At the Gate

Read by Matilda Longbottom

November is a month for thankfulness. Each day, I make it a point to note at least one thing I am grateful for during this month. Sometimes, it’s something as small as a hot cup of coffee and a peaceful morning. Other times, it’s more significant, like the time I was thankful for the town police and fire department who came to my “rescue” after I locked my keys in my running car. I was also grateful that morning for a good friend who drove my daughters to school—the reason the car was running in the first place.

I have so much to be thankful for this year, and near the top of that list is GreenPrints. I am incredibly grateful not only for our amazing subscribers but also for the writers who share their touching stories with us each month. Even better, now that the entire issue is narrated, I can listen as I drive, work in my garden, or simply relax and reflect on these heartwarming stories.

This month’s issue of GreenPrints magazine highlights Thanksgiving and giving thanks. “Turkeys on Parade” by Zary Fekete focuses on the turkeys that trek through his yard each day. My Seasonal Thoughts article this month reflects on cranberry sauce and the lively discussions it sparks each year. Our Thanksgiving Garden to Table Recipe Collection might just inspire you to put a new twist on some classic dishes this holiday season.

“The Legacy of Three Rosebushes” by Alice Freismuth is a touching story about the love of family and how it endures in the form of a rose. Gisela Woldenga’s “A Garden-Variety Love Story” weaves an enchanting tale about spider plants. Keisa Samuels’ “Flourishing in Winter” reminds us of the importance of patience and attentiveness when tending to indoor plants. These stories remind me to be thankful for family, plants, and the peace and joy that come from nurturing both.

This month’s Club Notes made me smile, sigh with relief, and reflect on what truly matters. Pat Stone shares what life is like in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We are so very thankful that he is safe and our hearts go out to all those affected. Amanda MacArthur reminds me of the tasks I need to tend to in my garden this November. Don Nicholas shares the joys and benefits of growing herbs indoors. And Bill Dugan’s Harvesting Health article focuses on the many benefits of apples—after all, an apple a day can keep the doctor away, but does apple pie count?

Becky Rupp’s article, “Potatoes on Mars,” makes us wonder about the best food for survival. Did Mark Watney get it right when he focused on potatoes? Diana Wells’ “Plants Behind Glass” explores the joys of indoor plants and the best varieties to nurture. And in “I know, but at least it’s not an old toilet out there by the road,” Mike McGrath shares his experience using an old, inoperable grill as a planter—did it work out for him? You’ll have to read to find out.

If you love Mike McGrath’s quirky sense of humor as much as we do, then you’re in for a treat this month! We’re introducing our new Gardening Giggles Story Collection, which perfectly captures the highs, lows, and outright hilarity that every gardener has experienced. Whether you’re tending to prized tomatoes or coming face-to-face with an overambitious raccoon, the stories in this collection remind us that, in the end, gardening is really about the laughter that blooms along the way.

If all of that is not enough to be thankful for this month, remember that GreenPrints is part of Food Gardening Network. Enjoy a full library of magazine issues from three different magazines, articles, gardening guides, videos, kits, and recipes, including:

• GreenPrints Magazine—You continue to get monthly digital magazine issues that deliver entertaining and enjoyable gardening-themed stories and tales, plus gorgeous artwork.
• Food Gardening Magazine—Please check out the library of monthly issues filled with articles about how to start, maintain, and harvest food from your home garden.
• RecipeLion Magazine—Please try out some of the hundreds of delicious and easy-to-make recipes at your fingertips … and use the tips and tricks for developing new cooking skills.
• Gardening GuideBooks—You have instant and unlimited access to more than 65 premium, curated Gardening GuideBooks that cover specific plants. Access all the Gardening GuideBooks now!
• Cookbooks & Recipe Collections—You get full and immediate access to 15 digital cookbooks and recipe collections, with more than 1,340 quick-and-easy, garden-fresh recipes. Never run out of ways to enjoy the fruits of your gardening labor. From single dishes to a whole meal—we’ve got you covered!
• Video Library—Please take time to watch some of the more than 90 videos in our library with gardening tips, tricks, and tactics; do-it-yourself projects for gardening and crafting items; and cooking videos to show you exactlyhow to make specific dishes.
• DIY Crafting Kits—You have full access to printable garden planning calendars to help keep your garden on track, garden and recipe card kits, Greeting Card kits, and gorgeous ArtPrints kits for adorning your walls with beautiful artwork.

Check out this entire issue, and I know you’ll find some peace, joy, humor, and inspiration from our November 2024 issue of GreenPrints.

And let me know what you think. I’d truly love to hear from you, especially about you are most thankful for in your life!

Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
GreenPrints

P.S. And please email me with your feedback about GreenPrints and all the new food-gardening content that’s part of your membership: christy@mequoda.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Or share your comments below, so all our readers can benefit from your feedback.