Artistic Memory (Helena, MT)

The peace and stillness at this spot along the Missouri River produces tranquility for a modern-day journeyman.  Nearly 110 years ago, however, this same spot was the scene of tragedy and turmoil.  The Hauser Dam collapsed sending floodwaters downstream causing much damage but, in good news, limited loss of life.  What happened?  Pressure undermined the dam's foundation leading to the structural failure.  Interestingly, metal shards from that first dam can still be seen in the river today as a memory of that awful day.

Fast forward to my 2016 visit, I fished this spot but caught nothing.  Honestly, I was enjoying the scenery more than fishing and relished the opportunity to watch a master craftsman at work.  My friend knew this river and the fish within it.  His expert knowledge and deliberate action was art in motion.

Think about that - same location but different experiences. 

Leaders would do well to learn from this spot.  Yes, failure is costly but does not have to be the end.  Scars of that mistake remain - to be learned from - but have become a simple brush stroke of beauty within the frame.  Embrace mistakes.  Learn from them.  Take the time to heal.  Then step back and look at the masterpiece those mistakes helped forge.  ​