Another DREAM COMING TRUE Post

Even though we cannot see clearly how it's going to turn out, we are still called to let the future into our imagination.
-Joanna Macy

We're big on dreams. Pete and I look at each other a lot, and say stuff like, "Who woulda dreamed?" Well, the truth is we have dreamed this life up and the price we pay for being on the cutting edge or living life on the ledge is we must as Joanna Macy said, 'let the future into our imagination.'

It's a new MONday, a new week begins and a simple practice continues with gratitude and appreciation to open up the future yet to be. Here are 10 things in my life for which I give thanks:

1. Thanks for the possibilities of collaboration in Oregon.

2. Thanks for the internet that allows me access to a virtual and possible in-the-flesh community.

3. Thanks for misunderstandings that clear up.

4. Thanks for slow yet real reconnections.

5. Thanks for avocado and tomato sandwiches (ymmmmmy!)

6. Thanks for kitty kisses.

7. Thanks for volunteer potato plants in bloom in the compost. (lucky food)

8. Thanks for the oodles of frogs that come to be with us on the sink, in the garden on the table.

9. Thanks for late bloomers.

10. Thanks for Pete.

What are the things and who are the people on your thank you list?

DREAM COMING TRUE: New Moon Dreams of Appreciation & Amazing Grace

to JT ... yes, some old treasures (recognize it?)
still travel with us

THANK YOU
MAHALO

Every week during the months of building VardoForTwo, I wrote a "Dream Coming True" post. As a commitment to the faith we had that it was possible to go from living a life of Diaspora to living in a wee home on wheels, I dreamed of a new life. Step by tiny step we imagined the look, feel and materials that would work as an MCS-safe haven. Those posts document the reality of months of hard work, perseverance and resilience. Sometimes, looking back we forget just how far we have come. The dream come true: an MCS-safe haven inside the walls of our tiny home gives us luxurious sleep, a quiet and gentle on the soul retreat and a base for life on Earth that changes. We are not part of the collective that is settled upon a foundation firm and fixed. Our two wheels and the portable porch tag us as 'campers', nomads, and wanderers.

For five months now we have made a life on the ledge in the woods sharing the Earth with two friends who are settled on this stretch of the planet. We have adjusted and adjusted to the changeable nature of a whirl that could be toxic to us with a flick of a washing machine, barbeque, clothes drier or herbicide spray. The journey is difficult sometimes, the resources for support require constant updating, and the educational process is on-going. Would I change the journey if I could? Hmmm...sure, I'd love to live a life without the near constant alert that comes from being sensitive to chemicals and fragrances that tamper with my body, mind and spirit. And yet, it is these sensitivities that keep me intimate with exactly what ALL of NATURE and EARTH experiences constantly.

In preparation for the New Moon coming up Thursday, August 20th, I'm writing a Dream Coming True and Appreciation Post ... an affirmation and creative intention filled with GRACE.

These are 10 things I appreciate today:

1. I appreciate the hum of the air filter.
2. I appreciate the delicious salmon dinner cooked in our toast oven and hot plate.
3. I appreciate the conversation I had with my old friend just before dusk.
4. I appreciate the fullness of life on the Ledge with ALL her beings ... frogs, bees, ants, birds, trees, wind, stars, fairies and stories.
5. I appreciate the resiliency of my relationship with Pete.
6. I appreciate the willingness of our land-sharing friends.
7. I appreciate the depth of my faith.
8. I appreciate the hot showers at night.
9. I appreciate the quiet here.
10. I appreciate Pete.

With the up-coming New Moon energy I intent and embrace the best possible outcomes for a continuing co-operative life with people and planet as we DREAM a life of Grace. The quote I used from K Lauren de Boer's essay "Gateways to Grace" is worth repeating. It is what I intend to embrace as the season on the ledge draws to a close (at least for the next little while).

Grace is not a static ideal to be attained, but an active event of enormous transformation and significance. I like to think of grace as the experience of previously unrealized forms of elegance that arise in response to crisis. In that arising, all those involved are transformed. In moments of grace, new forms are churned into being out of chaos.

thanks, Lauren for a wonderful look at amazing grace

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 22: VARDOFORTWO is Mobile!

Pete and Tony. Angling the trailer for pull out.

Joel (our friend, owner of The Kitchenette) and Tony, our neighbor. Thanks so much guys. We couldn't have done this hitch up with out you.

We are hitched up to the rental truck. It took a village--three neighbors and Pete, and lots of inch by inch movement to get the vardo out and up to the road. We are tired, and so appreciative .... so thankful the dream has come true! It's an early morning ferry ride tomorrow and then in the woods we go. Hope the journey has been worth the visits ... Internet service will be different in the woods so we'll keep you posted as we can.

This life simply takes a village. We are off to be no mad momads.

This week I appreciate these people and things:

1. I appreciate Joel.

2. I appreciate Tony.

3. I appreciate Chris.

4. I appreciate Doug.

5. I appreciate Lois.

6. I appreciate Turtle.

7. I appreciate Pellet.

8. I appreciate the 12 steps.

9. I appreciate Bette.

10. I appreciate Pete.

Cheers! Mokihana and Pete

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 21: What is gone is gone

O ka mea ua hala, ua hala ia
What is gone is gone.

There is something to that ... and I admit my Scorpio nature is one that habitually looks back, to make sure ... sure of what? Was there something I could have, should have done different, or that other ... couldn't they have, shouldn't they have. O ka mea ua hala, ua hala ia. There is no use in recalling hurts of the past.

A year ago is the past ... we have lived in our car, learned we could, even when to look at the dear Forrester, Pete and I am amazed that he and I could pretzel ourselves on an air mattress for months ... The blessing of being in our 'Scout' the Forrester is the resourcefulness that comes to be with you! Three Bags Full of Resources. Today, on my Week 21 of posts to make A DREAM COME TRUE I salute the THREE BAGS FULL OF RESOURCES that my darling man Pete and I have found (within and from the Gods).

This week of dream coming true #21 I appreciate these things and people:

1. I appreciate the many uses for ribbons and rope.

2. I appreciate the many uses for paper bags.

3. I appreciate the many uses for baking soda.

4. I appreciate the dark.

5. I appreciate unlikely friendships.

6. I appreciate a good car.

7. I appreciate being able to walk down the beach.

8. I appreciate nostalgic old tunes ... "Old Cape Cod."

9. I appreciate cashiers in the neighborhood PCC.

10. I appreciate Pete.

Readers, Visitors and Friends ~ Cheers and Aloha

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 20: Old and New

The ancient yellow climbing rose has started to sprout new growth. Last year's rose hips still hang in there too. With tomorrow's Spring crossroads coming up it was good to look appreciatively at how the new comes through, old hips or not.

Today I come to the keyboard and keep the dream, of a transformative life, alive with appreciation for these 10 people and things:

1. I appreciate new growth.

2. I appreciate my old hips.

3. I appreciate my old friends.

4. I appreciate our new home in the making.

5. I appreciate balance when it comes.

6. I appreciate a new recipe that works!

7. I appreciate surrender.

8. I appreciate a good laugh.

9. I appreciate our digital camera.

10. I appreciate Pete.

I appreciate these things today. Hope grows. Innovation comes when I make room for it by taking time to be calm in the busy-ness.

Hurrah for the day of balance ... Spring Equinox! Mokihana

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 19: Drawing the dream Awake

We are not young in the body.
Oh well, there is more.
We are not old enough in spirit.
Oh well, we'll see.

Drawn to the light of a big orange moon.
Our body, our spirit
Slipped on a splinter between
Door jam and Ethers.

"Oh look," the on-lookers giggled.
"They are not old.
They are not young.
Yet they are."

Last night was one of those nights when the bottom falls out and the desire to dream my way out of a tight spot lead to the crack in between hard reality and the other. Fortunately, my faith in the other is strong and here I am able and willing to come to the keys with appreciation.

Here's my list of 10 people and things for which I give thanks, and appreciation this week:

1. I appreciate wanderers.

2. I appreciate artists.

3. I appreciate people who live with MCS.

4. I appreciate the woods.

5. I appreciate clear air.

6. I appreciate friends who "have my back."

7. I appreciate shadows.

8. I appreciate the movie STARDUST. (there's a beautiful gypsy caravan in it ... it's Swamp oopps...that would be DITCH Water Sal's)

9. I appreciate peaceful times.

10. I appreciate Pete all the time. xxooxx

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 18: Consistent or Consistently Inconsistent

Photo Credit: Maui Sunset

Today marks 18 weeks of making the Dream Coming True a priority. It's a weekly opportunity to CELEBRATE WHAT'S GOOD! I come to the keys and make time to say: "This is important, and these are the things and people I appreciate." We have put our attention where our dreams are and doing our best is what we bring to each day. Some days, our best is gigantic. Other days, we bump into obstacles and fall back, bump into another obstacle and fall back again. `Ole days come and we get to review our decisions and our choices and reconnoiter. In 18 weeks we have had to back up on several decisions, decide again and find something new to fill the gap. There's so much to learn in a day ... and in a lifetime there seems more to unlearn because some things 'don't bake!"

I had a long, delicious talk-story with my brother today. The first one we've had all year. We are two years apart and have been very close in times past, then grew apart as life paths move that way. Now, as we are miles apart once again, we are seeing the 'reasons' for closeness again. "Consistent or consistently inconsistent?" Which is it? We laughed at that because without having to go into the blah, blah, blahs of a lifetime, we saw the humor of trying to make some one something they aren't.

Nearly sunset, Friday and the Dream is still coming true.

The 10 things I appreciate today are:

1. I appreciate my brother...chuckles and smiles ~~

2. I appreciate Debra Lynn Dadd.

3. I appreciate beaches.

4. I appreciate bulk bins of grains, beans and spices.

5. I appreciate Emmy Lou Harris' smokey voice.

6. I appreciate full circles.

7. I appreciate coming through the eye of needles.

8. I appreciate good comics.

9. I appreciate toasted millet.

10. I appreciate Pete.

All of these all good! Hot damn. Hope you have a list of good things to celebrate today.

Cheers! Mokihana

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 17: Short and Sweet

Dear Readers,

Every week I make a point of nurturing our dream of building and living in VARDOFORTWO. Today I keep it short and sweet with my intention to notice and declare in positive language the things and people I appreciate.

This 17th Week I appreciate these 10 things:

1. I appreciate sunny mornings.

2. I appreciate the sound of geese as they fly past my window.

3. I appreciate the smell of cinnamon.

4. I appreciate a heart-felt story.

5. I appreciate Swami Beyondananda.

6. I appreciate my friends.

7. I appreciate innovation.

8. I appreciate naps.

9. I appreciate hot soup on a cold night.

10. I appreciate Pete.

Hear a gal singing about her favorite things. If you like Julie Andrews, you'll love this~~

Have a great day, a wonderful hour, a peace hand-full of minutes~~
Mokihana

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 16: Appreciation List

It's a sunny Seattle day, and I appreciate it! I've already been to the beach for some fresh air and a bit of a walk, returning a chunk of beach rust I brought home yesterday. I found a small and nearly invisible sea critter ALIVE on the rust ... aiyah someone was living on that. It was too late to drive back to the beach last night. Yikes, the karma. First thing this morning, while it was still very foggy I told Pete I'd be taking the rust and the critter back.

Dreams come true only if you dream them by appreciating 10 things right here on this post. I've already written a long post on my favorite dream of a SAVING CIRCLE today, and now for the 16th week running I make this blog page my witness to the magnificent and the minute delights for which I am appreciative.

THIS WEEK THE 10 THINGS I APPRECIATE ARE:

1. I appreciate water, fresh clean water, salty water, brackish water, rain water.

2. I appreciate weather.

3. I appreciate hot steaming cooked rice.

4. I appreciate a lapse in memory, mine or yours.

5. I appreciate whistling.

6. I appreciate bowls of almost any kind and size.

7. I appreciate welcomes.

8. I appreciate joy.

9. I appreciate unexpected gifts.

10. I appreciate Pete.


What's on your appreciation list?
Hope you have some fun today. Cheers! Mokihana

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 15 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

These weekly Dream Coming True posts have been a good exercise in consistency. This week I've decided to expand the Dream Coming True with a series of articles called "What is a Saving Circle?" The first one is already posted ... check it out. So, rather than growing my DREAM MONEY, I'm choosing to grow the dream of acting as if there are people interested and willing to learn about REAL Resource Building.

So, I begin DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 15 with: Part I of "What is a Saving Circle?" posted on VARDOFORTWO. Rather than dream money, I start with an investment of education ... something of value to me. This is the only part of the process that changes.

The 10 things I appreciate this week are:

1. I appreciate chocolate bars without soy lecithin.

2. I appreciate DQ chocolate dipped cones. (the secret is out!)

3. I appreciate knowing "I don't know is a good answer."

4. I appreciate delightful surprises.

5. I appreciate shore birds flying.

6. I appreciate goofy friends.

7. I appreciate sweet hearts.

8. I appreciate the taste of black cherry jam.

9. I appreciate new solutions.

10. I appreciate Pete.


Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow dear readers, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and the first of the three days of `Ole Days. We will rest from posts until Tuesday of next week, the 17th of February.

Have some fun today.
Cheers! Mokihana

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 14: The Power of Believing

Welina ... Welcome. The sun is hiding behind the sweatshirt today, the vardo is wrapped up again, and breakfast is cooking. Barley and grated apple biscuits and a hard-cooked egg. Something to inspire me to get this dream on the screen and into the hands of the community of believers.

I love how our weekly Dream Coming True posts are planting the seed of believing dreams come true. Last week two of our friends and VARDOFORTWO readers were inspired to spend part of this amassing DREAM MONEY on community collaborations that make a difference in their lives. Thanks Susie and Ruth for joining in on the collective energy of believing.

With each new week Pete and I grow the original dream of building a home of transformation, VARDOFORTWO is the physical reality, our journey no less real ... we share the process with you. The coming Spring offers Pete and me the next step of connecting with others to create "a village." Our exact direction and the friends who will love and support us are in the hands of the Great Gypsy Caravaneer ... Like building our tiny home the steps are small, yet steady. So this morning, we bless the budding SPRING and embrace it with appreciation.

Here we go with Week 14's DREAM COMING TRUE Post:

This week I have $819,200 of DREAM MONEY (To clarify: DREAM MONEY is a symbol of the abundance we wish to attract. The abundance is in the making, in the believing this money or an equivalent value is available to us. We do not have this money or its equivalent in our pockets, yet.) to spend ... oooolahlah the dream grows! I choose to spend and save this dream money in this way:

I tithe 10%: $81,920 on interest free loans to people I know who are investing in collective and gentle-on-the-earth creative homesteading. Remaining dream money: $737,280

I invest 25% of the $737,280: $188,640 in establishing the VARDOFORTWO Gypysy Homestead with an existing Intentional Community. Linking us with others ... people, land and resources. Serving as a model for eco-living and organic gardening, spiritual connection and collective/creative resource sharing.

I offer the remaining dream money: $588,640 to our readers to describe and envision spending on projects and collective living/education/organic farming/resource sharing ventures in their global environment.

How would you spend all or a portion of this remaining dream money?

This week the 10 things I appreciate are:

1. I appreciate the loving and supportive friends I have in this world.

2. I appreciate smells that delight me.

3. I appreciate a changed and positive attitude.

4. I appreciate honey bees.

5. I appreciate the taste of warm biscuits.

6. I appreciate a well-written letter.

7. I appreciate trade winds.

8. I appreciate the sound of chanting.

9. I appreciate effortless movement.

10. I appreciate Pete.

Have some fun today. Cheers, Mokihana

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 13' and OLE DAYS START TOMORROW

It's a girl! I feel born again, fresh and positive. Last week's Dream Coming True post was a long one. Today's is a short one.

THIS WEEK I HAVE $409,600 of DREAM MONEY which I invite our readers to spend on collective, collaborative, community projects.

Here are a few ways I'd spend and save A PORTION OF THAT DREAM MONEY:

1. Tithe 10%: $40,980 on supporting people I know personally who could use an interest free loan. Remaining $: $369,000

2. Save 10% of the reminder: $36,900 in a Saving Circle Model of Community Building
Remaining $: $332,100

3. WHAT COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY PROJECTS would you like to create with the remaining $332,100 of DREAM COMING TRUE MONEY?


THIS WEEK THE 10 THINGS I APPRECIATE ARE:

1. I appreciate transformation.

2. I appreciate prayer.

3. I appreciate Jane Austin.

4. I appreciate love.

5. I appreciate hot showers.

6. I appreciate Hawaiian music.

7. I appreciate laughter.

8. I appreciate new beginnings.

9. I appreciate sweet dreams.

10. I appreciate Pete.

Have you tried a weekly dream coming true commitment? How's it for you?


'OLE DAYS BEGIN TOMORROW, SATURDAY and last for FOUR DAYS ... a great time for reflection and review of the things, beliefs, projects that you have already begun; not the greatest time for new projects and 'big decisions.' As per the practice, we'll be back after 'OLE DAYS.

A hui hou, take care. Mokihana and Pete

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 12

It's been almost three months since I began writing my weekly DREAM COMING TRUE posts. So much has happened in three months, and as part of my intention to give VARDOFORTWO a 'new look' I thought it a good idea to review the purpose and process of my abundance attracting weekly ritual. The inspiration to do Dream Coming True came from Akemi Gaines, a friend and fellow blogger who has influenced me in positive ways. Similar to the practices of visualization and VISION BOARDS, tools to focus a person's attention on specifics, Dream Coming True was a way for me to grow a dream of building a new life through this blog, and in VARDFORTWO the tiny mobile home.

Once a week for 11 weeks I wrote a post which included 4 STEPS:

1. I STARTED WITH THE SYMBOL OF ABUNDANCE: $100. This was (and still is) in my treasure box. The idea was to use this symbol to attract more abundance. Abundance could be in the form of money, or other forms of wealth. That is where I may need to become more clear.

Just what are the forms of wealth that matter to me? I will use this post to focus on the answer to that question.

2. EACH WEEK I decided and clearly envisioned, and then described how I would spend my Dream Money. If my money was to be spent on an item or object, I described this item as clearly as possible.

Each week I posted, the previous week's DREAM MONEY DOUBLED. Here on the blog, my weekly dream money increased until I had $102,400 in dream money to spend. By this time my focus was changing I sensed that my heart-felt goal was not just to have more money. I was seeing that I changed from spending money on things for me, ie. beautiful moon shaped earrings (which I have) to spending this money on things we NEEDED for the vardo, or on ideas for collaborating with others. I was also finding that I wanted to save part of this dream money. As the reality of a changing economy became more and more a public reality, I felt the need to include SAVING as part of my Dream Coming True Ritual.

In the past week one of our friends who lives with MCS and is very interested in our journey with VARDFORTWO asked, "I see that this money you are stashing is growing every week. Do you have backers who do this? We need to talk about how you're doing this." She envisions creating an MCS community of safe homes. THERE! The difference between DREAM money and REAL money was not clear to her ... she simply saw the money growing and was following the abundance. AMAZING ISN'T IT? The truth is that original $100 of perfume-stinky twenty dollar bills is right where I put it. Have I failed to grow money-abundance? Let me continue with this story ... it has a life of its own and I'm curious to see where it ends.

The abundance I get from my friend's question and growing curiosity about how that 'money' was backed is in the fact that she sees us as real change agents. With or without the DREAM COMING TRUE MONEY, I see the potential to create and organize communities using the abundance of believing in something big and good. The process of collective energy is the wealth. Pete and I have gotten this far in our journey to creating a transforming life with real money that was earned and invested in years past. We have been on the move for a decade and earning a wage through full-time employment hasn't happened for a long time. We have no debt, live simply, and realize our future depends upon the relationships we create today. MCS offers minute to minute challenges that defy understanding by most of the culture. How we attract the experiences and people to co-create income/abundance/resources is by slowly and regularly making progress IN THE DIRECTION OF THE DREAM. Here on VARDFORTWO, the wall between truth and imagination glazes like heat waves in the desert. What is a mirage today could be a vardo encampment tomorrow.

3. This third part of the DREAM COMING TRUE WEEKLY Ritual is probably my favorite, and maybe most important piece. Every week I make a list of 10 people/things/experiences/etc. for which I am appreciative. It's a list of things I love, and is distinctly different from a list of gratitude. Each time I wrote my APPRECIATION LIST I consciously recalled the reason I decide to APPRECIATE rather than be GRATEFUL. When I appreciate, I am living with the energy of being in love with, being in the field of love. I have no fear that this person/thing/experience may not be there next week ... that would be gratitude, tinkering with the energy of remembering when there was lack. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for many things ... and use the G word often enough in a given day. It's this once a week ritual of writing an APPRECIATION that exercises my attention to be in love with the world I have NOW. Listing and giving thanks to the people, places, sounds, experiences that fill me abundantly says to the Universe ... give me more, bring it now, I AM IN LOVE WITH ALL OF THIS.

4. DOING IT. Writing this weekly post 'DREAM COMING TRUE'. See, this ritual has given me a time and space to practice a weekly committment to identify, name and put done in writing the changes that make me more attractive to the future I dream. This blog gives me a way to do this ritual of abundance attraction differently than I have done it before. Writing on paper, cutting and pasting pictures from magazines are a no-go for me. My sensitivities direct me to other methods ... and so there you are. What are the forms of wealth that matter to me? Money is a means to freedom, someone said that and that is true. And then there is collective freedom and that requires something that looks more like learning, sharing, and loaning. Less surplus, more creativity.

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT ... this week I MAKE A FEW CHANGES TO DREAM COMING TRUE

THIS WEEK I HAVE $204,800 of DREAM MONEY which I invite our readers to spend on collective, collaborative, community projects. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND THIS MONEY TO CREATE COLLECTIVE FREEDOM? Leave your ideas in the comments.

THE 10 THINGS FOR WHICH I AM APPRECIATIVE ARE:

1. I appreciate time to grieve.

2. I appreciate the sound of waves lapping.

3. I appreciate the sound of whale song.

4. I appreciate moments of silence.

5. I appreciate forgiveness.

6. I appreciate deep sleep.

7. I appreciate clarity.

8. I appreciate the taste of grape juice.

9. I appreciate the chants of the Benedictine monks.

10. I appreciate Pete.

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 11

Every Noon on Saturday in Seattle, there's the 'Hawaiian Island Connection" KBCS FM ... Hawaiian music! Through the flannel and Denny Foil wall of The Kitchenette the music transports me. Na Leo sings "NorthShore" and I am there...'my oh me, oh, take me to the north shore ... yah, why don't we go ......

Pete's in the vardo beginning to frame up the wheel wells. Our dream of a safe and mobile home continues. When I began these weekly DREAM COMING TRUE posts I put a real $ 100 dollars into a treasure chest. It sits there still, part of my committment to attract the abundance we wish to grow a life of transformation and AHI. (Appreciation, Hope, Innovation).

This 11th week of Dream Coming True I have: $102,400. This is a lot of money! Here's how I spend and save this dream money:

1. I tithe 10% of this money (that would be $10,240) to individuals and groups who encourage and support entrepreneurialship in Hawaii and Continental North America. This week I'm spending time researching people and groups who are doing things like KIVA in America and Hawaii. I think the programs like KIVA are a great thing. We need to be supporting our neighbors and, our friends and neighbors.

2. That leaves me $92,160 that I spend and save in equal share.

3. I save $46,080 in a VILLAGE AND SAVINGS IN LOAN Program we are learning to develop.

4. I spend $46, 080 on VARDOFORTWO Model #2!!


The 10 Things I appreciate this week are:

1. I appreciate kinolau...divine messages.

2. I appreciate coconut ... milk, oil, 'ice cream', soap

3. I appreciate the smell of the air after a storm.

4. I appreciate cuddling.

5. I appreciate the sound of a manual typewriter.

6. I appreciate the sound of Aunty Genoa Keawe's voice.

7. I appreciate forgiveness.

8. I appreciate new beginnings.

9. I appreciate a hot shower.

10. I appreciate Pete.

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 10: Reviewing the process

The making of New Land ... photo credit Chris Kawika Brown

This week's Dream Coming True post is later than usual because Saturday, when I would normally write this, was an `Ole Day. This week is the tenth week of posting, and I have been thinking about how this weekly practice has served us in making the dream of VARDOFORTWO a reality. When I wrote the first Dream Coming True post it was done with these things in mind:

Once a week I created a post that did 3 things (They are listed below). As I review the process of Dream Coming True posts, I see what's happened and am making a few changes to the process. (They are written in purple italics).

1. I state in clear and positive language my intention to spend DREAM MONEY on something that makes my heart happy. My intention will be as clear and specific as possible. Every week I do a DREAM COMING TRUE post my original $100 doubles.

Last week I made a subtle and powerful decision to change the word 'spend' to 'save' in my clear and positive intention.

2. Each week I make a list of "10 things I appreciate". Things, people, gifts all count here. This "appreciation list" is not so different from "gratitude lists" ... although there is a subtle and powerful difference that I am testing out.

I enjoy the feeling I get when I use the word 'appreciate'. I am conscious of the choice I make to say, "I appreciate," rather than "I am grateful," ... and yet I see how uncommon it is to hear appreciation. The test continues as Pete and I say or write our appreciations. It's a small differences that puts us into the flow of abundance and energy with less temptation to tinker with the feelings of relief associated with being grateful for NO LONGER BEING in the 'old/bad/worse state'.

3. Each week I take the time to write this post I am committing to action, and doing more than 'thinking' about how I'd spend my abundance.

Regular posts like this is a commitment to act on intention. I will continue to write them. People have commented or sent us email asking "How we are going to spend the abundance ($) we seem to be gathering." That is a very good question.

Here are two ways we hope to actualize our dreams, and grow our love for the people/things/ideas/projects described here at VARDOFORTWO:

1. Creating a forum of some kind to discuss the creation of MCS-based safe home community. Let us know if you're interested in being part of this discussion.

2. Creating a forum (maybe part of the one above, maybe separate) to form a Community-Based Savings and Loan program, or Savings Circle that is more like the tribal, small village model of resource building and loaning than the money system of the mortgage and the stock market today. These are big dreams that can be made real with hard work and a commitment to solutions made in balance with ALL THAT IS. We have ordered a book called VILLAGE SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS. It is a practical guide to the creation of a village model of savings and loans. After we have it in hand (and it's aired out enough for me to be near it) Pete and I will read and study its application to our vision. If you are interested in learning more, or want to get involved please email us.

DREAM COMING TRUE Week 10

This week I have $51,200 which I choose to spend and save in equal parts. I spend $25,600 buying the materials and services we need to build VARDOFORTWO. I save $25,600 to create forums to develop MCS-based safe home community and a village-based savings and loan program.

This week the 10 thing I appreciate are:

1. I appreciate my belief in the goodness of humanity.

2. I appreciate my personal spiritual practice.

3. I appreciate the versatility of the internet.

4. I appreciate dancing.

5. I appreciate the change in seasons.

6. I appreciate clean water.

7. I appreciate restful sleep.

8. I appreciate my cotton and carbon filter mask.

9. I appreciate "The Blue Danube" by Strauss.

10. I appreciate Pete.

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 9

clipart Credit: www.designedtoat.com

New Moon in Capricorn
Saturday, December 27, 2008
4:22am PST
6º 08’

Today is the NEW MOON, in the sign of Capricorn. The moon was in the sign of Capricorn when I was born. This new moon is an important one for me, and it can be a very important time for any one to use the energy of ritual and intention to set goals for the future. I am not a teacher of astrology. I am a student of nature, a new earth soul with a spiritual memory and connection with ALL THAT IS; astrology is one way I stay connected. To be honest, being human is difficult for me. I don't get 'being human' without a great deal of effort. Many of my early years and challenges have been lived toughing it out under cover, not letting on, keeping any errant emotions and 'judged' weaknesses closeted. That's an almost impossible way to be human and in my case those emotions have simply gotten riled up inside for a very long time, but that's what some astrologers refer to as the initial half of a Capricorn's journey ... a tough go.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities have (plural ... many sensitivities, some not yet identified, others morphible) challenged my Capricorn Moon in an unlikely, yet uniquely right for me, way. I am in the second half of my life at sixty-one and I believe MCS is teaching me to COMMIT to being human. And human is not a solitary experience, like one of my favorite astrologers has suggested it's important to make 'suffering' public so the energy of the collective can shine on you. Of course, there is the down-side of that. There are negative forces who might prey on the weakness of your/my situation so Sensitives are often wise to remain protective of their episodes of grief. For me, on this DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 9 post it's important for me to blather through and use the power of blog as a commitment to be human. Yesterday I had a winter melt-down and I let you in on it. I needed to allow myself the experience of grief, once again. Exposures trigger grief and fear. I asked for support from my long-time counselor and sister with MCS, my husband Pete, and my own dear self who knew the tired and true ritual of rest would work if embraced it, and not struggle. And through the blogsphere my favorite astrology consoled and reminded me the new moon is today.

I am better today, the fear and grief have passed, and taught me more about being human. The energy of the goat Capricorn inspires me to make use of all the Saturnian energy of this NEW MOON. Here is a link to a site I found very useful as Pete and I appreciate and prepare for our ritual of setting goals on the Capricorn New Moon: http://www.astrowisdom.com/thisnewmoon.htm

Transforming our life with VARDOFORTWO is a long-term project, a real, adult project that will need more than wishing to make it happen. So as the year ends, I think my DREAM COMING TRUE Posts will also change. See if you catch the change.

THIS WEEK I HAVE $25,600 which I save to build our dreams.

THE TEN THINGS FOR WHICH I AM APPRECIATIVE THIS WEEK ARE:

1. I appreciate meditation.

2. I appreciate astrology.

3. I appreciate goofy songs like "The Hampster Dance Song"

4. I appreciate clean air to breathe.

5. I appreciate the smell of pineapple upside-down cake baking.

6. I appreciate process.

7. I appreciate the moon.

8. I appreciate the sun.

9. I appreciate the ocean.

10. I appreciate Pete.

DREAM COMING TRUE WEEK 8

VARDO .. is a Georgian word, a girl's name, meaning 'ROSE.'

VARDOFORTWO the blog is two months old. We have been building our home-to-be VARDOFORTWO since late July, just this summer past. Our goals for building both blog and home-to-be are the same: appreciate (love) what life offers, recognize and fuel the spark of hope that is always present though often buried in the challenges to survive multiple chemical sensitivities and environmental illness, and innovate/re-design and insight revolutionary possibilities when old versions no longer work. This week's DREAM COMING TRUE post focuses on this TRIO of Goals through appreciating the people and places that have given us hope to persevere.



THIS WEEK I HAVE $ 12,800 OF DREAM MONEY TO CONTINUE GROWING AN INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Folk with a vision and commitment to INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS. The specifics of this dream are expanding. So far this I.C. might include:

• Tiny Mobile or Moveable Homes built by and for the individual needs of its community members
  
• With one or more permanent shared buildings; ie. kitchen/dining room; seed storage and growing room; clean and clear laundry facility
  
• Organic gardens
  
• Mobile Chicken coops
  
• A Community-Based Savings and Loan modeled after community banks and investing in 'human capital' projects that are already working

WHAT OTHER THINGS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN this dream? If you are interested in joining us for brainstorming and creating this I.C. please email us: ssvardoatgmaildotcom

The 10 THINGS I APPRECIATE THIS WEEK ARE:

1. I appreciate Susie Collins who writes THE CANARY REPORT because I see in her the heart of an innovator influenced by the affects of MCS, and fueled by something much greater than illness. THE CANARY BLOG has become a 'one stop shop' for me as I search for inspiration, hope and support for the illness that we have in common. The links and connections she has offered me and a blosphere of others is extraordinary. The personal care with which she send KAHEA (the call, the cry) for support when one of 'the flock' of canaries is down, is the stuff of holiness that makes being human an honorable tag.

2. I appreciate Turtle Woman and Mr. Pellet our friends who have made changes to their lifestyle to prepare their home and their land for the time when VARDOFORTWO is parked in the woods 100 feet from outdoor electrical outlet. These friends are our next step in learning to create an intentional community.

3. I appreciate Doug, Lois and Sigrid, The Mooney-Amona 'Ohana in Kailua, Moksha and Judy, Annette, Audrey, Koa and Phillip, Kaliko and Blake for their kindness and willingness to give us safe space during the year of diaspora and living without a home of our own.

4. I appreciate the beach park at The Tide Pools for the many nights of safety we experienced when there was no other place to be when night came.

5. I appreciate the support of the Seattle MCS group for being here to embrace us when we arrived, and continue to be a source of social and emotional connection.

6. I appreciate the endurance and determination I have that springs from The Source of All.

7. I appreciate my intuition that grows stronger because I encourage her.

8. I appreciate music from the radio.

9. I appreciate walking sticks that work in all weather.

10. I appreciate Pete. Period.

DREAM Coming True Week 7 CELEBRATE THE LIGHT

Winter Solstice is 8 days away. The shortest day signals the coming of more light . For many years we have chosen to honor the cycles of light and dark, sun and moon by celebrating the Winter Solstice. Before there was Christmas the cultures of the European continent celebrated and feasted in various fashion, the mid-point between darkest time and the promise of brightness. The Earth's tilt and rotation through the Universe, nearer or closer to the Sun increases or decreases our experience with light and dark. The choice or inspiration to celebrate is one of the joys we human can make.


We have celebrated The Winter Solstice in many ways throughout our years together; gathering family and friends in our homes, eating good food, laughing and talking, and sharing stories of gratitude and appreciation. Our lives have changed and the ability to gather in celebration has changed, too. And yet the new friends and family we are making because multiple chemical sensitivites have awakened my human experience to 'imbalances and hewa" does not alter the spin of Earth's movement. We remain able to choose to celebrate, and make time to create simple rituals that says to All that Is, "We are part of this." This is our first year of Winter Solstice together on the American continent. When we live on the Islands in Hawaii the days and nights are more equal in length, so the change in length isn't as apparent. That is not so in Washington ... the nights are longggg here. "Is the sun coming up today?" Pete just asked as he looked through the yellow curtain at a still dark morning sky.

So, as a way to acknowledge the coming shift from long nights and the promise of change/more light I would like to invite all our readers and visitors to VARDOFORTWO to CELEBRATE THE LIGHT with a Winter Solstice Meditation and Prayer on Sunday, December 21, 2008. Where ever you are at SUNSET, Sunday, December 21st for 30 minutes, join with someone or someones you love and celebrate.

Celebrate, meditate, sing, laugh, remember and commit to the things in your life that have meaning. Like a wave across and around The Earth our celebrations will embrace this planet and ourselves. There are no rules for how to do this celebrating riutal. Simply intend to embrace light and accept the embraces that come. Join with others, tell others about CELEBRATE THE LIGHT, invite them to celebrate with us ....

I will remind you about the Winter Solstice Mediation and Prayer Celebration next week when I post DREAM coming True Week 8. In the mean time there's no time like the present to celebrate and appreciation what is now.

Now on to my DREAM Coming True post for Week 7 ....

I have grown an abundance of dream money since my first week's $100.

This week I have $6,400 of dream money to spend on creating the foundation of an Intentional Community of individuals and families living with multiple chemical sensitivities. Pete and I have dreamt of creatively building this and now I put it out HERE to attract the "how" to this intention.

The 10 Things for which I am APPRECIATIVE this week are:

1. I appreciate our digital camera.

2. I appreciate the taste of crispy Washington state apples.

3. I appreciate fairy lights.

4. I appreciate the progress of my spiritual life.

5. I appreciate generosity.

6. I appreciate my sensitivities.

7. I appreciate organic, local farmers.

8. I appreciate friends.

9. I appreciate celebration and ritual.

10. I appreciate Pete.

I hope this is a day filled with moments of appreciation and laughter.

DREAM Coming True Week 6

Aloha! We are back after a very full four-day `ole cycle, and before this weekend slips into history I get to post a 6th week of "Dream Coming True." It is a miracle to be here period. I marvel at the resiliency of the human spirit and smile (a big one) thinking about VARDOFORTWO gorwing (what IS that word?... oh, that would be growing)... here in blog form and outside the Kitchenette on the Iron Eagle trailer. Transformational evidence that affirms for me what does happen when a seed of hope is nourished. We've been in the Kitchenette for seven months and our life is being transformed.

This week I have $3,200 of dream money to spend on a composting toilet. Yes a self-contained composting toilet that will travel with us(though not necessarily inside VARDOFORTWO) wherever our mobile life leads us.

The Ten Things for Which I am Appreciative are:

1. I appreciate shadows (because that means the sun is shining ...smile, smile, smile!).
2. I appreciate organic seeds (because that means new life, new healthy food is always possible).
3. I appreciate massage (because it feels great).
4. I appreciate the sound track from Chocolat (because I am enlivened, transported and reminded without leaving the farm.)
5. I appreciate compost piles (because that means the organic seeds will have a place to grow).
6. I appreciate the experience of forgiveness (because there is more room in my life).
7. I appreciate storytellers (because I love the sound of a tale).
8. I appreciate unscented soap (because it makes smelling easy ... that sounds funny).
9. I appreciate a warm hat (because my head doesn't like to be chilled).
10. I appreciate Pete (because he is Pete).

I have so much to share, and glad to be back at the blog. We're off to the West Seattle Farmer's Market soon in search of whatever the local farmers have on offer. A great Sunday to you where ever you are today!

Thanks for visiting. Mokihana

DREAM Coming True Week 5

Fog surrounds us this morning. Rain wet sidewalks reflect the edge of grass coated with dew so heavy the blades droop waiting for the sun to dry them up like a warm, fresh towel. VARDOFORTWO is wrapped up tight in her plastic tarps, Pete's cleaning up last night's late dinner dishes. A new day has already begun and another week has passed. For what am I appreciative, and how will I spend the dream money I have attracted this week?

For those of you who have visited VARDOFORTWO before and know that I post an on-going weekly series called DREAM Coming True here's a report of manifesting: In Week 1 I began with $100 to spend on something that made my heart happy. I envisioned spending that money on a pair of beautiful silver earrings handcrafted by Northwest artisans. When I envisioned and stated the dream I did not yet have a clear image of the earrings. As days passed the dream started to attract more form until I saw a specific full moon silver disc. Ah, mahealani (full moon) silver earrings. My heart had begun to talk to my mind and turned my mouth into a smile. Soon after I could see those beautiful discs hanging from my Buddha-like earlobes with my mouth turned into a smile. Well yes, I was happy to be wearing those beautiful earrings.

On November 16, Pete and I drove north to La Conner, Washington one of our favorite towns in Washington. It was my birthday and my wish for a wonderful day included time spent in La Conner. I knew those earrings were waiting for me in La Conner. They were. Silver circles surround jade and jasper stone with a disc of solid silver pounded and stamped with a design from the Tuareg tribe of Africa. The Tuareg are a nomadic tribe of Northwest Africa who make and trade their jewelry as a way to live in the world. In a store I'd never been into before the $100 dream came true, with plenty of resources to pay for the gas to get us there plus enough to buy two cookies to boot!

(If you look closely at that smiling face in the picture you'll see the glimmer of silver peeking through my hair ... it's that dream come true)

To those who are visiting for the first time, the challenge to consistently practice the Law of Attraction came from Akemi Gaines my friend and teacher. In a nutshell the challenge asks that I do three things each week to attract joy and abundance into my life.

1. Clearly envision, and state in a positive way, a dream I wish to manifest. The use of 'dream money' is a symbol of resources, and I started with $100 real dollars that I put into a treasure box.

2. I make a list of 10 items for which I am appreciative. (See late week-ends Dream Coming True Post to read the difference between 'appreciation' and 'gratitude')

3. I write a weekly post that becomes the first ACTION step in making a vision real.

So, this week ...

Dream Coming True Week 5: I have $1,600 to spend on paying for a beautiful curved copper roof for VARDOFORTWO.

The 10 things for which I am appreciative are:

1. I appreciate live piano music.

2. I appreciate the sound of my son's voice.

3. I appreciate my willingness to remain teachable.

4. I appreciate the freedom of aging.

5. I appreciate the taste of homemade apple pie. (thank you Turtle Woman!!!!)

6. I appreciate late night heart to heart talks.

7. I appreciate wind shield wipers that work when it's raining.

8. I appreciate favorite films I can replay as often as I like.

9. I appreciate a hot soak in a tub. (am I repeating this one? oh well, it's still true)

10. I appreciate Pete. (yes, I am repeating this one!)

Okay, I tag you. For a wonderful Christmas present for your own dear self that 'costs' you the price of three steps, try the DREAM COMING TRUE CHALLENGE.

Done it? How is it going?