The 2013 version of “Montana spring” (often hard to distinguish from winter) just packed up and split, taking May’s wet reputation with it. Here we are, used to the idea of puttering around our yards and gardens between storms, waiting for the lovely warm weeks to arrive—and they arrived early.

We know a lot of the Magpie’s local readers are already working over the trails, the tailwaters, and all those other natural venues that make playing outside in Montana so wonderful. Ever the adaptable sort, we wanted to make as much information as we have available to you and to area newcomers.

With that objective, here’s a filtered Magpie bibliography of outdoor recreation in southwest Montana, categorized by activity:

I'll admit I was skeptical when first I saw the bustle of renovation in the old white house on West Main that so long hosted Cafe Zydeco. It amazed me that even Zydeco could hold its own in such a nondescript location without the turnover of downtown foot traffic—a testament to the power of quality and the wordy-mouthiness of our locals. Anyone aiming to fill those Cajun shoes would have a high bar to clear, above and beyond the hardscrabble experience of restauranteering in Bozeman.

It may also be that the space has some ole Dixie mojo.

The Roost—the property’s latest occupant and an establishment specializing in fried chicken—have made the space lighter and airier with their renovations and color palette, though a good portion of that feeling is owed to the open doors and spring sunshine lighting up the renovated back deck.

“It was a notable act, not only on account of the transcendent importance of the territory it was designed to protect, but because it was a marked innovation in the traditional policy of governments. From time immemorial privileged classes have been protected by law in the withdrawal, for their exclusive enjoyment, of immense tracts of forests, parks, and game preserves. But never before was a region of such vast extent as the Yellowstone Park set apart for the use of all the people without distinction of rank or wealth.” - Hiram Martin Chittenden, from the book The Yellowstone National Park (1895)

Well, what if Yellowstone wasn’t?

I’m not suggesting we pretend the Louisiana Purchase never happened or overlook the color of the stone—“Roche Jaune”—I’m talking about that “marked innovation in the traditional policy of governments” leading to its designation as a National Park. What if those post-Civil War congressmen had passed on the notion of protecting all that land way out past the shadows of their constituency? It would have been a very conscionable thing to do, considering the cupful of the troubles with Reconstruction…

Picture it today, the reservation of the Park notwithstanding.

Redfern's photographic work reminds us that dealing with the wildcard of May in Montana must first focus on the weather.  It's not just a calendar page or a stretch of puddles to jump, May sets the tone for the whole summer.

For six more truly fantastic images by Redfern, click "READ" below...

Like an orphanage in a 7th Avenue strip mall, the Verge Theatre is the unlikely home of a bourgeoning improv community in Bozeman. Although the venue might be unconventional, Improv on the Verge can claim roots in Chicago's famed Second City, a drop of stardom in the Big Sky. The troupe is an extension of the adult improv classes Christian McDaniel teaches at the former Equinox Theater, a chance for newbie improvisers to air their skills on stage and for Bozeman to enjoy a $5 night at the theater.

I recently sat down to coffee with McDaniel and players Danielle Blank and Molly Hannan. The trio's love of improvisational theater bubbled out of their descriptions of rehearsals, particularly memorable scenes, and their fellow players. Blank said, "When it clicks, it's magic." It's precisely this delicious chemistry between chaos and creation that gives improv its fascinating energy.

(Originally posted on 18 November 2012, this co-authored article followed a contentious, general election political season, nationwide, that was not nearly contentious enough for some local and state offices.  For those candidates hoping to win city posts this fall, the filing began on Monday, April 29th.  It ends in late June.  So that time has come for you to urge that person in your life chock full of leadership qualities to run, especially if that person inhabits your mirror.)

"The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed." - Martina Navratilova

The gunfire is gone and the smoke settled here in southwest Montana, idled as we are in November. After a respectful, albeit brief period for condolence, we again feel the flush of liberty to talk about social issues. Meanwhile, much of the political terrain has been demilitarized; we can discuss, again, without fear of an emotional Vesuvius or a verbal Fukushima.

Elections die and the human campaign rolls on. Even in Washington, as warn-torn and ravaged as Antietam just days ago, they’re back on the drums. They've found new lyrics (for old battle hymns) on fronts like presidential cabinet appointments, the "fiscal cliff," and the unforeseen return of the prodigal son, climate change.