Email me if you want to have a session with me this summer synda@syndarorexphotography.com

This is Karen’s Billings.  If you are curious about how “my Billings” was started you can read about it here.

When I was offered a job that required moving out of Alaska, our home for over 20 years, I was expected to live on the west coast.  Since my husband, Paul and I are not city or beach people I negotiated something a bit more like the home of our hearts.  Mountains, snow and open spaces.  I researched every city you can imagine and was thrilled that Billings, a town I had visited as a young bride, came to the surface for many reasons.  320 days of sunshine annually, a small business friendly climate, low crime rates, the cost of utilities etc. and most importantly, a great airport.

I spent almost 2 years in Billings, pretty much by myself as Paul closed his construction company in Alaska and worked as a fly fishing guide.  I flew weekly and felt a bit lost.   How do you make friends when you are half a couple, you are never home and everyone seems to have a clique?  Well, on a late night flight I met my Zimmerman trail angel.  He was flying in from Florida just to hike in Billings.  I had no idea about the trail but set out early the next morning, scared to hike by myself and yet exhilarated at the possibilities.  I fell head over heels in love with Billings that day.  I can hike until I feel lost…and there is the city, right below me, like a beacon of friendship.

My daughter and her husband moved here to start In Good Glazes, our home became a gathering place and I have since left my corporate job to grow a new endeavor.   My Billings is my home now.  I am proud of it, thankful for it and am glad I get to share a few of my favorite spaces with you.

ONE:  In Good Glazes- and not because I am a partial owner.  Because it is a happy place for so many people.  My daughter, Liz, has done an amazing job turning what could have been a hobby business into a real success.

TWO:  Montana Avenue- from the train cars at the Depot to Art Walks and breakfast at Log Cabin Bakery this street has my heart.  When we located Canvas Creek at the Depot I was thrilled beyond compare, it was like finally and completely coming home.

THREE:  Pioneer Park- specifically the trees lining Parkhill.  Seeing them in sunshine, rain or snow always fills my heart with the joy of nature.

FOUR:  Harper and Madison- when it’s time for coffee, it’s time for this amazing space!  I am so glad it is within walking distance and I often make it a goal to introduce one new person per day to this gem!

FIVE:  YVW magazine- while not a place, this magazine has helped me to know the best of Billings and is my favorite piece of Billings to take to friends in other cities.

SIX:  Fancy Sushi- this is our lunch, dinner, and just because space.  The staff knows my favorite drink (green rice tea on ice) and they have it ready as soon as I walk in the door.

SEVEN:  The Presbyterian church labyrinth – We suffered a tragic family loss lately and spending time in this space is very healing for all of us.

EIGHT:  Billings Chamber of Commerce – they have given me business strength, friendships and great exposure.   I am endlessly impressed with the staff here.

NINE:  Prairie Winds Café in Molt – I know, it’s not Billings, but live music at breakfast can’t be beat.

TEN:  Airport- it’s why I came here and while I seldom fly now, a trip to the airport almost always means the joy of arriving loved ones or great adventure.

If you would like to be featured on “my Billings”  let me know at synda@syndarorexphotography.com

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter!  If you are in Billings on Saturday come to the Billings Depot for their Eggstravaganza from 10am to 4pm.  ”My Billings” will return next week, I will be avoiding the computer while I spend time with family this weekend.  Have a good one!!!

It has been a while since I have re-fabbed a piece of furniture.  I have some lockers I have been cleaning up and getting ready to paint, but in the meantime a friend asked me to paint this for him.  I have moved it inside the house and I think it looks pretty good in my breakfast nook.  Who knows, I might just end up keeping it.

Yes, that is a chicken hanging out, a real chicken.  We are babysitting “Lady” because she was getting picked on in her chicken coop.  We are having fun with her and helping her heal.  I never thought I would get so attached to a chicken.  I wish they didn’t poop all over the place or I would let her live in the house.  She is super friendly because Ryland has been handling her ever since she was a chick.  She comes over and sits by me when I go outside  and she has given us a couple of eggs.  We might have to keep her too.

This is Erin’s Billings.  If you are curious about how “my Billings” was started you can read about it here.

ONE:Simply Wine  TWO:Marcasa  THREE:Angry Hank’s FOUR:Brockel’s FIVE:Sanctuary  SIX:Billings Best Yogurt SEVEN:Pug Mahon’s Irish Pub EIGHT:City Brew NINE:Bruno’s  TEN:Montana Brewing Company

If you would like to be featured on “my Billings”  let me know at synda@syndarorexphotography.com

ONE:  Rim View Dance Studio  TWO:  Candy Town   THREE: Brockel’s Chocolates  FOUR:  Skate World  FIVE:  The bike path behind Big Sky Elementary  SIX:  Billings Best Yogurt  SEVEN:  The Reef  EIGHT:  Big Sky Elementary  NINE: Shiloh 14 TEN: The open field behind Indian Cliffs.

If you would like to be featured on “my Billings”  let me know at synda@syndarorexphotography.com

  Here a few of the shots.

Thanks to Tracy Moore and Bottega,  for putting this together!  It was a lot of fun.

I have a serious case of spring fever, really serious.  Growing up in Steamboat Springs it felt like spring  when it hit 55 degrees outside, but ever since I lived in Arizona I just can’t get warm unless it is in the 70s, better yet the 80s or 90s.  I know I shouldn’t complain because my first Montana winter has been  nice and mild.  I am just ready to see leaves unfolding on the branches and flowers blooming all around.  I’m ready for the fresh new feeling that spring brings with it, wearing flip flops and the occasional rain showers.  I was not ready to wake up to snow.

I never really explored Billings before we moved here.  We pretty much stopped to get gas and that was it.  My impression was refineries and the Flying J, so my thoughts were “keep on driving”.  When we made the move, we drove in  and came across Pioneer Park, I was so excited to see such a gorgeous area…and the homes around the park!  I LOVE older homes and was seriously giddy as we drove around checking them out.  I had no idea what was waiting for us once we decided to actually venture in to the town.

Since we moved here last spring, we have discovered some pretty amazing places.  When people come to visit I always say to them “let me show you my Billings”.  When my Mom came to visit me she said “I want to show you my Billings”.  Everyone has their favorite places around town and I love meeting new people and discovering their favorite places around town.  So…I thought it would be fun to have a little feature on the blog where people could share their favorite places and spaces around town.  Who knows, you just might find a new spot that you can add to your list of favorites around town.

Some of my favorite spots around town

ONE:  Harper and Madison  is my favorite place to hang out!  Great food, great coffee and amazing people.  TWO: Ciao Mambo is a fun place to eat and drink wine, ask for Christa!  THREE: Bottega is fashion at its finest.  FOUR:  Good Earth Market for organic food, juice bar and a cute dining area.  FIVE: Cafe de Camp has some seriously amazing food and a fun quirky atmosphere.  SIX:  Stella’s always has a crowd for breakfast, I’m not the only one who loves this place  SEVEN:  McCormick’s Cafe has a great atmosphere, another fun place to hang out and eat good food.  EIGHT:  In Good Glazes is a fun place to relax and get creative.  NINE:  Zimmerman Park is right outside my door, I love that I can walk there and take in the beauty. TEN:  Off the Leaf is a cool coffee shop with live music, and I am a sucker for the cool logo.

I do have more favorite things in Billings, but I don’t want to take all of them for myself.  There are more people in Billings that are excited to share their favorites as well.  Stay tuned.

If you would like to be featured on “my Billings”  let me know at synda@syndarorexphotography.com