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.

Life Lessons from “The Old Philosopher”

Posted on November 16, 2018 by CharliesTrail

A lot of people have hope. Don’t spoil it. When you think you shouldn’t say it, don’t. When you have nothing to do, do it now. My grandfather, Marshall Kidd, is the wisest man I know. And I’m not alone … Continue reading →

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Local soldier remembered on 100th anniversary of Argonne Offensive

Posted on November 11, 2018 by CharliesTrail

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day I wanted to share a piece I wrote about a central Montanan whose served in the Great War. Here it is, as published in the Lewistown News-Argus: Sergeant Albert “Bert” Replogle of … Continue reading →

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Catalina Island

Posted on June 19, 2018 by CharliesTrail

“Dwayne Johnson has it covered, babe.” Half asleep, unsure of what was going on, that’s all I could muster. The alarm continued to sound, and Kari wasn’t comforted. “What? Seriously, Charlie, I think something’s up.” I opened my eyes a … Continue reading →

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Be a gentleman: we need them more than ever

Posted on April 14, 2018 by CharliesTrail

“Excuse me. Were you waiting in line?” the British man asked outside the bathroom at the Revolver Bar in Seattle. “Yes, I was, but it’s alright,” I said. “No, it was rude of me to cut you off. Please know … Continue reading →

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Frank Valach: reflections on a life built of love

Posted on March 16, 2018 by CharliesTrail

“This is how I get my exercise,” said Frank Valach, 99, as he pushes himself toward the cafeteria in a wheelchair Thursday at The Villa, where he’s lived the last three years. A beloved father, grandfather and literal community builder … Continue reading →

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Jer Gregg: Resurrected

Posted on February 16, 2018 by CharliesTrail

Jer Gregg: Resurrected “Everyone loves something that is authentic, and Jer Gregg is an authentic artist that not only honors and creates the music he is passionate about, but honors and looks after those that make up the company he keeps.” – Stephen … Continue reading →

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Still Smiling: 94-year-old cowboy loving ranch life

Posted on February 10, 2018 by CharliesTrail

Sitting in a wheelchair by his wood stove at his cabin on Gilt Edge Stage, 94-year-old Eldon Snyder reads Louis L’amour’s “The Riders of High Rock,” entering the world of Hopalong Cassidy. “I’ve read a lot of books since I … Continue reading →

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Seeing the Rolling Stones with my father – a trip of a lifetime

Posted on January 12, 2018 by CharliesTrail

My dad is well known for his surprises. About two months before his 60th birthday, he Facetimed with a wild proposition. Drinking his Fresca, we locked eyes through the phone screen and he said, “You know how I have been … Continue reading →

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Keeping the New Year tradition alive, sort of

Posted on December 31, 2017 by CharliesTrail

Read more. Exercise more. Get a girlfriend. Every year, Trevor and I would put our New Year’s resolutions under the shed behind his house on Madden Place. We were crazy then. Before we put the resolutions under the shed, we’d … Continue reading →

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It Truly Is A Wonderful Life: Lessons learned from a Christmas classic

Posted on December 30, 2017 by CharliesTrail

On Christmas Eve this year, instead of going to church, I went to a different kind of service. My fiancée, her older sister, their mother and I went to the Art House Cinema and Pub in Billings to see Frank … Continue reading →

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