Men in Trees

I don't have a TV, but I have taken to catching up on the "Men in Trees" sitcom via the internet. It occurs to me there are many odd parallels between the show, and my experiences here in Montana. It leads me to wonder...why didn't I write about this stuff long ago. Maybe I could have written a sitcom.

The local bar, where there are mostly men, and burgers. And more scruffy old men. I met my friend Ellis at the local pub, and he proved to be a great swing dancer. If the ladies weren't available, or didn't dare swing with him after his many Seven and Sevens, he would simply pick up a bar stool and dance with it on the dancefloor, swinging it around his back and even dipping it! On some nights, he'd prefer to just go out there, and start doing push-ups on the dancefloor.

And the handsome character Jack, from "Trees", so much reminds me of the man I dated when I first moved here. He was an outdoors man, spiritual, and also had an ex-girlfriend. Only, when the ex-girlfriend came around, she soon became pregnant. And hence, "Jack" went back to his ex to have the baby and get married, as did my ex.

In "Trees", Anne Heche takes on a younger stud muffin with long hair as a live-in roommate. Well, I didn't take on a new roommate, but there was a younger buff man with long hair, who also liked to roam shirtless on many occasions.

So this all leads me to wonder, am I as messed up as the main character in "Trees", or is she really as together as they've recently portrayed her? Let's see if she soon leaves Alaska for a man overseas...

Freedom at a Price

Lately, I've been discouraged at the pay rates here in Montana. What is a well-educated girl to do? I've done a little freelance writing and work for a local non-profit, but that does not pay the bills. And the funds from city living can not last forever (although I give myself credit for stretching them as long as I have!)

So, I contemplate what I'm giving up for living here. But as I look out my new window, I realize I have beautiful mountains, fresh air, and a fresh start.

I have a house-sitting job for the winter, whereby I only have to pay utilities. I am fortunate, and right now, frugal :) A dear friend of mine said to always remember we are carried; we are not alone.

Meanwhile, California is on fire and Georgia is running out of water. Those Californians may have the opportunity of a fresh start. They may all come here soon. So I count my blessings, and follow that little nudge inside that says I should stay here a little longer.