Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1513541
10 | SIGNATURE MONTANA SIGNATURE MONTANA | EDITOR'S LETTER Hayley Lenington-Leray, Editor A s we stand on the threshold of a new year, I find myself reflecting on the customary tradition of making New Year's resolutions. While I've never been one to embark on the journey of quick fixes for happiness, weight loss, or miraculous behavior modifications, I am drawn to a different kind of transformation—one that goes beyond the surface and delves into the core of our being. However, diving in is more challenging than ever before. e last few years have changed people, and to be frank, not for the beer. Well, maybe not you. I like to think of our readers as genuinely nice people. I'm a firm believer that kindness is infectious, but it's disheartening to see that rudeness, unfortunately, can spread just as easily. Rudeness now goes beyond the driver and airline seat and infests public meetings and political discourse, not to mention casual contact among strangers. I recently read an article on a restaurant that shut down for a day to treat its employees to kind behavior aer being yelled at by customers one too many times. Sadly, I am guilty, too. ere are so many things that have happened over the past few years to be angry about, but taking that anger out on others only multiplies the problem. Rudeness, no maer how you define it, is not okay. We must do beer. Our lives are shaped by metaphors, subtle lenses through which we interpret the world. ese ingrained perspectives, oen unconscious, play a profound role in determining our experiences, influencing our levels of contentment, and navigating the ebb and flow of joy and hardship. is year, I am choosing to recalibrate my life metaphor to consciously adjust the lens through which I perceive the world. e onset of a new year can evoke a myriad of emotions and memories. Some may bask in the aerglow of a year filled with joy and well-being, eagerly anticipating an even brighter future. Others may have weathered storms of adversity, grappling with the challenges that life has thrown their way. In the face of this, I am embracing a mindset that fosters hope—a renewable source of energy that, when accessed and nurtured, can illuminate even the darkest corners of our lives. Kindness is a thread that connects us all as humans. In a world where we are inherently wired to connect, the kindness within one individual has the potential to ignite kindness in others. It is a collective force that, when extended through the works of our hands and the meditations of our hearts, has the power to create a ripple effect, casting light into the hearts of those who may be grappling with shadows. We have curated a handful of articles in this issue, guaranteed to take your mind off the stress that ails you. Whether you are a bathroom reader, a Sunday morning relaxer, or an aernoon break-taker, this issue offers a soothing reprieve from the pressures of daily life. We introduce Sco Blumfield, the entrepreneurial trailblazer who helped elevate the Great Falls dining scene with a touch of sophistication. We explore the life of Sister Mary Trinitas, an artist who dedicated her life to service, her faith, and teaching others about her love of creating artwork in any media she could get her hands on. And Bue, Montana's economic development strategies are drawing the aention of businesses nationwide. Find out why its economy is booming and who the major players are behind its success. We dive into the beef industry and discover that meat IS healthy, and it is what's WANTED for dinner, despite the United Nations advocating for a reduction in meat consumption. It's funny --the people pushing the Paris Climate Accords and making decisions (on our behalf ) to save the planet are the same ones flying their private jets, living in multiple mansions, and dining in luxury. ese top 1% of "polluter elites" produce more carbon emissions that destroy our planet than the boom 66% combined. But I digress. is is just a small taste of what's in store for you in this issue. It's time to unwind and enjoy the read. Remember, as we embark on this New Year, let us be mindful of the transformative power of kindness. In embracing this perspective, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to the collective resilience of humanity. Let us commit to nurturing kindness within ourselves and passing it on to others, for in this interconnected tapestry of life, our shared moments of optimism can genuinely make a difference. Happy New Year!