Whispers of Color: Finding Hue Within You and Seeing Colors in a Different Way with Sue Elizabeth Lee (Episode #162)

In this colorful episode of Vision Beyond Sight, Dr. Lynn Hellerstein welcomes Sue Elizabeth Lee – artist, poet, and cofounder of the Sock It To Em Sock Campaign – to talk about her delightful book Whispers of Color. Sue shares her incredible story of how she started to wake up in the middle of the night and write poems about specific colors. Realizing her vivid descriptions relate to her memories and life moments, she continued writing during the day and even invented color names like “Faded Blue Jeans.” Her work eventually turned into a collection of poems about 52 colors! Later on, her words inspired the late musician to Animal Planet and her good friend Chris Hewitt to compose music for every poem and see “what those colors sound like.” Along with Sue’s narration of every poem, Whispers of Color became a multisensory experience. Her hope is for every reader to find stillness and reflection in experiencing every color, much like when we pause and marvel at a rainbow in the sky.

At the age of 77, Sue reminds us to never give up on our dreams. It is with ourselves that we will live with for the rest of our lives so we owe it to us to take courage and find the way to make our dreams work, especially in these times when it is easier to connect with people and utilize technology and AI. Sue inspires us to see colors – and life – in a different way. What if color weren’t a color? The answer could surprise “hue.”

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A Journey Beyond Traditional Color

Sue explores the remarkable story behind her multisensory book, Whispers of Color. What began as unexpected 3 a.m. moments of writing evolved into a collection of heartfelt poems that invite readers to experience color in entirely new ways.

Sue shares how simple prompts like, “What is lime?” opened the door to vivid memories, emotions, and life experiences stretching from childhood to adulthood. Along the way, she even created her own color names—such as Faded Blue Jeans—allowing each color to tell its own unique story.

Discovering the Language of Color

Rather than relying on traditional meanings or associations, Sue encourages us to see colors without preconceived ideas. Even colors she didn’t naturally enjoy, like orange, became meaningful once she allowed herself to experience them with curiosity instead of expectation.

Together, Dr. Lynn and Sue discuss how colors can evoke feelings, memories, and possibilities, reminding us that every color has the potential to inspire joy, reflection, and connection.

When Poetry Becomes Music

The experience of Whispers of Color extends beyond the written page. Late musician to Animal Planet and Sue’s friend Chris Hewitt composed original music inspired by each poem, creating a rich sensory experience that allows readers to hear what each color sounds like. Every poem in the book includes a QR code that links to Sue’s narration accompanied by the original compositions, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and fully immerse themselves in each color.

Sue describes the book as one to savor slowly, exploring one of its 52 colors each week and allowing each poem to become a mindful moment of stillness.

The Beauty of Stillness and Imagination

Sue shares why Pumpkin became her favorite color in the collection because it celebrates the child within all of us, while Dr. Lynn reflects on her connection to Earth Blue, written in honor of Sue’s brother, David.

Their conversation explores the importance of silence, stillness, and giving ourselves permission to pause and regulate. They remind us that silence isn’t something to fear—it can become a place of presence, creativity, and renewal.

Never Give Up on Your Dreams

Sue also offers heartfelt encouragement for anyone pursuing a dream. Regardless of age, it’s never too late to create something meaningful. With today’s technology and the support of others, there are countless ways to bring an idea to life. She acknowledges that criticism is inevitable, but reminds listeners that if your work resonates with you, it will resonate with others as well.

The episode closes with a powerful invitation to become your own best friend, embrace your creativity, and continually ask, What if? What else? Why not? Perhaps color is more than something we see—it could be a vibration, a sound, a feeling, or an entirely new way of experiencing the world.

Tune in to discover how Whispers of Color invites us all to see, hear, and feel life through a richer, more imaginative lens.

About Sue Elizabeth Lee:

Having been blessed with many rewarding experiences throughout my life, my mission these days is simple: to help people reconnect with their feelings, memories, and moments using color and music as a means to do so.

I grew up on a small farm in Chardon, Ohio, where imagination, hard work, and an appreciation for simple things were woven into everyday life. I attended Kent State University and earned a degree in elementary education, teaching for six years before stepping away to raise my family.

I have two wonderful grown sons. Tony, his wife Erika, and my grandchildren, Sam and Maddy, live in Sydney, Australia. My younger son, Ian, and his wife Kristin, make their home in Silverthorne, Colorado.

One of the biggest surprises of my life came during the COVID lockdown. Widowed, sharing my home with three cats, and suddenly faced with an unexpected season of stillness, I asked myself, “What might I do now?” I decided to teach myself to paint. To my delight, I discovered a style all my own—creating flowers not as botanical studies, but as expressions of how they feel to me.

Today, I’m proud to be part of ARTWORKS, an artist cooperative and boutique at Streets at SouthGlenn featuring the work of 16 local artists.

Perhaps what makes me unique is that I never gave up on a dream. More than thirty years ago, I created a project centered around color, poetry, and reflection. Thanks to modern technology—and a bit of per-sistence—I was finally able to bring it to life through my book, Whispers of Color. It is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin something new, rediscover an old dream, or find beauty in the unexpected turns of life.

Connect with Sue Elizabeth Lee:

Facebook | Linked In

Check out the book Whispers of Color on Amazon here, or email Sue at enochsue@comcast.net.

Support Sue’s advocacy of donating socks through Sock It To Em Sock Campaign by checking out her website here. You may also check out her podcast episode about it here.

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