A little comfort for the January blahs
A cozy check in, a soup recipe, a peek at what’s coming
How are you holding up this month? January always feels a little upside‑down to me. The holidays end, the house gets quiet, and suddenly that nice, restful break is over. We’re back to routines, busy days, and shuffling around. If you’re a caretaker, for kids of any age or aging parents, you know exactly what I mean. I love being needed, but it’s funny how that role never really ends, no matter how grown everyone is. And then there are the January blahs, the gray skies, the cold mornings, the motivation that comes and goes. If you’re feeling it too, you’re in good company.
SOUPer Sunday
One thing that helps me through the winter season is our weekly tradition of Souper Sunday. Every week we make one or two big pots of something warm and simple. I’m the vegetarian in the house, so mine is always loaded with healthy vegetables to keep the cold and flu away. January always feels a bit better cooking something super easy and super comforting.
2024 Dahlia Season
Why Flower Farming?
While the fields are resting, I’ve been filling my own cup. This past weekend I spent two days attending a virtual flower conference, catching up with flower farmer friends from all over and meeting new ones, learning, dreaming, and taking lots of notes. Honestly, the best part (besides all the great information) was lounging in my comfies all weekend with a warm cup of tea and filing out my workbook. It’s amazing how a little time with other flower friends can spark new ideas and remind me why I love flower farming so much.
A few of you have asked “Your flowers are lovely… but what exactly do you offer?” Fair question. When you live inside the farm every day, it feels obvious, but it isn’t always clear from the outside. So, here’s a little about me and my farm journey.
I’m an Ohio State alum, Go Bucks! and I’ve been part of the Columbus community for many years, living in New Albany raising my family and working full‑time in Westerville. My day job is with a global organization, so I’m often up early talking with Germany or late chatting with my Asia Pacific colleagues.
In 2020, with no growing experience and on a whim, I decided to try growing flowers. The first round didn’t go as planned (I killed an entire tray of zinnias). Then I tried sunflowers, and everything grew. That led to ordering more seeds, trying more flower varieties, and eventually tilling up my backyard and starting a flower farm. My favorite part is still the joy of sharing the flowers I grow.
Since I grow at home, my farm is private. To share my flowers, I offer delivery, and this past season I partnered with Blue Turtle Tea Shop in Uptown Westerville for grab‑and‑go bouquets. I’m heading into my fourth year of offering flowers which includes:
Peony and Dahlia Flower Subscriptions
Custom seasonal bouquets
Event flowers (small, personal, build‑your‑own bouquet bars)
Returning to 4th Friday event in Uptown Westerville
New for 2026, flower workshops
I’ve learned so much about local flowers, the importance of our pollinators, and how meaningful it feels to do my small part to support them and share beauty with my community.
Newsletter Insiders: What’s Blooming
I started this newsletter so you can be the first to know what’s blooming and what’s coming up next. A little hint: specialty daffodils, tulips, and a full field of peonies are on the way.
Speaking of peonies… I’ll be opening our Peony and Dahlia Subscriptions soon, just in time for a Valentine’s Day. A gift that lasts longer than a box of chocolates. More details are coming in the next newsletter. but consider this your insider intel.
Until then, stay warm, stay gentle with yourself, and maybe make a pot of soup this week.
As always, if you have any questions, garden, flower, or just getting through the blah month send me a note.
Windy Heights newsletter published January 15, 2026