Day 81, Missoula Rabble, Carol

Missoula Rabble, Carol was confident, cute, and content sitting in her chair next to her booth this morning. She has been selling her jewelry and knitted materials for the past 5 years now. What was once a pastime hobby turned into a job because she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a syndrome that causes long-term body pain, while pursuing a graduate degree in social work. "Between [fibromyalgia] and everything else, I had to quit," she said. "I could work but I couldn't be dependable." She started selling her crafts to pay the bills. "It's called making ends meet," she told me. Carol is a woman of strong faith and told me that is what keeps her strong. "I try to give something to someone every market," she said. "It's a way to give back." 

Day 80, Missoula Rabble, Erwin

Missoula Rabble, This man is an inspiration. As soon as I saw him walk into the gym this morning, I knew I had to approach him. Erwin Byrnes works out three days a week at 6:30am. He turns 85 next month. "I've come down with Parkinson's and its been an ongoing battle," he said. "If you don't workout at my age you lose your ability to do a lot of things." Erwin retired as a property manager and also worked as a school teacher and administrator for many years. He refereed local football and basketball games for 38 years and said he has always prioritized his health.