Publisher’s Note
We love May. We both agree, it’s our favorite month of the year. As nature renews itself, we do too. We have more energy; winter depression has lifted and there’s more hours for being outdoors.
It’s been a long winter. Hardships, weather, cold temps, and continual bad news on television has driven even the most optimistic person down. Sometimes the burdens become so heavy that it’s time for a reevaluation of life, a step back and a shuffling of priorities. And, that’s what we did.
Almost three years ago, we not only bought Raised in the West, but we also started work on a café and fermentation station. To say we bit off more than we could chew might have described us, but our intentions were good, our plan spot on and the result was three growing and successful businesses. We survived covid, lack of help and difficulty getting products, and we persevered, turning it into a unique little spot in Billings that people love. The problem was, we also published ten issues of our magazine while working full time at the café and we started to feel time becoming much more precious, add to that, the ole timer had run his clock up to 65…
It was the words of our five-year-old granddaughter that tugged the most at our hearts, “Grammy and Grampa, I just want to be with you more.” Ok, that was it. The last straw. We needed more freedom back. Not only for us, but for our family. Our son will take over running the kombucha brewery, and on May 1st, we sold the café to a young Montana couple that we’re sure will take what we started to the next level. They are ambitious, energized, full of ideas and a hometown family. We wish Andrew and Ashley Lauckner huge success.
That leaves us time to do what we want to do, spend time with our kids and grandkids. It also allows us time to travel across Montana and continue to grow our magazine. We have big plans, and this summer will help us launch into them. All we can promise right now is a lot more stories and for us…that’s darned exciting. Plus, we plan on fishing, floating, hiking, and lots of old fashioned adventure.
We filled this issue with good things. Reminders that even though all is not well in our nation and world, there is still much to be grateful for and enjoy. It’s garden season, and we’ve got some great ideas about how to utilize space by planting vertically. We ventured to Yellowstone Park, celebrating its 150th year, but instead of fighting the crowd this summer, we look ways to enjoy the off season.
We visited with three agricultural advocates that promote the industry through social media, with their photography and blogs and by getting involved in ag programs that help the industry on a state and national level.
And we look at a lighter side as we ask the tough question, “Where exactly is the center of Montana?” We also head back in time to 45 years ago to the infamous Aber Day Keggers, a benefit kegger put on by the University of Montana that’s been labeled the biggest benefit kegger in the world to date. And yes, it was a firsthand experience…
Among other stories, make sure you check out our schedule of “don’t miss” events across the region for ideas of what to do for fun with your family this summer.
We hope you enjoy our spring issue. Hopefully we’ll see some of you as we’re out and about crisscrossing the state this summer.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by pray and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Cyd & Stu