I probably need to say this as much to myself as I do to my children, but I hope I can instill this idea in each of their hearts. Sometimes — even at their young ages — I see them trying to compare themselves to each other, to their friends, to what they see in media, and even to me as their Mommy. There was a time when I saw my boys shying away from artsy type things because I’m an “artist.” Like I owned the best ways to do art or use my tools. I consciously work to help them see beyond that. Even days when I see Baby Girl try to emulate something I’m doing in the studio, I hope I’m diligent to remind her that she doesn’t have to measure her ideas or her methods or herself against how I do things. Or how anyone does things! The best measure of her efforts will be her own magnificent heart and her own wildest dreams!
We’re having a rainy week here in Mississippi, which sometimes dampens spirits. But, there is noone I know who brings her own sunshine better than Baby Girl! I want her to know she always has that sunshine within her.
Pretty much every week.
That moment when she’s pretty sure something’s funny and she decides to test it out on you. The twinkle in her eye. The grin on her face. The pause. And then it hangs in the air… “Pish Posh” I think it was in response to “you might need your jacket today,” and after I got over the surprise, I laughed out loud. Which made her repeat it seventeen times between the house and school.
I wrote it down for you today, Baby Girl, so we could remember that time something you said made Mommy laugh until noon. Again.
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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