It could be the turning of yet another season, or maybe it’s because my entire world has changed this year. Maybe it’s just this summer bug I’m fighting, but lately I’ve found myself especially reflective. And since it’s officially Get Out The Bonzai month, I figured it was the perfect time to share some of my thoughts. Afterall, I’ve always said that my role here is just to facilitate discussion. My goal is to create community and a safe space for growth. And the way to accomplish that is to be as honest and forthright as possible, yes?

It’s sometimes difficult to balance this blog, which is my passion, with other aspects of my life – namely earning income. It goes without saying that my family comes first, and mothering/partnering will be my number one priority. If only this blog could always be number two!

In the past I’ve been open about my ambition to monetize BA. It’s not my driving purpose here (of course), but I sure wouldn’t shy away from it. Every dollar required to live my life is time taken away from this space. If BA could do a bit to earn its keep, that would change a lot. And becoming a mommy has made my time more precious than ever. Sometimes I find myself asking a very difficult question: is blogging like this really sustainable for me?

I firmly believe in NPR (National Public Radio), PBS (the Public Broadcasting Service), and CSAs (community supported agrigulture), which is why I’ve been operating under a model I call USB – User Supported Blogging. That means that I’ve eschewed advertising dollars and instead relied on contributions from my readers (via my wishlist and the tip jar → ). I am so incredibly grateful for every gift I’ve received, but the undeniable truth is that donations won’t really bridge that financial gap.

Right now I work for my $crilla and I blog for love, and those two investments become competing factions in the ”War On Sayward’s Time”. And since family always come first, and since the sad truth is I do *need* to make money, in the end it’s the blog that suffers.

My ultimate dream is to someday marry my income obligations to that which brings me true joy. In other words, I’d love Bonzai Aphrodite to become lucrative, so that I could channel all of my extra energy right here. I have such Big Dreams and Grand Plans (yes capitals!) for this project, if only I could devote the time!

I’m not trying to get rich. I don’t make much money right now and I don’t need that much to maintain my lifestyle. But, well, a girl’s gotta eat. (And this girl’s gotta eat organic!) Life costs money, and I do need some.

So here’s where I would love some input. I’m decidedly disinterested in hosting advertisements, but I have been considering ’sponsorship’. Essentially, featuring a company whose product and ethics I can completely get behind.

Do you see a distinction between advertisers and sponsors? Do you think allowing sponsorship would compromise the integrity of the site? (Or conversely, would you appreciate being exposed to responsible, green businesses?)

I’ve also considered other avenues of income via BA, such as selling quality merchandise like tees and totes. (Which, personally, I think could be so fun!) How would you feel if I offered BA-inspired garments and goodies? Would you be interested in buying them, or do you feel like our relationship would change if I were “selling something”?

My integrity is more important to me than anything. I always want you to trust that I’m operating above board and in honor of the principles I advocate. So I put it to you, my readers, my community, my ’shareholders’ – what do you think?

This meeting is now called to order . . .

Oh, deary me. Goodness goodness goodness. With a late spring, a miniature monster to care for fulltime, a foggy summer punctuated by unexpected heat waves, and most recently, two consecutive weekends away . . . it feels as though the world is conspiring against my garden. Ha! It’s just a hot mess up in there these days.

Oh well, I can’t complain! In this odd year of mostly hands-off-farming, I’ve actually learned a whole lot. And I’m so excited for next year! I can’t wait to implement all my new insights, and I just can’t wait to see this baby beast all covered in dirt and sprinkling seeds as he toddles along. We’re gonna have so much fun!





So speaking of seeds, I sort of have this grand idea. I want to organize an international seed exchange for Bonzai readers! I’ve always been enamored with the idea of saving seed – there’s something so inherently whimsical about this incredibly practical act. There are tons of really great reasons to do it, not to mention the fact that it’s just plain fun. I mean, talk about recycling!

I’ve written a bit about various seed-saving techniques, but the truth is, it’s fairly universal no matter the species. First, remove the plant part that holds the seeds. If it’s a pod or a flower, allow it to dry completely and then liberate the seeds. If it’s a fruit like a tomato or gourd, simply excavate the seeds and then allow them to dry out. Either way, collect your fully-dried seeds and label them clearly, storing in an airtight container (old spice jars work great). Easy as pie!

So this autumn as your garden begins to wind down, why not save as many seeds from as many plants as you can? Then email me, tell me what you’ve got and let me know what you’d want, and I’ll do my best to get everyone matched up for a great trade. I’ll post more info as the time draws near, but for now just remember to let some of your stock go to seed!

~~~

And now, a little look into my pitiful plot, haha. But I swear it’s not all my fault! It’s a similar story in every raised bed across the city. All the plants are petite; each bloom and fruit is delayed. I don’t know anybody who got homegrown blueberries, and even the Farmer’s Market produce is showing up late for the season.

What a strange year it’s been . . .



One thing I haven’t had any issue with is my gourds! Funny, since last year I planted a ton and didn’t get a one. But check ‘em out this time! They’re lovin’ it!



My very first homegrown pumpkin! There are a few of these guys already, with hints of more to come. I’m so excited!



I think this guy would grow up to be an acorn squash. Alas, I’m pretty sure he won’t make it. One of the casualties of heat + weekends away . . .



These are my first ripening tomatoes. Yes, my first tomatoes. It’s basically September. The best thing about waiting so long for your garden to get it together? Man, these are gonna taste soooo good.



What’s left of the chard. It was super lush but never got very big. But it still made many a smoothie! (of course!)



Beet greens . . . I wonder if there’s actually anything going on under there? Ah well, if nothing else the greens will be delicious!



My basils are finally starting to take off. I just hope it’s not too late! Pesto ahoy!



Summer is never complete without sunflowers! My big beauties are finally getting ready to bloom. They’re just about 7 feet tall already!


So tell me my dears, how has the season been where you live? Any luck in the garden this year? If so, I hope you’ll be saving your seeds!

Ahhh, another Monday and another month is blooming on the horizon. Is summer really slipping away already?

Regulars here on BA may be checking in to see what sort of mission I’ve set forth for us this month. Will we be cutting consumption of plastic? Or saving our change for charity? Or maybe we’re giving up toilet paper? Well . . . no, not quite.

Dearest readers, this month I need to ask of you a favor. I’m asking that you allow me a self indulgent interlude. And if you love Bonzai Aphrodite and you believe in what we’re doing here, then I’m asking for your help.

See I’ve always dreamed big, big, BIGGER for this little webspace. Now it’s time to begin the process of, er, biggering! I’m ready for BA to grow! (a bit) And of course, I want you to be a part of it.

Thus, I’m officially declaring September 2010 as “Get Out The Bonzai!” month.

I need you to Get Out The Bonzai! I’m hoping you’ll help to spread the word about BA and what we do here. I’ll be tasking you with outreach projects each week, as well as unveiling some exciting, new, reader-supported features. It would mean so much to me if you would join me this month in my effort to take this dream to the next level!

~~~

The first mini mission is an easy one. Do you have a Twitter? If so, I’d love it so much if you’d follow me. Then, at some point this week just tweet about BA – maybe link to an article you like, or talk about why you dig the site, or just encourage your followers to check it out. That’s it! Easy peasy!

And stay tuned for updates, announcements, and all sorts of news as the month progresses. I’ll be setting forth a framework for the future, as well as introducing new additions and facilitating discussion. We’ve got so much excitement coming up!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

Wow! Two whole months of intentional, active kindness. So amazing! And if that’s not enough time to form a real habit, I don’t know what is.

This month I’ve been especially focused on two joy-promoting techniques: setting a smile as my default expression, and being a super mellow super thoughtful driver. These have not been easy for me! I’m often deep in thought while walking my dogs or running my errands and this results in a tense face. It’s been sooo interesting for me to [try to] maintain awareness, relax my face, and smile while I do my deep thinking. Let me tell you, not only does it change how strangers regard you (they smile back!) but it also changes your thought process. Really, amazing stuff.

Okay, I admit it – I *may* have a little bit of road rage. I think it stems from my Hyper Productivity Disorder™ and my desire to go! go! go! all the time. So this month I’ve been forcing myself to relax behind the wheel, by driving slower, waving the other car ahead, and *always* giving the right of way to bicyclists. (I sure do appreciate it when I’m on a bike!)

I feel like these two things have worked wonders on my psyche, and I KNOW I’m putting more goodness into the world this way. Of course, I’ve also been dropping love bombs all over Portland (like inspiration notes, illuminationPositive! cards, butterflies) Love it!

But enough about me, what I really want is to hear from you guys! What have you been up to in our quest to make the world grin a bit bigger? Tell me tell me, I just can’t wait to hear!!!

Butterfly on the bus!

When I first announced our 13th monthly mission, I didn’t imagine it would be met with such enthusiasm – but I should have known better. You guys never cease to amaze me! It was pounced upon by all you awesome readers, and you being the industrious ingenious people that you are, have taken this little idea and RUN with it. From the stories shared in the first wrap-up, to the unanimous call to keep it going another month, to the partnership with illuminationPositive, it’s all of YOU who have really driven this project forward.

And now it continues to grow! All the way from down in the Yucatán (one of my very favorite places on Earth), Bonzai reader Ero San has been spreading all sorts of love. This is so delightfully creative, when he shared it with me I just couldn’t wait to get it out to all of you. I know you’ll be as inspired as I am!








Origami butterflies. But not just any origami butterflies! These guys are made out of Post-It Notes, so they’re stickable! Quick to assemble and simple to spread, Ero San’s been sprinkling them all over Merida. Each one has a little love message written inside, too, for whoever is lucky enough to find and unfold it. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?

I just love this idea and I can’t wait to start making butterflies of my own. If you want to join in the fun, Ero San made an instructional video to teach us all the technique :





Thank you SO MUCH to Ero San for sharing your endeavors with us. It’s truly inspiring! And to all of you out there, please share your stories too! We want to hear about all the ways you’ve been spreading the love. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate at all, so no need to be shy.

Can’t wait to hear from you all!

*** all images by Ero San