Jodi. I enjoy ever last stitch of your blog. I am so happy that you will not be removing any part of it! I have been a pessimist my entire life. Recently, in the midst of the most stressful couple years I've ever had, I have learned to be positive and dare I say- optimistic. I have to say, you Jodi, have been a large contributor to this. Your gentle reminders to stay grounded, keep things simple, and appreciate motherhood are just what I need. They are what keeps me coming back here often, hoping for more encouragement and inspiration. Thank you Jodi, from the bottom of my now optimistic heart.

I believe that you have the right to be paid for your work and charging people to read your blog is not necessarily the right answer, therefore sponsored posts and advertising are a must. I think it's commendable that you manage to keep the sponsors appropriate to your lifestyle and the message your blog promotes. It's quite funny how many times you have done a sponsored post from a company or about a product I already support/use.

I forgot to mention yesterday, I bought 'The Way of the Happy Woman' upon your recommendation and it has become my 'bible'. I have also bought it for likeminded friends who also love it, so thanks for that.

Luna. x

Yes! I have been talking about getting sponsors on my blog for years. I had a tutorial go viral on pinterest a few years ago and with the gazillion (quite literally!) folks that came my way, I have almost done it. But haven't. I want to extend the work I do by having sponsors, I want to continue to be heartfelt and have sponsors that build community and the world I want to live in. I also want to have the blog contribute a little to our families needs so I continue to homeschool and live a life that we love. It has been four years of blogging already! But I have watched blogs I liked be changed by the sponsored ads in a way I haven't felt comfortable with. I am quite sensitised to the subject...but you know, your blog is not one of those for me. Each to their own and all but I can trust that each sponsor you have on your blog is one I want to know about. I like that. It has inspired me to try and be brave and take on sponsors in my own heartfelt way. I want to support other cool businesses and people. I already do with various series I have on GrowMama, I suppose I might as well get paid for it. (I think a part of me is afraid it won't work, I am working on that). And, I totally get the writing to a largely silent crowd thing, I really do!

I like your sponsors. I like that they are small creative businesses like mine. I know you genuinely support handmade, you have bought products from me and asked for no discount. I like that I will never see adds for woolworths or target here.i really don't like the posts I sometimes see where people just rewrite the post like an add for the product. I love this space, I love your photos and words. Xx

I'm interested in what you said your intention was - to write what we wanted to read... but maybe it's to write from the heart about what you feel passionate about, no? Surely that's how your readers began following you in the first place. Your passion about subjects we just happen to be interested in. If we were weren't interested in what you had to say then we'd spend time elsewhere. But for you to be truly motivated to keep the space up (like motivated from deep within) then it's your passion that's most important, not pleasing your readers! It's a two- way street or at leas that's how I understand it! I hope this doesn't sound critical... I'm just a bit confused maybe... Either way, I've followed your blog for many years and have loved the transformation in the last few years in particular. Your voice has become clearer and I like the way you parent and think. I also like your yogic influence and think the little breathing exercise you just ended this post with is the bees knees. Best of luck Jodi! It's good to get some feedback eh, especially when it's so positive! x

The way I read Jodi's comment was that she writes what she would want to read, not what we want to hear, as such. More that she would, I presume, think about posts that would interest her as a reader to get some ideas on what might be good for her blog. When she writes "write what you want to read" I'm pretty sure she's referring to herself. Don't mean to sound patronising, just trying to help with your confusion.

I'm commenting your last posts a little bit late (as you said it's not easy with a cell phone while breastfeeding...) I love the atmosphere and the colors of your pictures, the semplicity and the authenticity of your words. Your blog is a landmark for me and my blog and taking part of your 52 project is teaching me so much! I have two little daughters (one is two and a half and the other three months old) and I would like to read more about your life with your littles... From mom to mom...
You're doing a great job Jodi, and if you'll ever come to Italy one day, I'd like to meet you!

Beautiful is your photo!
Greetings from Holland, RW & SK

Hi Jodi, I didn't get a chance to comment yesterday. I am a 34, I live in Arizona, and I have a one year old son. I've been reading for a few years. I'm excited to see the changes that are coming! Regarding the self doubt, if your other readers love this blog half as much as I do, you have absolutely nothing to worry about! No other blog makes me feel the way yours does. It's so well written, beautiful to look at, thought provoking, meaningful. I love everything you write, especially the posts about mothering. You inspire me in many ways but I'm particularly grateful for the natural birth inspiration that I found here. Thank you for this beautiful place that I love to visit.

Your blog was one of the first I discovered a few years ago now, when it was still small and Che was also small(er). I used to often read and re-read your 'yoga on Sundays' posts, especially when my own teacher had to move away to look after her ailing father and I wasn't quiiite ready or disciplined enough to practise completely by myself, but other yoga classes were out of my student budget - my original teacher used to practice every weeknight evening, in a local primary school, and it felt like we were just joining her daily routine. Unbelievably she would charge $5/3 (waged/unwaged) for an hour.

These days I come here for your photography and your gentle words. x

You're amazing. That is all x

I have just recently started reading blogs, and don't even know how I found yours, but it brings me peace and quiet at the end of the day. I am trying to live a simpler life... Even as the world around me races out of control!! So it is nice to have a place to read and think and enjoy

After Tim's Nursery & meeting Emily, I started reading blogs. I found you through them & I'm so glad I did. Your photography & words are real, comforting, positive & inspiring. Keep writing & snapping away. Kylie x

My favorite part of visiting Che&Fidel is your photography and how you capture your children in their day-to-day lives. It has inspired me greatly. From week to week, its a joy to "meet" the other women you have inspired through the weekly portraits series. The practicing simplicity series is another big draw... you've made many good points that have helped me (and I'm sure many others) identify and eliminate undue stress. You fill your space here with constructive and creative ideas. As far as sponsorship, I suspect that most people are happy to become aware of cool, smaller brands that we might not otherwise discover. In short, I'm so happy you have created this space. It is a very good place to be for a few moments out of the day. Thanks, Jodi!

Hi Jodi,

I tried to comment on your last post but when I tried to preview it before publishing it deleted everything I wrote, so I gave up.

I can't remember all of my comments, but one thing I wanted to make sure to mention was that I for one love your product promotions, I love hearing about new brands, and entering giveaways, I think those things bring an aspect of fun and excitement to an already beautiful blog filled with meaningful posts.

Best,
Samantha

Jodi, I'm so glad of your presence here in blogland. I keep coming back here because of your beautiful and sincere writing of the ideals you hold dear. I hold the same ones close to my heart as well.

I love how you cherish your family and life in general. And your photography is inspiring!

xo
Cortnie