Growing means listening.

Walking around, noticing things.

People power business and forge communities sometimes based around interests. Around the globe.

December. Days are short, the landscape goes quiet, dressed in muted colors. Many birds have flown south. Some stay; so happy to hear the chatter of a wren. Cold settles in.

Hellebore, a flock of vibrant health Christmas cactus with buds galore. A stop in person to Uncle Bob's Garden Venter. Talking plants; of hoyas (“she bought all of them”); the once marvelous place that was Caprilands Herb Farm in Coventry. Memories of the huge tree in the back, then on to see a dolphin plant, string of pearls, mother of thousands (also called a pregnant plant); senecios. Rosary vine with the nubby bead-like growths along trailing strands–have you ever seen the strange beauty of a bloom it produces? Accents in green and red, white; gifts, look at this one. Inside.

Outdoors people are selecting their Christmas tree. Wreaths and kissing ball greens, cemetery boxes that are evergreen with splashes of brilliant color, the scent of pine, balsam. Decor to consider as gifts or to withstand the winter weather outdoors. Spools of wire, ribbon, bows for makers. Ask questions, about growing an African violet to the desire to add elderberry bushes to your yard next season. About mulch and when to add it to a landscaped area. Decorative stone, pros. Still much to do around the yard and back woodlot, ever-changing.

And if you're too busy talkin'
You're not busy listenin'

To hear what the land has to say

“Quiet Your Mind” by Zac Brown Band

Firewood. Seasoned well, mixed to perfection. A crackle and flare as sticks take up the flame, ignite the built stack. Not long, a soft murmur of the blower fan breathes warmth into cozy room. Reflecting yet again on marvel that is tree architecture. Trunk, limb, branch, twigs, leaves tap sunlight, earth, water and time to create structures that catch the light and transfer energies. A human cannot make a tree. Yet the resulting form as wood can be aged and transformed into fire which releases the energy back again. The little resulting ash goes out to gardens as dressing with other additions to sweeten the soil.

Huh. A year travels into winter trailing unimaginable changes. Not alone on this journey as life prunes us all. Love and loss. Hold fast and wait. Gather energy; adapt. Turn to towards the light.

He's not there anymore. Hole up, work, write, refine. Lights on, reading in bed as the wind howls. Watch buds develop into flowers, Christmas cactus, other succulents. Never gets old, cultivation of beauty, helping things grow. Life, people, business, books, ideas.

I feel the change
Goin' on all around me
It's strange
How I'm taken and guided
Where I end up right I'm needed to be

“Quiet Your mind” by Zac Brown Band

That’s it for now. From now on this account will focus on sellers and our Seller tools. Follow @Blocks to watch our blocks build.

— Square (@Square) December 1, 2021

Note: Wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer, take snacks, apples to extend your jaunt and explorations. Get vaccinated or add the booster. Observe all health precautions. For updates and holidays, any winter day closings, call ahead to avoid disappointment. Logee's, 141 North St., Danielson, CT; (860) 774-8038. Retail store open Wednesday through Sunday; November through February. Closed Christmas. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, close at 1 p.m. Uncle Bob's Garden Center, 191 Meriden Rd. (Route 66 near Agway), Middlefield, CT; (860) 704-8414. Pourings & Passages used bookstore and coffee house, 103 Main St, Danielson; non-profit business with all proceeds going to St. James School. Call (860) 774-1712; closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday; call ahead on snowy days.

Note: A portion of this story has been updated and moved.