A day in Stanley, ND

Today I come to you from the busy town of Stanley, ND. The town that has nearly tripled its average median income in the last ten years. The town that is jumping with cars, oil delivering trucks, and land men looking for the next abstract to dissect. There is only an estimated 1,280 (ish) actual residents that call Stanley their home, However by the line of brand new homes, full mobile home parking lots, the sold out hotel/motel rooms in a 60 mile radius, and the continuous traffic down Main Street, you would think you were in a completely different setting.
For today I am being a true blue loyal North Dakotan and touring the most amazing part of the state, “Oil Country”.
I have been mentioning to Sheldon, my dear step father and current employer, that I really would like to take a look at the area and see the action of the oil wells littering the horizon. Today we left Bismarck, ND around 5:30am. Pulling out of my freshly shoveled driveway after the 3 inches of fresh pow yesterday we (with clenched teeth) received from Ms. Mother Nature our arch nemesis. I have already been through Minot, and seen the facilities of the Bowbells’ Court house.

I write this little ditty from a lovely window seat in Stanley’s fine second hand store and coffee shop. A typical small town establishment with used books, clothing from the 80s, and helium balloons for sale lining the walls. A gentleman walking around talking to his employer on speakerphone with the volume so loud I can here he is needed for work tomorrow over the sound of music coming through my headphones. Meanwhile, the sales clerks are going through their wildlife calendars hanging on the wall marking down important dates to remember. All in all a wonderful place to actually get some work done and take in an average day in the life of the locals.

Sometimes I wonder why I constantly am searching for happiness in catastrophic events that I feel I should have about every few months. At the moment I am trying to decide what direction to throw myself into. Starting from the basics such as living location, spawning all the way through to the idea of what I want to be when I grow up, and if I should really ever bring a child into the world with the yo yo lifestyle I tend to live. Always moving, always wanting to change directions, always looking for the next adventure whether it be a wise one or a “learn the hard way” one.. My mother has recently moved to a small town in Minnesota and has really found it a challenge to transition into a slower pace of life. Bingo at the Eagles, breakfast at the 600sq ft café around the block, and basically a 5 min drive to just about anywhere in town.

I think we just get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and moving at light speed, to try and get as much done as humanly possible, that we forget to actually notice all of the gifts that each day brings. I know that sounds all flowers and rainbows-y but truly when was the last time you took 5 min to think about the best thing that has happened all day. My mom used to make us say three nice things about each other every time my brothers and I or Sheldo and I would start arguing. And it was always the same mindless answers we would give.. “ Sheldo, you are a really good lawyer.” or “ Alex, you are really good at snowboarding” or “ Keaton, you play a mean game of hockey”. Maybe tonight while enjoying your dinner or evening glass of wine you should try the “3 nice things” game. Here are mine. Good day to all and Happy Ash Wednesday.



1. Mom, I think that you are a wonderful, dedicated mother, and I am proud of you for your continuous efforts in making Belle’s life one filled with potential and love. Keep up the good work!

2. All my little cousins, I love you so all so so much and thank God for all the joy, laughter, and funny things you all say. . “ We better go find my mommy and daddy. They just don’t think that you are very responsible….” (Sydney, age 7)

3.Thank you Belle Ria for being a wonderful and sassy little sister. I love how you are so intuitive and insightful. You are truly creative and I think that some day you are going to be an amazing photographer.