dig this chick

I hoping to keep it up! The writing. I miss it. Tired of writing just captions. New post up about mothering, running, expanding. xo

You Could Be My Luck even if the sky is falling down

https://www.digandco.com/products/kitchen-pharmacy-a-fermentation-workshop-nov-11-2022

Locals! This Saturday at DIG+CO (Missoula, Montana): deodorant making workshop with Coming Up Rainbows. Erika is sharing her secret recipe (that has a cult following) and magic with us in this hands-on workshop. We have just a few spots left and would love for you to join. Grab a buddy and see you there?

Pit Stick Workshop / Sept 28, 2025 September 28 / 10am-noon DIG+CO. / 2203 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, Mont Join Coming Up Rainbows owner Erika Hickey to learn to make your very own non-toxic, highly effective deodorant. Yes, she is sharing her wildly popular formula (and YES it works!!!) with us in this hands-on workshop. Erika is an h...

Going to the Sun Road in climbs up and over the heart of the park and spans 50 miles from the west entrance to the east entrance. Every spring, before it’s open to vehicles, it is open only to cyclists and hikers. You never really know how high up you can go before the closure (due to avalanche danger /clearing the road from winter’s leftovers). This year it was 14 miles to the closure. Such a fun accomplishment, made even sweeter this year because my dad and mother-in-law joined us! 10/10 recommend. It’s truly a magical experience (I don’t think we’ll ever do Going to the Sun in a car ever again) and if you’re at all interested, go! 🌞

Details: the dates change depending on road conditions, but it’s always around this time of year that it’s open to hikers and bikers. Beginning in mid-June you must purchase a vehicle pass to enter the park (you drive in a few miles, park at Avalanche Campground and leave from there). Vehicle passes can be purchased in advance, but they sell out quickly. But not to worry because you can also purchase a vehicle pass the evening before at 7pm. E-bikes are allowed and available to rent in Apgar Village, right near west entrance. You can also purchase a shuttle ticket or rent a bike rack. Things to bring: chamois (padded bike shorts), layers (warm going up, chilly going down — long sleeve, wind breaker/rain coat, gloves), bear spray, hydration, snacks, sunglasses. Distance & elevation info in last slide.

“Business mom: Nici Holt Cline has thriving multi-pronged at-home career” was the title of a Missoulian newspaper article published exactly 15 years ago in May 2010, written by Betsy Cohen. This photo by Linda Thompson. Two wonderful women.

Oh wow 2010 was such a different time online. Blogging was hopeful and sweet. Small business momentum and its brand new intersection with the internet felt boundless and generous, like fertile land ready to grow the dreams of anyone, in exchange for creative muscle and authentic grit. Back when 400 friends on Facebook was a stat to brag about. Ha.

I am including the article here. It probably goes without saying but I’ll say it: all mothers are full time mothers. Funny I don’t remember bristling at that sentence when this article came out but I did today. Although I understand the intention, I didn’t *become* a full time mom when I switched careers.

I studied this photograph today, taken in a corner of the basement in our old home. The piles of clothes on that old shelf. I’d just secured a wholesale account with American Apparel and that felt like a huge deal. My grandma’s sewing machine and that basket of fusible interfacing trials. My dark hair. Freezer paper templates and idea lists on clothespins. Margot a colorful blur of energy, as she always was. Ruby in my arms, as she always was. The wooden teething toy on the table, and the quilt top pieces on the ironing board. I started that quilt when Ruby was born, a gift for Margot. It still looks just like that. Perhaps a gift for Margot’s high school graduation next year.

I run or walk up this trail, doing the exact same 2.47 mile loop, several mornings a week. Have for many years. It starts right from my front door so it’s easy and quick but also? I just love it. Watching the seasons and weather along those switch backs that have witnessed my sadness, anger, joy, confusion, distraction, confidence, grief, pain, satisfaction. Not just witnessed, but literally comforted, cheered, supported my body. I am in love with this mountainside. It’s the most generous, empathetic slope there ever was.

I shared in my stories yesterday about my house and its capacity and it landed with many of you. Our kitchen table seats 4 and is tucked up under the window. I’m currently writing an essay about the great gift in lessons and togetherness that comes with one bathroom for a family. Our home gets messy fast and often stays that way. Love measured in vacuum canisters full of pet hair, dishes that held dinner put off until tomorrow.

We host gatherings and our home is like Mary Poppin’s bag: she expands to accommodate however many humans. And I just trust that to be true so it is. Last night as we sang happy birthday to my mom and daughter, 20 of us cozy in our living room and I thought about your dms and how it can be so easy to opt out of hosting when we see images of things that are prettier or more spacious or put together than we can be. Truth is it’s just as easy to opt in: shove appliances in the hall closet to create counter space for punch, tear paper towels in half to serve cake, and just enjoy imperfect perfect today with these people.

I left this happy sinkside arrangement for a little longer this morning. I love the hands that held these cups.