Tags
Joy, Livingston, Love, Montana, Peace
-by Bill Watkins 6/18/2017
Mixed bag, like anywhere in this savage land most call “America.”
You get by the roads, cement, asphalt and tracks—the cigarette butts and wayside bars to marvel at Mountains. Wind. Sky everywhere, and clouds that at once threaten and entertain, swirling at play,
Soccer fields with snow-capped mountain backdrops, old west saloon facades selling thrift and high quality art.
Book stores and hip; music abound.
Bad news travels slow until artists collide; a moment with talented Montana master, Sheila Hrasky shows me Picasso colored West, but I learn of tragedy.
Last year children ended their lives in suicide, so now I read—an adult or two drowning as well.
Shades of Los Angeles and a former life I led in Pasadena, California seems relevant. I survived two overdoses and years of suicidal depression to come here—15 years sober full of hope, writings, dance and song!!!!!
The Devil is gone from my life, Coach Longfellow teaching me to be a hero in the strife!
Alcohol is a cold friend. A backstabber up and down Main, Park or wherever deceived.
Walk out of the bar, turn from evil, and feel your pain…
(There is no joy without it, Montana)
Bill Watkins, Traveling Poet 
Bill, I lost your card – how did that happen already? It may be in the car my husband is in..I’d love to introduce you to our volunteer coordinator for the Hoot – Michele Lami. She could talk you through what she’s already got set up. Based on our conversation, John and I wonder if you might be open to a brand new position – King of Clean! We’ll have 50 trash cans and recycle bins. Each has signs urging folks to Keep Livingston Clean. We have a squad of volunteers manning street closures and kids areas, and keeping information flowing. But we don’t have anyone who wanders about keeping an eye on the clean. We have helpers, trash bags and brooms at headquarters, and would love to have you consider helping us keep ahead of the mess. The hours of the Hoot are 4-10. That’s a long shift – but maybe you and Michele can work something out. My phone is 406/599-1075. My email is info@livingstonhoot.com. The website for you to check out the Hoot – is http://www.LivingstonHoot.com. Michele can be reached at michele.lami5080@gmail.com.