Earth Day Reflections on 13 Years
Today is Late Bloomer Show’s 13th anniversary, and I thought you might enjoy a few behind-the-scenes details and how things have changed.
Kaye’s original Late Bloomer portrait, 2012
Kaye’s casual portrait, 2022
Behind the Scenes Creating Late Bloomer
In 2012, the un-retouched self-portrait above left I captured on my Canon 5D full frame camera. It had no flip screen, therefore, I had to use my remote to snap the picture. Then, I got up and walked to the back of camera (facing the sun) to view it. Regarding composition, was I, the sun, and the blooming orange tree in the right place? Had the curls on my face shifted? Most importantly, did I like my smile? Getting up and sitting back down meant adjusting my blouse each time and hoping it wasn’t wrinkled.
Eventually, it all came together in the 115th frame. Quickly, I shot two more frames and called “wrap.” There was no one behind the camera. Lighting was a reflector, which put that spot of light in my eyes. A typical day in Southern California and morning sun was beating on my back. Sweat rolled down between my shoulder blades. No stylist or makeup artist to assist. Soon after, I sold my 5D for money to buy a flip screen 3/4 frame camera with video.
Managing the image
Back then, I carefully managed my image, along with the help of my editor (instructed never to include a shot of my backside in the final cut!). I believed wholeheartedly I would turn this idea of growing vegetables in a front yard into a show for television. With my background of 40 years as a working actor, it seemed like a sure thing. Especially in the early days of YouTube with virtually no other garden channels.
In time, this image went on my business cards, my opening credits, my website, all my printed materials. As the years and reprints went on its brightness, and my hopes of a TV show, began to fade.
Capturing the Moment
Now, in my fifth growing season on my large property in Tennessee, I have taken on way more than I can handle. Envisioning these acres fully maintained and productive has been my driving force. Unfortunately, it’s only me with the help I can muster and employ. I’m so busy, if I get a little makeup on before I rush out with my now battered Canon 77D, I’m lucky. Most days, I just use my also battered cell phone. There may have been 2 frames of the sunflower selfie. No styling involved!
Meanwhile, I haven’t had a professional haircut since 2019. I made an appointment with my hairstylist in 2020, knowing it would be my last after 25 years, but was too busy to make the trip into Beverly Hills. Lida, my facialist of almost 30 years, I saw for the last time in 2019. I had colored my own hair since 1997, when I had short hair and went to single process (no highlights!), and that quietly ended in 2023. My hair is now down to my waist. Times have changed. Work load, and world concerns, necessitate a more casual approach.
Earth Day means a lot to me
After months of preparation, Late Bloomer premiered on Earth Day, April 22, 2012, creating garden content on a small city lot in Pacific Palisades. I had no idea I would be still on YouTube or that my life, and indeed the world, would change in such drastic ways. In January, my neighborhood, including my property and first Late Bloomer Garden, was destroyed, leveled and homeowners and service workers left devastated. Those with deep pockets will try and rebuild. Others have sold their lots, or plan to. I’m glad I left when I did, wonderful memories intact.
Please help Dinora and Rene
Reuniting after five years, my Friday housekeeper and friend, Dinora, is here helping me bring some order to the house, which is always neglected in lieu of garden work. Sadly, she and gardener husband, Rene, have lost 90% of their income due to working exclusively in Pacific Palisades for several decades. All but one client have lost their homes and are now in apartments or AirBnB’s. Rene has only been able to replace a few of all of his tools which were lost in the fires, stored down the street from where I lived 25 years.
Suggested by a friend, I started a GoFundMe for them in February and if you are able, please consider a donation for living expenses. Effusive thanks to all who have donated! Dinora came to work for me sometime before 2005, but neither of us remember exactly when. They are like family, and I would love to help them more. Thank you for considering a small or large donation. God bless you.
Finally, please watch, like and share my latest video, picking and making dandelion syrup! I know you will enjoy it! My co-star BJ played an important role, and Spot stepped in for a moment. Thank you for your support! If you would like to read more blogs, please leave a comment!
Support by buying from these affiliates:
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HOSS TOOLS: http://shrsl.com/41lpu
IV Organic PLANT CARE products from https://ivorganics.com/, a family-owned U.S company. Discount code: KAYE10
HISEA boots (Men and Women!), use code KAYE15 for 15% off any order. http://shrsl.com/48157
LATE BLOOMER T-shirts! 6 Styles! https://www.bonfire.com/late-bloomer, https://www.bonfire.com/dirt-person/
GROW LIGHTS from https://grow-it-led.com/a family-owned U.S. company, use LATE BLOOMER for a 5% discount.
Purchase from three SEED COLLECTIONS and receive a 10% discount! Home Garden, Homesteader and Farmer Collections. USE THIS LINK! https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=LATEBLOOMER
Thank you for reading! ~ Kaye
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Category: Kaye’s Vlog, Uncategorized
