Author Archives: CharliesTrail

About CharliesTrail

Originally from Indianapolis, Denison is a writer and musician who has picked up culture and influences from eccentrics all over the U.S. and overseas. He is a University of Kentucky Journalism School grad and an award-winning Montana journalist. Through the years he's had work published by "Chicken Soup From the Soul," DVD Netflix, Montana Quarterly Magazine, NUVO and Americana Highways. He has a solo album, "Whispers of the Lonely," and continues to chip away at his first novel. Currently Denison is the editor of The Boulder Monitor in Boulder, Montana, where he lives with his wife.

All aboard the “Zhu Choo”

Posted on November 27, 2020 by CharliesTrail

During the pandemic, ZHU, an electronic dance musician and Grammy-nominated recording artist, has made it a mission to “bring people to a place where they’ve never been.” He’s streamed from the mountains of western Japan, the sand dunes of southwestern … Continue reading →

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Talent Scout

Posted on August 23, 2020 by CharliesTrail

I jammed along to Blind Melon’s  “No Rain,” watching from my bedroom window as Adam pulled up in his old Mercedes-Benz. This was one of my favorite things to do. Rock out and night watch. There wasn’t a lot of … Continue reading →

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Falling Out

Posted on August 17, 2020 by CharliesTrail

“I wonder how we look to other people,” Penny said. “Do you think we look happy?” She took a sip of her Guinness and stared blankly into the mirror behind the bar. under a poster for “The Commitments,” a movie … Continue reading →

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Senior reporter grateful to be considered family

Posted on June 13, 2020 by CharliesTrail

“You’re family, Charlie.” That was Lynn Toller’s reaction when I told her I was leaving the News-Argus to take a position with the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce. She gave me her sad puppy face. Those of you who know her … Continue reading →

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Choosing happiness in a time of uncertainty

Posted on May 22, 2020 by CharliesTrail

Looking for something upbeat? Based on the novel by French writer Francois Lelord, “Hector and the Search for Happiness” is a fitting watch for the moment, as it takes the viewer on a journey to discover what it means to … Continue reading →

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Seeking Solace in Song

Posted on May 8, 2020 by CharliesTrail

“Give me the beat, boys, and free my soul I want to get lost in your rock n’ roll and drift away” I’ve always known this comforting chorus, but I never really connected to Dobie Gray’s 1973 smash hit until … Continue reading →

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Paying tribute to Grandpa, the most grateful man I’ve known

Posted on April 21, 2020 by CharliesTrail

On Saturday, April 18, my grandfather Marshall Cheek Kidd passed away. He had just turned 97, and, for the first time, was really starting to feel his age. The life of the party was slowing down, both physically and mentally. … Continue reading →

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Let laughter and positivity carry you through this difficult time

Posted on April 8, 2020 by CharliesTrail

“Blow up your TV. Throw away your paper. Go to the country. Build you a home. Plant a little garden. Eat a lotta peaches. Try and find Jesus, on your own.” – John Prine, “Spanish Pipedream” Well, it’s Holy Week, … Continue reading →

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Local musicians, artists go “live” to lift spirits

Posted on April 1, 2020 by CharliesTrail

It was February of 2007. I was in New Orleans with my friend Daniel – a native – celebrating his first Mardi Gras after Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the impassioned city, its impact still widely spread. Daniel’s home had significant … Continue reading →

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There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to proposing

Posted on March 18, 2020 by CharliesTrail

Are you thinking about popping the question? If so, how do you know you’re ready to make the move? Do you create the mood or wait for the moment to present itself? Do you involve others or keep it private? … Continue reading →

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