Behind-the-scenes

A little behind-the-scenes moment this morning from Head in the Clouds Amherst that made me smile – and also felt worth sharing, as we head into the last days of December and the very beginning of the new year.

Here’s a note I received at 7:30 am from a would-be calendar buyer who was writing to cancel their order:

“Hi so sorry I got excited about the local flavor and bought this, and immediately got scolded by my wife because she needs our calendar to have empty days for writing stuff in. If I can cancel, I'd appreciate it. Sorry for false alarm!”

And here was my reply:

“Hi there – not to worry. I am happy to cancel your order. Please reassure your wife that all is well, no money wasted. This definitely isn't a calendar for anyone who wants to use it as a planner. Rather, it's for weather- and history-curious folks who like to entertain themselves (and everyone around them) with obscure but fascinating weather tidbits, like when Factory Hollow in North Amherst was hit by a tornado in the 1800s, what Massachusetts weather greeted the Mayflower in 1620, or what day in the fall was supremely beautiful in 2025. It's all good.”

And honestly? That pretty much sums it up. 😄

This calendar is not for scheduling dentist appointments or soccer practice. It’s for people who love this place, who look up at the sky a little too often, who enjoy knowing what came before and noticing what’s happening right now.

As of today (December 30), there are just a handful left – about half a dozen – and once they’re gone, that’s it forever, as 2026 is our last year. If you’ve been on the fence, or if you know someone who would enjoy a year of local skies, strange weather history, and Valley beauty… now’s the moment. Order through Etsy: https://etsy.me/4sjv2UN

Thanks, as always, for following along – and for being the kind of community that appreciates “local flavor,” even when it earns a gentle scolding at home. ☁️💙

Worth the Wait

 Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge, Hadley MA
Photo by Jennifer Murphy

December’s featured photo in the 2025 Head in the Clouds Amherst wall calendar comes from Jennifer Murphy, who captured this glowing sunrise at the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge in Hadley.

Jennifer shared: 

I love getting up and out early to explore - especially when I’m rewarded with a sunrise like this. Our valley produces the best art!

This image feels like December distilled: the wooden boardwalk leading us forward, frost-muted fields resting on either side, and a sky briefly ablaze before the day fully wakes. It’s a reminder that even in the shortest, coldest days, beauty still arrives right on time.

(And yes… I may be a bit late sharing this one, but some skies are worth waiting for.)