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Author Archive for haley montgomery – Page 5

A Seeker’s Moment: 5 Lessons from Covid-19

Watercolor - Seek and you shall find

“Every moment of one’s existence, one is growing into more or retreating into less.” ~ Norman Mailer

I’ve been thinking about growth this week, and irony. Over the last few months in our neck of the woods, we’ve seen the whole of nature shake off the dust of a dormant winter season and sprout into new growth, spring blossoms and early summer fruit. Yet, in one of life’s inevitable ironies, it seems like much of life has been at a standstill as we enter week 15 of quarantine, shelter in place and the socially distant realities of the Coronavirus pandemic. With schools closed, travel plans cancelled, favorite activities interrupted, and time with family limited, an uncertainty-fueled fatigue threatens to lull us into merely sitting. And waiting.

In truth, God’s great earth teaches that there is no real time of stagnance. No mere status quo, no simple biding of time, no true standstill. There is only growing. And dying. Even dormant days can provide rest and regeneration that contribute to the next growing season, or they degenerate into spoil and decay. As Norman Mailer wrote, “Every moment of one’s existence, one is growing into more or retreating into less.”

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pockets of wonder . RAINBOW

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pockets of wonder . GYPSY

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May. [printable calendar]

I don’t know about you, but the month of April was a complete blur! A hodgepodge of unnamed days, social distancing, distance learning, emergency projects, way too many things to think about — all within the limited view from the living room window and the back patio. My thinking has been just as much of a hodgepodge, just trying to keep up and balance everything, and my heart is torn between seeking out normalcy and indulging in the unique and haphazard opportunities of these unprecedented days. I still don’t know how that dual thinking will all shake out, but for today — May 1 — I’m planting a flag of reference at least in this Field Guide space… a calendar.

Who knew the calendar would be such a novel and increasingly out-matched tool? Almost all of our “normal” routines and events have dropped off the calendar these days, and the things we’re adding are mostly virtual with a few well-spaced work items and logistical necessities thrown in. The task of deciding what day it is has become an increasingly elusive one! Birthday celebrations and family date nights have become in-home “events” with a lighted candle, a new recipe, that project we’ve never found time to do — until now. Bedtimes and morning routines have grown fluid, a lot like summer time, but not exactly. As we head into week eight of this Covid-19 altered reality, I’m needing a reminder to stem the chaos. A reminder to capture the days in all their uniqueness. A reminder to seek out all that we have to learn and grow from this time. Welcome, May.

DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR

make . Printable Valentine Fortune Cookies

Are there hearts and flowers in your future? Love is in the air, and it’s easy to share the good fortune on Valentine’s Day with these paper fortune cookies! I’ve been wanting to share more free downloads and paper craft ideas on the Small Pond Field Guide, and my daughter says that this one passes the cuteness test! Shaped like traditional Chinese fortune cookies, a batch of these paper creations would make a sweet addition to your Valentine decor, or a unique way to create handmade, personalized Valentines or party favors. Plus, they are easy and quick to make!

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