For many years I had heard stories of the Dixon cemetery on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The town of Dixon is also known historically and culturally by the Salish and Kootenai name Scilip. There is a simplicity and beauty to this place where the Western Meadowlark sings and the wildflowers bloom overlooking the river below and the bison range that sits alongside.

I was unprepared for the stark beauty of the place. There is nothing formal, no tidy rows of headstones or manicured lawns instead it appears as if the families selected a plot randomly and buried their loved one… expanding the family plot as needed. There are more traditional headstones sprinkled in but, I was fascinated by the unusual stones and burial sites. If only these gravesites could talk for there are stories here, I wonder if there are ancestors still living who remember them. I would love to hear them.

When I read the prompt for our upcoming round I immediately thought of these burial plots and the stories of those resting beneath. It is uncertain whether this small cemetery will inspire my art for this round but perhaps a tombstone will.

Two of my loved ones now rest in this cemetery with a view. May they rest in peace.