LIFE MONTANE with Michael Ruminski

Remember when you thought, as a child, that clouds are oversized cotton balls, floating aimlessly out of reach in the sky? That sometimes a few bumps here coupled with a ridge there could resemble a mother duck leading her newly born ducklings by way of the wind? And if not, have you ever just wanted to … Continue reading The Highest Doorstep

As the next well trained group passed, I stood fatigued, taking in the enormity of the day that was coming to a close. Somehow, I managed to fall towards the back of my four person group again. But I did not mind, nor did they, for it gave my thoughts ample space to roam and … Continue reading Sun-kissed

Our balcony garden is noticeably growing every day! The strawberries are ripening and more of their flowers are blooming. We have eaten two of the tiniest strawberries I have ever seen, but size doesn’t matter, does it? There are multiple larger berries emerging and we will make sure that they grow properly. That includes regularly … Continue reading Very Hungry Caterpillars

As you may have already noticed, there have been some adjustments to the Life Montane website. The most notable change has been the original header illustrated by Franny Van Eyck, whom I will write about shortly. Not only is this website to share the inner working of my mind, but it is also a gathering … Continue reading Seawas!

Living in a city, a European one at that, has its obvious drawbacks and benefits. But most are unexpected. First of all, I truly did not imagine that I would have any issue with European deodorants. Seriously, I never planned for that, and it may prove to be fatal. And of course I did not … Continue reading Unexpectations

I, along with the majority of nature and wildlife in Graz, have been in hibernation. Winterschlaf. For some reason; however, we have been awoken. The small trees are starting to bud. Daisies are beginning to emerge from the soil. And I am returning to my writings. Come to think of it, the weather has been … Continue reading Winterschlaf

I consider myself to be an avid, experienced camper. My merit originates from family trips and grew when I became a Cub and then a Boy Scout. I tested my survival skills further when I backpacked in Kentucky’s backcountry this spring and took a two month backpacking trip across California and Canada this summer. The … Continue reading Urban Camping

Here I am, Michael Ruminski, standing before you, wearing Lederhosen. But more importantly, I am standing in Graz, Austria:  my new home. This is where my unexpected journey has brought me. It first grabbed me in February and took me from my home, Wisconsin, USA, and has led me through the world, currently to reside … Continue reading So it goes