You need any acorns? I've got some. Loads of them. My two year old daughter (three in December!) has amassed an extraordinary collection. There are massive oaks that frame a cul-de-sac nearby and each evening when I get home from work, she begs me to let her wander and gather them up. She is a motivated squirrel - hoarding, storing, scattering, occasionally trying to eat them. It seemed harmless enough at first, and, in truth, was delighted to support her interest in these free toys. But now it's gotten out of hand. Mounds and piles in every room. Miniature land mines beneath early morning bare feet. Seven in a bowl here, sixteen in mom's wool sock... What's that smell in the oven? You guessed it. They are everywhere. She even picks unique favorites each night to take to bed (a tiny whisper in the dark: "Don't move, let me tuck you in, little fella..")
 
I inquire about her general plan, her endgame. "To pick them ALL!" she squeals and scurries off. I ask Ellery what she will do when she has them ALL.  "Give them to EVERYONE!" she hollers, triumphantly. And so the great socialist acorn revolution continues, as I write you this morning, picking one out of my slipper and sipping my coffee.

Watching my little one grow, the acorn metaphor is plain. Simple, and rather hokey, perhaps - that something singular and so small can grow to something so grand. But this morning I reflect not on the acorn, but the squirrel. The acorn falls from the tree with such promise, but will not grow in the tree's massive shade. It's the little critters, the simple characters that collect, store and scatter these tiny seeds and allow them potential new life in other corners and cul-de-sacs of the world.

We miss you here at the shop, and all the little joys and gentle gestures you brought into this space. Your seeds, your stories and anecdotes, the collection of curiosities and your kind contributions that made this space grand. We miss growing with you. Until this all passes, we hope you find some some delight and comfort in the collection of treasures we have amassed here at OAKLAND YARD. We hope these bottles will find their way to you - and to your friends and fellow critters, scattered across the city. Into your hands and into your homes, bringing you warmth and joy. A joy that grows. A towering joy. 

With love,

Daniel