Organizing Life

when you have the memory of a toddler...

Hello,

Happy New Year! Every year, rather than forward thinking resolutions, I find myself looking to the past, the lost, and the forgotten. How you might ask do I return to the lost, let alone the forgotten? That my friend is my everlasting conundrum.

I have the memory of a toddler - once a thought or an object is out of my sight, it’s virtually gone to me. Which is why my spaces are (very, very) layered with books, collaged images, so many birds, and art supplies. Of course I also rely on editorial spreadsheets, countless to-do lists, and post its (soooo many post its). One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was a three pack of index cards — I’ve never felt so seen and understood. On a less analog note, our new digital picture frame serves up a constant slideshow of memories, like Proust’s madeleine from In Search of Lost Time. Both systems, paper and pixel seem to slow time as past and present ping pong through my days.

Channeling my inner librarian, I’ve spent the past week organizing my shelves as it were, reviewing metaphorically dusty folders filled with ideas that once got my pulse thumping and trying to bring order to the lost. To that end I’ve been organizing and tagging three plus years of Cultivating Color newsletters. The process is ongoing. I’m resisting the inclination to go fast at the expense of thoughtfulness and connection.

You’ll find new topics in the navigation bar at the top of my homepage and I’ve removed the paywall from everything in the archives. I hope the slow days of the new year afford you time to explore, like browsing shelves in a bookstore or wandering among stacks at the library. Let me know if something resonates with you. I’m so glad you’re here.

xo Lorene

Recent writing: very little, unless you count post it notes and index cards
Recent reading: Home, by India Knight I also recommend India’s Substack
Making: mending, knitting, darning — basically stitching myself to the day

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Tulip Tour Update

Click image to watch Debra, Lois and Lorene chat about the tour on the Slow Flowers Podcast.

Our tour runs April 19-29 and begins with 3 nights in the charming city of Utrecht followed by a 7-night river cruise traveling onboard AmaWaterways — travelers’ favorite that gets rave reviews for gourmet food and all-inclusive shore excursions. Our tour group will enjoy custom excursions that include inspiring garden and floral destinations and cultural sights. Click on the above image — or here — to watch Debra, Lois and Lorene chat about the tour on the latest Slow Flowers podcast.

And if you just want to join us for just the 7-night cruise, that option is now available with group pricing that is more than $1,000 less than the regular retail price.

There will be an option 2-day pre-tour for those who want to experience the famous Bloemencorso Bollenstreek flower parade (pictured above lower right).

Shop Talk

Would it even be New Years without a sale?!? Both the 2026 In Living Color Calendar and mini poster are 30% off while supplies last.

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Seasonal Colors

Folks have a lot of big feelings about Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s 2026 color of the year, but I’ve always celebrated the world of subtle nuance and richness in white.

Thankfully, the fragrant blooms of paperwhite narcissus brighten these dark days of winter.

Last fall a friend gave me a dried bouquet with sprigs of Lunaria annua in it — a perfectly lovely names that belies the plant’s weedy takeover tendencies. I tucked the stems into a juniper garland on the mantle where their pearlescent seedpods glowed by candlelight.

These botanical snowflakes, otherwise known as the ferny leaves of Powis Castle artemisia, are as close as I got to a white Christmas this year.

Curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) is a perfect echo of overhead storm clouds.

Oysters remind us that it takes irritation to make a pearl.

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Introducing the Winter Color Collection

Four times a year — winter, spring, summer and fall — all paid subscribers can fill out a form to receive a complimentary Color Collection of simple things that I find inspiring and delightful. The above photo is an example of colorful bits that might be included. The collection may include a postcard, stickers, or a scrap of vintage garden ephemera. Calming dried lavender – absolutely, it’s the best cure for the stress of everyday life. Pressed flowers? A zine? I have so many ideas. For sure each seasonal collection will include an original color study.

It’s a privilege to share my thoughts and images each week and I am very grateful that you make room in your no doubt already crowded inbox. The Color Collection project is my way of sharing in kind and thanking those of you who support this newsletter financially. Don’t worry, participation is strictly optional. You’ll only receive a collection if you want one. And I ask your patience as I work out any potential kinks in this endeavor!