>>I suppose in my metaphor, each blog would be an individual's hearth, small or large, and how they tend it and what they create or invite to be created there is their contribution to the light of creativity. Yours is a very well-tended bonfire circle with many guests of varying mundanity and otherworldliness. Mine is smaller, but I am keeping it alight for now.<<

I like this image. :D

>>I have also done the literal task of fire keeping, and it is rewarding but it is a significant responsibility.<<

True.

>>Ghost stories, anyone? Drums and a lone high flute?<<

We often have drums at our bonfires.

>> The moment when the conversation spontaneously pauses, and an owl hoots in the distance? *grins* <<

That has happened repeatedly here. :D We currently have great-horned owls. In the past, there were barn owls.

>>The far forest is dark tonight, and small and contained and yet full of dangerously dynamic potential, the fire crackles away...<<

Sooth.