Note to Self
begin again...
Hello,
I love the notion of a clean sweep - a fresh start, the newness of single digits and the promise of a new calendar. I’m not keen on resolutions but I appreciate the chance to try again — Try to keep the gravel weeded … Try to keep up with paperwork … Try and remember to breathe deeply of fresh air amidst the crush of the everydayness of life … Try to be a better friend & take more walks.
As the months progress from the gentle quickening of spring into the crash of summer with all its excess to a rich harvest that slows again to the quiet and gathering darkness of another winter, I will really, really, really try and remember, as well as learn to appreciate, the rhythms of the year - the riotous growing season as well as the fallow - and recognize that the one is sweeter for the presence of the other.
xo Lorene
p.s. Thank you to everyone who reached out with kind words in response to my year end letter a few days ago. It means so much to me that we’re on this ride together.
Note to Self
Read what I write!!! I find I have much to tell myself when I pay attention and listen. There’s a great scene in the movie Best In Show when one of the zany characters stands very still and says she’s listening for “a message from myself.” Several years ago, my friend Jennifer Cultivating Place wrote a book entitled The Earth In Her Hands and interviewed me for the project. Sorting through crowded folders and files on my computer I recently came across this short piece that I wrote in response to one of her questions.
I’d love to see a world where the best parts of tending a garden and working in horticulture—nurturing and connection—become a part of the fabric of society. Beauty is a seductive invitationto tend to the larger world. Delicious flavors keep us tethered to real food. Nuanced colors keep us learning to see. And hopefully our personal digging in the garden promotes respect and support for all.
Recent writing: “Animals and Plants are the Story of Life on Earth” on Garden Rant. Gardens have a way of returning us to our soft animal selves.
Recent reading: Wintering, The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times Always a good reread when I need it most.
In the handmade kitchen: All the Chex Mix *no shame*
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Shop Talk
I was a shopkeeper for many years and there will always be a part of my heart that thrills when I find something I want to share with the world. I’m still noodling ideas for what that might look like online but I’m having a lot of fun sorting through treasures and collections.
In the meantime, maybe you’d like to start the year off a DIY Color Kit, above, or a Color Story like those pictured at top. Both are in stock and ready to wing their way to you.
Enter the code: NEWYEAR at checkout to get 25% off any purchase. Quantities are limited and the sale runs through 1/12/15.
Let’s Get Color-full
Happy Solstice. The longest night, the biggest dark. It’s a busy time of the year but this moment of stillness gives us a chance to pause & catch our breath. Tonight when we light the bonfire we’ll promise to let go of that which needs releasing. We’ll embrace the dark like a curtain hiding our undone chores, then light a candle to create a circle of warmth.
Oh—and there will be s’mores.
Enduring love, rock solid.
My husband brought this beach find home to me on a hectic day. It was such good medicine and lasted far longer than any little bit of human nonsense.
And this is how I acquire rocks that stay with me for years and years.
Lovely lichen gathered on a winter walk with a dear friend.
Calm/Clam Words to live by.
I’m always matching colors & plants. But sometimes I look for matching plants, too. I’ll never run out of colors.
During this paint-your-groceries season I’d like to introduce you to a couple of the most adorable turnips you’ll ever meet. I love them so.
Merry & Bright my friends.
Seizing citrus season.
A pink lemon — what a beautiful world.
Thank you for sharing your notes to self. They are all keepers! I kept looking at the pink lemon trying to 'remember' what fruit it might be, before i scrolled down to read what it was. Hah! You got me! :-) I too had a new experience last month, My Instacart person brought me peach-colored strawberries! At first I thought these look terribly under-ripe. But no, they were something new and a little different not only in color but also with a slightly smoother skin. They were tender and though not juicy, the flavor was okay! Welcome to 2025!