POPPIES AND LUPINE

Memories of my lifetime in Los Angeles are entwined with California poppies and lupine. In late winter, the hills near my home would be covered with swaths of orange and lilac—of sunbeams and the shadowed colors of dusk. Then in spring it would all die away as quickly as it appeared.

When I first moved to Philadelphia, I brought a ton of seeds with me so I could start a small California garden and bring a little of my state’s magic with me.

Over 180,000 people have had to evacuate their homes in Los Angeles due to the horrific fires that began on January 7, 2025. At least five lives have been lost, and the destruction of homes, businesses, and landmarks is widespread. The devastation is unimaginable and the depth of loss is crushing.

Please keep my home town and all those who live there in your thoughts.

Proceeds from the sale of this series will be donated to Direct Relief and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Please consider donating to these organizations—and the organizations mentioned below—directly.

King mandarin, orange, coconut, lilac blossoms, lavender tar, and amber musk.

The Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network is maintaining a list of resources for those affected by the fires

Please consider donating to these organizations that have boots on the ground in Los Angeles right now —

DIRECT RELIEF Distributes emergency medical aid, hygiene kits, respirators and other critical supplies.

CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S WILDLIFE RECOVERY FUND Distributes money to local organizations that aid in long-term recovery efforts.

CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION Provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve.

“PASADENA HUMANE SOCIETY Though they appreciate donations of supplies, monetary donations go the furthest right now.

If you want to help feed people in need: LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN