January 2020 – Small Pond Graphics

January 28, 2020 sojourn

sojourn . A Friday through Central Alabama

That hand painted script! “Independent” ventures sometimes carry a lot of questions, plenty of decision-making, and usually a healthy helping of unpredictability paired with second-guessing. But, it’s fun to relish the independence sometimes, and indulge in the serendipity of an unplanned road, even if it results in a few detours.

I have to say that I really enjoy traveling by myself. Not in large doses (because I just love having my children with me), but a few hours left to my own devices in the car with no strict ETA required can be good for the soul! Last year, I had the opportunity for a little solo road trip through central Alabama. I was meeting my son for a school event in Auburn, and I gave myself permission to take the long way…

January 6, 2020 essays, keep

keep . The Blessing of Beginning Again

To begin again is such a blessing – an opportunity to revel in what may be hovering ahead on the horizon. But, it’s a blessing that sometimes gets a bad rap. I’ve had a few “starting over” seasons in my life, and I’ve noticed they tend to be heavily burdened with the failure or loss of whatever season came before. We steady our hands for a newness thrust upon us, like we’ve scribbled some errant message and, with a heavy sigh, had to tear out the page, wad it up and toss it behind us.

It’s different with a new year. Maybe it’s the predictability that makes the difference, but we seem to turn the page to January with much more acceptance. With more grace — for ourselves, for where we’ve been and where we’re going. We give ourselves permission to embrace something new. And, we celebrate the beginning, relishing the opportunity to retool and tweak life goals and daily decisions alike. The start of the new year offers an anticipated blessing of beginning again — the chance to bring forward what serves us and leave behind what may be holding us back. No strings attached.

January 1, 2020 free art + printables

Happy New Year! [printable calendar]

January 2020 free printable calendar download

In with the new! Today not only brings the start of a new year, but a new decade as well – a time to welcome all the wonder and possibility newness can bring. Like the rest of the world, I’ve been spending the requisite time over the last few weeks to evaluate and set goals and hanker for changes where they need to be. In the coming days, I know I’ll get to all the conclusions that have surfaced from that process. But, for now, I’m content to dream and revel in the glow of a new starting point. (whoop! whoop!)

I’m holding on to the last few days of Christmas vacation with my crew before we get back into routines next week, but I wanted to plant the flag for 2020 with a printable calendar download. I’ve updated the format for the calendars this year to accommodate space for a 5×7″ mini print. Each month, I’ll include a bit of art you can cut down and frame or hang – something to make you smile long after the month is over.

DOWNLOAD THE JANUARY CALENDAR

Let’s do this, 2020!
h.