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Author Archive for haley montgomery – Page 8

Sweet February Days [printable calendar]

I can’t believe we are already one month into 2019! January feels like a whirlwind. Sometimes it seems like it takes the whole month to settle back into the routine of work projects and school schedules and to get my brain reoriented after holiday fun. And now, thirty-one days have passed! Although I’ve ignored the Frog Kisser since January 1st, I have enjoyed finishing up a few new illustration and branding projects for clients, sorting through some of my plans for personal work, and indulging in the freedom to get a slow start when needed. As we set out on another “sweet” month today, I’m sharing a new printable calendar, and a few sweet things we’re looking forward to in February. I’m excited to begin sharing some of the content ideas I’ve been working on.

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Welcome 2019! [printable calendar]

Happy New Year! As I was planning for a January printable calendar to share, I came across this quote from Emerson in my journal. It really tapped into my heart about the new year, and I decided to paint it. As my sketching and thinking process usually goes, the opportunity for my mind to wander as my hands put strokes to paper brought clarity to a jumble of thoughts… The turn of the clock last night has ushered in one more benchmark in how we number our days — 2019. Although that flip of the digital lights from 11:59 to 12:00 happens twice every day, this one time on December 31st every year seems to hold within it a deep breath, an inhale of possibility and anticipation. Why do we rest so many hopes and aspirations — what to change, what to grow, what to do, who to be — in that singular moment? Sixty seconds where it seems like the whole world can change.

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Hello, December [printable calendar]

Well, I’m a little late this year, but I’m happy to share my December printable calendar. I can’t believe we’re already almost a week into the last month of 2018! I don’t know about you, but December for me is often filled with a jumbled mix of busyness, hurried activities, reflection and celebration. At this special time of the year, it seems that the “weary world rejoices” more easily. But, it also more easily falls headlong into the craziness of over-planned schedules and to-do lists. Through all the hectic and harried tendencies of this month, I really want to slow myself and to focus on small moments. To let my heart settle on stillness and peace and wonder. To savor time and traditions with my family. To actually clear my mind and schedule enough to be present and enjoy those moments fully.

As I was thinking about the story of Christmas this weekend — the story of Jesus’ birth — I was reminded that God showed himself in wonder-filled ways both to wealthy, wise men, and to weather-worn shepherds. Two ends of the social and cultural spectrum. But, both were entrusted with the incredible story of a savior born to save the world. Both were led to the place where they could see and touch the child. Both experienced God’s redemption in personal ways because they stilled themselves long enough to look up. In those quiet, middle-of-the-night moments, they each saw a life-changing wonder. This December, I want to leave time for looking up as the wise men and shepherds did. I want to save time and attention for seeing the Savior in a new way.

Enjoy your printable December calendar download!

favorite things . The Candy Haul at Asheville’s Rocket Fizz

Our fall season officially kicked off last week with a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, exploring the Smoky Mountains and navigating everyone’s excitement over cooler temperatures. I returned home tired but refreshed by the change of scenery, and excited to get our home ready for the fall season. Amidst the mums and gourds and pine straw bales, we have amassed quite a few happy jack-0-lanterns of all sizes and materials that I’ve been slowly spreading throughout the house. Some of those jack-o-lanterns are old familiar receptacles for Halloween night – buckets my children took to preschool, felt versions we bought on various fall trips, and even my own 1970’s childhood version. Those jack-o-lanterns represent the one-time excuse to indulge in fall’s favorite sugar rush. They collect the one Halloween accessory that gives pumpkins a run for their money – candy!

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A World Where There Are Octobers [printable calendar]

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ~ Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

I’m glad, too. I think October may be my favorite month, although it’s certainly hard to choose. When the weather cooperates, we get those first few cooler mornings that are such a blessing after Mississippi’s long, hot summers. October’s blue skies are distinct, and the season’s signature goldenrod and golden light always inspire me. At some point, we’ll probably get one of those yellow-orange harvest moons, and I imagine we’ll schedule a s’more-making bonfire. No matter how much summer wants to hang on, the calendar says autumn is here!

As the temperatures slowly drop, if only by a few degrees, everyone’s spirits seem to get lighter. This year, the month ushering in nature’s season of transition also seems to be bringing some transitions to our family. I feel like my heart is juggling health changes for my parents, the ever-changing flux of children growing more independent and, I guess, more themselves, along with the perpetual array of work opportunities – blessings, to be sure – that all require weighing choices. With October, I seem to be on keen alert to notice every hint of change toward the fall days we love. So, I’m excited to look back at a few of my favorite autumn glimpses along with this month’s printable calendar.

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