…hard choices bring consequences and even harder choices… free will is the cause and effect of our lives…
Dealing with flashback trauma, the Empath gears up for battle.
Since 1889, there have been well over 100 documented sightings of the Flathead Lake Monster. Many depict the creature as a large fish, but most describe the monster as a snake-like creature, measuring 30 to 40 feet in length with large steely black eyes. The serpent form protrudes from the surface with several bumps and … Continue reading Growing Up On The Reservation [Flathead Lake Monster]
Once more, my job is rarely boring. Yesterday was Friday, and like most Fridays, I spent the day rolling from one highway crisis to another. Crashes, Disabled Vehicles, and other miscellaneous problems had our drivers working tirelessly for most of the day Around 2:30 PM, I received a call to move a vehicle to safety. … Continue reading From Flat Tires To Felony Theft
Pictured: Polson High School. Polson, Montana. I struggled terribly in school. Not because I couldn't do the work, but for several other reasons. Racism [Racial Politics] was close to the top of the list. Racism; we've all been givers and receivers. Everyone has been guilty of racist thoughts to some degree. Everyone has been the … Continue reading Growing Up On The Reservation [School Racism]
For all the right reasons, I love The 4th of July. God Bless American! Joseph Shanklin July 4, 2021
Law Enforcement on the Reservation is complicated, and there is no shortage of it. I grew up in a County Seat, so my hometown had an extra share. We had City Police, County Sheriff's Office, State Police, Tribal Police, and because the city was on Tribal Land, the Feds had several offices. All American Indian … Continue reading Growing Up On The Reservation [Law Enforcement]
The Truth Will Set You Free As I've written before, my job is never dull. Anything that can happen on the Interstate Highway happens while I'm at work. I've witnessed Horrific Accidents, Car Fires [The CarBQ], Medical Emergencies, Stolen Vehicles, and too many Deer lying on the shoulder. The danger is never-ending and tends to … Continue reading The Truth Will Set You Free [Even While Driving]
Commercial Free I understand the significance of commercials and marketing. Regardless of this fact, I do not give my time away willingly to such things. More than ten years ago, I began muting my television during commercials. I no longer listen to local radio stations. Heck, I even mute the volume at the self-checkout before … Continue reading Choosing Commercial Free
Bunkers Around the age of 12 (1980), I began hiking throughout the countryside with my friends. One buddy, in particular, lived in the hills just outside of town. The view of the lake from his house was amazing. I can only imagine what that property is worth today. My buddy and I would walk the … Continue reading Growing Up On The Reservation [Underground Homes]
Before I begin spinning a few [short and tall] tales, I'd like to post a few pieces of background information. When you think of Indian Land, do you imagine the dessert or a picture paradise? My hometown of Polson, located on The Flathead Indian Reservation, rests on the southern shore of Flathead Lake. Nearly 30 … Continue reading Life On The Reservation Intro Part II
I decided to turn back the clock and tell a few tales from my younger days. I grew up on the Southern shore of Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana [Pictured]. Thank you for reading. Introduction We have all grown up someplace interesting. Nearly everyone has memories of thrilling childhood experiences, complete with tales of danger … Continue reading Stories From The Reservation [Introduction]
