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Sweet February Days [printable calendar]

· February 1, 2019

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.

Categories : free art + printables

Tags : calendars, lettering, printables, Valentines Day, watercolor

Welcome 2019! [printable calendar]

Posted by haley montgomery

· January 1, 2019

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.

Categories : free art + printables

Tags : calendars, lettering, printables, quotes, watercolor

Hello, December [printable calendar]

Posted by haley montgomery

· December 5, 2018

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!

Categories : free art + printables

Tags : calendars, Christmas, lettering, printables, watercolor

A World Where There Are Octobers [printable calendar]

Posted by haley montgomery

· October 2, 2018

“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.

Categories : free art + printables

Tags : busy bee, calendars, farm days, inspired by autumn, nature photos, printables, rural places, the farm

Hello, September! [printable calendar]

Posted by haley montgomery

· August 31, 2018

New month, new wishful thinking! Over the last few weeks, we’ve finally gotten our typical Mississippi summer heat with temperatures in the upper nineties. It’s a sharp contrast to seeing Fall merchandise showing up in all the stores, and the fun of football season beginning. When I think about September, I always think about acorns. I have a vivid memory of my mother cutting out a big acorn to put on the bulletin board in her third grade classroom, signaling the beginning of the new school year. That was back when we actually started school in September! Now, we’re already a month into our new classes and routines, and wishfully thinking of fall and its fun (and cooler!) days. SO, I decided to lean into the wishes with this month’s calendar download!

Categories : free art + printables

Tags : calendars, conscious living, inspired by autumn, printables, watercolor, well-designed life

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.