Welcome to the Wild West

My one month mark at the Billings Gazette was just a few days ago, May 8th. So far, I am so happy I made the decision to move on to this bigger and better place. The photo staff is supportive, knowledgeable, and best of all, hilarious. And they've already made me feel like an important part of the team... not just the newbie on staff. My other coworkers have also welcomed me with open arms. I feel so much more at home here than I've felt at my past few gigs, it's encouraging to know that after what feels like an eternity of trial and error in several cities, it's possible to find a home away from home. 

Montana is beautiful. Just absolutely gorgeous. Each day I drive to work, the Yellowstone River (and an oil refinery, but I try to look on the bright side) on my left and the Rimrocks that surround the city on my right. Even after a long, difficult day, it's easy to find solace and peace with one look outside. They call it "Big Sky Country" for a reason.

I feel so positive about my experience here professionally. I can't wait to see what lies ahead. 

Here are some of my favorite images from the past month. Bullriding, a vigil held for a man shot down by a police officer, hockey, softball, Pippi the Clown, veterans, fires, car accidents... here I see a little bit of everything. Every day is a challenge -- and that's something I have desperately needed throughout the past year.

Guytin Tsosie is bucked off of "Pitch Black" during the PBR Stanley Performance In Action Invitational on Saturday April 12, 2014 at Rimrock Auto Arena.

From left, Denny Harper of American Legion Post 100 in Park City, WY, Max Long of American Legion Post 123 in Laurel, Don Hedges of American Legion Post 123 in Laurel and Disabled American Veterans member Bob Scott all took part in fundraising for Big Sky Honor Flights.

Simeon Forsman, 10, of the Park city Wyoming Puck Chuckers cries and clutches his leg after being injured on the ice during the Big Sky State Games hockey tournament Sunday April 13, 2014 at Centennial Ice Arena

Beulah "Grandma B" Rylander, 86, shares a laugh with Guide Safety Instructor Love Burland before launching as the first official rider of the new zipline course at Outlaw Canyon Adventures on Thursday April 17, 2014.

Fire crews work to quell a blaze at the General Store at Oscar's Dreamland at 3740 Wise Lane on Sunday April 13, 2014. 

Friends and family of Richard Ramirez gather at the site of the shooting at 5th Ave S. and State Ave. and light candles in honor of his memory Friday April 18, 2014. 

Julia Ramirez, oldest sister of Richard Ramirez, cries on a friend's shoulder at the site of Ramirez's shooting at 5th Ave S. and State Ave. Friends and family gathered to light candles in honor of his memory Friday April 18, 2014. 

Mystic Pippin, 10, playing Connie Swanny, adjusts her tiara before running scenes with the rest of the Chicken Little cast April 21, 2014 at NOVA Center for the Performing Arts. Chicken Little premieres April 25th.

Triathlon runners stretch in the few minutes before the start of the 36th Annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race on Sunday April 27, 2014 in Red Lodge.

Travis Goff, 40, left, talks with Katy Miller (not pictured) while Justin Miller, right, plays with his children Mathew Miller, 3, top, and Leela Miller, 2, bottom, before a hot Easter meal Sunday April 19, 2014 at Montana Rescue Missions.

World War II Navy veteran Barbara Musgrove, 92, cries and waves to friends in the cheering crowd after arriving home a Big Sky Honor Flight on Monday April 28, 2014 at Billings Logan International Airport.

Billings Central's Molly Day is tagged out at third base after getting caught ina rundown between 2nd and 3rd during the Billings Central vs. Laurel High softball game Friday April 25, 2014 at Stewart Park.

Airport firefighters spray an arc of water over a departing plane containing the last Big Sky Honor Flight for World War II veterans Sunday May 11, 2014 at Billings Logan International Airport.

Billings West catcher Maranda Ratcliff looks to the umpire for confirmation after tagging out Bozeman High's Savannah Davis at home plate during a softball game against Bozeman on Friday May 2, 2014 at Poly Vista Park. 

Firefighters carry a dog kennel out from the burned house at 2007 Ida Street  in Billings Heights on Sunday May 4, 2014. The homeowners lost their 3 dogs in the blaze. 

Jeanne Thomas, AKA Pippi the Clown, right, measures James Pelham's, 11, head for a birthday balloon hat at the NOVA Center of the Performing Arts one year anniversary party on Saturday May 10, 2014. 

A rainbow arcs over Billings after a thunderstorm Monday May 5, 2014.