Back in Big Sky country with a book to sell

Writer's 'Dog and Pony Show' features fun readings, workshops with Writer's Voice between nature viewings

Migrating birds happily load up for the next leg of their journey, stopping to snack at High Chaparral near Nye, Montana

The Big Read's choice of Willa Cather's "My Antonia," prompted Writer's

Voice" to ask Christene Meyers to teach a series of memoir workshops.

A downy woodpecker hunts for lunch.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

This bear welcomed us home.

WE'VE BEEN back in the bosom of our beloved Montana for less than two weeks, but in those few days, we've seen more birds than we have in months in past years. We've had twin fawns eating the spills from the feeders, and the hummingbirds are already back, though how they survive the cold, below-freezing nights I have no idea. Friends say they make cozy nests in the fir trees.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we're happy to be home to Big Sky Country.

Weekend reading from "Lilian...." packs a pretty house    (click left)

WE HIT the deck running, with workshops and readings vying for time with unpacking.  Keller was in charge of restoring water.  For the first time in 22 years, we'd drained the water -- after a disastrous and expensive flood last year during our absence.

Keller turned it back on in minutes while I filled the feeders!

The road to High Chaparral along the West Fork of the Stillwater River.

"Is that important to do before the car is even unloaded," he asked. "YES! Absolutely." I replied. "It's for my mental health. You do want that, don't you?"

WITH BIRDS in the trees, and overflowing feeders and suet blocks, we're attracting squirrels, and of course the usual vols, moles, mice and packrats.  Soon, we will have snakes, too, for as Keller points out, I've offered up the perfect habitat for visiting creatures large and small.

WE'RE ALSO taking "Lilian's Last Dance" around to book shops and stores, and we'll update you at the "Lilian" website.

Back home, and out our windows

this young fawn has a spring snack.

More about "Lilian's Last Dance", click below;http://www.lilianslastdance.com/index.html

A Sunday reading at the home of Kent and Linda Harris in

Absarokee attracted several dozen readers, who heard

Christene Meyers talk about "Lilian's Last Dance."

 WE'RE loading up the car with first editions of "Lilian's Last Dance," while we read from and sign copies of Cookie's first novel. (We're happy to inscribe, sign and send a first edition --- check out the "Lilian" blog for details.)

We're getting some nice attention, including interviews with the Cody Enterprise in Wyoming.  In Billings, we'll be featured in a story by Billings Outpost editor David Crisp.

Keep an eye on "Lilian" website for updates.

The Cobblestone School in Absarokee is the subject of an upcoming blog.

COMING UP: Our whereiscookie blog takes a Montana turn as we return to Big Sky Country for a recharge of our country batteries.  It's not all play and no work, though, with Keller on the job doing a room addition, the book tour and a half-dozen writing workshops.

A workshop a few days ago in the historic Cobblestone School in Absarokee gave us a chance to prowl this wonderful 1917 building, in its 98th year. We take an inside look on Saturday. Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out at Wednesdays and weekends at www.whereiscookie.com