Where My Inspiration Comes From

There are lots of things and ideas that inspire me, and it when it comes to starting and running a business, inspiration is essential. Of course, I spend endless hours looking at garden design books, and nature and architecture are ongoing sources of creative inspiration for me. But, there are times when I have to dig deeper to find courage to continue. (Matt's encouragement, and my dad's advice only go so far).

Sometimes I look to other small business owners for encouragement, and that definitely helps. - "If they can do it, I can do it!" Sometimes I find inspiration in surprising places. The images of the old women in Mexico carrying supplies on their heads and in their arms (sometimes with a baby wrapped up in their too) have stuck with me, and I think about their strength and perseverance a lot. Also good to remember the importance of weight-bearing exercise for strong bones....

Anyway....my new inspiration is this woman - Aunt Mary. She is over 50 years old and riding her bike across North America. - California to Florida. Not only am I inspired, but am also extremely jealous. And, as many of you know, I am an avid cyclist, and I think about her on her bike for 58 days. I wonder how many times she wants to quit, how many of her muscles ache, and how many times she gets angry at passing motorists that drive too close. All of these things can make you feel defeated really quickly. And it takes will-power, determination, belief in yourself and your abilities, and a little bit of insanity to keep going. That's exactly what I need some days when I doubt my ability to run a successful business.

So, Mary - thanks! You are inspiring me everyday. Hopefully that gives you some strength to turn the cranks on those tough miles.

Walk the Talk

I have been shopping for new trucks this week because I brought on another full-time employee for the season in hopes of having a crew at the work site, and me being able to go off running around to appointments, getting supplies, making nursery runs, and picking up coffee on the way back to the site. I really want to get a diesel truck and convert it to biodiesel but I'm finding this to be very difficult. (cheap ones are hard to find).

I drive alot for work. Alot. And, I hate it. It might be the worst part of my job. So, I'm considering my options for lessening the impact I make by driving around all day. Someone suggested that I pay into a carbon offsets fund like carbonfund.org. I think this is a noble idea, and I gave it some thought. Essentially, the organization takes money from the person donating and gives it to organizations that help with renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation, and the donor then feels justified about driving everywhere. (Hey - at least I cycle commute when I'm not working). Then I thought about the work that I do at the job sites and wondered how much carbon I'm offsetting by planting trees and shrubs all day everyday. So, I did a little search through my '07 records and counted how many trees Superwonderful planted last year - 39! (And, I would guess at least 500 shrubs and perennials.) Do I feel better as I'm driving my truck(s) everywhere? No Way. But, I am proud of little accomplishments like this that I make in my own little way.

My Spring Fever Started Early

As it usually goes for me in the winter months, I get in a quick (and much needed) vacation, then come back to Portland and wait for Spring. and wait. the phone rings, I get a few small jobs in, and I wait for Spring. This winter, one of the most spontaneous, and fulfilling adventures presented itself to me, and I jumped on it. My friend took a 3-month long position as a gardener at Starseed Ranch - a 26 acre ranch on the big island of Hawaii. I tagged along with her to help her jump start the gardens which had been neglected for a few months. I was only there for 10 days, but the beauty and fertility of Hawaii stuck with me throughout February. Hawaii's growing season is year-round, so I felt like I was smack in the middle of summer. I grew up in Florida and have a soft spot for tropical plants (dare I say they are my favorite?) Orchids, palms, banyan trees, avocados, loquats!) Color was everywhere (my eyes were unaccustomed to this), and signs of life were overwhelming. We were planting vegetable seeds and sowing established crops, all the while taking tangerine and papaya breaks in the orchard on the property. The day after I got back to Portland, I started some vegetable and herb seeds on a sunny window in the house and remembered how good the sun felt on my skin. Signs of life have begun in Portland now too. The cherries are blooming (pink trees - yes!), and bulbs are adding color in the sparse beds. Oh, and the phone won't stop ringing.

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