One of twelve is down! In some ways, January always seems like such a slow month, but in some ways I feel like it’s flown by. Although it’s not apparent from some of the dreary weather we’ve had, the new year is off to a good start around the Pond. And now, I’m celebrating the arrival of February with a silly new print in the shop and an “Owl love you” printable calendar…
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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…
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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.
Let’s do this, 2020!
h.
I’ve been wandering through my photo archives lately, and it’s like a stroll through back roads and small towns and memories made. We’ve made quite a hobby of road-tripping over the years, and my kids have been pretty good sports with all the random stops to capture the views. I’ve been trying to archive and organize and make connections between all the places and wanders we’ve experienced, with the hope of sharing them here on The Frog Kisser.
This week, I’ve been looking at some images from Clarksdale, Mississippi. We last visited this crossroads of Delta arteries on a hot (HOT) summer day, and I’m revisiting the sun-baked glimpses of a small town steeped in art and dust and most of all, the blues. I’ve already shared about our visit to Delta Blues Museum and the iconic Ground Zero Blues Club, but most of our adventures also include at least a little dawdling over downtown streets and the search for whatever street art we can find. So, today’s archive is a glimpse of painted Clarksdale.
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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.
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Phone: 662.312.4001
Contact Haley to dive in
