big sky

Remember how I've been writing a novel for, like, the past seven years?* Well, now I'm writing a new one. And I wanted it to be set in Montana. In my mother's hometown of Melstone. Full of all the great stories and characters I've heard she and my grandma churn over for ages. And since the last time I'd been there was when I was nine, I obviously needed to take a research trip.

You know that discontented married rich lady in Breakfast at Tiffanys who acts as that writer's benefactor and funds his lack of traditional employment until he throws her off for Audrey Hepburn? I too have just such a benefactor. It's Dave. Except he's not a discontented rich lady. And I have no plans to throw him off. Especially because he thinks trips like this are a good idea. Which is why I love him dearly.

So last week, I met my mom (my guide) in Billings and we drove the two hours to her old stomping grounds.

Melstone! (population: 100ish)

We stayed with my Great Aunt Virginia at her ranch house.
As you can guess, there are no hotels in town.

The Musselshell River

Me, posed like a freakshow near some hay.
Yes I have seen hay bales before, but I thought it would make a good photo op. And then I didn't know how to stand. And this is the unfortunately awkward result.

Colored glass in the Mussleshell Catholic Church window

Sunset.
And then later that night (not pictured), I realized just how many stars I'd never seen before.

stark, stark rural-ness. It was great.

More hay.
(I'm sure people though I was some chick from L.A. who'd never seen a cow before or something. But really, I wasn't there to gawk. Just to soak up the flavor of the place).

I took along little Lucy (Peeps stayed with her other grandma).
She was a great traveling companion!

We stopped by my grandparent's old "river ranch" for a bit of nostalgia and learned that the place is for sale. For 2 million dollars. So, as soon as I come up with that cash, we'll have a lovely summer-reunion-vacation spot!

My Aunt Virginia asked me on our last night if I'd gotten enough material. Yes, yes, yes. And thank you! Most especially to Penee, who was really the highlight of my trip. What can I say? I heart my mom.

*What about that first novel, you ask? Well, I'm just sort of done with it. It's done and not done. Needs some more work, but I'd rather give it a rest, take what I learned from writing it, and start something fresh. I'm not abandoning the thing, you understand, just letting it simmer. Perhaps indefinitely.