creative process, lisa lillibridge, south dakota, identity, vermont, midlife, psychology, creativity, south dakota photographyLISA LILLIBRIDGE

That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.
―L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Heading West from Sioux Falls—March 15th

Main Street—Montrose March 20th

I’ve started taking alternative routes whenever I’m in South Dakota. I wanted to see Montrose where my great-grandmother’s family lived. I recently found this book in my grandfather’s library. To see Lottie Eno’s signature inside a college textbook was thrilling. We attended the same college…once Sioux Falls Academy, then Sioux Falls College (when I attended). Now it is the University of Sioux Falls.

Lottie and Lowell Lillibridge 1898

Main Street—Colome March 21st

On my way to the Burke Stampede Rodeo Gala—March 22nd

East of Burke—Sunday afternoon March 23rd

The long empty roads,
Sullen fires of sunset, fading,
The eternal, unresponsive sky.

—from Prairie Spring by Willa Cather

Spring is the time of plans and projects.

―Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

How will things turn out for Florence and Ben Blair?

Here’s where we left off in ACT I…

“Ben, forgive me. I’ve hurt you. I can’t say I love you.”

ACT II

Florence and her family left the ranch for the New York City culture and society. When Ben shows up, Florence is tormented by what is expected of her and confused by her stormy emotions.

Ben threatens Florence’s fiance, Sidwell. Unaware of what’s currently transpiring, her mind wanders to the ranch in Montana, Ben, and their childhood.

ACT III

“I want to forget Ben Blair was ever part of my life.

He overwhelms me like sleep when I’m tired. I’m helpless.”

Ben Blair, “Florence Baker, I love you. In all I’m going to say, bear this in mind; don’t forget for a moment. To me, you will always be the one woman on earth. Why haven’t I told you this before, I don’t know, but now I’m as sure as that I’m looking at you that it is so.”