Washington Irving, the 19th-century American author known for stories such as Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow once wrote:

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”

It’s a fitting echo as we welcome a month that—since recognized as a national holiday by Woodrow Wilson in 1914—celebrates mothers across the country and the maternal backbone of society on its second Sunday.

Here at Lifestyle Publications, we’re in the business of inspiring people—and this May, not only are we inspired by mothers, but by all the strong, influential women who call Billings home.

People so important deserve to be recognized, and that’s why we’ve dedicated this issue of Billings Lifestyle to all the moms, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, cousins and nieces who dissipate our clouds of darkness—and to some activities that can help them relax after they’re done being Superwoman.

We’ll show you a day in the life of a few impressive female entrepreneurs who have found time for success in the midst of an ever-busy schedule and a peek at what’s inside one of the most important accessories for a local mom: her purse.

After that, take some time to decompress. Plan a girls weekend with your favorite female counterparts and travel in style with our trend setter article that gives you advice about what to pack for a variety of trips. And, in the meantime, stay up to date in the midst of a busy life with a variety of jewelry that keeps you fashionable and connected at the same time.

So, women of Billings, this one’s for you. May you find respite from your busy schedules in these pages and be as inspired as we were by the leading ladies all around you.

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.” —Unknown

Happy Mother’s Day and happy May, Billings.

We’ll see you around.