Margaret E. Davis: Peaks and Valleys
Explore Margaret E. Davis’ Peaks and Valleys column, where she captures Northwest Montana life through reflective storytelling, local history, community events, and everyday experiences across Northwest Montana. Her writing blends curiosity, humor, and insight into Montana’s people, landscapes, and culture.
Students learn how to go beyond Google
Many adults may not know the difference between primary and secondary sources. I had to look it up to be sure.
Students go beyond Google
Many adults may not know the difference between primary and secondary sources. I had to look it up to be sure.
Of blooms and building booms
I appreciate these semiwild oases. Given how difficult it is to manage larger, popular spaces for the public good, it is these smaller parcels that may mean the most, especially for locals.
Writers dig into ways of China
He spoke flawless Mandarin. I felt a mix of jealousy and awe over his perfect tones, those quirks of pronunciation that give each Chinese word five different meanings.
Make every birthday phenomenal
Success needs savoring. Milestones mean taking stock. We recently partied to mark the 130-year anniversary of Central School and the 25-year anniversary of its tenant, the Northwest Montana History Museum.
Kick out rote, kick up the roam
“Death Cafe”— it’s not your average cuppa. Intrigued, I headed to Whitefish on a recent spring afternoon to spend time in a coffee shop with 16 others discussing the end, our ends.
Burning questions answered
On my recent drives along U.S. 93, I had seen the plumes. Instead of cringing that it was wildfire, I’d smile because it meant someone was cleaning up a pile — a burn pile, that is, and a chore that many yearn to t…
Big bird saves the day
When we walked in earlier to the Lone Pine State Park visitors’ center, AmeriCorps program specialist Eryn O’Brien greeted us with a hearty, “Are you guys big birders?” She took our “no” in stride, and provided the…
Fresh ears for young writers
It’s all good. I practically skipped with glee after these volunteer gigs, and the rejuvenating effects lasted for hours — just for bringing fresh ears to new writers.
Cupid’s got nothing on Marion
They had me at “Anti-Valentine’s Day” in the event promo. I called my adventure buddy, and we headed to Marion.
Behind the open mic
Now a weekly event, the all-comers confab traces its roots to about six years ago, when emcee-organizer Colton Christensen worked at a Whitefish restaurant.
Sharp shooter captured a town
In these weather-bound days I hole up and read for hours. I finished a book about Lucie Duff Gordon, a London intellectual and translator who fled to Egypt in the mid-1800s to save her health and fell in love with …
Packers cultivate sunny outlook
Days are supposed to be stretching longer since solstice but to me it doesn’t feel like it. Winter can be hard around here.
The laureate rocks
I didn’t expect to hear Mary Oliver’s verse from Montana’s poet laureate, and here Chris La Tray recited her “The Summer Day.” We listened, then bent our heads to draw.
Maybe the Swifties take charge
After talking about journalism and sharing stories, we said bye at Sea-Tac with the idea we might meet up again as I often visited Seattle.