As I mentioned a few posts ago, we are at our family farm house in Noxubee County for spring break. We’ve been enjoying some great weather and time together. Through our outdoor escapades, the kids have decided to curate a “science exhibit” of interesting finds. The finds have been interesting, indeed, and the process of collecting them even more inspiring for me. I thought I’d share a little documentation of our pasture journeys in search of water, wood & stone. Our “finding” has including walking, jumping, climbing, painting, building, talking about family history, playing impromptu instruments, searching, laughing, discovering… Fun times! I hope you have the chance to do some of the same this week
Archive for neutrals – Page 3
A new coffee shop opened in downtown Starkville yesterday, and this morning I decided to start my day with a little field trip for iced mocha and sweets. Lots of excitement has been seeping out of the storefront for months now, anticipating the opening of Nine Twenty Nine Coffee Bar. I was excited to take a peek because I’ve been impressed with the quality and craftsmanship the owners have demonstrated in other projects around town — builders and makers now applying that skill to a renovated storefront and something as personal as a beverage preference. I was not disappointed. Between bites of what can certainly be described as iced sin, I wandered around taking a few photos — as I’m prone to do. The space is wonderful, particularly the layers of materials and textures. I really enjoyed starting my day there with wi-fi. Warning: this post has a ridiculous number of photos because I simply couldn’t resist. Enjoy a quick look at this inspiring space, with a side of yum! (Which, incidentally, was great to go too!) And, you might want to stop into 929 on your next trek around downtown Starkville.
My self-portrait traipsing Downtown 🙂 929 has a nice little covered outdoor space adjacent to the sidewalk that I’m sure I’ll enjoy next time.
First things first: Look at the size of that cinnamon roll. Mine’s without nuts, but holy wow, you can’t go wrong! I’m not a huge hot bev drinker on a spring morning, so I opted for iced mocha.
I mentioned materials. There are so many textures making this a warm and “lived-in” space. I was told this back wall is clad with vintage baking pans procured from a NYC restaurant.
I wandered down to the basement space. It has a more private feel, and would make a great space for groups.
AND, what I’m ordering next time!
WHAT MADE IT INSPIRING:
The brand — simple, typographical, well-used throughout
The orange forks — perfect choice, made me smile right away
The service — a great experience
The baking pan wall — depth, I just wanted to run my hand along the surface (but I refrained)
The conversation I had with A.S. while waiting in line — because that’s what you do at a coffee bar in a small town, especially when baby pictures are involved
Thanks for sharing the trip with me!
Today, I’m really enjoying these “flower constructions” from artist, Anne ten Donkelaar. She had some other more vibrant constructions, but I was so struck by these more minimalist compositions. With flowers, it is so easy to focus on their color, but these  really highlight shapes and patterns. Ms. Donkelaar’s work is created from actual found objects from nature, photos, maps and other paper materials. I’m so stunned by their intricacy. Check out her website for her other types of constructions — all show such an admiration and understanding of nature, and the melding of nature with our lives. [The butterfly series is absolutely stunning, and maybe a little haunting.]
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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