Snow Ghosts and Whitefish Smiles was inspired by my hometown, Whitefish, Montana.  I have hiked Big Mountain many times, both in the summer and winter months.  I have loved the times I've skinned up the mountain in the winter with my skis carpeted up, trekking straight up the face of the mountain.  Getting to the top is such a feat.  Sore legs and an earned ride down, I've loved admiring my town from above.  I've always thought that Whitefish Lake looks like a fish from above.   I like standing tall with the quiet of the snow ghosts until the speedy glide down.  I envision all the hidden wildlife smiling with me as I coast with large, swooping "S" turns, feeling the life in my veins pulsate as I smile with all the mountain is.  Some active animals in the winter months I painted amongst the Snow Ghosts are Pika, Ptarmigan, Grouse, Bald Eagle, Fox, Snowshoe Hare and an Ermine.