Forwarded from a friend? Subscribe to the monthly Bodega Botanica Tales Newsletter​

Hola!

Do you ever grow? I do. This month, my mother gifted me an avocado plant (pictured above) and it got me thinking about trying to grow, but in the wrong environment. After all, this plant needed tropical heat and I live in an area where the first chill of the Northeastern Fall has just set in. Avocado plants aren't exactly native to these parts. Besides, I'll admit that gardening, tending to plants, even keeping houseplants alive- none of it ever came naturally to me. In fact, when I was growing up, I hardly noticed a tree, especially since I grew up in a city where I rarely saw one. That all changed when I met the Flamboyant on my grandparent's farm in Puerto Rico. More about that if you click on the green button below to check out my latest blogpost.

But back to my avocado plant- my first thought after receiving this thing was, "There's no way this plant will ever grow here!" Even if I try to make it thrive, it will require a lot of work, time and patience. I felt guilty for being annoyed by a gift that my mother, with all her love, gave to me. Then I realized something- I'm the wrong person for the job; I'm the wrong environment. This plant has taught me a humbling lesson: sometimes the best thing we can do is to let go, so I handed the plant off to someone else, who can better care for it. I was reminded that not everything is meant for us to handle alone. This Thanksgiving, I'm incredibly grateful for the people I can rely on, thankful to take things off my plate, but also grateful I can fill my plate with challenges to make me grow and thrive despite the environment. What things are growing for you? Send an e-mail to mariarbross@bodegabotanicatales.com or DM me on Instagram @bodegabotanicatales.

My Blogpost

Spanish Word of the Month

Botánica- the literal English translation is "Botany", the study of plants or a "botany shop", which is literally a store that sells plants.

My thoughts about botánicas: Is it just a store or something else? Growing up, visiting a Botánica was sometimes considered by family, friends and neighbors to be taboo, even downright evil. When I got to college, I visited one that sold herbs, plants, candles, statues, jewelry and oils. The person at the counter explained that many of the products were rooted in Afro-Caribbean and Latin American traditions. The one I visited served as a cultural and spiritual hub for many locals. Still I was skeptical and stayed away. A few years later, I visited a local health food store (the type you see on cute main streets) and noticed they sold herbs, candles, oils, jewelry, a buddha statue even...etc. and I also noticed that the patrons asked the owner for guidance on products and questions about herbal remedies. Was I in a botánica, I thought? You be the judge.

Until next month...Stay tuned Brujas!

Other Magical Tales You Might Like