Hi all.

Okay. This note should probably be about the new seed system on the site, but I think my fingers are going to fall off if I write any more about that. :) In short, the next time you log in, you'll find you have the power to generate 'seeds' by posting and commenting and participating, which you can then give away in the form of thank yous to other members, and as appreciative feedback to posts you enjoy. (And, additionally, you can use those seeds--if you want--to play a role in moderating the site.) Some members of the community have made a game of giving away all their seeds, so if you'd like to try, good luck with keeping your 'bank' empty.

Really, though, I wanted to point out two little opportunities. Some of you might already know Michael Garfield, especially if you're a musician on the site. He's put an extraordinary effort into creating a compilation CD of music from other Zaadz members, from Raymond Power's beautiful Sunrise Mandala to Cari Cole's evocative Heaven, and last week, the result was released on Omstream.

Please go have a look!

The album is called "The Dream is Valid: A benefit compilation for Kiva.org." Michael is putting all proceeds from the CD toward Kiva, so if you'd like to contribute to the cause, or just have a listen to some of the incredible talent from the community, pop over to the page here. The songs are wonderful, the artists amazing, and I think we could all use a little more music in our lives.

The other little bit of news is about a great contest that Tees For Change is running. (Tees for Change is a beautiful company that produces shirts with slogans to inspire and empower. I've seen a few around, and I have to say it's wonderful running into someone with 'live fully' or 'practice kindness' written in modest letters on their shirt.) They've just started giving away free tees: every month, they'll post a question on their blog, and at the end of the month, they'll randomly select a winner. This month's question is "What inspires you?" So go ahead and enter in.... even if you don't win a shirt, it's a wonderful exercise. :)

So good luck, have fun dancing wildly around to the music Michael's done such a wonderful job bringing together, and have yourselves some wonderful Fridays and beautiful almost-the-holiday weekends...

Siona
and the Zaadz Team