D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 1
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T
HERE'S NO MISTAKING IT, MONTANA IS "FLYOVER
COUNTRY." But we don't mean in the dismissive pejora-
tive sense that refers to West and East coasters' migratory
habits as they fly to and from coastal urban centers.
No, we at Distinctly Montana prefer to think of all the sandhill
cranes, geese, and ducks that fly over the Treasure State. If the
views we enjoy down here are this beautiful, imagine what our
feathered friends get to see. Those are some lucky ducks.
And even in the pejorative sense, 2020 has proven, as if it need-
ed proving, what makes Montana so perfect; it's a combination of
the slower pace, friendly neighbors, and just enough isolation that
social distancing is, well, unavoidable. After all, the population
density of Montana is about seven people per mile. We're not so
great at math, but we reckon that's more than six feet apart.
The holiday season serves to remind us what is most import-
ant in life: each other. We like to take stock of all the things in
life that we have to be grateful for this winter. Kindness and
empathy are the highest of human virtues, and Montanans
have plenty of both, so be generous with your compassion as
we trudge through this winter. And if you're one of the many
who've decided to ditch the coasts and hide out here with us in
Montana, remember this: however cold and snowy the winter is,
it's only nine months out of the year.
We send you our best wishes for health, wealth, and happiness
this holiday season and into 2021!
A N O T E F R O M T H E
P U B L I S H E R
CHRIS MUHLENFELD, PUBLISHER
chris@distinctlymontana.com
PUBLISHERS
Chris & Pattra Muhlenfeld
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Joseph Shelton
ART DIRECTOR
Robert Rath
COPY EDITOR
Shannon Page
PRINT MANAGEMENT
Pam Koehler, Koehler + Co.
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Published by Thunderstruck Media LLC
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Distinctly Montana Winter 2021 issue is published in November, 2021.
Distinctly Montana is a quarterly, seasonal publication
(December, March, June, September) of Thunderstruck Media LLC.
Thunderstruck Media LLC is a Montana company.
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