The Story Behind March 2026

My grandfather grew up in Ireland and started his family there before moving to the United States after my mom, Crispina, and my aunts, Sofia and Felicitas, were born. He always felt a strong connection to his community in Ireland, and being teachers allowed my grandparents to return to a cottage there every summer. Growing up, it was the first place I remember traveling to. A short walk from that cottage is Traught beach, a tide-pool-ridden, rocky shore that occupies many of my favorite memories. I would wander that shoreline, wearing what were actually pink rain boots, splashing in puddles, and peering into tide pools at tiny crabs and sea anemones, endlessly entertained. 

(Lucy in the ocean in Ireland)

Fast forward to now: every summer, as we work on printing the calendar, I try to come up with a design for the next installment. Last year, I wondered aloud while printing with Lily, and one of her first recommendations was rain boots. At first, I wasn't sure what the best design might be if they should be stand-alone or worn, but then I remembered a photo my mom had taken on one of those trips to Traught Beach, and I knew exactly what to draw. Usually, I struggle to finish my design, caught up in the little details or flip-flopping over the composition, but for the first time I can remember in all my years designing for the calendar, I had a crystal-clear picture of how I wanted it to look. If I recall correctly, I was finished before the end of the week, lightning fast for me, and months before the wire, a truly unprecedented feat compared to my track record. 

(the original photo and the process of drawing)

A couple of days ago, my mom told me someone had reached out to ask about my design, remarking on how happy it made her every time she saw it, and asked if I wanted to write about it for the blog. I jumped on the opportunity and wanted to finish by saying thank you. Thank you to everyone who's joined in this quirky tradition my grandparents started, and helped us to make it what it is today. I am so touched to hear that people have been enjoying my print this year; it is truly my favorite design I've ever made. It's hanging on the wall in front of me as I write this in the midst of midterms, and it puts a smile on my face whenever I look up, too, but most of all, it reminds me that I can't wait to be back in Kinvara, hopefully very soon. 

(Little Lucy printing vs Printing her 2026 calendar design) 

Wishing you all a happy March,

Lucy <3