Distinctly Montana Magazine

P ublishers a note from the " Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the english language." M ost years a Montana summer starts around June 15th. This is when the probability of cold and snow shivers down to a mere possibility, and why it is likely that there is no long term resident who does not keep a thick jacket, gloves, and sweaters near at hand year-round. Though we have witnessed snowflakes in every month of the year, we can't say the same for the balmy temps and aspirations of a fine summer's day. Aspiration, it seems, is the defining sentiment of experiencing a Montana summer, where one's wanderings can bring new physical, mental, and emotional "highs" — exhilaration as a jolt of reality and the stuff of dreams. If you live here, you know that each day of summer stretches long into the late afternoon and evening, and quietly challenges us to be bold, adventurous, and not wasteful of those precious minutes slipping toward fall. If you are a visitor, you might be made giddy by the kaleidoscope of incredible vistas, fantastical creatures, and the raucous human parade of rodeos, concerts, markets, and events. Resident or visitor, you are grateful for a Montana summer. This summer we hope to be part of your experience with our "My Montana Home" special section, where practical ~Henry james advice on building and real estate might begin by reading from your porch-side rocker. Turn our pages to meet Ted Turner, the life-long environmental activist, we think of the best kind. Learn about Montana avian sanctuaries, our pick for "5 Best Waterfall Hikes," and —- just what is that "geo-caching" really about anyway? Enjoy the Gustafson's, as they go mano-a-mano with their fiction and the jaunty realism of Monte Dolack's art. Discover the unsung dedication of our volunteer fire-fighters and why we call Billings Montana's "Gateway to Prosperity." There is more in this issue, of course, and don't forget to visit us onBill Muhlenfeld, Publisher line now and then for bill@distinctlymontana.com the best of Montana news, events and, of course, our writers and vids. So what are you waiting for? Anthea George, Publisher Enjoy a Distinctly anthea@distinctlymontana.com Montana summer! The leading skin and laser specialists in Southwest Montana Skin Cancer Treatment • Botox & Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels & Dermabrasion Laser Skin Rejuvenation • CoolSculpting Clinical Facials • Hair Removal Lash and Brow Enhancement Dr. Teresa Mann, board certified American Board of Dermatology, and her exceptional team of practitioners and laser specialists, will continue in the practice of medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. where.skin.matters 1188 North 15th, Suite 1&2, Bozeman, 59715 586-PURE (7873) puredermatologybozeman.com w w w. d i s t i n c t ly mo nt a na .co m 9

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