Hello 2026!

Welcome to 2026! It seems to be one of those years where I am surprised by the passage of time. For some reason, I have remarked a few times today (New Year’s Day) and yesterday that I am so shocked that it is 2026. When did that happen? This past year has been a complex journey for me personally, as I transitioned careers and enrolled in graduate school. The flower farm has been a consistent source of joy, peace, and grounding during this period of transition in my life. In addition, our family has had lots of incredible adventures, explored our creative sides, and spent much more time together. We love Tumwater and look forward to another year in this delightful home.

The fall bulbs are all tucked in, the dahlia tubers are dug and divided, the early spring flowers have sprouted and are waiting for the return of sun and warmth, and the newest chickens have settled in nicely with the flock, with a total of 11 hens now! My farm chores are minimal but required. I open the coop for a day of foraging while checking food and water. I water the baby plants in the greenhouse to keep them alive until it’s time to plant them. As part of my walkthrough of the farm, I check the field for any growth or decline in the plant life, then finish with the high tunnel, which is sometimes opened or closed depending on the temperature and weather conditions. Then I spend all of my remaining farm time planning, taxes, or baking (in the hopes of adding brownies and breads to the farm stand one day).

I also take the time to set the tone for the year, pick a word, create a vision board, and then rest. I read, crochet, and peruse seed catalogs. Winter is not the time for being busy, if possible, it's a period of rest and reset (not always possible, but I try). To me, it creates the outline for the year ahead, the bones of the year’s journey. I want to know what winter is like for you. What brings you joy during this time before the big burst of spring?