8:50am
Well, I got up on the absolute wrong side of the bed this morning. Between travel plans and holiday plans and marketing plans, I’m feeling the stress, and I’ll admit that my gratitude quotient is running a little low. SO, I decided to come to you in real time (hence the time stamp) and see if I can turn this day around with a little giving of thanks.
You know how I love lists (such a nerd). Each year I’ve embarked on the 12 Days of Thanksgiving essay series, I’ve included at least one list of “things I’m thankful for.” You can’t enter the holidays without harkening back to that age-old kindergarten question at least once. And, although it’s not a Tuesday Ten or a Thursday whatever, I had already decided that “S” would represent “small things.” I’ve been expounding on the concept of “small” over the last few months with the launch of my new design business, Small Pond Graphics. It’s made me think about so many small things in business, in relationships, in life that make a big difference. SO, I decided to focus on those little things, wee blessings, that really add richness to my life.
And be thankful for them.
Just thinking about them is already turning my heart around today. Forgive the random order. I’m in real-time after all. Forgive the lack of numbering. It just seems better to dive into a brainstorming list. I hope it will encourage you to look at the small things (and not so small things) bringing blessing to your life.
8:59am
This year, I am thankful for…
The sweet cheek of Baby Girl against mine as I rock her to sleep > Little Drummer Boy’s spontaneous “I love you, Mommy” > Bug’s uncontained excitement about so MANY things. It’s contagious. > Oreos > Clients who take time to say “thank you” > This office space I’m able to enjoy each day > Technology > Newspapers from all over the world online > The correspondence of dear friends > Tangible reminders of special times > Electricity > Books > Crayons > Generous parents > Autumn’s changing colors > Cool weather > My new iPhone > The blessing of getting paid for doing something I love > Good timing > Loving and faithful daycare teachers > A kindergarten class that inspires Little Drummer Boy > Warm blankets > Drawings made just for me > iTunes gifts > Online shopping > 15 wonderful years at Dux D’Lux Advertising > A mentor who told me, “you can do this” > Song in D Minor by Tokyo Milk > Black Gardenia by Aspen Bay > Houseplants > Baby’s Girls new words — today’s was “shoelaces.” Go figure > Imagination > Facebook connections > Clients willing to take a chance on me > Enough money to pay the bills this month > Starkville Public Library > The Farm > Bug, who I brought home on Thanksgiving Day four [!] years ago > Thomas the Train and all the stories he inspires at my house > Encouraging words > Sunshine this morning > Kermit, the laptop — enabler of many things both large and small > Hand-painted pumpkins > The food my Mama will make next week > The blessing of my Dad’s stroke recovery > Healthy children > Giggles > Bedtime stories > Natural light > The opportunity to set my own hours, no matter how crazy they may be > Lunch with my boys > A change of scenery > Old friends > An open heart, despite circumstances > God’s love and continual grace each day > Kind words from strangers > A new day.
9:19am
For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the beauty of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
Hello & welcome! I’m Haley Montgomery, and I’m the designer and owner of 
I had a similar experience this morning. Thanks for reminding me to look at all the little things that make life wonderful. Sometimes we do get so caught up in everything that we overlook them (at least, I do!).
I think I’ll take about ten minutes this morning to list some of those small things as well. 🙂
Happy Friday!