It’s picture day at school today, and even little girls wonder if their hair looks ok.
It’s picture day at school today, and even little girls wonder if their hair looks ok.
I’m extending my letter to the brothers today with another little reminder sparked by the preparations for end of year tests that have been going on at school. I’m so confident in my little ones, but when their own confidence in themselves is shaken or they can’t grab hold of it because of some worries, I want them to remember that there is nothing wrong with needing some help every now and then. We don’t have to do it alone. When we are worried or afraid or hurting, the very wisest thing we can do is ask for help — to reach out to the people around us who love us and want us to succeed!
I’ve been writing these “letters” to my daughter (and my sons too) for a few weeks now, and I’m enjoying having a theme for my practice in painting and lettering. I started out showing the “pictures” to Baby Girl. Not every day, but as I remembered. And, now every so often, she asks me, “did you paint today?” It means a lot to me for her to know that I’m thinking about her and creating something for her. And, I’ve been able to show some to the boys and let them know, “this is for you — and Baby Girl.” They sometimes recognize the circumstances that prompted the messages, and sometimes they recognize them for what they are — just Mommy being crazy again. As I look inside at my own process, I realize that this is a treasured exercise. It can’t help but be intentional because I have to think about what to paint. Sometimes it’s spontaneous, and sometimes I’ve recognized in the thick of an experience or conversation with the children that a thought should become a “letter.” Some days, like today, have started more as a chore. Like all habits you’re trying to form, some days you begin just because you said you would or because some little soul might ask you about it later.
Today, I wanted to paint “I’m so glad God gave you to me.” Because I am. I’m eternally grateful. But I couldn’t paint it today because I’m so mindful that sometimes people long for the gift of children they don’t have. Sometimes, I imagine it’s hard to hear about daughters. Today, my gratitude for the exquisite privilege of being mother to these little loves is mixed with the burden of sorrow for friends who are working through the heartbreak of losing that opportunity. And this letter came to mind. It’s a letter of truth. Of my own experiences in different ways. And, a letter in waiting for a time one day when I’ll want to share it with my Baby Girl. When the story didn’t end in the way she’d hoped. When she’ll need to see for herself how a loving God draws near to the broken hearted.
Some great spring-like weather this weekend made for fun times playing outside. It’s sometimes a rare occasion when I’m able to get all three of my kiddos outside at the same time, and rarer still is the moment they are all playing in the same spot with the same things! On Sunday, the rarity occurred with all three playing with bikes of some kind in the same spot on the patio. The result was a small collision with Baby Girl’s leg caught between her seat and bike wheel on the concrete, and she has the big purple bruise to show for it today!
These days, Baby Girl (all three, really) will topple over something or plow through something and hit the floor, and it doesn’t take much to help her pop back up again ready for more play. I love her “full speed ahead” mindset and her tendency to take the big leap. But, I also know that as she gets older and discovers more of life, some falls won’t be as easy to get up from. Some of the wounds from those falls will be deeper than the tears she shed over a bicycle collision. Some will shake her and bruise her in the depth of her heart. I hope she keeps on taking the leaps. In spite of the falls. I hope she is always willing to plunge in, to speed into the challenges. And, I want her to know that I KNOW… she IS brave enough. She IS strong enough. She CAN get back up. And start again.
Fridays are big deals around our house. On the way to school, the Friday “happy points” my kids usually list out include book club, no homework, game day in gifted class, the chance to stay up late, and this morning’s version included a “start of the weekend party!” I don’t know what scale of party we’ll plan after school, but I love that they recognize the weekend as just another excuse to celebrate. What a great reason for ice cream!
Hello & welcome! I’m Haley Montgomery, and I’m the designer and owner of Small Pond Graphics. I sometimes fancy myself a frog kisser— a documentarian coaxing poignant moments from unexpected places. This blog has evolved from those moments.
The small Pond FIELD GUIDE is part diary, part sketchbook, and part wish list – an archive of ordinary wonders. For years, this space has housed my stories – creative ideas, vintage inspiration, our forays into curious places, and the simple artifacts of quiet of conscious living. Through watercolor, photography, and illustrated tales, these pages uncover the blessing of ordinary days and the wonder found in authentic places and pursuits.
I invite you to open the boxes.
Peek into the drawers.
Rustle through the pages.
I’m honored to have you here.
© Haley Montgomery for Small Pond Graphics.
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