A “Name” can be considered a mythical piece of information that provides insight to future success, or simply an arbitrary label for identification.  Either way still serving as the initial vessel to provide information and allow us form first impressions.

Because of the well-known power of the “First Impression,” I imagine most Bloggers who put together websites probably spend a significant amount of time cooking up a name. Weeks, months, and maybe even years could pass as this idea ferments until the creator finally decides and finds its “Name.”  For additional effect, envision the dramatic scene from the NeverEnding Story where Bastian has to give the Childlike Empress a new “Name” so that Fantasia doesn’t collapse.  That is the power of a “Name.”

I decided to start a blog about 1 hour ago.  I came up with a name in about 15 minutes. My Last Best Place is where I landed.

Obviously, there was some cheating involved since most Montanans will recognize “The Last Best Place” as a tourism tagline.  So while I didn’t go through an existential creative process to find a fitting name, this is the first thing that came to mind.  Which is strange to me considering all the fun word play I could do with “Jagers” or “Freiboth.”

So “My Last Best Place” it will be.

59106.  Family.  Friends.  Neighbors.  Montana.  and Beyond.

Sidebar:  In case you are curious, the “Last Best Place” phrase actually has a pretty interesting origin story.  Additionally, in 2008 a businessman from Las Vegas tried to trademark it for exclusive use at his resort in Western Montana, which obviously caused an uproar and led to eventual legislation banning the ability to do so.  Read more by clicking here.

I already have a Facebook.  I utilize Insta to edit my photos.  I tried the Twitter thing. Love Snapchat’s filters.  So, with all of these social media outlets one may wonder why I feel the need to have a website.

It’s because I am tired of lurking.  I want to contribute and not just in the sense of creating “dank memes” or by sharing politically charged articles that I likely didn’t read all the way through.  I want a creative outlet.  This is the medium that will allow me to create, experience, and share.

You might like to lurk too.  Some of us have really perfected that ability to fly under the radar of social networking platforms – sticking to liking pictures, wishing Happy Birthdays, or occasionally checking-in at a concert.

But this minimal interaction footprint you leave is misleading.  Little does your friend list know the amount of time you spend scrolling through updates or clicking through old college albums from 2004.

You are curious.  And that is okay.  I am glad you made it here.  Lurk away.