Election day. When we do our part in moving toward the more perfect union.
Archive for morning letters – Page 2
Although I’m not a Catholic, it’s been pretty amazing to watch the historic visit of Pope Francis to our country this week. It strikes me that what really resonates about this head of state and leader of a world religion is his humility and wisdom. Yesterday, while I was working, I watched Pope Francis address the joint meeting of Congress on a live feed. I was very moved by his message, and probably equally moved by the slow, deliberate and even soft-spoken manner in which he delivered it. It seems pretty rare to hear a message completely void of bravado in a setting like that. Yet, he delivered it. If you haven’t seen the message, there is a transcript posted by the Washington Post, and it includes a video of the address. Pope Francis said many things that were very inspiring and challenging for how we live out faith day to day as humans and as a nation in our world today. This quote was just one of them.
It’s a cloudy, drizzly Monday in Starkville, and the succulents are providing a breath of inspiration. And this quote form Erwin McManus in The Artisan Soul.
Well, my kids are just a few hours away from having the first week of school under their belts for 2015! We’re excited about the new year ahead, and each of them are enjoying their new classrooms and schools. I guess I’m also getting back to some routines after the fun of the summer and the joy of a more relaxed (and kid-punctuated) schedule. Aside from a couple of client illustration projects, I took pretty much a complete break from watercolor this summer. I took some time to focus on new block printing, get back to a little drawing and doodling, and also just slow down the creative process. It was a nice break and shift of media that sometimes adds a freshness to the creative process. This morning, I picked up the watercolors again for lettering practice. I’m a little rusty, but Eddie Vedder helps to prime the pump!
“When I walk beside her
I am a better man.
When I look to leave her
I always stagger back again.”
(Hard Sun)
I’m kind of staggering back again, but it feels good to get back into some of my creative routine. Happy Friday, folks!
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
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