Connection: Thoughts on the Power of "We"

“Plants are attuned to one another's strengths and weaknesses,
elegantly giving and taking
to attain exquisite balance.”
(Suzanne Simard, The Hidden Life of Trees)

This is fun:

Trees chat... through fungi... underground.

University of BC Ecologist, Suzanne Simard, has been conducting research into the way

trees communicate chemically

with neighboring trees for their mutual benefit.

She watched a Douglas Fir (injured by insects) send chemical warning signals to a nearby pine.
That pine tree promptly produced defense enzymes to protect against that insect.

My take-away:

In community, sharing & collaboration... "we" are better.

Synergy: Thriving through Teamwork
"Bees underline the reality that we are more, not less, dependent on nature’s services in a world of close to 7 billion people”- Achim Steiner

The keeping of bees.

Oh, the depth of learning I have had.

Most profound: They are utterly dependent not on me, but on one another.

Each simply does it's job.
And they thrive.
Together.

Sharing: Multiplying Joy
A week ago...(out of nowhere)
My 11-Year Old: "Mom, I am starting to realize that I like giving stuff better than getting stuff."
Me: "Oh... the joy you will find."

Sharing Berries
Introducing:
The Delta County Farm To School Program.

Teaching kids to grow, eat well, honor soil & the tiny life that exists there. For their spring plant sale we shared berries.*(*strawberry plants, to be specific)
Jump online and get some Elevation Mountain Grown Strawberry plants of your very own.

The joy of sharing from our next generation of growers.

Community Building: Creating new Connections
As a small business owner & farmer, I have learned: connections are to be cherished.
When my partners thrive, we all thrive.
So, can I tell you about some of my new friends?

Brownfield's (Estes Park): A Gateway.
To Rocky Mountain National Park & long-standing family business. This shop has been sharing Colorado's best since I was a child.

Lazy J Coffee (Crawford): A Hub.
Home to a book club, summer farm markets & live Friday morning music (including me on the harp April 8th, 10-12).

Alpine Arts (Fort Collins): A Childhood Abode.
My hometown. This business district was my playground. This store was a favorite. It has stood the test of time, and reminds me what "good" companies offer to their communities.

The Living Farm (Paonia): An Eden.
Lynn is famous for her "High Performance Garden" How-To-Videos, educating humanity to grow food efficiently. She is also passionate about animals, good food and good health.

"We"
I am grateful to be learning what a gift it is to
create, connect, share, thrive & grow...
together
What beautiful moments are in store when we nurture connections with nature and each other?

As always:

Thank you

I'm honored to be your herbal tea farmer.

Be well,
Shannon