches baseball or football on television, I am turning the pages of the sixth slick publication to arrive in my mailbox this month.

Frankly, although retired, I am having trouble keeping current—my mother would say there is no such thing when it comes to recipes. Their timelessness is their charm, she would tell me.

Surprisingly, I find this hobby (I prefer that word to obsession) to be a higher form of meditation—reading recipes, even the ones I know I will never cook. Some evenings, glass of wine in hand, I browse Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com for the latest collection of astonishing ingredients.

What is it that draws me to pouring over spice combinations and instructions to bake/broil/grill/ sauté? What is it about reading recipes that is, well, quite simply, so soothing? Perhaps it is the escape— unadulterated distraction. I travel across countries, flavors, kitchens, markets, and manners without leaving

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my comfortable chair. What I read is absolutely not newsworthy—neither political, nor societal. These pages hold no trouble. In lieu of anxiety over Armageddon, I will drift off to sleep tasting roast pork loin with mustard glaze, ginger carrots and sugar snap peas, chocolate mousse, and mocha shortbread. Visions of sugarplums will dance in this airhead.

As an unexpected bonus, I find a new connection to my departed mother— and to my daughters as well, who both scooped up that apple that doesn’t fall far from the tree—even three branches of it. My youngest, wed a year ago and living in Scottsdale, Arizona, spends several cell phone minutes at the end of each stressful teaching day discussing the latest Southwestern creation she has discovered on some website—then e-mails it to me.

And my eldest? Having left behind for a week the bustle of her job in Manhattan, she recently vacationed here where I’ve retired in Montana. No sooner had the plane landed than her father was wondering, did she want to escape urban pressures to commune with nature—go floating and flyfishing on the Blackfoot River? Hiking in the Bitterroot Mountains? Picnicking at the shores of Fish Creek? She walked through the door of our log home, dropped her carry-on suitcase, and spied the 4-inch stack of recipes on the kitchen counter waiting to be added to my already haphazard collection I keep in a ratty three-ring binder.

“As long as we’re back here everyday in time to sit on the front porch and read recipes,” she sighed.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Patient Care

w

hen you see a pink ribbon, the first image that might pop into your head is a group of women wearing pink t-shirts at the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure ®, or of a loved one who has either won or lost their battle with breast cancer; you probably don’t think of the researcher in a lab trying to find a cure for this devastating disease. Kim Powell, a 24-year breast cancer survivor is working to bridge that gap.

Powell is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research Scientist-Survivor Program, a program that was designed to build bridges and unity among the leaders of the

By Casey Kyler-West

scientific, cancer survivor and patient advocacy communities worldwide. The first face-to-face meeting for members of this year’s program is taking place this spring in Washington, DC. Powell, who has participated in many breast cancer-related scientific review panels for grants awarded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, and the Breast Health Global Initiative, is excited to be a part of the program. “When the opportunity to participate in the program arose, I quickly applied and was, gratefully, accepted.”

As a survivor and patient advocate, Powell understands the gap between patients and researchers. “Patients develop strong bonds with their treating physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers, but the research arm of the breast cancer war is waged very far away from most of us, particularly in Montana,” said Powell. “Likewise, it may be easy for bench researchers to not sense the human face of the disease because their work is M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 21

removed from the patient bedside.”

That isn’t always the case, however.

Powell says that most researchers are hungry to have their findings translate directly to patient care, thanks in part to Komen’s mission to “energize science to find the cures.”

Programs like the American Association for Cancer Research’s Scientist-Survivor Program are forging relationships and understanding between survivors and research scientists, both of whom share the same goal: curing cancer. “Even as a practicing healthcare provider I didn’t have any depth of understanding about the amount of ‘behind the scenes’ research that was being done. It was

something I took for granted, and I did not recognize that there was a role for me and other survivors in the research process,” said Powell.

While this and other programs are trying to bridge the gap and find a way to cure breast cancer, they can’t do it without funding. The Montana Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen 22 A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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Foundation raises money to help this effort through events like the annual Race for the Cure. For every dollar earned in a community, 75% stays within the Affiliate Community, in this case Montana, to help fund education and breast cancer screenings; the other 25% funds research. Beginning with a single grant for $28,000 in 1982, Komen has now invested more than $750 million in research, making Komen the largest non-profit source of breast cancer research funding outside of the U.S. government. Powell supports Komen’s practice. “As my rancher friend advises me, to continue to fund only education and breast cancer screenings, while important, is

a little bit like ‘closing the barn door after the horse has bolted.’” Many will be diagnosed too late or with such virulent disease that we will suffer their loss. We must find the causes and the cures for this disease; we must look for any possibilities that will prevent the disease from ever occurring…and these discoveries take research.

“Breast cancer has been merciless to some members of my family. My grandmother died at age 36, my sister at age 56. I was diagnosed at age 35, but was fortunate to have early-stage disease, an excellent healthcare team and an incredibly supportive family and network of friends. I have been in remission for 24 years. My experiences with breast cancer have taught me that knowledge is power…the more we can learn about what this disease is, how it acts, what we can do to treat it effectively and, better yet, prevent it, the better our society will fare. I am willing to make the contributions and sacrifices to offer whatever I can to answer these questions. I stay involved because I know that finding a cure will take many contributions from many people. Being in the breast cancer world means making acquaintances with others impacted by the disease. Most are successful in achieving remission or cure, but some are not. With each loss I find myself more dedicated to doing whatever I can to make this disease disappear.

If others who read this want to talk about how they can become involved in the research arm of breast cancer they can feel free to contact me at s-kpowell@msn.com.”

KOMEN GAVE ME

MORE TIME WITH MY SON

Help End Breast Cancer Forever Register or donate

Komen Montana Race for the Cure SATURDAY, MAY 18 — HELENA www.komenmontana.org

If you can’t attend, Sleep In for the Cure!

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Snapshots of Life

B y Dougla s E Waldron

d e t a c u d E f l e Being S

h

aving been a kid once, I am qualified to say that kids can say and do some funny things. Luckily for me, most of the silly things I said and did turned out to be valuable learning experiences. When I was about five or six, I had taken an interest in my brother’s bicycle chain and combination lock. Investigating its workings, I wrapped the chain around my torso and the leg of our massive dining room table. The next logical thing for me to

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do was to put the lock on the chain, thus attaching myself to the leg of the table.

My mother discovered my experiment and, as she was unable to lift the table to free me, had to call my brother at school for the combination to the lock.

Having had little experience with of this sort of lock, she made my brother come home from school to free me from the clutches of the table. I learned that one should never lock oneself to an object, a lesson I heed to this day.

There weren’t many houses other than ours when we first moved in to the house where I grew up. There was a lot of new construction in the neighborhood, and that meant temptation for a little boy. My mother had told me never to play around the new houses that were being built, but I just couldn’t resist. I had gotten a brand new pair of shoes and, being eager to try them out, I headed down the street for a house under construction. It had

recently been raining, and the front yard of the house was a sea of mud just perfect for me to break in my new shoes.

As I stepped into the mud, I began to sink and before I knew it, I was up to my knees in muck. I started to panic and reached for the nearby curb to pull myself out. I was able to free myself, but, unfortunately, one of my new shoes remained embedded in the mud. I ran home crying to Mom and she scolded me as she commanded me to show her where I had lost my shoe. I showed her and she was able to retrieve it. She wiped me down and cleaned my shoes while making me promise to never play in the mud again and to stay away from houses that were being built.

Now that I was fresh and was armed once again with my new shoes, I headed back to the exact same spot where I had previously sunk in the mud. This time I surveyed the situation carefully before I stepped into the mud and began to sink.

I grabbed the curb and pulled myself from the mud, losing a shoe and a sock to the murky depths of the bottomless and unforgiving mud.

Once again I commandeered my mother to retrieve my lost shoe, but she looked to no avail. Although the sock was found, the shoe was forever lost to the unending ocean of liquefied sediment. Here again I had learned a valuable lesson that became instilled in me. If you play in the mud, don’t wear shoes or they’ll be goners.

My family was visiting relatives when the subject of my Aunt Diane’s wedding came up. “I remember that,” I proclaimed. The room exploded with laughter, as it was a well-known fact that the nuptials had taken place many years before my birth, but I stuck to my guns and insisted that I had been there.

Even though my family could back their statements with cold facts, I would not be swayed from my firm position that I had, in fact, attended the wedding.

It mattered not that I couldn’t remember any details of the event, or even that I hadn’t the slightest clue as to what a wedding was all about. I insisted that I had been there and acted as though everyone else was crazy for thinking otherwise. From this I learned that if you are going to lie, it’s best to pick a lie that is believable.

After the laughter died down a little I realized that if you are going to create a lie that is believable, you should first do a little research on your subject matter.

We were visiting family in sunny California when my cousin Sally handed me a cereal bowl. She was holding the bowl with four fingers on the bottom side and her thumb on the lip of the bowl. I refused to use the bowl because her thumb, in my opinion, was contaminating the inner surface of the bowl, thus rendering it unsanitary.

Although my cousin and the rest of the family insisted that the bowl was spotlessly clean, it just wasn’t good enough for me. Having learned from the “Aunt Sally’s Wedding” fiasco, I decided to back my argument with a fabricated fact. “She got hand germs on it and they’re the worst kind!”

just tell the truth. I completely avoid mud puddles and I always make sure that I am unattached from an object before locking it.

These are things I hope to teach my own son before he has to learn them the hard way. As his first birthday approaches, however, I am unsure as to how successful I will be. My wife and I had vowed that we would teach him early, the meaning of the word no. We decided that we weren’t going to move the stereo equipment from the bottom shelf of the entertainment center and that our knick-knacks would not have to be placed at higher elevations.

We would simply teach our son that these were things he could not touch. I am happy to say that our son does know the meaning of no, however, it doesn’t stop him. He knows exactly what he is not supposed to touch as he touches it.

Our knick-knacks are now placed up high and I have built a plexiglass enclosure for the stereo system. I think I’ll go ahead and buy a chain and a lock now, so he can get a head start on furthering his education.

After the laughter died down a little, I realized that if you are going to create a lie that is believable, you should first do a little research on your subject matter.

These days I have found that it takes much less effort and is always best to M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 25

askJeff

By Jeff Fullford

The Benefits of Body Wraps As spring and summer approach, many of us are trying to shed a few pounds to look our best in a swimsuit or little black dress.

It can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You know that diet and exercise are key, but body wraps are another fantastic way to help you get to where you want to be and are one of my favorite types of treatments. They can be very beneficial if done properly. Some of the benefits of wraps include:

E x foliation of dead skin cells and new cell turn over Detoxification Circulation of the body’s lymphatic system Cellulite control and breakup Pain relief Skin tightening and skin tex ture Stress reduction There are so many different kinds of wraps to indulge in today. It’s a good idea to contact your esthetician and discuss the treatments and the results you would like to achieve. The majority of the time, I recommend a series of treatments. You can benefit from only one and will probably be pleased with the external skin texture, hydration and smoothness, but for deeper, more complex results, expect several treatments to maximize the full array of health benefits. If nurturing yourself and your skin is important to you, I highly recommend body wraps and would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Contact me for all your skincare and makeup needs.

(406) 871- 4289 | jeff.fulford@yahoo.com 26 A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 27

Facing the Odds

By Jose Frank

“The problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small” ~ Mother Teresa It is not hard to understand what Mother Teresa meant when she said this. One of my dear friends sent me this quote, shortly after I came back from visiting my daughter and family.

In the aftermath of the trip, I always realize how far away my family is and that’s when I miss them the most.

Ever since I moved to the United States, I have learned to draw bigger and bigger circles; I can’t replace my family but I can expand it.

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Our friendships and families, our personal and work relationships – all of them are circles asking for more spacious boundaries.

We need wider circles and new titles that relate us to each other, rather than divide us into smaller groups – political groups, racial groups, religious groups etc. I like to think of my friends as “the sister from another mother” or “the daughter from my other brother with another father.” This way of thinking has enriched my life and I wanted to share it as I think it is a way to save the world from the meagerness of our own hearts.

It’s also how I conduct business and run my agency; my clients are part of my bigger circle. I care about them and I

want the best for them. I sell protection not just an insurance policy.

I would like to encourage you to take a look at some of the more closed loops in your life. Do you really need to keep that person out of your heart anymore?

What would it take to give him or her a new title and what title would it be?

Vengeance, fear or cold heartedness may have served a purpose but could forgiveness be a better option? If so, take steps towards expansion, push gently on the edges of your circle and see if there is room. And like the proverbial pebble thrown in the pool, as your circle widens it will ripple out, setting a pattern in motion for change.

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Cover Story Tammi Fisher

By Cindy O’Boyle

Leaving a Legacy For The Next Generation From left to right: Tammi’s son Jack, Tammi Fisher, step daughter Beth, step daughter Meg, son Tucker and husband Don. M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 31

There’s no doubt about it – there are women of the world that are truly inspirational. Montana Woman Magazine highlights women who educate, empower and inspire others. Montana is blessed with women who are successful in all facets of life. These women share their talents, blessings and hearts with others on the path to find their own success.

d

uring a Business and Professional Women’s meeting in Kalispell, I had the pleasure of hearing Tammi Fisher speak. Up until that meeting I had only known of her as the Mayor of Kalispell. Not that that is a small thing – after all, she is the youngest female to hold that position. After her speech I was inspired to learn more about this amazing woman, community leader, community member, mother, daughter, attorney and public servant.

I am pleased to be able to share with you the woman behind the title (Mayor is the highest-ranking officer in the municipal government in Kalispell).

Tammi was born in Great Falls and raised by hardworking parents and loving grandparents. Her father worked in the grain industry and his job required that his family move around a lot. By the time Tammi was 18, she had attended over 13 different schools in various communities. She became used to being the awkward new kid in class.

“I was forced by default to be outgoing in order to fit in.”

At an early age Tammi knew she wanted to be an attorney. “I would watch those goofy court TV shows. I knew they were fake but I loved trying to figure out the objections from the actorattorneys. My mom and I were big fans of LA Law. We would sit and watch it every week. The drama of the law was 32 A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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interesting and exciting.” She didn’t think it would be possible to attend law school. “College wasn’t spoken of in my family because of our financial situation. I was told that attending a Vo-Tech was the only option.”

Being a stubborn, determined and loud teenager presents many challenges. It also grows strength and self-confidence.

“As a teenager it was my goal to give my mom as many gray hairs as I could.

Unfortunately, I was very successful at achieving my goal. At the age of sixteen I moved out of my family home and into my own apartment. I was the only kid in school with her own place.

Needless to say, my apartment was a popular place and not for the best of crowds. I was pretty much a juvenile delinquent. But, despite my renegade nature, I worked full time in addition to attending high school.” After one too many parties were discovered by Tammi’s parents at her apartment, her parents offered to pay for one year at a university. There were a few conditions that came with this offer. The first condition was that she attended school in Missoula. The second condition was that she surrounded herself with a new crowd of friends. After two weeks at the University of Montana, Tammi was hooked. She loved college and learning. It didn’t take long before she realized she really wanted to go to law school. Nobody thought it was an option and she wasn’t encouraged

pursue a law career. “Tell me I can’t do something and it only inspires me to achieve the impossible. That is where my stubbornness and determination serve me well.” Tammi applied to only one law school—The University of Montana—and was accepted.

During her second year of law school she married her first true love, John.

Unfortunately, during her third year of law school, her husband was diagnosed with cancer. “I really don’t remember a lot about that year. It was a busy time of classes, doctor’s appointments and seeking treatments and cures. We went to Seattle for treatment during the time I was to take finals. I did my finals by fax, which was something new and different during the time. It is hard to believe, but during that time I didn’t even have a cell phone! This time in my life gave me a new perspective about what is important in life.”

Tammi clerked for a federal judge during the summers that she was in law school. “I learned my love of the law from a judge by the name of Judge Cebull. During that time my grandfather was ill, and instead of staying in Missoula during the summers, I went to Great Falls to help take care of him and to clerk for Judge Cebull.” Because of her husband’s illness, after law school she couldn’t continue her clerkship. “A firm in Missoula hired me and I worked there for five years doing litigation. I also became a substitute judge for the city court judge right out of law school. It was a fun experience.”

I was impressed that a new attorney would be selected for such a position.

I asked Tammi how that came to be.

“My mom worked for the city court and the judge was in need of a substitute.

He inquired about her daughter and her willingness to be a substitute. My mother instantly replied, ‘No!’ I think she was afraid I would embarrass her because I tend to have a big mouth, a

loud laugh, and I like to joke and have fun. Mom wouldn’t call and ask me, but another clerk from the court did.

I agreed. I knew that it wasn’t very difficult, and I had interned for a county attorney’s office so I knew what it was like to be in the courtroom. And again, if you watch enough court TV and see enough judges, you can at least fake it until you gain the experience.”

One of the people Tammi credits for much of her life’s perspective is her grandfather. Tammi’s grandfather served in WWII. After the war, he returned to Montana and opened his own gas station. He did that for many years and then spent the rest of his career working at the sewage treatment plant in Great Falls. “My grandmother and grandfather took care of me and my sister when we would get out of school. We attended a Catholic school and the bus would drop us off across the street from their home. My grandfather would meet us and walk us home. We were very close right up until his death in 2000.”

Tammi also married John in 2000 and they were blessed with a son, Jack, in 2002. After Jack’s birth her husband’s condition got worse. “He got another tumor that was inoperable and he died in October of 2003.”

“I did what every widow is told to do and waited a year to make any major decisions. I waited the year but knew I needed to be in a courtroom, and in civil litigation you rarely ever see the courtroom. I decided to take a tremendous pay cut and moved to the Flathead Valley and accepted the position of Flathead Deputy County Attorney. I loved it. I did everything from prosecuting a barking dog ticket to homicide to mental health commitments. I was also prosecutor for dependent neglect cases. Abused and neglected children were removed from their unsafe surroundings and placed

into foster care. It was challenging and emotional, but I loved it. It was a fabulous experience and every day I was in the courtroom—exactly where I wanted to be. Prosecution is like standing up to the bullies on the playground. I was putting people in jail that deserved to go to jail because they harmed someone else. That was fun for me; I really enjoyed protecting victims’ personal rights.

“During this time I remarried and had another baby boy, Tucker. I decided it was time to branch out on my own and opened my own law firm in Kalispell. I practiced general civil litigation, mostly property cases. This was as close to prosecution as I could get – standing up for someone’s property rights versus their personal rights. It was a good fit.

“My second marriage, however, ended about as quickly as it began. I married too soon after losing my first husband. I was still in love with John. I made some decisions in my personal life that were not conducive to me being able to move on from that loss. That was in 2008.

“This was a very busy time in my life. I found myself divorced and the proud mother of two very busy little boys in addition to having a busy law practice.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any busier, I became a foster parent to five children. The children belonged to my sister. Unfortunately, as my grandmother would say, my sister was standing behind the door when God gave out good sense. Ironically the same department that I had once worked for removed my sister’s children. I am uniquely familiar with the foster care system.

Although I was overwhelmed on my own with everything going on in my life, these amazing children needed a home. I couldn’t turn my back on them.

I became a mother of seven children ranging in ages from ten years old to eighteen months old. I remember sitting on the edge of the couch praying for 8:00—that was bedtime. I have to say it was an amazing experience. I thought if I can do this, I can do anything.”

The children stayed with Tammi for six months until they were returned to her sister. During this time Tammi brought on a partner for her firm and was approached to run for mayor. “I had never considered running for mayor. To be honest, I didn’t even know who the mayor was before I ran for the position. I had to look up what the mayor did. I wasn’t crystal clear on Kalispell’s form of government.

I learned that it was not a full-time position (theoretically). The Mayor of Kalispell is one of nine votes and, other than that, the position is a figurehead and runs city council meetings.”

Tammi was sworn in as Mayor January 1, 2010

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It was perfect timing, because she was presented with another new career opportunity. “The Chief Medical Officer at the hospital was new to town and he wanted to meet the mayor. At the meeting, we realized that he had been one of my professors in law school.

He recruited me to do risk management at the hospital and that is what I spend most of my time doing these days. At the time I told him I wasn’t looking for a job and I didn’t need a job. He thought I should consider accepting the position and was sure I would enjoy it. Turns out he was right—I love it!

We take a proactive stance and try to prevent accidents from occurring at the hospital. When people have questions about different risks and how they should proceed, they call my office and I get to answer and advise them. I don’t have a clinical background, but I have a partner at the hospital that does, and together we make a pretty great team.”

Around this time, Tammi’s life took another turn she did not see coming.

“Few people find true love once in their lifetime; I was fortunate enough to find it twice.” Tammi met her second true love, Don in 2010 and they married in 2011. With Don, came two stepdaughters, Beth and Meg. “I always wanted to have a girl, and now I get two.

Even better, I get to be their friend and confidante and don’t have to tell them to brush their teeth like I do my own kids!”

Did I mention this ambitious woman likes to stay busy? As if she didn’t have enough on her plate, she decided to pursue her MBA and is taking classes at Gonzaga. “I never want to stop learning. One of the things I learned from John, who died at the age of 34, was perspective, and to take every opportunity that is given to you. You never know when your card might be punched. I may take too many opportunities—sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed. But, for the most part, I 34 A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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think I am young and I am capable. I take my kids to college with me. They like to go with me because they get to swim in a pool at the hotel. I want to be a good example for them. I want to show them that if you work hard and take opportunities you are given, good things will happen.

“I also want them to know that no matter how humble your beginnings, great things are possible. I know that, growing up, nobody would have expected me to end up in politics. I am very assertive in my opinions and I do not hold back with them. I am not always graceful in presenting my opinions either. It is also fair to say that I am very blunt. That being said, I believe that people crave honesty, and if something doesn’t work, I am pretty honest about why it doesn’t work. I don’t sugar coat things. I deal in facts and support transparent government.”

I asked Tammi if it was challenging, balancing her responsibilities as Mayor. “Time management is always a challenge. In public service you want to help everyone who makes a request. Unfortunately that isn’t always possible and it is difficult to say no to the request. I have a schedule that is pretty harried, and without a lot of help I couldn’t manage half of the things I do. All I know how to do is work and use my mind. So, while God has given me the ability to work and serve my community that is what I am going to do.

“I can’t knit, sew, paint or any other kind of hobby, so any free time I have is spent with my kids. My kids know I work a lot, but there are evenings I don’t go to events and that is because I am spending time with my kids. I always said that when I ran for mayor I wouldn’t be a “ribbon-cutting mayor,” meaning that people shouldn’t expect to see me at evening chamber events or ribbon cutting ceremonies. That

is the time I have devoted for my children. Where you will find me in the evenings is the same place you see other parents—at their children’s events. My kids wrestle, so I can often be found in the gymnasium at their matches. That is where I see a lot of the community; we are all supporting and raising our kids together.”

When working in public office it is often times hard to balance one’s personal and professional life. Tammi explains, “My late husband was a teacher and

“My late husband used to tell me that if you’re gonna die young, you should cram as much life in as possible.

That’s what he did. My grandfather lived by the motto he stole from Lee Iacoca ‘We have only one goal. To be the best. What else is there?’ I learned a lot of life lessons from these two amazing men.” a wrestling coach for Big Sky High School. He was in the newspaper all of the time. He used to say, ‘So what are you going to do to get into the newspaper?’ I think he would laugh now and concede that I have been in the newspaper enough. I don’t mind having my professional life open to the community. But I don’t speak of my private life very often. The only part I speak of is what I have learned from my late husband and my grandfather because that is where my belief system originated. John used to tell me that if you’re gonna die young, you should cram as much life in as possible. That’s what he did. My grandfather lived by

the motto he stole from Lee Iacoca, “We have only one goal: To be the best.

What else is there?” I learned a lot of life lessons from these two amazing men. I don’t share much about my children or my personal life. In fact, I was remarried for about six months or a year before anyone knew about it and that was by design. I don’t speak of these things because I am an intensively private person. I think if you keep that stuff close to your chest it is hard for others to invade it.

“When you are in politics there are always people who would rather tear you down. I can take criticism about my job, position, etcetera. People tend to not like lawyers by nature. I can deal with that; however, I cannot take criticism about my family and I avoid that by keeping my private life private.”

When asked what traits she wants to pass along to her children, Tammi quickly responded, “Work ethic is incredibly important. I want them to know they can be anything they want to be; but to not ever think they are better than anyone else, because they are not. There are no barriers to what they can become but just because they are presented with an opportunity doesn’t mean they are better or worse than anyone else. I am living proof that you can come from very little and not have any expectations of having very much and you can rise above that and set your own course. I think there is a lot of luck involved, but there is a lot of drive, determination and vision involved as well. I hope for my children and my grandchildren that they are ambitious, they work hard and that they stay grounded. Having empathy and staying humble is the key to success in any position in life.

“I have also learned the importance of not believing your own hype. First, you should never buy your own press.

What I mean is that when an article is M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 35

written about how great you are, you shouldn’t consider it as fact. The other shoe will always fall and the only thing you have control over in life is your own personal self-esteem and who you are in your own soul. When I am criticized for something that is legitimate, I learn more from it more than I ever do from someone saying I am doing a good job.

“Anyone who takes the job of mayor should always do it with the idea that it isn’t about politics - it is about public service. If you remove the politics from public service, a lot more gets done. You cannot take this job for the name or recognition because when your term is up – you are no longer “the Mayor of Kalispell.”

Criticism doesn’t change who I am as a person. One of life’s lessons is learning how to meander through life knowing there are people who try to put barriers in front of you. You get around those barriers by knowing who your true s elf is.

“I took this job because I wanted to give back to the community that has given me so much. This community took me in when I was going through a difficult part of my life, having lost my husband, and starting a new chapter.

This community surrounded me and gave me a lot of support and I want to pay that forward. I don’t do this job for any other reason than wanting to serve.

The best way I knew to give back was to be in a position that I could utilize my brain to create what I thought was good policy for the community.

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Anyone who takes the job of mayor should always do it with the idea that it isn’t about politics - it is about public service. If you remove the politics from public service, a lot more gets done.

You cannot take this job for the name or recognition because when your term is up – you are no longer “the Mayor of Kalispell”. After my term is up, I will just be Tammi Fisher and I am just fine with that. I want people to speak to me because I am Tammi Fisher, community member, and not Tammi Fisher, Mayor.

“After leaving office in December, I plan on finishing my MBA and continuing my work with the hospital. Eventually I would like to see if I could be a part of the Montana Legislature. I think making some significant changes on the state level will help the local level. A lot of what happens on local levels is governed by what happens on state level. I want to make sure that small communities are heard in the Legislature and try to implement some changes that help local communities.

“If you go into politics you need to recognize your weaknesses. I went to law school because there was no math and no science. One of the primary things the city council does is manage a budget. I have always known how to manage a budget, but only with basic math,” she laughs. “For big-ticket items I have a lot of people that I consult with.

Nobody can know everything about everything. If I have been a success in office (and hopefully there is some legacy that says I was successful in what I set out to do), please know that it wasn’t just because of me. I utilize people who I know to be the smartest people in their field, who were willing to share their brainpower. I couldn’t have done it alone and there is no shame or ego in that. I have found that if you don’t reach out to the smartest people you know in various areas, you will fail.

“That is just part of the advice I offer to young girls and women who are struggling and searching for their direction.

My other advice is: don’t get in your own way.

Don’t let your own doubts about who you are get in the way of your success.

Sometimes you jump in the deep end of the pool and you come up swimming, and sometimes you sink. Don’t be afraid of failure—and be very okay with success. But don’t stop once you have achieved success. Just because I won my election for mayor by over 60% doesn’t mean that I should rest on that success; it means I have more work to do to prove to the 35% of voters who didn’t vote for me that I am the best applicant for the job. Another thing that is important: in my life a lot of people have told me that I can’t do one thing or another. Any success I have achieved has been in spite of what people have told me. I advise women to never stop at ‘no.’ When people tell you no, you should be inspired.

Inspired to establish that YES, YOU CAN.” The types of women who truly are pioneering into the future tend to be very strong-minded, opinionated and gregarious in some way. They are women who are doing something great in some way. True Montana women are not afraid to challenge the norm and go against the grain. They don’t mind shocking others, even if it wasn’t their intention. Most importantly, they have a heart for service and see a future much larger than just their own.

Thank you, Tammi Fisher, for being a Montana woman and for helping shape our future!

M

ontana Woman Magazine has been in publication since 1994, and is a monthly magazine designed to be a positive resource tool for women throughout the great state of Montana. Each issue features Montana women who are pioneering forth to make a difference in today’s hectic world. Topics of importance to women such as business, health, fashion, fitness, investment, beauty and history, and numerous other topics are featured to educate, entertain and inform.

It is our goal to provide an insight that will not only benefit women professionally and personally. In doing so, we hope to encourage women to be active community members and positive role models for our next generation.

The Montana Woman family strives to provide information for the assistance in success for Montana’s women of all ages.

The Magazine highlights Montana owned and operated businesses that are unique and community-minded. Montana Woman inspires readers across the state by keeping them up to date on topical trends. This is done by staying on track with current events, fashion, and points of interest.

Montana Woman Magazine strives to be an active voice in Montana’s communities and supports local charities and fund-raising events.

Together we truly can make a difference.

In addition to the print & iPad edition, issues are also available online at montanawoman. com. Online advertising is available to compliment your print ad campaign.

Our readership consists of: 65% 22–50 years of age 25% Women 50+ years of age 15% people under the age of 27 50% are career women 20% are business owners 20% are homemakers 10% are retired

Download the free app in the iTunes Store!

M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 37

Jewels’ Gems

by Jewels Devine

Reality Check “Oh, my darlings! I am appalled and truly disgusted. Prepare yourself; I am about to get up on my soapbox.

(Yes! I do come down every so often, but I must admit, I find it quite cozy up here.) After hearing all the buzz about a reality show visiting our great state, I decided to go against my usual practice and watch reality television.”

f

irst of all this show is about as real as my dear friend Bunny’s blonde hair.

NOT! Who in their right mind would go on television and allow themselves to be humiliated? After watching the show filmed in Whitefish, I was

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saddened. Is this really what we have raised our women to believe? That it is ok to chase after one man and to make romance a competition? They all know they are not the only one being kissed and romanced. Sad. Very sad.

left Montana really down on this whole experience. It was the first time I really grew concerned that my potential wife was not amongst this group of women and that I had wasted everyone’s time, including my own.

Secondly, what makes this guy a prize?

Yes, I will admit that he is attractive.

But let’s face it he isn’t exactly the brightest guy.... does the name Tiara ring a bell? Apparently he was on the Bachelorette and got his heart broken.

He said he loved her and was devastated when he was not chosen. So he knows first hand the feeling of rejection.

How does he learn and grow from this experience? You guessed it; he does a role reversal and breaks other hearts.

“I was over the drama, over the women talking about the drama, and just wanted to refocus my energy on what mattered – finding a partner that I could see myself with for a lifetime.”

Let’s talk about the part filmed in Montana. They divide the girls up into two teams for a Montana relay race.

The race includes canoes, hay, a wood chopping station and goats. The final part of the challenge involved milking a goat and chugging its milk! I have called Montana home my entire life and have never once been asked to milk a goat and chug its milk on a date. Call me old-fashioned, but I consider this degrading.

At the end of the day what does each “winner” get? A rose. Well, ladies, I am not sure about other parts of the country, but in Montana roses are readily available. They come without humiliation, without disrespect, and without an audience. You can buy them for yourself at most floral shops for about $5.

What does the winning team get for humiliating themselves on national television? They are rewarded with the great honor of spending extra time with the bachelor. This show irritates the heck out of me. Especially the way they blame Montana for his disappointment in the girls. According to his blog, “I

Wake up, hero! You put a dozen women together to compete for one guy and you expect it to be drama free? I will not even mention that he himself adds to the drama by constantly changing the rules.

Oh my darlings, I encourage you not to allow this to become the reality for future generations.

Because if we do, reality truly will bite!

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M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 39

Everyday Fitness Protein Shakes

| By Robin Schaefer

s

taying on track with our healthy diets can be a challenge. Packing snacks in a cooler or throwing them in our purses can be the best plan for avoiding a fast food run during the day. Because protein shakes are healthy, satisfying, quick and easy, they’re an efficient meal option and can be key in eliminating poor choices in snacking. Keeping a shaker cup and protein on hand will help you avoid low blood sugar levels and prevent you from grabbing a carb-loaded doughnut!

If you are at home and want a great snack, I have some great blender protein shakes that taste amazing. Pre-planning is key to getting and keeping a fit healthy physique. I once read a great quote: “You can do a thousand sit ups a day and it won’t give you abs…abs are made in the kitchen!”

One of the body’s main building blocks for muscle, bone, skin, and other tissues, protein is especially important when you are exercising or training hard. I find that I am not as sore if I include protein shakes in my meal plans, which is motivation for me because walking around with sore muscles is a pain in the… well, you know.

Protein shakes come in many combinations of protein, carbohydrates and fats. There are many different protein options. Whey protein is the most popular and can be 100% protein. Hemp protein is often preferred for individuals who avoid lactose. Egg white and soy protein are great and can be found at many health food stores. Protein shakes come in a variety of flavors in powder form or in ready-to-drink packages such as cans or foil packs.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake

A study of 130 U.S. Marines looked at intense exercisers who supplemented their diet with 10g of protein, 8g of carbohydrates, and 3g of fat. They had fewer infections, less heat exhaustion and less muscle soreness. Some protein shakes may help with weight management as well, but more research is needed to confirm this.

1 Scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Cup coconut milk 1 Tablespoon natural peanut butter 3-5 Ice Cubes

How much protein do you need? Web MD suggests, “The recommended daily intake of protein for healthy adults is 0.75g of protein per kilogram of body weight, or about 45 to 56g of protein a day.”

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well.

People who exercise regularly do need more energy. They may also need a little more protein than people who are less active.

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The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) recommends that exercisers get 1.4 to 2g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Endurance athletes should be at the lower end of this range and strength athletes at the higher end. How much you need depends on the type and intensity of your exercise, the quality of the protein you eat, and your energy level and carbohydrate intake.

This is what the ISSN recommends: For endurance athletes: 1 to 1.6g of protein per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight daily, depending on intensity and duration of exercise and the training status of the athlete.

For strength or power athletes: 1.6 to 2g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.

Birthday Cake Protein Shake 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese (this may seem strange but is what makes the “milkshake” consistency; tofu can be substituted if you have dairy sensitivities).

1 scoop vanilla protein powder 3-5 drops almond extract 1 Tbs sugar-free instant vanilla pudding 3 packets of Stevia or other sweetener, to taste 1/2 to 1 cup water, depending on desired consistency 5 to 10 ice cubes, depending on how thick you’d like it Optional: 1/2 tsp xantham gum (this can be found in most grocery stores with the gluten-free products and makes your shake thick and creamy). Sprinkles for topping

Pina Colada Protein Shake 1/2 cup vanilla greek yogurt 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple 1/4 cup coconut 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup coconut milk 10-15 ice cubes (use more if using fresh pineapple) Place all ingredients in a blender and blend ‘til smooth, adding more water or coconut milk for desired consistency.

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Here’s how to prepare:

Mouse There’s a

in the House Salad

By Marjorie Johnson

In the middle of the night

c

ompany is coming for dinner tomorrow evening, over twelve hours away, and I am wide-awake laying here in bed thinking about how much fun it will be making this salad. I absolutely love planning dinner and especially when adding creative touches like this adorable mouse to my salad. It makes me feel like Montana’s Martha Stewart! Seriously, I wish I could jump out of bed right now and get busy fixing this scrumptious Italian salad shown in the photo. This creative, crunchy side dish is bound to break the boredom of the usual everyday green salad.

Being as I can’t sleep, let me get up and write it down for you. Perhaps giving you the recipe will appease my actually making it right now.

Ingredients:

• 2 heads of romaine lettuce • 1 large tomato • 1 cucumber • 4 olives • 1 small jar of Delallo Olive Bruschetta • 1 cup croutons

• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar

cheese, or 4 wedges • 1 bunch of radishes with roots • 12 whole black peppercorns • Serve with balsamic vinegar or blue cheese dressing

Split both heads of romaine lettuce lengthwise, cutting off the tops and placing each half on a salad plate. Add a tomato wedge and slice of cucumber.

Set an olive, along with a teaspoon of bruschetta, on top of the lettuce.

Place a few croutons on the side. Now comes the fun! On the salad plate, add either a wedge or small pile of mild cheddar cheese; you know what a mouse’s favorite snack is!

To make a mouse, wash radishes and remove only the green tops, leaving the roots. Select four radishes out of the bunch that have long curly roots.

Obviously the root is the tail, so point the tail to angle upward. To get our roly-poly mouse level, slightly slice off the bottom of the radish. Thinly slice off the tail’s opposite end for the face, discarding that first slice. Now carefully slice off two more slices for the big ears. To attach ears: slice across the top of the radish, about three-quarters of the way down, making a place to insert those cute edible ears. Now give Mickey his adorable eyes and nose by pushing in three peppercorns.

These quick and colorful salads served with your favorite Italian dish will bring great raves from your dinner guests.

Problem is… now that I wrote the recipe down, it’s teased my appetite, making me hungry at 4 A M. It’s a good thing I have chocolates hidden here somewhere in the drawer of my nightstand for emergencies like this.

Ah-h there they are! Did I ever share my middle of the night philosophy about why every Montana woman should have chocolate stashed at arms-length beside her bed? As they melt in our mouths, they help soothe us back to sleep so we can have sweet dreams.

M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 43

Candid Cuisine mom’s promise, I was reading…everything.

When people ask where I studied my culinary skills, I tell them I went to the school of ‘Grandmamom,’ which usually instigates a funny look and a conversation.

Simply Sweet Serenity

o

ne of my favorite parts of working for Montana Woman Magazine is the unsurpassable sense of respect and admiration I get from the business owners I meet. I could write endless articles that highlight each proprietor’s true passion for the offerings they’ve chosen to create from a heart of service.

Carol Lane, owner of Simply Sweet Serenity, is an entrepreneur who used her desire to nurture people and her talent for cooking as a platform for her business today. I sat down with Carol in her tranquil café and prepared myself to receive her story.

She began our interview with, “I have always loved cooking! When I was a very young girl, my mother promised me that as soon as I could read recipes she would teach me to cook. Both my Grandma and mother were amazing cooks. I couldn’t wait to learn and within 2 weeks of my 44 A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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“One of my most favorite things to read is the culinary institute books. It’s so interesting and helpful to understand the science behind the cooking so I recognize why things happen the way they do. Did you know how important it is to plan your cooking around the weather? The barometric pressure is completely different on a cloudy, wet day than it is on a sunny day, and that has a huge effect on how your bread rises, amongst other things. Having the ability to adjust your menu according to the weather is very important. This is the kind of stuff I like to know and think about.”

One of the first questions we all tend to ask when there’s someone new in town is, “Where did you come from, and what brought you here?” Carol shared that she moved here from Portland where she managed a coffee shop and catered from home. She supplied food to the coffee shop and sold door-to-door lunches. She did extremely well; in fact she did so well that Carol ended up

|

By Gina Ellis

suffering a stress induced heart problem because she hadn’t anticipated the level of success she would create in such a short time. After several years of crazy busy, Carol decided it was time to move closer to family which brought her to the Flathead Valley. Carol went on to reveal the vision she brought with her.

“I wanted to create a place where people could come and rest their worries outside; a place where they felt nourished and cared for. I believe you have to pay attention to the customer; do they want to be alone or share and talk? It’s about reading your customers needs. I want people to leave Simply Sweet Serenity feeling their day was better for coming here. From the time I was a little girl I have shown my love for people by cooking for them. That’s what Simply Sweet Serenity is all about; it’s a place for me to give back to others with my passion for cooking and my care for their well being.”

Carol offers a daily soup which is made from all fresh ingredients. Many of them end up being naturally gluten free. They’re all her own recipes that she’s developed over time. “My quiche is my best seller. The customers say it’s the best quiche they’ve ever had. It’s all my own secret ingredients, including the crust. In addition to my soup and quiche, I offer a variety of sweets like fresh scones and double fudge

“From the time I was a little girl I have shown my love for people by cooking for them. That’s what Simply Sweet Serenity is all about; it’s a place for me to give back to others with my passion for cooking and my care for their well being.”

brownies, which I always have on hand!

I love making deserts with a twist, such as butterfly pie. It’s a concoction of pie filling on the bottom and then a butterfly pastry ….it’s really simple and really delicious.”

Nourishment for the body and soul

Simply Sweet Serenity has a full espresso bar, smoothies, teas and juices.

You will also find fresh sandwiches and salads with homemade dressings.

Carol offers catering and private parties by request. The café closes at 7 p.m., which makes it available for private parties or bookings.

If you’re looking…I recommend Simply Sweet Serenity for whatever you need. I have, on more than one occasion, picked up dinner for the family after a long day at the office. It feels good to know that I’m not compromising health for convenience, and to have it prepared by someone who truly cares about my well being really means something at the end of the day.

Simply Sweet Serenity Breakfast - brunch - deli open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

2141 HWY 2E Ste 200 / Kalispell, Mt 59901 406.752.2008

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In the

Kitchen

By Lorraine Blackmer

Banana Cream Pie

This is a favorite old pie recipe that is delicious yet simple. Serve each slice with a heaping spoonful of love and it will become a favorite of everyone you share it with! It’s just dandy!

Pie Shell Ingredients: 3 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 cup cold shortening (Crisco) 1/2 cold butter 1/2 cup or less very cold water In a large mixing bowl, cut butter and shortening into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Slowly add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, just until dough comes together without being sticky.

Separate dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least one hour before rolling out.

Roll out pie crust(s) and poke the crust all over the bottom of the pie plate to prevent rising or blistering.

Bake at 400 degrees until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Makes 2 crusts.

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Banana Cream Filling: 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar 1/4 cup corn starch 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 cup half & half 5 large egg yolks, lightly beaten 2 cups milk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 Tbs. butter 2 large bananas Combine sugar, cornstarch and salt together in a medium sauce pan.

Whisk in the half & half, followed by the egg yolks and finally the milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium low to medium heat whisking constantly until mixture thickens and becomes smooth (about 5 to 10 minutes). Be patient if it doesn’t thicken quickly. The finished texture and thickness should be that of a notquite set pudding; very thick but not set.

of filling. Poor the rest of the pudding over the bananas.

Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate until firm, about 6 hours or overnight.

Whipped Cream Topping Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

Beat cream and vanilla together until mixture begins to thicken.

Slowly add sugar, sprinkling it in lightly and mixing well until stiff peaks form.

Spread over top of banana cream about 10 minutes prior to serving pie.

Remove from heat; whisk the butter and vanilla into the hot pudding. Let the mixture cool until just warm, stirring often for about 5 minutes.

Poor half the warm mixture into a prebaked pie shell.

Peel and slice the bananas thinly on top

It’s just dandy!

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www.kencosecurity.com M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 47

WESTERN COMFORT

Spring Fever

By Brandy Glass

a

s we come of out of winter hibernation, our mood improves and the days stay

lighter longer, many of us get the urge for a cocktail or two after work. We crawl out of our winter “slug-like” mode and hit the bars with our friends.

When the weather warms up it can be simply unbearable to be stuck inside.

What’s better than relaxing on the porch sipping on a cocktail? While a nice crisp glass of white wine is usually the fix, for those times when you feel like adding a little kick to your day, it’s time to sip on a spring cocktail.

For me, finding new drinks is almost as much fun as finding new dishes. If you taste test too much before the drink comes out, however, you may not be able to really taste the final product! I’m only kinda kidding.

The simpler, the better when it comes to making a good cocktail. It’s better for your waistline and the planet that way. I’d rather start from fresh ingredients, instead of processed mixers and spirits so that I actually know what I’m drinking.

These drinks are fun but minimal so that the ingredients can shine.

Sparkling Ginger Martini Ingredients: 2 oz vodka Juice of ½ lemon 1/8 tsp freshly grated ginger 1/2 oz organic agave nectar Splash of extra-dry vermouth 1 oz ginger beer

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Method: 1. Put all of the ingredients except for the ginger beer in a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

2. Strain into a martini glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lemon twist.

You know you have spring fever when you are frantically cleaning the house, dreaming about the plants you’ll plant in your garden and switching out the hot tea for iced tea. This non-alcoholic drink will help you through your spring fever pains by giving you a taste of fresh fruit. You can easily make your own mango syrup, this may be easier than finding it in the store.

An April Rain is a refreshing version of a vodka martini. The splash of lime will wake up your taste buds from the winter doldrums as you enjoy the light spring showers of April.

April Rain Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 1/2 oz lime juice 1/2 oz dry vermouth lime peel for garnish Method: 1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Shake well.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with the lime peel.

Spring Fever Ingredients: 3/4 oz lemon juice 3/4 oz mango syrup 1 ½ oz apple juice 2 oz blood orange juice Method: 1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake well.

3. Strain into a collins glass half filled with crushed ice.

To add a little zip to your sip add 2 ounces of rum.

That dreaded yearly task is done and you finally know how much money you are either getting back or handing over.

That’s right, you have completed your income taxes! So whether you are on top of it and filed three months early, or you’re at the post office on April 15th, or an accountant who has made it through one more tax season, sit back and enjoy this classic cocktail to celebrate your accomplishment.

Put your spring-cleaning supplies aside and take some time to dream about summer vacations and gardens. With income tax season soon behind us, celebrate with a refreshing fruit drink that wakens your taste buds.

Income Tax Cocktail Ingredients: 2 oz gin 1/4 oz sweet vermouth 1/4 oz dry vermouth 1 oz orange juice bitters, to taste orange twist for garnish Method: 1. Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes.

2. Shake well.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with the orange twist.

M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 49

Because we’re run by women, the women of Montana feel welcome here. Whether that means servicing their existing vehicle or shopping for a new one, Kendall 4 Seasons Subaru is a comfortable place to do business and an even better place to get a great deal.

Jessica Dominic General ManaGer

1600 StephenS Ave. MiSSoulA, Mt 59801 | (406) 728-2510 kendall4seasonssubaru.com

North Valley Hospital has expanded its triage program to facilitate faster evaluation upon arrival because your emergency is an emergency for us all.

The Emergency Department

406-863-3500 ǀ www.nvhosp.org ǀ Whitefish, MT

A different kind of hospital, a different kind of care.

© Copyright 2013 North Valley Hospital

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Business on my Mind

By Jeri Mae Rowley

Change is Great If Leaders Go First! “As leaders, we hold the key to successful change in the palm of our hand, especially if we happen to be holding a mirror.�

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Leading Change

Over 150 years apart, two stories remind us of leadership’s unique role in making changes to improve results.

Change 2012

A Center for Disease Control (CDC) article noted that in the United States, hospital patients get nearly 2 million infections each year. That’s about 1 infection for every 20 patients. What did the CDC recommend for the medical industry? Wash your hands!

How can we change the behavior of health care workers and how can we maintain such a change? The genesis of this medical mandate took place in 1846 and is recounted in the book Leadership and Self-Deception.

The challenge of getting people to change continues today.

Change 1846

The story of leading change begins in the mid 1800’s when a young doctor, Ignaz Semmelweis, earned a position at the Vienna General, an important research hospital. The young doctor was assigned to one of the two maternity wards. Semmelweis was alarmed when he realized what a high mortality rate maternity patients were experiencing. More troubling was that his ward’s mortality rate was even more dreadful than the other ward’s. This problem was so apparent that the doctor reported pregnant women “kneeling and wringing their hands,” begging to be moved to the less risky ward.

Find the Root Cause

Even more troubling was the decline in mortality rates in his own ward when Semmelweis was gone for several weeks. Obsessed with discovering the root cause of this problem, Semmelweis systematically standardized practices in the two wards to isolate the problem.

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standardized. But there were no improvement in mortality rates.

Eventually Semmelwies’ professor received a minor cut while performing an autopsy on a woman who died of childbed fever. The male professor soon began to experience symptoms of childbed fever and died. This event transformed Semmelwies’ thinking.

He realized that there was a difference between the two wards. His ward was attended by doctors who also performed autopsies. The less risky ward was attended by midwives who did not perform autopsies.

Take a Look in the Mirror

Semmelweis developed a theory that “particles” from autopsies and diseased patients were being transferred from patient to patient on the hands of the doctors. He immediately instituted a policy in his ward requiring physicians to wash their hands.

1) Focus on Results Focus on the results you want to achieve and free everyone to do what’s right, even if it means changing what’s been done before. Even if that means you, as the leader, changing what you’ve always done.

2) Learn—Teach—Learn Actively seek information, insight, and differing points of view to help you achieve desired results. Learn. Share what you’ve learned. Learn some more.

3) Come Clean Leaders of effective organizations model “coming clean.” When they make mistakes, they acknowledge them and don’t shift responsibility. They learn and move on (and, by the way, have much more fun because laughing at yourself is much more energizing than desperately defending and pretending!)

Even though the mortality rate decreased dramatically and immediately, Semmelwies’ change met with strong resistance from other physicians. It was difficult, maybe even impossible, for the doctors to perceive that they were the root cause of the high mortality rate. (Keep in mind, these doctors had advanced professionally in a culture where blood on their gowns was a status symbol - the more bloodstains, the more surgical experience and expertise.)

Ergo Ignaz Semmelweis could never have made his important, life-saving discovery unless he was willing to accept that his own behavior might be the root cause of the problem.

Overcoming self-deception is the first (and often most difficult) step toward improved results. Ergo: ego has got to go!

The lesson for today’s leaders: As leaders, we hold the key to successful change in the palm of our hands… especially if we happen to be holding a mirror.

Leadership and Self-Deception, Arbinger Institute Leading,

The author of Leadership and Self-Deception identifies three characteristics of effective organizations and their leadership.

Effective leadership will consistently:

Change Management: The People Side of Change,

Recommended Reading

If you are interested in reading more about change, the following books may be of interest to you:

John P. Kotter

Jeffrey Hiatt

Izaak Walton Inn

Essex, Montana

406.888.5700

izaakwaltoninn.com

An international volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Thank you to the participating dentists in the Smile of Hope program For more information about Soroptimist International of Whitefish and to access application forms for membership or the Smile of Hope program, go online to siwhitefish.org

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Dr. Michael Bowman Kalispell

Dr. Ron Davis Kalispell

Dr. Dale Bax Whitefish

Dr. Erin Moseley Kalispell

Dr. Robert Larson Whitefish

Dr. Tere Nelson Kalispell

Dr. Pam Lilly Whitefish

Dr. Laura Raddatz Whitefish

Dr. Meagan Lilly-Frank Whitefish

Dr. Neal Buffington Columbia Falls

“She survived a nuclear disaster but a broken smile nearly brought her to her knees...”

In the Know Change your smile, change your life. y

| By Constance See

elena Popovich was an invisible woman. One look in the mirror and she’d wrap herself up in a cocoon of baggy sweaters and pants trying to disappear. Caught in an unhappy marriage, living in poverty with her husband and two sons, the future seemed bleak. She wanted to better herself but was petrified of stepping into a classroom where people would look at her. She couldn’t even bare to enter a mall or restaurant where people might stare. Yelena had a severe dental problem.

Her dental problems stemmed from a childhood growing up in a rural town in the Ukraine. Yelena lived about 10

hours away from the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant, when reactor number four melted down in April of 1986. It was the worst nuclear disaster in history.

Twenty-six years later, all that remains is ghost towns. Brown rain fell. All of the plants in her family’s small farm dried up and died. Animals became ill and some died. Many people in the Ukraine lost their hair and teeth, even children became bald. Many died. But the residents of her village did not know why. There was no Internet. They depended upon the government for information and the government remained silent for eight months.

M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 55

Yelena grew up in the shadow of radiation. She married, gave birth to their first son and dreamed of a better life.

When her grandfather moved to America a decade later seeking religious asylum, Yelena and her family followed him to the states.

The first dentist she saw in the U.S. was trying to help, and she did what he told her – water pick, floss, etc., but the teeth kept getting worse over time and the cost for surgery was overwhelming - far beyond her meager means.

“I went to sleep holding my tooth at night, afraid I would swallow it in my sleep,” she said. For some time she lived with that fear, growing more and more depressed.

“Maybe people didn’t notice, but I knew and tried not to smile,” Yelena said.

“When you know something is wrong, you avoid people. I thought I might end up depressed, lying dead in a hospital room somewhere.”

While Yelena’s appearance left her feeling worthless, her Flathead friends and associates at work had a completely different perspective.

“Yelena is super capable and smart,” said Sue Cummings, a friend of Yelena’s.

“She’s accomplished so much – learning English, becoming a U.S. citizen, struggling through severe poverty and, just a month ago, an uninsured driver hit Yelena, totaling her car. Through it all, she keeps moving forward. Yelena can do anything she puts her mind to.

She should be looked up to like a hero, an inspiration for other women.”

some way to help me. He spent a long time explaining the problem and even came in on his day off. Another doctor would charge you twice, but not him.

Before and After Dr. Bowman really cares.”

Dr. Bowman said Yelena was not aware of the dire condition of her mouth. “It went much deeper than she realized.

Sometimes dental infections are quiet.

As you fight off a long-term low grade infection, you begin to feel tired and worn down. Over time you forget what it feels like to be energetic and healthy.”

Dr. Bowman is one of a half dozen dentists in the Valley who donate their time and work with the Whitefish Soroptimists Smile of Hope Program. Soroptimist is Greek for “best for women.”

It’s a non-profit international women’s organization whose mission is to help women and girls become the best they can be.

The Whitefish Soroptimists Smile of Hope Program has helped nearly a dozen women improve their smiles since the program’s inception two years ago.

Yelena met her own hero when a friend at the food bank suggested she make an appointment with Kalispell dentist, Dr. Michael Bowman.

“I think the Smile of Hope program is a good cause,” Dr. Bowman said. “It helps the people who are working the hardest - single moms who are working hard to make their lives better. I like to help everyone, particularly people who want to help themselves and their families.”

“He knows how important a smile is,” Yelena said. “It was more to him than just a business. Dr. Bowman looked for

The Smile of Hope program paid for Yelena’s tooth repair and literally transformed in her life.

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“Just about one month after I got my teeth fixed, I went to college,” Yelena said. “I have good grades, got a scholarship and in one year will complete my two-year accounting degree. In college you have to speak up, and I never imagined I would be in a speech class. It helped me to go over my language barrier even. At work, they have promoted me to supervisor, and I am beginning manager training. I used to feel down, avoiding everyone feeling like I was the worst thing in the world. I don’t feel that way anymore. I feel like everyone else.”

Not everyone who goes through the Soroptimist Smile of Hope program will have the complete life turn around that Yelena experienced, but it is the first step to a better life.

To apply for the Soroptimist Smile of Hope Program, stop by the Thrift Haus at 303 1st Street in Whitefish and ask for an applicatio The shop is open Wed through Sat from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Qualifying candidates need to be a non-smoking, single head-of-household woman living at the poverty level.

Call during shop hours for more information at (406) 862-3330.

Steppin’ Out

By Rena Desmond

Lone Pine State Park

i

n 1941 Ernest and Hazel White donated 162 acres of land to the state of Montana to promote outdoor recreation and conservation education.

In 1947 Lone Pine became Montana’s second state park. Since then acreage has been added, bringing the total to 229 acres.

Lone Pine State Park overlooks the magnificent Flathead Valley.

On a clear day, you can see Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, the Jewel Basin and Glacier National Park. On a visit to this day-use-only park you can learn about the Valley’s cultural and natural history.

The Visitor Center located at the top of the hill offers a number of displays, exhibits and hands-on activities. Public and private groups can arrange educational programs, ranger-led walks and talks, workshops and field trips.

Why not take a few hours out of your day to enjoy the 7.5 miles of trails available for hiking, mountain biking, snow-

shoeing and horseback riding? Pack a lunch and enjoy a quiet picnic beneath age old Ponderosa pines.

Some of the park trails are: The Lone Pine Trail — a well surfaced 1.4 miles, this is a family friendly trail that will accommodate strollers and is easy to moderate for hikers and bikers wanting to traverse the park. Benches are provided along the way for rest and a view.

The Valley View Trail —.5 miles in length, nice views and frequent wildlife sightings.

The Cliff Trail— .8 miles long and a challenging trail for the avid hiker.

The White Family Memorial Trail and Scenic Overlook offers views of the Flathead Lake, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park.

And if that isn’t enough, archers can enjoy a half-mile course with 7 silhouette targets with challenging shot angles and

ranges. (The archery range is closed in winter, reopening as weather permits.)

A newly remodeled visitor center with gift shop is a highlight and is now open year-round, Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A walk through the visitor’s center provides a tour of the wildlife and forest ecology within the park.

Lone Pine is just 4 miles southwest of Kalispell on Foy’s Lake Road, then 1 mile east on Lone Pine Rd. The park is open all year from 8 a.m. until dark.

Residents are admitted free, non-residents are $5.00/vehicle. Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times for the benefit of wildlife and visitors.

So pack up a picnic lunch and come to Lone Pine, the neighborhood park for the whole family!

For more information contact Amy at: 406-755-2706 or visit: agrout@mt.gov M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 57

LivingBeautifully

By Emily Myers

lip-stain. Women in China used rice powder to whiten their faces, which the current day Geisha still use to this day.

The History of Makeup Ever wonder how far back the world of cosmetics goes? What about the products used to moisturize the skin, fight blemishes and enhance beauty?

The saying, “There is nothing new under the sun,” isn’t too far from the truth here. You may be surprised to find out that research has dated cosmetics all the way back to 10,000 B.C. The early Egyptians wore makeup to improve their appearances because they believed it would make them more appealing to the gods. They made everything from creams used to reduce stretch marks to ointments to combat blemishes and an array of perfumed oils, to not only moisturize the skin, but also to combat odor (since water was invaluable in their harsh climate). Sometime around 4,000 B.C., both men and women started using kohl liner around their eyes. It may not be well known however, that this wasn’t just used to improve appearances; it had other uses as well.

Apparently, it also helped to keep bugs away from the eye area, was believed to restore poor eyesight and reduce eye infection. This kohl liner was made of a combination of crushed antimony, burnt almonds, lead, oxidized copper, ochre and ash. It was around the same time that women in Greece discovered using crushed berries as rouge and 58 A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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It seems that no matter the economic climate, women have always found a way to make themselves feel better by improving their appearances. Leonard Lauder, chairman of the board of Estee Lauder, put out a report called The Lipstick Theory, where he compiled over 50 years of consumer cosmetic/ lipstick sales and compared those numbers with the current economic state. What he found was that when the economy is down, lipstick sales skyrocket! Compared to other cosmetic items, lipstick costs less, but still gives us immediate gratification.

So, what are we to gain from this information? As women, we all want to

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Springing Forward in Beauty Visit emjcosmetics.com for services, artist bio, portfolio and fun video makeup tutorials.

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emily@emjcosmetics.com 406.270.9842

feel beautiful. Through the centuries, that feeling has not dissipated; in fact, it has only increased. I’m not saying, however, that this is necessarily a good thing; we should all feel like the beauties that we are, considering God made us in His image. Regardless, cosmetics are here to stay. I, for one, am thankful for them. There’s simply something about starting out my day with my makeup ritual and walking out the door feeling like a million bucks. I believe in the motto, “When you look good, you feel good, when you feel good, you do good.” So, don’t forget, it’s about your outward appearances matching the beauty that lives inside of you! ~Emily

MW Treasure Chest

Cody Connor Columbia Falls Nurseryman M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 59

Encouragement for Today

by Teresa Stockton

“It doesn’t all happen all at once.

You become. It takes a long time.”

Perhaps even before I discovered my love of writing, I unearthed a fondness for quotes; quotes that motivated, encouraged, and helped to propel dreams from their dormant state into the realm of real-life possibilities. To that end, I have decided to share a few of my favorites this month. My hope is that (even) one of them might reach your innermost core…and motivate you to be the person you were meant to be!

Ponder these...

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” ~Maya Angelou “Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” ~Author unknown

“Success can make you go one of two ways. It can make you a primadonna—or it can smooth the edges, take away the insecurities and let the nice things come out.” ~Barbara Walters “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” ~Oprah Winfrey

“Sometimes you have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down.” ~Kobi Yamada

“To learn to know one’s self, to pursue the avenues of self-development is what I call creative aging.” ~Ada Barnett Stough

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~Margery Williams “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt “You can write me down in history with hateful, twisted lies…you can tread me in this very dirt, but still, like dust…I’ll rise!” ~Maya Angelou “Bite off more than you can chew… and then chew it!” ~Ella Williams “Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps, and preside over the White House as the President’s spouse. I wish him well!” ~Barbara Bush “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to live the width of it as well.” ~Diane Ackerman

Healthy Living

By Joe Withey

Vitamin C Makes Exercise Easier

Exercise is a key for losing weight, and overweight individuals tend to report more fatigue during physical activity than healthyweight people.

“Many years ago, a large American shoe manufacturer sent two sales reps out to different parts of the Australian outback to see if they could drum up business among the Aborigines. Some time later, the company received telegrams from both agents. The first one said, ‘No business here…natives don’t wear shoes.’ The second one said, ‘Great opportunity here…natives don’t wear shoes!’” ~Author unknown “Believe that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Believe that you might be that light for someone else.” ~Yobi Yamada

Try looking at things from a new perspective; you may be amazed at the possibilities you uncover!

In this study, 20 obese adults ate a calorie-controlled diet with or without 500 mg of vitamin C per day. Before and after the study, everyone exercised for one hour at half the rate of his or her estimated maximum oxygen consumption capacity. After four weeks, both groups had lost almost nine pounds, but compared to the non-vitamin C group, the vitamin C group reported feeling much less exertion and fatigue and had significantly lower heart rates during exercise.

Lifelong Strong Bones Everyday nutrients reduce fractures and inflammation Vitamin D reduced fractures in older adults Doctors in this analysis reviewed 11 separate bone-fracture studies covering more than 31,000 adults aged at least 65, who took varying doses of vitamin D or a placebo. The range for vitamin D was up to 2,000 IU per day. Compared to placebo, across all 11 studies, men and women who got the most vitamin D were 30 percent less likely to have a bone fracture of any kind, including hip, wrist, and forearm.

Doctors said that be the benefit began at 800 IU of vitamin D per day, and continued through the upper level of 2.000 IU per day.

The U.S. recently increased its recommended dietary allowance for 600 IU of vitamin D per day for those 70 and older.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

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did that “ How sweet little girl

Lipstick Your History: Health Time Travel

By Betty J. Kuffel, MD

b

egin with your grandparents and parents; take a look at your roots, the origin of your journey. What were their aspirations? How did they turn out? What were their achievements?

Examine photos of them at family gatherings, weddings. Look at their features, their body shapes, their hair or lack thereof. Do you resemble any of them? Do you know their health history? Did they have health problems that run in families, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure?

After you have contemplated their existence, take a closer look at yourself. To better understand and analyze how you became the person you are today - how your strengths and

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become the woman living in your mirror?

”

weaknesses may have developed - you must review your past. Get out your lipstick; pack a lunch of baby Pablum and milk, and time-travel back to your early days on earth.

Were you a planned attraction, loved from the start? Were you one of a litter and wonder why your mother ever had you? If you were adopted, you were desired and planned as much, if not more, than a birth child. Maybe you were like me; my parents were pleased, but my five-year-old sister was not. On my arrival home from the hospital she let my parents know what she thought of the intruder and demanded, “Take her to the dump!”

Not all formative years are happy. Growing up in a household of alcoholics or drug addicts, or dealing with physical and emotional abuse is very destructive. A childhood filled with turmoil leaves its mark on young brains and can affect adult

behavior. Good and bad experiences together made you the person you are today.

Why is it necessary to look back? It is your beginning, where you started. Using logic to examine your life means you must identify your history. Once accomplished, you can use the information to understand the foundation from which you have constructed your life, your self; the winding road that brought you to where you are today.

Reliving early memories and feelings is easier done if you have photos from the past. Dig out an old photo album if you can, or create photo album of your life. If you have access to family albums, find the one your mother proudly put together to show off her new baby. Then look through your high school photos and year books. Visual images you haven’t seen in years will refresh your memory. Feelings that return might

surprise you. Some details might be embarrassing. Look at your hairdo! A new permanent! How could your mother have let you out of the house looking like that?

In the 50’s and earlier, there were only two ages, kids and adults. Adults were old, all old. If you were fortunate enough to have a close grandparent, your family included three generations - kids, adults and really old people. Things were simple, old/young, big/little, good/bad, black/white, much like photo albums. All my photos were black and white until age ten when a faded colored photo appeared.

Of all the treasures that might be lost to flood or fire, photos are some of the most difficult possessions to lose. Photos capture memories of important formative days. Some families have few photos, others, excessive. After our mother died, we found how important pictures of her family and children were to her. She had organized them into a myriad of albums all located in a plastic box about the size of her casket; one-hundred-fifty pounds of them showing her children, grand and great grandchildren, family and friends. Neatly stashed and titled, she even saved copies of report cards and little drawings grandchildren had sent to her. While looking through the albums my sisters and I cried and laughed. We recalled many wonderful gatherings of our past as we sorted, divided and shared Mom’s photo collection with relatives and friends.

Sharing them allowed aunts and uncles and cousins to explore their younger days and those of their parents. They, too, were able to time travel.

Once you’ve assembled your album, look at your earliest photo or without a photo just try to recall your earliest memories. Identify one that produces warm comfortable feelings, feelings of safety and love, a positive memory

that places you in a peaceful, protected state. Remain there for a moment and consider what produced that feeling.

Comfort comes in many ways, a simple hug, a cookie or a new pair of shoes.

Once you have the image and feeling fixed in your mind, and a smile on your face, savor it. This is your beginning, the place where the journey of your life began.

Next, consider your first memorable fear, anguish or peril. It was easier to pull that one from your memory bank, wasn’t it?

Why is it, bad events are often more vivid, in color, place, even smell. Smells can trigger a resurgence of both good and bad feelings. How did you cope with crisis as a child? Did you have the support of family, or were you chastised, belittled? Do bad feelings flood back today? Are they accompanied by sudden overwhelming anxiety?

Serious fear states or abandonment as a child can produce elements of post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic anxiety in adults. Adults who were abused as children often develop chronic inflammatory diseases, too.

Both emotional and physical traumas take a toll. They become part of the foundation of your physical and mental health as an adult.

Behaviors are established in early years. By age five, personality is set; coping skills are being honed. Children mirror what they see. Positive adult images of strength are learned as readily by children as out-of-control behavior and hysterics. Your child will mirror what he or she experiences. A change in childhood behavior, such as withdrawal, can also be the result of frightening incidents. Losing a parent in death is very difficult for a child.

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From early childhood to age twelve you transcended from a toddler frightened by imaginary monsters under the bed to a menstruating preteen. Your self-image was fixed years earlier. You grew. Your body changed. Suddenly things happened to it you didn’t understand. Feelings floated on the surface and erupted into tears or laughter almost without warning. You probably didn’t understand it then and may not understand it now. Vulnerable formative years, emotionally traumatic at times, were part of growing and developing adult skills.

By reflecting on your early beginnings and revisiting both the good and bad things that happened along your life’s

journey, you can begin to identify how you came to develop the habits characteristics, strengths, weaknesses or skills you have today. If you are still locked into bad habits stemming from childhood, it is never too late to start over. In fact, each new day is an opportunity to start again to build a new history for yourself, based on new informed choices, especially when it relates to your health.

The tattered old “doctor book” my mother consulted as she raised her four daughters sits on my desk as a reminder of just how much the world has changed. Now, we have instant access to a plethora of worldwide information via television and the Internet. In reality,

we may all find ourselves on media overload, especially when it comes to health-related information – much of which is devoid of scientific facts.

Your personal heritage is so much more than what you can see in photos, or recall from experiences. Genetic studies are opening new windows into health, disease and mental health. Researching your family health history and sharing concerns with your physician are important steps toward living healthier and longer.

For evidence-based health articles, visit: www.lipsticklogic.com.

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• Risk management approach to treatment • Friendly caring team of experienced dental professionals • Comprehensive dentistry and cosmetic reconstructions

Dr. Thomas Pittaway, D.M.D. 124 1st Avenue West, Kalispell

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755-7117

Positive Change

By Gayle North

The familiar nursery rhyme: “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never harm me,” is just not true!

You know about the power of words.

Throughout your life, words made you laugh, hurt your feelings, injured your ego, inflamed you, soothed you and inspired you. Most of your beliefs have been formed by the words of people in authority or people you looked up to.

You use words to persuade others, to criticize, to compliment, to punish, and to express your love. Words allow you to share your experience with others.

Live Your Best Life: You Create Your Life With Your Words What you say to yourself is forecasting and creating your future.

You can still remember compliments and criticisms you heard during childhood. Certain memories of things that were said to you years ago are probably as fresh as if they happened yesterday, especially if they were critical.

The words you use to describe your experiences can alter your related perceptions and feelings. Words re-present experience. Words become commands triggering various emotional responses that play a foundational role in how you create your life. So we cannot afford to be careless with our word choices.

The most impactful and powerful words you use on a daily basis are the words you use for your silent self-talk.

Recently, a coaching client was describing her self-talk to me. Her self-talk sounded like a very harsh parent trying to shame a child into compliance. She hadn’t noticed the self-criticism imbedded in her words. It is no wonder she lacked motivation to get things done.

It’s not a surprise that she turned to wine for comfort.

Words transmit a biochemical effect on the body/mind, producing sensations of pain or pleasure. If a person is feeling what she calls “rage” and she could re-label her feeling and call it “annoyance,” her emotional energy would mellow out to some degree.

Changing your life by altering your words is a strategy called Transformational Vocabulary. Try this out yourself. Next time you label your emotional state with a word such as “irritated,” instead just for the fun of it, call it “stimulated.” Or, “I failed” is more truthfully, “I’m learning.” Substitute “set back” for “destroyed.” Replace “overwhelmed” with “maximized.”

Think of changing “confident” to “unstoppable,” “fortunate” to “unbelievably blessed,” or “interested” to “enthralled.”

Notice what happens with your physical energy level and motivation. Also pay attention to how your strengthened energy impacts others.

Attach new labels to your experiences, and change the emotional “reality” you’ve created and became stuck in.

Your power to use the right words, to move yourself emotionally, to inspire yourself and to create more satisfaction and fulfillment in your life, can make the difference between surviving or thriving.

Gayle North, Hypnosis Coach has been helping clients make positive changes for thirteen years. Adopt a more joyous self-image, create your best body, heal negative emotions, improve performance in school, sports, relationships, etc.

Visit www.PositiveChangeUnlimited.com for other articles.

Call Gayle at (406) 837-1214 to schedule a personal assessment.

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Ask the Coach

by Sherri Gerek

Shifting Your Perspective Dear Readers:

This is an open letter to all of the women who wrote to say, “I am fried, maxed out, beyond stressed, fuzzy brained and can’t think straight.” This column is in response to the variety of issues, questions and concerns you raised on how to cope with stress.

It is relatively easy to create coping strategies, but what if we were to dig a little deeper in search of ways to eliminate some of your stress altogether? How might that change your current reality? If you are open to shifting your perspective to view your situation with a fresh set of eyes—your solution is already close at hand.

“Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.” ~ Lao Tzu Our busy society widely accepts overwhelm and burn out as the normal way of life. What most people do not see, however, is how often stress is a choice. Although there are many unexpected occurrences that take us 66 A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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off course, there are also numerous ways we choose stress to keep our hearts fiercely pumping and blood pressure spiking.

When we are already inundated, we continue to cram our to do lists, fill up our calendars, and run a break neck pace as we say “yes” to requests when we should have said “no.” We fail to recognize when something is on our plate, we agreed to put it there.

Instead of looking for ways to let go of responsibilities, habits, beliefs and choices that keep us tied to our present circumstances, we search for ways to do more to get it all done. “If I take the files home over the weekend….if I come back to the office Saturday…if I stay up until midnight, maybe I can catch up…” we say. This solution might work from time to time, but until a foundational change is made, the issues will continue to surface.

There is something oddly intoxicating about the state of being stressed. We feel alive when all cylinders are firing, the blood is coursing through our veins, and the fire is stoked in our chest. Yet, what do health care professionals tell us about stress? It’s a killer! Although I don’t know anyone who enjoys stress, most of us are so accustomed to it that we don’t know how to be any other way.

On a day without a long “to do” list, down time is quickly filled with busy time, which feels more like normal time.

In an office environment down time, which would best be used for future

planning and development, is filled with trivial work, email, socializing, or Internet surfing. Difficulty refocusing on the important issues is another indicator of burnout, by the way. Little time is spent building the foundations for success to create support systems for the future, and the same is true in our home environment. If we don’t get organized when schedules are light, the moment passes. When the pressure mounts again, the stress returns since the opportunity for improvement was missed. There was no plan implemented to offset stressors therefore the cycle continues.

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.” ~Albert Einstein When we pay close attention, we see the cycle emerge. With this recognition we can make adjustments to create a reality requiring much less effort. First we must have the awareness of our current reality. Ready? Ask yourself the following questions: How is stress showing up in my daily life? How often do I experience stress—seldom, occasionally, or daily? What systems are needed to support me at work and home? What habits, beliefs, or patterns am I willing to let go of in order to reduce my stress? How will I implement these changes and add these systems to my life? How soon will I begin?

By Andrea Blair

o

ne of the toughest things to keep up with as our families grow can be the housekeeping: the endless laundry, dishes, toys, art supplies and works of art—it all piles up so quickly. Then there are life’s little surprises that can cause a mild sense of panic, such as when I recently had to remove permanent marker from our dining table. One of the tricks I had heard in the past actually worked like magic, so I thought I’d share a few tips with you, and asked Meghan Brester, owner of Miss Pretty Picky, LLC (a residential/ commercial cleaning business in Kalispell), to share a few pointers.

Here’s what’s in our bag of tricks: Toothpaste Isn’t Just for Teeth Remove permanent marker from a hard surface such as a table or counter by rubbing a small amount of toothpaste over the stain as soon as possible.

Toothpaste, not gel, works well for removing water spots from furniture as well as crayon from walls. (Always spot test first to be sure the color or finish is not affected.)

Ready, Set, Go Meghan believes in getting kids involved in helping around the house while they are young. Toddlers love to help because it makes them feel BIG, and making a game of it gets them excited to help and get things done quickly. Set a timer for 10 minutes twice a day and have everyone help put things away in the most lived-in areas of your home. This not only keeps messes under control but creates great habits!

Sun Kiss Your Stains Goodbye Hang light colored garments, sheets, cloth diapers, towels and the like in the sun to remove stains. Mattresses will also benefit from the sun’s rays after an accident. Soak up urine or fluid from the mattress with a dry towel, wash the area with water and detergent, soak up all excess water again with a towel, and put the mattress in the sun to dry, disinfect and remove surface stains.

Make it a Double Double layers of water-proof mattress pads and fitted sheets make accidents a bit easier to deal with in the middle of the night. After an accident, simply pull the top sheet and mattress pad off and you have a clean set already on the bed. Keep an extra blanket or two nearby to replace wet covers and you’ll be snoring again in no time.

clothing, stay vigilant about sorting through these things on a regular basis and your home will be clutter free, less stressed and more relaxing.

Hire a Professional Hiring a professional, reputable service to help you once in a while is a fantastic way to treat yourself and your family to a clean, comfortable home and more quality time together.

Call Meghan at Miss Pretty Picky, LLC For more information: (406) 212-3460

Bag it Just when you thought you were free of that diaper bag, surprise! A sick kid catches you off guard. When traveling, keep large zip-lock or grocery bags to hold any soiled clothing or items that can’t be washed or disposed of right away. Keep them handy on the airplane and in the car, along with a lightweight change of clothes.

You Can’t Clean Clutter Meghan brings up a good point— clutter accumulates much faster with children in the house. She recommends implementing organizational tools wherever possible.

From the contents of your refrigerator to daily mail, kids’ artwork, toys and M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 67

In the Scheme of Things

| By Nan Russell

What You Have It was an early flight the next morning from Toronto back to Montana, necessitating a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call.

Before heading to an early dinner with my husband, I decided to expedite what packing I could. In the process, I don’t know how I managed to miss the briefcase compartment and launch my PC into a dive to the floor, hitting the corner of a table on the way down. My PC didn’t take it well. A cracked and inoperable screen awaited.

There are times when simple accidents are a slight inconvenience; times when they’re much bigger. While this was little, it seemed big and important at the time. I’d just signed a new book contract with a manuscript due in twenty-some weeks, so I needed a fully functioning PC. But no worries, I

thought, as we headed to dinner, a new screen should be an easy fix.

After four trips to a PC repair shop in the largest town near us in Montana, and two weeks waiting for parts, the verdict came back – not fixable. “I don’t want a new PC,” I kept telling my husband on the drive home. “I want my old one to work.”

Dug-in resistance prevailed when we stopped at two stores to check out the models and, like a five-year-old not getting her way, I manufactured reasons why every PC in stock was not for me. You’d think I might be excited to upgrade to new technology and a faster processor. Nope. Not me. I only wanted what I couldn’t have; I wanted my old PC back.

I’ve seen this stubborn resistance before – my all or nothing, black-orwhite thinking that leads me to a stuck blind spot believing there are “no other options possible.” I can’t go back and I can’t go forward. I want a job I can’t have, so I think I should quit; I want different choices than possible in parent-care so I think I’ve failed; I want a different outcome than I have, a different possibility than is possible, or a different reality than what I’m facing.

After a few stubborn-resistance days, I came to my senses, as I usually do. By then my tech savvy, problem solving husband had created a work-around to keep me writing using a remote monitor while he searched for, found, and configured a similar, but newer model replacement.

A few weeks later, I realized my resistance wasn’t about buying a PC at all. It turns out it was about other things I can’t control right now: a house not selling, decisions on hold, unsettled family matters.

In the scheme of things, the PC “adventure” was a reminder. There are times in life we don’t want what we have; times we have what we want, but don’t know or appreciate it; and times we think we want something, but even when we have it, it doesn’t makes us happy.

So, here’s what I’ve come to realize, once again – life isn’t about getting what you want. Writer Mark Nepo puts it in perspective this way, “Have the life you want by being fully present in the life you have.” Funny thing about that new PC? I’ve decided I love it.

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etals, Projects & Pizzazz By Lisa Levandowski

Heather

From all of us at Glacier Wallflower & Gifts, we hope you enjoy a wonderful spring day.

Visit our website www.glacierwallflowers.com for all your floral needs: from birthdays to weddings, we do it all.

Heather is a popular flower used often in spring floral arrangements. It is available in white and lavender, though pink is the most commonly used color.

It has a woody stem that is lined with delicate small blooms from top to bottom. Even though it is so popular among florists as a cut flower, you can purchase a heather plant.

Heather plants are sold in 4” and 6” containers and usually stand 8” - 12” high. Several of them sitting atop a mantel or lining the center of a table makes a very striking display, though one or two of them, strategically placed, can make just as big an impression.

water. All-in-all heather plants are fairly easy to take care of, and should something go awry and it dries out, don’t worry. Heather plants can still be quite beautiful even if they have been dried.

I know many people that buy heather specifically to dry and then they use the blooms in wreaths and dried floral arrangements. So whatever your preference (fresh cut flower, plant, or dried flower), heather’s versatility certainly makes it a top spring must have.

To properly care for your heather plant, place it in an area that receives strong sunlight. You want the soil to be moist to the touch but never soaking wet, and never leave your plant sitting in

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Ready

Set

GROW — By Rhonda Young —

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Homework with Rhonda

i

have made a conscious effort to stay away from my local hardware and lumber stores this winter because once I’m there the project ideas start flowing and the weather is still not quite warm enough for me. On the show Addicted to Rehab, that gal is out there in all kinds of weather but she’s young, not to mention has a TV program to produce and is a single mother.

With none of these motivations, I have the leisure to sit and think and dream about what I want to do. I’ve got my garden planned out in my mind as well as what I want to do with my side yard. I’ve just read an article on how to design garden beds like a pro.

First you need to decide on your style - formal or informal. If you know me at all, you know I lean to the informal.

With organic shapes this style creates visual interest in my tiny space. Formal would be nice, too, with its geometric shapes and all. It’s just not me.

For my straight and very narrow side yard I’m going to create some curved beds to give the impression of a meandering trail. Measuring roughly 30 feet by 7 feet, it will be a challenge to choose plants that won’t get so large that they choke off my ability to get to the backyard. I’ll stick with dwarf versions of plants where I can but I’m also going

to utilize vertical gardening as much as possible. The added bonus is that some of this vertical space will be dedicated to edible landscaping.

Beans and peas are easy enough to trellis, but so are cucumbers. I’ll have a living wall just outside my dining room sliding door. I may even experiment with strawberries. Melons could also be grown this way - just make a hammock for those heavy vegetables out of old pantyhose.

year yielded more plant than edibles, growing as wide as they were tall and making passage difficult. Then I learned about pruning out the male, or shade leaves. This lets the plant give more energy to growing the fruit as well as giving them more sunshine where they need it. This method worked great. And, yes, tomatoes are a fruit!

Last year, an early planting of radishes and beets in my planter got me off to a great start while waiting for the tomatoes and beans I planted at the same time. However, it wasn’t long before the tomatoes crowded everything else out, even with heavy pruning of those shade leaves. Three times I trimmed those leaves! It was worth it, as tomatoes require lots of sunshine to ripen. This year, however, I’m focusing on sustainable practices and back-to-basics, which includes more whole foods and eating what I grow. Looks like the tomatoes are heading to the back garden while my planter box will be filled with more herbs and greens. I’m excited to get started and enjoy the fruits, and veggies, of my labor!

I planted tomatoes the first couple of years in an 8’ by 2’ planter outside the patio slider thinking it would be nice to be able to just step outside and gather a few for my salad as needed. The first M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 71

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Cre ing with Colette

By Colette Gross

It’s the Story that Matters Have you ever wondered about your vintage jewelry pieces, where they’ve been and who they’ve belonged to and may have worn them? What amazing stories these costume jewelry pieces must have!

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even when wearing her capris!

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love vintage rhinestone jewelry, and wearing these pieces is once again in fashion. The history of rhinestone jewelry is intriguing, and one that I only recently learned. In the 1800s the Rhine River, a major river in Europe, originally was filled with quartz pebbles in brilliant colors. It is from the Rhine River that these crystals owe their name. As the natural organic rhinestones were depleted, imitation glass pebbles replaced them.

Antique paste jewelry is the ancestor of rhinestone costume jewelry, and originates back to the magnificent jewelry of ancient Egypt. A foil of various colors was placed under a clear paste to enhance its appearance. I can remember hearing my grandmother calling her costume jewelry “paste,” and also recall her wearing 2-3 pieces together with a dazzling array of colors! She was never without her rhinestone earrings and brooches,

The significance of an antique or vintage piece to me is the story it carries with it. The value is in the heritage of the piece, but with many collectors today, they are looking for marked or “signed” pieces with the manufacturer’s name. Some of the most loved and collected vintage costume makers include Trifari, Monet, Weiss, Kramer, Kisner and Florenza, to name just a few.

So many of us have old jewelry that we’ve inherited from our mothers and grandmothers that we’ve tucked away in our jewelry box and only pull out on occasion. Why not do more than just look at these special pieces and wear them! You already have the special

connection to the person who wore them previously, and it’s an amazing feeling to wear a piece and feel their connection.

On any given day, you will see me wearing one of my vintage favorites, mixing it with my pieces from today’s artists. It’s very attractive to

layer necklaces of varying lengths such as a short strand of vintage pearls combined with several trendy bead or metal necklaces of longer lengths. Combining a silver bracelet or antique charm bracelet looks beautiful with today’s style of wearing 2-3 bracelets all layered together. Blend the old with the new!

Part of the fun of having an antique shop is carrying costume and vintage estate jewelry, knowing its origin, and passing the story on to its new owner. We have an incredible selection to show you, so come in to Station 8 to see our jewels and hear their stories!

All the Best, Colette, Shop Girl

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Clutter Control

By Mary Wallace

Organizing Family Heirlooms

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re you the keeper of some family heirlooms? Are they in a box in the stuffy attic or the musty basement?

If so, you might want to create an organized family archive of documents and heirloom items to make sure their legacy is not lost.

Ninny (my grandmother) used a broken tea cup for measuring sugar for as long as anyone could remember. After she died, the cup was gone – no doubt someone simply thought it was a broken tea cup and threw it out. My mother, who had so many memories of helping in the kitchen and family celebrations, would have loved to have that tea cup – chips & all.

My Aunt Birdie, on the other hand, photographed all of her family heirlooms and valued possessions. She then gave to her children and other family members any of the family heirlooms they wanted and sold or disposed of the rest. She took a lovely photo album of all the cherished items to her senior living complex. If you visit her, she will show you the album and share why each thing was important to her.

As with any organizing project, there are steps that can be taken to make sure your family heirlooms do not end up

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in the trash or on an American Pickers episode simply because no one realized why they were important. Set aside a weekend or take your time, spending one day a month or so to work on this worthwhile project.

GATHER – Collect all of the heirlooms you have in your possession and assemble them in one work area.

You want to try to get everything in one place so that you can see what you have, what is duplicated, and make decisions about what you should do with it all.

SORT – Group like items: clothing, documents, newspaper clippings, collections, photos, dishware, tools, etc.

These can be further sorted by who gave them to you, by historical dates, or whatever method makes the most sense to you.

PURGE – If you find duplicate sets of photographs, items that are seemingly beyond repair, or an entire collection of warped Beatles LP Albums, it is okay to get rid of it. You want to create a manageable family archive. Set up a system as you work – a TO KEEP box, DISPOSAL box, REPAIRS box, GIVE AWAY box, and even a FOR SALE box. Some collections may have more value if kept intact (a set of

silverware, a complete collection of Star Wars memorabilia), and others could be separated and sold or handed off to other family members. Very valuable items may need to be appraised for insurance purposes, but you might also research eBay to determine their potential value. Some items might be appropriate to donate or put “on loan” to your local museum or historical society.

REPAIR – Unfortunately, some items may have damage if they haven’t been preserved or stored properly. Table linens or clothing may show signs of moths or mold. Should you throw them out? Not necessarily! Cherished items could be evaluated by a trusted dry cleaning establishment, or you could research the internet for ways to repair or reverse some of the damage.

(Lemon juice and sunlight have been known to work wonders!) If your only option is to throw it out anyway, it won’t hurt to experiment. But - if you are not sure – do consult a professional.

PROTECT/PRESERVE – Make sure that documents, photographs, newspaper clippings and anything else made from paper is stored in a folder or in protective album sleeves made from archival, acid-free paper or

April Panache No Sew Scarf Vest Think outside the box, ladies!

This would be the cutest swimsuit cover-up if you choose a light fabric. Or, what about turning it around, belting it and adding a cute pair of flip flops for a cute summer outfit?

Supplies: • 1 rectangular piece of fabric (scarf) roughly 3’ x 5’ • 1 decorative pin Directions: Determine the top center of your scarf.

Bring the top outer corners of the scarf to the center top point and pin together.

back view

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archival inert plastic. Adhesives are not a good idea. If photos are already glued into an album, however, don’t try to remove them; instead, layer acid-free tissue paper between each page. If you have access to a scanner, making digital copies is probably a good idea.

If you have vintage clothing that has safety pins or hat pins, these should be separated so there is no worry about rust. Place acid-free tissue paper in the folds of the clothing to protect buttons, boning, and embellishments. There are several sites that offer archival papers, containers, and other products online.

DOCUMENTING – This is the most important part of the project! Think of it as writing your own family history as you document each item. Document as much info as you can – a description of each item, who originally owned it, how

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you came to have it, any stories about the item, why it is important to your family, and any appraisal/valuation info you have on the particular item.

The documentation can be physically attached (like a description attached to the backing of a framed photograph) or, if that is not possible, create a written inventory or photo album - showing a photo of each item, along with the story behind it – to be keep with your other important family papers.

STORAGE – if storing your family archive, find a space in an inside closet or somewhere in your home that is not subject to extreme light, temperatures, moisture, insects, or rodents. Place the items in archival cardboard or inert plastic containers, clearly marked, and be sure to include the documentation inside.

ENJOY – Once you have your family archive organized, make sure you share your collection with your loved ones.

Create a small display of some of the items in your living areas. If practical, use some of them (like dishware) for family gatherings or celebrations.

Sharing your family heirlooms and their stories is a great way to create a legacy that will continue to be passed on to younger generations.

from a woman who cleans government buildings.

Now, granted, there is a difference. The glass ceiling lamented by American women is not a literal piece of glass, but a metaphor. And the glass ceiling breached by the cleaning woman was literal. Nevertheless, her accident offers a different look at the whole thing. I am reminded a bit of the scene in The Wizard of Oz, in which all of the characters are focused on the huge show being put on by the Wizard, and they are mesmerized. Only the dog, Toto, pays no attention to the theatrics. Instead he concentrates on doing what dogs do— he sniffs out the man behind the curtain who is pulling the strings, and suddenly everything changes.

Falling Through the Glass Ceiling

By Jessica Crist

Soul Responsibilities

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he other day I heard a comment on the radio that startled me. “A woman fell through a glass ceiling,” the reporter stated. “She was unhurt.” As the report continued, I learned that it was about a cleaning woman in Greece, who was so conscientious in her job in the capitol building that she actually fell through the glass ceiling. So it all made sense.

But the facts did not stop my imagination from riffing on that very first sentence I heard: “A woman fell through a glass ceiling. She was unhurt.” We’ve all heard the phrase, “the glass ceiling,” referring to an invisible barrier for women’s career opportunities. Generations of women who were pioneers in male-dominated professions found that they had to work harder, be smarter and accomplish more just to get a foot in the door. When they did get a chance to

prove themselves, they did exceptionally well. But there always seemed to be a point beyond which they would not rise.

That is called “the glass ceiling.”

For decades women and men have had conversations about breaking through the glass ceiling. We’ve had conferences, think tanks and consultations.

We’ve had classes and seminars, written books and articles. We have talked about the gender gap, the pay gap, the promotion gap, the retention gap. We have talked ourselves nearly blue trying to find ways to break through the glass ceiling. And we have always tried it from the bottom up.

What would it be like if women stopped trying to analyze the glass ceiling from below, and found other ways to move forward? What if women found ways around it and dismantled it from above?

We have come a long way since Montana elected Jeannette Rankin to Congress before women got the right to vote in the rest of the country. We have had a woman as Governor, women on the Supreme Court, women in top government and leadership positions in our state and in our country. But it is still too rare, still too noteworthy.

When can we consider our efforts to be a success? When women in the professions are treated the same as men, when we no longer have “woman lawyer” or “woman doctor” or “woman pastor” in our vocabulary, just “lawyer,” “doctor,” “pastor.” No more glass ceiling to hit our heads on - or to fall through.

And suddenly this Greek cleaning woman gives us a whole new vision of how it can be done, when she breaks the glass ceiling from above. Suddenly we have an alternative view—there are other ways to think about this, and the out-of-the-box answer may just come M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 77

hrive

By Holly Alastra, RD, MSC, LN

How to Deflect Deadly Stress

My aim is to live a stress-free life. But, truth be told, I am not there yet. I grew up with a Vietnam Veteran father who had undiagnosed, but very evident, post-traumatic stress disorder. The rest of the family tiptoed through the mine field, never knowing when he was going to explode. Throughout my childhood, I experienced chronic high levels of stress that shaped my brain, making me more prone to anxiety and depression.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t blame my dad for my problems. He was once an innocent victim, too, shot in the head no less.

But my childhood no doubt played, and sometimes still continues to play, a big part in my reaction patterns. For several years, I dealt with my strong negative emotions by overeating. My eating problems helped me deal with stress, but left the rest of my life a mess. In order to overcome my food addiction, I had to learn new behaviors to cope with my negative emotions. But even more than this, I had to rewire my brain so that I no longer created stress through my thoughts and actions.

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pril is Stress Awareness Month and a great time to share just a bit of how I’ve learned to handle, and diminish, stress in my life. I hope that it will help you too, because many women live with dangerously high stress on a daily basis, whether or not they had a happy childhood.

You release the hormones epinephrine and cortisol in response to stressors.

These hormones are great if you need to fight or take flight, but not so great if you’re sitting at your desk all day. If you have become used to operating in emergency mode due to work, financial, or relationship issues (some common causes of stress), these hormones may be circulating through your body nearly all the time. This ongoing stress can suppress the immune system, raise blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process. So stress really can make us look and feel old and, eventually, kill us!

Just what does it feel like to be calm and stress free? Think of children at play.

They are happy-go-lucky, totally in tune to whatever activity they are engaged in, perfectly at ease. For adults, the absence of stress feels calm and alert at the same time—relaxed, but focused.

If you think you are dealing with unhealthy levels of stress, don’t worry and create even more stress. Instead, keep reading…

Much of the stress we experience is self-induced. Those of us who are perfectionists and have difficulty saying “no” often experience more stress. The way we think about situations can also lead to stress. Any time you notice yourself getting upset, stop and ask yourself, “What am I thinking about this situation?”

Do you ever have the following types of thoughts?

“I just can’t deal with this.”

“This person is impossible.”

“I’ll never get to where I want to be.”

These thoughts can make the situation worse. When you notice a thought like this, first ask yourself if it’s really true. For example, is it true that you can’t deal with a given situation? The situation is what it is.

Our thoughts about it are what cause the stress. Wanting to change our life circumstance or thinking we can’t handle it creates inner turmoil. A bad situation can be made better by the approach we choose to take.

If you think a given person is impossible, try to see their side of things. We are all human, all imperfect.

Be gracious and try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe you believe you can’t like them, but you can pray for them. While you’re at it, pray that you can see the person differently.

What about the thought that you can’t do it (whatever it is)? Replace this self-defeating thought with, “I’ll break this into smaller steps and eventually get it done. I can do anything if I start to believe I can. After all, Henry Ford said it best with his famous quote, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

If you can catch yourself in a stressinducing thought, you can eliminate a lot of the stress upfront. But often we have these thoughts without even realizing how negative and harmful they are. Instead, we believe our thoughts and respond to the stress by getting angry and saying or doing something stupid (like eating a bag of chips) and then wondering what happened. That’s okay. This process takes time and practice. I don’t know

anyone personally who has it mastered.

I certainly don’t!

Besides looking at your thoughts in order to stop stress at the source, it also helps to have a list of healthy ways to cope with stress. Here are some ideas: Connect with your senses. Light a candle with a calming scent and notice the flame. Find something tactile, like a soft piece of fabric, and rub it against your cheek. Put on some lotion and give yourself a hand massage. Look up at the sky and watch the clouds rolling by. Are they wispy or puffy? Either way, they’re beautiful.

Get physical in a fun way. Put on some music and dance. Go for a walk. Better yet, go for a walk with a coworker and air your frustrations. Pump iron. Take a fitness class. Some good ones are: kickboxing, yoga, zumba, jazzercise, or (insert your favorite here).

Remember the tried and true. Breathe deeply and feel the air moving in and out of your lungs. Conjure up a peaceful memory, maybe a vacation at the beach or a lovely sunset. Watch a funny movie. Get together with friends or loved ones. Remind yourself how vast the universe is and what a small part we play in it—don’t we take ourselves too darn seriously? After all, life happens in a blip.

Now it’s your turn. Create your own list of things you can do when stress strikes. Include some activities you can do quickly to calm yourself, and some that you can plan to do to prevent stress from building up, for example, daily exercise and eating healthy. (I’m a registered dietitian, so I have to stress the importance of these!) Carry your list around in your pocket, and refer to it often. Wishing you a month of peace!

Wom What Women Want

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By Cindy O’Boyle

Beautiful Image

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fter completing training in medical massage Libby, Wilson realized that she was still somewhat limited in the care that she could provide for her clients.

Not being one to allow a roadblock to detour her, she returned to school and became a Licensed Esthetician.

While studying skin care, Libby was introduced to microcurrent therapy.

Microccurent is a type of medical treatment for pain, muscle spasms and sports injuries. This therapy uses pulsating electrical currents that are extremely low-voltage in order to relieve pain and stimulate healing. Because the currents are so small, they’re able to penetrate the injured cells rather than pass over them, as other electrotherapeutic devices do. Simulating the same electrical signals that occur when the body is healing itself triggers the real healing process. Nutrient distribution is enhanced, blood circulation increases, and new healthy cells are regenerated to replace injured, unwanted ones.

Before attending massage training, Libby had worked as a certified nurses assistant. Her passion for the human

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body, how it works, and how it heals is what originally sparked Libby’s interest in The Beautiful Image machine.

Beautiful Image’s first machine was introduced in the U.S. in 1976 and was originally designed to help stroke patients with muscular rehab.

In the medical setting, microcurrent is used most frequently in cases involving muscle spasm and soft tissue inflammation. It is used to cease acute pain, and its continual use can heal chronic pain. Arthritis, chronic back and neck pain, migraines and tennis elbow are just of the few things that

may be treated. Microcurrent therapy reduces swelling and stimulates muscle trigger points to ease movement. It heals the body by improving the regeneration of soft tissue. Results may vary from patient to patient.

Some patients experience pain relief right away; others are relieved of pain sometime after the session(s).

Protein synthesis and ion exchange are stimulated after receiving microcurrent treatment, triggering proper glycologen use of the muscular systems.

Ultimately, the proper functioning of the body’s cells is restored.

mEn Libby consults with Family Nurse Practitioner Lottie Block to ensure that each client receives the best possible results. Lottie’s medical background has brought to light many medical issues that have had a positive response to microcurrent therapy. She explains that many diseases are caused by oxidative stress. “Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and a biological system’s ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage.”

system to firm and tone the skin. The Beautiful Image machine aids with muscle re-education, which is most commonly known as “facial toning.”

There are 32 different muscles of the face that are manipulated during the average microcurrent treatment.

Although we need oxygen to live, high concentrations of it are actually corrosive and toxic. We obtain energy by burning fuel with oxygen - that is, by combining digested food with oxygen from the air we breathe. This is a controlled metabolic process that, unfortunately, also generates dangerous byproducts. These include free radicals - electronically unstable atoms or molecules capable of stripping electrons from any other molecules they meet in an effort to achieve stability. In their wake they create even more unstable molecules that then attack their neighbors in domino-like chain reactions.

The Beautiful Image Microccurent Cosmetic System is a revolutionary way to safely and effectively tighten and firm the skin.

Each session is between 60 and 90 minutes in length. Microcurrent therapy is considered safe for people of all ages, but it is not recommended for people who use pacemakers and are intolerable of electromagnetic fields.

To learn more about this amazing procedure or to set up an appointment to experience it first hand, contact Libby at 406-871-5354.

By the time a free radical chain fizzles out, it may have ripped through vital components of cells like a tornado, causing extensive damage, similar to that caused by ionizing radiation.

In humans, oxidative stress is involved in many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

In the spa setting, microcurrent plays a crucial role in cell metabolism and plumps up slack muscles. The very small amount of electricity mirrors the body’s own natural current and works in harmony with the body’s electrical M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 81

by this ongoing belief and I had difficulty in many aspects of my life.

Years later when I was a young adult, my mother saw me packing my little blonde doll that I had been given that Christmas day. “Oh!” she exclaimed, “I remember when your dad and I bought you that doll. We were on a trip and we saw that doll in a shop. We thought it looked just like you, and even though it was really expensive, we just had to buy it for you for Christmas. You were the only one we spent that much money on.” Well, you can imagine my utter amazement in that moment! I suddenly became aware of how that misperception had shaped and molded a misguided belief about myself. From that time on, I had to begin to rewrite my history and reshape a core belief that I was “not good enough.”

Stone

By Joanna Lyon, LCPC

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veryone knows that history has a profound effect on the evolution of the world. Family history also has a profound effect on the evolution of how individuals shape their belief systems.

We are all subject to the thoughts and perceptions that are shaped during our historical interactions with our family and friends. Our initial feelings begin with a foundation of beliefs that we build during childhood, and all of our subsequent self- messages are built on that foundation. If our initial foundation of beliefs is a little skewed, we can end up formulating an inaccurate sense of self.

I often relate a childhood story to emphasize this point. When I was about seven years old, my sisters and I all received dolls for Christmas. While opening our dolls, I looked around and noticed that my sisters had all received big, beautiful dolls with long brown hair and my doll was significantly smaller with short blonde hair. I was VERY disappointed and, in that moment, I made the decision that I was not as important as my sisters. This perception impacted my life for many years to come. I was always disappointed at Christmas and believed that my parents did not love me as much as they did my siblings. My self-esteem was profoundly affected 82 A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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The beauty about family history and perceptions is that, with the right help and consultation, we can rewrite our life story. Unlike world history, we can actually change our current beliefs by examining and changing historical perceptions about

ourselves. I liken these misperceptions to the point of a cone. The beginning is a single point, and all beliefs that are built upon that point spiral outward, until our whole sense of self has been built upon that single misperception.

Through the reconciliation of the original misperception, we can change every other misunderstanding from that moment forward. This process can have life-changing effects with unlimited potential.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Personal history (or herstory) is NEVER written in stone. Take charge and enlist help to create the future you desire by examining and rewriting the history of your life!

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Inside out

Determine the thing that can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Love of Country

By Gina Ellis

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often imagine how our government may be different if our society as a whole would find the courage and determination to live in the wisdom we hold in our hearts. Consider the choices that would be made if indeed we were all committed to being the change we wish to see in the world. I think Gandhi was on to something with that statement, and the reason it has become so well known is because it connects to mankind’s inner wisdom. So what are we afraid of? What gets in the way of being the change we know must happen in order to sustain a great and free country?

I can only answer this by looking at my own life. I know who I am and the values that support me at my best. I feel like I make a very concentrated effort to maintain alignment with my values, however, I rarely make it through a week without a situation that challenges me and lands me in a place where I can’t help but to reflect on my behavior. I usually see options that, although more uncomfortable to make, would have upheld my highest potential and returned a deeper sense of gratification.

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There are several honest analogies of what prevented me from making the hard choice. Fear is always the bottom line; fear of the consequences. As a society, I think we are very fearful of “going without” and not being able to ever return to the many comforts our addiction to over-spending provides us.

On an individual note, I cringe when I am put in a position to tighten my purse strings. I have things that I’m willing to set aside (with the intention of finding a way to bring them back), and then there are the sacrifices that make my heart pound as I trap myself in the thought of not having them.

The positive news in my observation is this: When push comes to shove, most human beings are able to acknowledge that their first priority is the relation-

ship they have with their loved ones.

Faith, love and loyalty are values that still reign and show up when tragedy rears its face. We can pull together as a nation and face the fear of “skimpy” for the bigger picture. After all, doesn’t it feel so much better to enjoy something that’s paid for rather than trying to constantly push the reality of the indebting bill out of your awareness?

We’ve become masters of justifying our needs. What if we got back to our values and reconstructed our priorities? What if our sense of camaraderie gave us the strength we needed to let go of our “fix” and move together with behavior that lives the excellence we proclaim? We can face the fear together and change this country so that it shines with the light we all hold inside. I do love my country… God bless America and our journey to our fullest potential.

It’s Our Anniversary!

Thank you to our customers, family and friends for letting us serve you for 40 years!

We will continue to provide peace of mind and superior customer service for many years to come. kencosecurity.com

Billings | Bozeman | Great Falls | Helena | Kalispell | Cody | Sheridan 1-800-877-7619

History Lesson

By Karen Sanderson, Owner of Brix Bottleshop

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{ The Ol’ Loading Dock Reclaims its Historical Roots }

hile researching the history of the Loading Dock at the Kalispell Library, I was delighted to stumble upon stories about my very own pioneering family.

My great-great-grandparents, Robert and Mary Saurey, were one of the first families to arrive in Columbia Falls by covered wagon in 1891. My favorite tale was about Mary testing a new recipe for bean soup. Apparently, she poured an extra large bag of beans into a pot of boiling water, only to find the stove overflowing with beans a little while later. To hide her mishap, she dumped the whole pot into the woods while the men were at the mill. After reading this tale, I couldn’t help but wonder where she bought those beans and all the other items needed to set up their new home.

Can you even imagine doing your shopping on this day in the early 1900’s?

The amount of time it would have taken completely depends on where you would have lived. Anywhere outside of Kalispell, your quickest option may have been to take the train to the

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“city.” Or, perhaps you drove your new 1914 Maxwell, which I learned was the Saureys’ first car. The day I signed my lease at the historic Loading Dock near the old rail station in Kalispell, I was instantly intrigued by this history of this building and what it had to offer.

Kalispell was established as a railroad town in 1891 to support the booming logging industry. The rail depot was built in 1892 and served as the main line until the Great Northern Railway moved the base to Whitefish twelve years later. Fortunately, Kalispell was established enough to remain the center of banking and trade. The Gallopin’ Goose train acted as the thoroughfare between Kalispell and the outlying towns until 1950.

Tom, John and William Elliot built the Loading Dock structure in 1914 as The Elliot Bros., and Flathead Wholesale Grocery. The brothers were born in Ontario, and had traveled to the West from St. Paul, Minnesota. During the

1920’s, the building hosted a number of businesses including a restaurant, bakery and gift shop, and from there the Elliots became prominent Kalispell entrepreneurs. Their wholesale and retail business grew into selling dry goods, clothing, furnishings and “the best line of groceries in the west.”

(Imagine my surprise when I read that while setting up my gourmet foods shop next to a pub!) Eventually, they converted the retail business to strictly wholesale.

Tom Elliot managed the grocery business and was an active member in the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. In 1932, the Elliots sold their business to George Chaffee of Butte and Flathead Wholesale, then became known as Kalispell Grocery.

Eventually, Kalispell Grocery merged with Kalispell Mercantile (the KM Building). Kalispell Mercantile focused on retail while Kalispell Grocery remained a wholesaler. The wholesale business covered the entire Flathead

Valley to Polson, Troy and 350 miles along the Great Northern Railroad.

and foods store), Off Center Salon, and Sweet No Wheat Bakery.

This historic brick building was originally one large open space used to showcase a variety of wares from foods to clothing. The second floor was supported by large exposed beams throughout the space. These beams are still used today and are a wonderful reminder of the prosperous timber industry.

Finding out that a specialty grocery shop had been in here 100 years ago makes being here extra special to me.

While decorating Brix, I tried very hard to maintain a sense of history with various antiques, unique lighting, and by exposing the once hidden beams.

It’s such kismet that the building is now being used just as it was originally intended. Even better, the construction crew had found several old bottles during the renovation, and one dates back almost 100 years. It’s now our little green mascot for my Bottleshop and I can’t think of a more perfect place to have set up my business. Is it possible that my great-great-grandparents bought goods from the Flathead Wholesale Grocery at this very location? I love to think they did.

The Dock once had an elevator shaft that could carry 7000 pounds, and the basement was used to store perishable foods. The oil tank, which has since been removed, was the largest in Kalispell. The Dock had a rear loading platform for the railroad spur lines, which is now our parking lot. The building was updated on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1990 as #94000885, and my mission is to get a plaque for this place!

Karen Sanderson Owner, Brix Bottleshop

— Specialty Beer — Wine — Foods 101 East Center St. #102 Kalispell, MT 59901 406-393-2202 www.brixbottleshop.com Find us on Facebook to see the before and after remodeling pics!

2014 will mark the

100th Anniversary of the Loading Dock and we plan to celebrate!

Cheers! Karen

Western MT Grocery Co. occupied the building from 1955 to 1975. In 1978, the building was divided up into 4 business units on the main floor, one on the second level and was renamed the Ol’ Loading Dock. Businesses who have rented the spaces since then included a Bingo Palace, various bars, art studios, restaurants, office spaces, and hair salons. My Dock memory was of a dance club upstairs called Sneakers.

Even through a disco ball, the building was definitely showing sign of wear and tear by then.

Real Estate Investor, Jay Gentry, bought the run down building and began remodeling in the spring of 2012. Swank Construction and Jackola Architects were hired to complete this enormous and costly undertaking.

After months of bringing the building up to code, Gentry was able to return the Loading Dock back to its former glory. The Ol’ Loading Dock is now home to Brannigan’s Irish pub, Brix Bottleshop (my specialty beer, wine M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 87

Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older | By Ina Albert

Montana Magic History

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e are celebrating our 12th year in Montana, and what a journey it has been. Like many of you, we have lived in many places before discovering this paradise. Work and raising my children took me from New York to New Jersey to Florida to Chicago, and finally to Whitefish.

Each stop along the way represents a jumping off place for the next phase of my life, as I guess is true of most of us.

But Montana was different. As soon as I saw the mountains, my heart uttered a gigantic “Yes!” My eyes filled with tears when I looked at the house we would be buying in the next month, and I felt completely at home. This was a big jump for a city girl from the East Coast and Chicago, and one that my friends could not imagine would fit my habits or personality, but they were wrong.

What we found here is that we could make more of a difference in our small community than we ever did in a large city. Montana has built its history around the deeds, industry and commitment of individuals who sunk their teeth and their life goals in this terrain.

Strangers are welcome and our conversations seem to immediately settle around how long you’ve lived here and where you came from. We don’t focus on what you do or your status in society, as is the case in many other communities I have experienced.

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Acceptance is such an important quality in a community. It can be seen in our habit of waving to people in passing cars as we walk our dogs and saying hello to folks we pass on the street, whether we know them or not. When the history of Montana is written for the 21st Century, it should start with a “Hello, there!”

I have met many people whose parents were pioneers, but one story sticks out.

Governor Brian Schweitzer’s mom was a mainstay in her son’s first gubernatorial campaign that was run out of a house in Whitefish. As we stuffed envelopes and put campaign packages together on her dining room table, she spoke of growing up in the state’s early days, of having her dresses made from sack cloth, of walking to school through mountains of snow to a small school house. Through her I got a feel for the vast differences in her experiences growing up and those of us city folk. Those early days must have strengthened her commitment to her values and to seeing our state be the best it can be. She never stopped working toward that goal.

We are much more sophisticated now.

There are no more homesteaders or sod houses, and flour sack dresses are no longer in style. But we have other concerns. Can we remain an accepting and caring community that welcomes strangers? Can we maintain the beauty of our state and be a good place to work at the same time? Will we continue to stand up for the rights of others and recognize the need to protect our property?

Some of these goals are paradoxical and require considerable compromise.

They are not easy problems to solve, and tempers can flare as we try to resolve them. The Southern Poverty Law Center tells us that hate groups are growing all over the country, and that Montana has twelve groups that are bent on white supremacy and racial hatred. Love Lives Here in the Flathead Valley, a group founded several years ago to offer an alternative to this philosophy and to encourage caring, openness and inclusiveness, has now become an affiliate of the Montana Human Rights Network and is encouraging valley residents to join with them to resist violence and promote peaceful and open conversations to solve problems. I ask that you support this organization and join them in their efforts to maintain the Flathead as a “happy” valley for everyone.

As we age, it is important to stand firm for our beliefs and pass on the wisdom that we have acquired through years of life experience. I pray that our beliefs reflect the peace and beauty that brought us to this Garden of Eden.

Ina Albert, CSL, Life Transitions Coach and author can be reached at atinaalbert@me.com

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Community Matters is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths, which the organization equates to about 443,000 early deaths each year.

Lung cancer is a vicious enemy:

the five-year survival rate is about 15.6 percent. Other cancers have a much more optimistic prognosis. More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with breast, colon and prostate cancer reach that five-year mark. Lung cancer’s dismal survival rate may be the result of symptoms not becoming evident until the disease has already advanced. Early lung cancer usually does not cause pain, and symptoms may be attributed to other conditions.

Most Deadly Cancer Often Caused by a Habit That’s Hard to Break

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estaurant customers and office workers take no-smoking policies for granted these days, but television shows like the 1960s-era Mad Men bring back memories of hazy rooms where everyone who breathed was repeatedly exposed to cigarette toxins.

The first Surgeon General’s report detailing the link between smoking and the most deadly form of cancer in America was released in 1964. The devastating link between the two has been closely traced since then.

Smoking causes about 90 percent of all lung cancer in the United States, and is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women. It affects all ethnic groups, and is the second largest disease killer of Americans overall after heart disease. The

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National Cancer Institute (NCI), the principal agency for cancer research, estimates that 226,160 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2013, and that the disease will cause 160,340 deaths this year.

The good news, however, is that recently implemented tobacco policies and smoking cessation programs are significantly diminishing this virulent disease. A 2012 NCI-funded analysis showed that nearly 800,000 lung cancer deaths were prevented in the U.S. due to these efforts in the 25 years leading up to 2000. Still, smoking not only causes the majority of lung cancers, but tobacco use also increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, sinuses, esophagus, stomach, bladder, uterus and other organs. The American Cancer Society reports that tobacco use

“The risk for developing lung cancer increases the longer a person smokes and the earlier they start, said Dr. Susan Gingrich, Oncologist at Glacier Oncology. “But, research also indicates that quitting at any time can reduce the risk. Other environmental factors linked to the development of lung cancer are high levels of pollution, radiation and radon gas, and exposure to asbestos and certain other substances, often in the workplace.”

While much of lung cancer’s outlook is dismal, early detection and treatment can increase life expectancy after a diagnosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend seeing a doctor if you experience any of these warning signs:

• Coughing that gets worse or does not go away • Constant chest pain • Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness

• Coughing up blood • Feeling tired all the time • Weight loss with no known cause or loss of appetite Smokers now may get greater access to a screening test meant to spot lung cancer in its earlier stages because of a research study published earlier this year in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study showed that people who got low-dose computed tomography, or CT, scans had a 20 percent lower chance of dying from lung cancer than those who got chest X-ray screening. Previously, using the scan for diagnosis was thought to have little impact on final outcomes of the disease. As a result of this research, many cancer experts have changed their recommendations to support CT lung screening for early detection of cancer in heavy smokers at highest risk of developing the disease.

Dr. Susan Gingrich is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.

Dr. Gingrich joined Glacier Oncology last year after more than 35 years of practicing in New York.

She earned her degree at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons thereafter completing her surgery internship at St. Luke’s Hospital, residency at New York University Medical Center and bone marrow transplant fellowship at Westchester County Medical Center.

She can be contacted at Glacier Oncology: 406-752-7600.

This article provided courtesy of North Valley Hospital and Quorum Health Resources (QHR).

“Since each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways, and is treated differently, a precise diagnosis is important,” Gingrich said. “Treatment is varied and depends on how advanced the cancer is, called the cancer ‘stage,’ which can relate both to tumor size and whether it’s spread to other parts of the body. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, or a combination of these.”

Medical experts stress that quitting smoking is the one essential change people can make to avoid lung cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers a Guide to Quitting Smoking.

Information is available on the ACS website or by calling 1-800-227-2345.

Extensive resources about how to quit smoking also are available at smokefree. gov, including how to get personal assistance in English or Spanish from a trained counselor at a toll-free help number: 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848) M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 91

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Post-operative Care and Recovery Laci Burk, FNP-BC

Northwest Women’s Health Care

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s women, we always seem to be more worried about helping and taking care of others before we even think about taking care of ourselves. Women are above and beyond the largest percentage of caregivers in our nation, which means women’s own health care needs are put on the back-burner.

When women finally find the time to address their own personal health care, they often find themselves dealing with bothersome gynecologic issues that may require surgical treatment.

Then, a very difficult decision ensues, and women find themselves saying, “I don’t have time to take off work to have surgery,” or, “Who is going to pick up the kids from school and make dinner?”

While women do need to clear time from their busy schedules to take care of themselves, there is a very reasonable answer to these questions.

Surgery today is not what it used to be. In recent years we have made some amazing medical advancements, and these continue to improve each and every day we are in the operating room. For example, women who have

surgical treatment of endometriosis and pelvic pain can now have a relatively fast procedure with minimal pain and start on their journey to improved well-being through cutting edge visualization with the daVinci robotic system. This system helps surgeons magnify areas of concern within the body that could never be seen with plain laparoscopic surgery. Endometriosis and scar tissue within the pelvis can be cleaned up very quickly and easily, and women often feel an improvement in their symptoms almost immediately.

After surgery, women are often much better candidates for medical management of these issues, and may not ever need surgery again.

Years ago, having a hysterectomy was a major surgery. While it is still a major decision for women to give the green light, it is now a very routine and easy surgery. In the primitive days, many hysterectomies were often done by the “open” method, which involved large 75 Claremont Street incisions that would Suite A Kalispell, MT 59901 scar, higher risk for 406-752-8282 complications such as Fax: 406-257-2225

blood loss during surgery, and postoperative hospital stays for several days. Flash forward and women now have the option of minimally invasive hysterectomies with minimal risk for complications. Having a hysterectomy with the daVinci robot involves having only 4 or 5 very small incisions about the width of your finger. Smaller incisions also mean less blood loss.

Smaller incisions and less blood loss equal less pain! I don’t even think most women use the word pain; what I frequently hear from post-op patients is, “I feel great! Maybe a little sore, but not at all what I was expecting!”

I have to admit, when I first started assisting Dr. Richard Taylor and Dr. Robert Rogers with surgery, I thought to myself, “Why would anyone want to have surgery done by a robot?” but now I wouldn’t want it done any other way. It’s not surgery done by a robot, rather, it’s a surgery done by amazingly talented surgeons who use the robot

RICHARD H. TAYLOR, M.D. ROBERT M. ROGERS, M.D. JANNA SULLIVAN, W.H.C.N.P. CATHLEEN SIMENSEN, W.H.C.N.P. SHAWN SHANAHAN, W.H.C.N.P. KARRIN SAX, W.H.C.N.P. JULIE COOK, R.N., M.S.N., C.F.N.P. KATHLEEN OLSON, W.H.C.N.P.

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as a surgical tool to provide them with crystal clear visualization and very precise movement, giving women relief of symptoms that have caused pain and stress for years.

So many women need relief of gynecologic health issues, and while many of you may be asking yourself, “Do I have the surgery?” remember that technology has advanced significantly, making these procedures and operations a much different experience than your mothers and grandmothers may have had. With experienced surgeons, smaller incisions, fewer complications, less time lost to the procedure and revolutionary equipment, your surgery is likely to be far less painful and time consuming than you might expect.

Recovery after surgery with the daVinci robot is minimal compared to surgery the old-fashioned way. You’re only at the hospital for 4 or 5 hours after you wake up, and then you get to go home and recover in your comfort zone. I think this is an option that women love because they don’t have to be away from home, worried about the kids and how things are going.

There are two things that are important for women to remember. One: Listen to your bodies! If your body is telling you to rest, then rest. If your body is telling you to get up and stretch your legs, then do it. If you need to do a load of laundry, it’s okay. Two: Let someone else help take care of you! Women are so used to being the caretakers for everyone else in their lives. Letting your husband, children, or friends help you out is totally acceptable when you’re taking time to put your needs first and letting your body heal.

Healthy women are informed, empowered women that make the lives of those around them healthy as well.

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The Montana Woman Foundation Calendar of Events for April and May

A PassionAprilFor Fashion 19 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Hosted by:

Join us for an evening of fashion featuring a live fashion show throughout the evening! Music, refreshments and the perfect opportunity to celebrate spring!

Simply Sweet & Easy Healthy Doesn’t Have To Be Hard May 3 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Hosted by: Simply

Sweet S e r e n i t y, Inc.

Just in time for Mother’s Day

Enjoy a fantastic meal while learning to make an easy and healthy 4-course Meal.

Featuring flavored oils and balsamic vinegars from Montana Olive Oil, LLC.

Tea & Train May 18 Hosted by:

Tea Finger Sandwiches Petit Fours Music & Special Activities Make a Girl’s Day of it!

Tickets can be purchased to include transportation on Amtrak to and from the Inn.

For more information and/or to reserve your spot: Call: 406-755-5753 or Email: info@montanawoman.com Proceeds benefit The Montana Woman Scholarship Fund M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 95

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Intuitive Insights

| By Mel Mathes

For Your Head Only Dear Readers,

Quite a few of you have shown curiosity about the type of questions that I’m asked. After speaking with over 10,000 people these last twenty years (ranging in age from sixteen ninety-nine), I can safely say that I have been asked and have answered just about every type of question a gifted person can!

Some people are still unsure about contacting me, as they are concerned about the type of information I may tell them, such as their eminent death or something else they may think as equally as bad. In whatever I undertake I’m always honest and compassionate to a fault. If I see something in a person’s future that looks like they are in harm’s way, I tell them so they can avoid a negative outcome with the choices they are making. I also will tell them so I can help them to make new choices to avoid the outcome before it has a chance to happen.

Other people like to feel prepared in any event, bad or good. They might want to be wearing the right shoes or have their hair fixed just in case. You never know when the paparazzi are around!

Dear Mel,

My life has taken on dramatic changes lately, and I’ve realized I had more time and money than I thought. I thought I had found my new passion...helping others in need! I reached out to anyone and any group I felt I could help. I felt I was making much needed changes in other peoples’ lives, but I find myself in an uncomfortable position.

I now realize everyone is not is like me. I believe some of these groups and people I’ve been helping are taking advantage

of myself and others. Further more, they’ve shown they don’t care about the people I thought we were trying to help. Only a small portion of the money and services we raised went to the ones that deserved it. Other people tried to warn me about them, but I just couldn’t or wouldn’t see it. Now I don’t know how to end my association with them. I’m concerned they may try to make me look badly and uncaring for not wanting to be involved in their events. What is the best way for me to remove myself from them? ~ Wants Out

Dear Out,

I’m sorry you had to find out the hard way. You are right, there are a lot of unscrupulous people and companies out there taking advantage of those in need and those wanting to help those in need as well.

It’s very rare to find a person with the same heart and commitment as yours. I know those people and groups were lucky to have you and they are going to miss you.

there are other needy people out there and other worthy organizations that need your help. Then find the nearest exit. Remember, you and your family need you too!

I don’t think they are going to say anything negative about you, as they hope you may change your mind.

I’m available 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM MT. You can reach me by telephone at 1-406-892-8034 or 1-888-396-6600.

You can also view me on my website melmathes.com or onFacebook!

I will answer questions in upcoming issues that are sent to my email address melmathes@montanasky.net.

P.S. Look for my specials on Facebook!

I would cut way back on giving them your time and resources. I suggest you tell them your time is needed somewhere else, as you didn’t plan to spend as much time with them as you had. I would also tell them that M O N T A N A W O M A N . C O M / A p r i l 2 0 1 3 97

Look To The Stars /

By Star Gazer

Aries / March 21 – April 19 Your intuition might increase this month to the point where you feel like you could deduce the thoughts and motives of people you’ve never met before. Reading the news might bring you sudden insights as to how things are going to turn out. You could decide to put this ability to work to advance your financial condition. Do this if you can - within reason. Your insights are probably correct.

Taurus / April 20 – May 20

You should be feeling especially passionate now, Taurus, especially regarding partnerships. Romantic partnerships definitely call for an evening alone together. Professional and creative ones, on the other hand, call for a new project that you both believe in.

Look to events in distant states or foreign countries for inspiration. Something begun far away from home could capture your imagination.

Gemini / May 21 – June 20

If you haven’t been feeling like yourself lately, a surge of inner power could push you over the top and make you feel strong and healthy again. You could decide to complete all your unfinished tasks this month. You could get most of them done before May 1st. Don’t forget to take time out to enjoy yourself. You want to make the most of your newfound strength.

Cancer / June 21 – July 22

A surge of passion could overtake you unless you find an outlet for it. Romantic passion is high, so an intimate evening with a lover is a good idea. Creative passion is strong. You could have a sudden inspiration, perhaps influenced by a distant place.

Don’t be afraid to take time from your mundane chores to pursue this inspiration.

Creativity is as important as anything else.

Leo / July 23 – August 22

A romantic evening at home with your partner could bring you two closer together. Your emotions are intense right now, however, so you need to use your intuition to judge exactly how much of your feelings you should reveal. An intellectual passion

could also come your way. You might discover a new field of interest, and you will want to study it at home for hours.

Virgo / August 23 – September 22

Information learned from far away could compel you to learn more about the subject.

You might be inspired to use your new knowledge in a project that includes a partner. Your mind is insightful now. If you face decisions, this is definitely the day to follow your heart. Don’t be surprised if you also find your telepathic abilities expanded.

Libra / September 23 –October 22

Money matters may be advanced through using your intuition and inner power today.

You might have a hunch that your idea for making extra money might just work. Look into it at least. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it until you know the facts. You might also rediscover a long-neglected talent that you find useful now.

Scorpio / October 23 – November 21

A surge of inner power could make you feel like you can move mountains, Scorpio. If you’ve been contemplating actions that others believe impossible, this is the day to get them going. Career matters, romance, and creative projects could all be advanced today by careful effort on your part. Give it some thought, write down your ideas, consider all contingencies, and move ahead.

Sagittarius / Nov 22 – December 21

Memories from your distant past could resurface today. You may wonder why you’re suddenly thinking about them, but they probably represent a release of old emotional hang-ups that have been holding you

back. By mid-month you should feel more focused, determined, and ready to take on anything. This is definitely a great day to start a new project or complete an old one.

Capricorn / Dec 22 – January 19

April represents a new beginning in many ways. An old friend could reappear in your life and bring up memories that are both pleasant and disconcerting, Capricorn.

Don’t worry too much about this. It probably represents a needed release. You may also get involved with a group that has goals you embrace. New friends could also come your way. Expect a few surprises from all sides today.

Aquarius / January 20 – February 18

Emotions could be running high, Aquarius. Someone in your entourage may have a problem with an authority figure and political issues could come up. You’re likely to feel especially powerful now, and so you might be tempted to throw your hat in the ring. It’s better to stay out of anything political and channel that power and passion into your own project. That’s likelier to bring positive results.

Pisces / February 19 – March 20

Heightened mental powers might make you spend a lot of time reading or doing research of some kind, Pisces. Your curiosity is especially sharp right now. You might even consider advancing your education somehow, especially since new interests have been popping up for some time. New friends in fascinating fields might also have started you thinking. This is a good time to look into this.

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