Boozhoo, indinawemaaganidog! Aaniin! That is to say hello, all of my relatives! Welcome to another edition of An Irritable Métis. In this case, I am happy to present the THIRTY-FIRST EDITION! of the monthly sentences. For those of you new here this monthly edition, where I post the daily, single sentences that I’ve accumulated for the month-just-ended, is based on the practice that ultimately led to my first book, One-Sentence Journal, back in 2018.

It’s a simple practice and fulfilling … and also maybe not so simple as it may seem. Regardless, the practice is excellent training for paying attention to the small moments of my life, and I enjoy sharing those moments here. This remains the best and most consistent aspect of my writing efforts, and something within the reach of anyone who simply wants to be a more attentive participant in their own life.

As always, I deeply appreciate your time and attention. If you feel compelled to offer up a few of your own observations in the comments, I would love to see them. If you enjoy these monthly sentences, or you enjoy anything about this newsletter at all, please consider a paid subscription. Your support is more important than ever….

2025_0501: In a Twilight Zone-like encounter at a gas station stop in Vaughn, Montana, I meet, for the first time in my life, a Native person who actually believes in “Jewish Indian Theory” and I’m left confused, nearly speechless, and mildly traumatized.

2025_0502: A stunning spring morning on the Rocky Boy Reservation is only improved when a small group of high school students assembled to hear me bloviate team up to list all seven of the Grandfather Teachings.

2025_0503: Thirteen young Native men standing in a circle pound their hand drums and wail their songs and open a spiritual gateway to the rest of the universe and I will never, ever be the same again and don’t even want to be.

2025_0504: Late night, early morning, subsequent all day disorienting brain fog.

2025_0505: If you name your restaurant “The Prime Rib” then your signature entree better live up to the hype.

2025_0506: Brought to tears by a high schooler’s transcendent rendition of a magnificent poem.

2025_0507: Amused by the arrival of a text from my mom as I darken the doorway of a D.C. sandwich shop dubbed “Call Your Mother.”

2025_0508: Always eager for home I’m still gripped, as I often am, by the strange melancholy that arrives with the realization I may never return to the place I’m leaving.

2025_0509: After a long day traveling home from the other side of the continent, this morning I find the evening grosbeaks waiting for me, as well as the first hints of flowers on the cherry tree.

2025_0510: Strafed by ziigwan’s first hummingbird while filling seed feeders before settling on the porch with coffee I’m overjoyed to be faced with the arrival of syrup cooking season.

2025_0511: After a not-all-that-long drive, the dark mood is averted in the completion of a handful of looming, simple tasks.

2025_0512: I marvel as the mallard hurtles toward the pond and, at the last moment shifts his wings, aligns his body, and lands with barely a splash.

2025_0513: The fortune cookie that comes at the end of lunch with my mom joins my neighbor in judging me over the un-mowed state of my jungletastic yard when it suggests, “Now is a good time to explore the outdoors near your home.”

2025_0514: The Cassin’s finch craftily employs his screaming pink Mohawk as camouflage amongst the flowers of the cherry tree.

2025_0515: A small group comprised of large, welcoming hearts.

2025_0516: After the official ceremony, the real celebration begins with hand drums and honor songs and grocery store fried chicken blessed with prayer.

2025_0517: Gratitude for the invitation to another somewhat private meal, this time on a different planet.

2025_0518: A trio of bumblebees browse among the tiny yellow flowers of the barberry bush, the buzzing of their wings nearly drowning out the quiet patter of rain against the tin roof.

2025_0519: Scheming begins in earnest for the paperback tour.

2025_0520: Thrilled to be gloriously anonymous among a different branch of the family tree.

2025_0521: Excellent company and a lovely turnout at a bookstore I’ve been eager to visit since I first heard it was labored into existence.

2025_0522: Fox watching from a hotel balcony.

2025_0523: A celebration of the night sky includes video of a tarantula snuggling into a man’s hand in the depths of the Mojave and the image remains etched into my heart.

2025_0524: Recognized more for indignation than anything else and I must admit to the wearying weight of it all.

2025_0525: In the depths of a Mad Max-esque landscape, a burrowing owl perches on a ribboned stick.

2025_0526: Reflecting at the end of the day, what mostly comes to mind is the blur of the interstate.

2025_0527: Packing a bag with one degree of attention while the other still wrangles with the itinerary.

2025_0528: Sleep deprived brain mistakes a crosswalk chirp for a bird call.

2025_0529: The insignificant feeling in the presence of trees beyond ancient.

2025_0530: Approaching the Golden Gate from the north, fog flows like an avalanche from the hills of San Francisco and down into the heaving bay.

2025_0531: Pleasure in the company of crows reveled in from a bench seat in the parking lot of a hotel on an early and quiet Saturday morning.

Paperback Preorders!

Friends, I’m happy to announce the paperback edition of Becoming Little Shell will be released on August 12th. I’m pretty excited about that. If you’ve been holding off for this version, I would sure appreciate a preorder! You can do that anywhere you want (online buyers, remember that a copy purchased from Bookshop benefits all indie bookstores), but if you want a signed copy, order from my comrades at Fact & Fiction HERE and just make your request for a signature in the Comments section. I’ll be happy to stop by the store and sign it for you.

I’m very grateful for how well this book has been received, and for all the support I get here and beyond. I’ve had so many Irritable Readers approach me at events and I love it. Miigwech!