Being stranded, almost homeless; and definitely sleepless in Seattle in June this summer – we were this close to packing up and moving on from the United States, onto the next continent on this global tour to inspire dreams… to another place that could perhaps, inspire us to inspire once more.

The Universe has had a curious way of guiding, and sometimes goading us on this journey. This time round, our next step came in the form of an invitation by Marli – to speak at her dream-come-true event, TEDxWWU. Engaging with a group of people with a very special spot in our hearts – college students; being part of somebody who turned her dream into a reality; “MOVE & INSPIRE PEOPLE (Marli’s Dream)”-ing… Of course we said YES!

This first “YES!” led us to the next “YES!” when Jessica and Mataio from Ciao Thyme suggested that we connect with community pioneers Chuck and Dee from Village Books. Community builders, living examples of dreamers – we believed we have quite purposefully stumbled upon our inspiration:

  
 

Village Books then connected us with Whatcom Community College, who greeted us with, “Thank you – for putting Bellingham on your agenda, for stopping by and wanting to put a presentation event with us together.” And because we said “YES!”, Kris, Christina and Laura put their time and hearts together – a creative SYNERGY:

Because we said “YES!” Bellingham. You said “YES!” to us, too. We asked a group of Western kids, “Would you like to collect dreams with us?” And they took the question: What’s Your Dream? and made it their own at the Bellingham Farmers’ Market:

After conducting a workshop at the Whatcom Community College Leadership Institute, we asked the student leaders, “Do you feel ready to go and live your dreams now? Pearl and Marcelina replied, “We want to bring our profound learnings to our community in Bellingham. We want Bellingham to know – that dreams no matter how small, are worth dreaming; and dreams no matter how big, can be achieved and lived.”

  

A photographer in Mexico once wrote about his experience with us: What is more powerful than a man living his dreams? A group of dreamers living theirs; and in doing so, inspires the dreams in others, too. We experienced the epiphany he had, right here in Bellingham, with our Dream Ambassadors:

  
  

Looking at the dreams and hopes and passions of these beautiful souls, we marveled at how, not-so-long-ago, we almost walked away from all of these. And marveled in even greater awe, how the faith of one “YES!” could move mountains of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. More importantly, how it can move enough hearts, spirits, and people – to create a movement of dreams inspiring dreams (Psst… Savannah, we’re ever looking forward to the first page of your book!):

  

  

Summer came and summer went. We found ourselves hosted by nourishing space and beautiful people, we established a HQ in Seattle, we booked 6 presentations/workshops, did 4 media interviews with good-good-hearted journalists, launched our Dream Tees… Along the way, we found the courage to say one more “YES!”, the tenacity to take one more step, and the inspiration to commit traveling through all 50 States of the USA. Knowing deep in our hearts, the movement to let one dream shared, inspire millions – has never stopped moving. We just need to keep going.

We lived, loved and laughed – a lot. In great company, too.

  
  
  

Bellingham (and Katie): We are better people because of YOU. YOU have never once left our sight and hearts (the poster now sits in our bedroom), YOU have never stopped inspiring us, YOU reminded us – to say “YES!”

And because we said “YES!”
Dreams Unlimited @BELLINGHAM was created:

An event so very very special, because it marked the beginning of our USA journey, almost one full year after we first landed in LA. A local event, created by the local people, for the local community. An event made up of faces, beyond names and logos. An event of why DREAMS are UNLIMITED, so long as we keep taking one more step.

Today, invite YOU to say “YES!”, too.
To your passions, your dreams, yourselves.
To Dreams INSPIRED, Lives EMPOWERED –
Say YES!

Co-CREATE the public art installation of a mural of Bellingham Dreams
(as per the background of the poster above)

COME to the event.
INVITE your families, friends, colleagues, communities on Facebook.
FORWARD and SHARE this post to your networks.

Move with us, Pass it along: www.mydream.is/bellingham

Tickets also available for sale at Village Books, The Table, Ciao Thyme and 3OMS

How are you since we last connected? We are finally in Los Angeles, and Val has just completed her first audition in Hollywood last Friday. As we each take one more step closer to our dreams, we wish the same for you, too.

Simultaneously, we had planned to screen our films and videos in various communities; and speak to universities and schools…BUT in the first week we were here, our laptop completely malfunctioned (we’ve got it checked at the Apple store – it is beyond repair…and it’s also 5-years-old); and our filming equipment started failing on us, too (they have served us well for the last 2 years on the road).

All of these happened while our only source of donations, PayPal closed down our account because we are not a 501 (c) registered non-profit.

There must be a very good reason for all of the above happening to us. We are also quite sure that it’s not because it’s time for us to go home. We know you agree, too.

We are currently raising funds via a crowdfunding platform to get these equipment so that we can keep going on this journey.

As such, we are personally appealing to you:

Go to the fundraising campaign at www.indiegogo.com/ibelieve

1. DONATE – Your contribution, no matter the amount will help us continue the work that we are doing. $10 will help us cycle one more mile, meet one more person, document one more dream, share one more story…and inspire one more life. In fact, this was how we met you, this was how we got to cross paths and leave heart-prints, isn’t it?
2. SPREAD THE WORD – And if could SHARE the message with your friends/community via Facebook, Twitter, Email, even the phone – it will help us get the exposure we need to potential donors. And it will mean much to us.
3. CONNECT US – Lastly, if you know someone/a company/an organization who might be interested and willing to donate a larger sum of money in support of the project – like sponsor one of our videos/speaking events, please connect us.

We have 40 days left to raise funds. 30 March 2012 also marks the third year of our journey. Help us make it happen. Help us keep going. Help us keep inspiring.

Thank you for your time; and we wish you peace and love.

Warmly,
Tay and Val

One Dream Shared, One Dream Inspired
www.indiegogo.com/ibelieve

Giveaway 12: A pair of “Un Sueño Compartido, Un Sueño Inspirado” Spanish Dreamcards

We began our series of giveaways with a set of Taiwan Dreamcards
– inspired, designed and made in Taiwan
We end our this series of 12 giveaways with another set of Dreamcards
– inspired, designed and made in Latin America
And we realised – why, this chain of “Dreams inspiring Dreams” will keep growing
Automatically, effortlessly, on its own
And we’d like to invite you to be part of it

Why you would want this gift:

Ponxo from Pueblica - the brother we never had

“Did we tell you…
That you’re like the brother we never had?”

Ponxo is a cyclist from Pueblca, Mexico
He took us in after we left Mexivo City to continue our journey down south
Housing, 3 meals a day and countless media interviews
He was there for us

Whenever we took out our little purse to pay for food
He’d say, “I see that once more, I’m throwing you out of the house!”
3 weeks – we were provided for and taken care of
By him

One day, Ponxo came home and said,
“Chicas, I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes.”
When we opened them, there they were
1000 dreamcards – designer style, nothing less

“Por favor. Let us pay you something. Anything.”
We felt bad for him gifting so much to us
“Claro que si! These cards are very expensive!”
Ponxo exclaimed in reply

*Gulps* “Uhm. Cuanto cuesta?”
“Por mil tarjetas de los sueño?”
*Gulps* … we awaited with bated breaths
“Mil sueños!”

How to get this giveaway:

Watch the video below and follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Go to our Facebook wall here
2. “Share” our “2012 Esperanzas de Latinoamérica – ¿Cuál es su sueño?” video wall post on your timeline with the following text, “One Dream Shared, One Dream Inspired. What’s Your Dream? Help us collect 2012 dreams before the end of 2012. www.2012suenos.com” (see example in photo below)
3. Get your Facebook friends to “Like” your share
4. The share with the most number of “Likes” wins the Spanish Dreamcards!

Closing Date: 12 Midnight 31 January 2012

Giveaway 11: The only-one-in-the-world customised earring worn by Val in LISTEN

Why you would want this gift:

It’s one of its kind in the world
We sold everything we owned – yet Val kept this earring because it is that special
The short film is called LISTEN – this is an EARRING, can it be more apt?
Chermaine (played by Val) wore it for the resolution scene in the film, as she leaps towards her dream – may it bring you the resources you need to take your leap of faith, too

Chermaine wearing the earring in the final resolution scene of LISTEN

How to get this giveaway:

Watch LISTEN below and follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Go to our LISTEN Facebook Album here
2. “Share” the album on your timeline with the following text: “When you truly listen, what do you hear? I hear [COMPLETE THE SENTENCE WITH YOUR OWN ANSWER].”  (see example  in the photo below)
3. Get your Facebook friends to “Like” your share
4. The share with the most number of “Likes” wins the earring!

Closing Date: 12 Midnight 31 January 2012

Giveaway 10: One limited edition “I Believe That Dreams Can Come True” cartoon logo button

Why you would want this gift:

It is an ABUNDANCE button – we’ve been using these buttons to fund raise for our journey in Latin America
And it has brought us from Mexico all the way to Costa Rica
It is a limited edition button – there are only 70 buttons in the world right now
We have only 3 pieces left – and we are gifting ONE away

How to get this giveaway:

Simply follow these 4 steps:

1. Go to our Facebook wall here
2. “Share” our “Thank You, Japan!” video wall post on YOUR TIMELINE (see example in photo below)
3. Get your Facebook friends to “Like” your share
4. The share with the most number of “Likes” wins our limited edition abundance button!

Closing Date: 12 Midnight 31 January 2012

Giveaway 09: One limited edition Japan Tour Postcard

Why you would want this gift:

It was inspired, designed and made in Japan.
It is the cover of our awesome Children’s Book.
It is one out of 10 copies circulating around the world right now
It is the perfect combination of “kawaii (cuteness)” and “inspiration”!

How to get this giveaway:

Watch the video below and follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Go to our “A Present for the Children of Japan” Facebook Album here
2. Comment on the photo of the dream that you like and tell us Why
3. Get your Facebook friends to “Like” your comment
4. The comment with the most number of “Likes” wins our limited edition Japan Tour Postcard!

Closing Date: 12 Midnight 31 January 2012

It began with 2 girls with a passion for story-telling

Giveaway 08: One “Postcard from Taiwan” of Your Choice

Our next giveaway is a photo from our series of “Postcards from Taiwan” of your choice:

Why you would want this gift:

This is a video compilation of our journey in Taiwan in 2010:

兩個平凡的女生
2 ordinary girls

因為愛聽故事
Who loved listening to stories
更加愛說故事
With a greater love for telling stories

因為颱風警報
Who met with a typhoon
更是機緣巧合
Or rather, with the guidance of the Universe

“踏”上了很不平凡的旅程
Began on a rather unusual journey

決定
With a decision
帶著家當
With everything sold
騎著單車
On their bikes
環繞地球
They aim to travel the world
收集夢想
To create a chain of dreams inspiring dreams

可愛的台灣
Beautiful Taiwan
是我們的第一站
Was our first stop
問：“為什麼選擇台灣為第一站？”
People asked, “Why did you pick Taiwan?”
應該說：“是台灣選擇了我們！”
We answered, “Actually, Taiwan picked us.”

我們曾在台灣的大地留下了足跡
We left bike prints and footprints on the land of Taiwan
台灣人卻在我們的心裡烙了深印
In turn, Taiwan and its people left indelible prints on our hearts

一個一個的夢想
Every single dream
一堂一堂的功課
Every single lesson
我們捕捉為
Captured
一篇一篇的故事
into Stories

獻上我們對台灣
We offer you
的感動、感激、感恩
Our tears, sweats, and gratitude
再見了台灣，我們台灣“再”見
So long Taiwan – till we meet again!

How to get this giveaway:

Follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Go to our “Postcards from Taiwan” Facebook Album here
2. Share the photo that you want on your Wall/Timeline</li>
3. Get your Facebook friends to “Like” your share
4. The comment with the most number of “Likes” wins the photo!

Closing Date: 12 Midnight 31 January 2012

Giveaway 06: I Believe That Dreams Can Come True 2012 Calendar with Inspirational Photos and Quotes (October-December)

Our next giveaway is a hi-res printable PDF of our I Believe That Dreams Can Come True Calendar – personally designed by us with inspirational photos and quotes from this journey so far. We are releasing the months of October, November and December for this giveaway:

I Believe That Dreams Can Come True - Calendar 2012

Why you would want this Calendar:

Because the Photo and Quote for December 2012 shares with you an important reminder:

We carry on our bicycles - a daily reminder that "Life is made up of moments"

“Life is made up of moments.”
Own them.

How to get this giveaway:

Simply click the button below and share our website via Facebook or Twitter; and you may download the Calendar!

Closing Date: The end of 2012

To
Every single thing
We could possibly need
To begin this journey

DESPITE without a cent

This is why we choose to share
Our Abundance
Because there is always enough
And More
To Share

Giveaway 06: I Believe That Dreams Can Come True 2012 Calendar with Inspirational Photos and Quotes (July-September)

Our next giveaway is a hi-res printable PDF of our I Believe That Dreams Can Come True Calendar – personally designed by us with inspirational photos and quotes from this journey so far. We are releasing the months of July, August and September for this giveaway:

I Believe That Dreams Can Come True - Calendar 2012

Why you would want this Calendar:

We see ahead
a vastness of
Possibilities

Simply because,
“We BELIEVE“
— Quotation for August 2012

“We don’t want to be mediocre
We want to INSPIRE“
And we know
You feel the same, too

How to get this giveaway:

Simply click the button below and share our website via Facebook or Twitter; and you may download the Calendar.

You don’t always use money to fulfil a dream
You don’t always pay it back
Sometimes, like us
You pay it forward

So pass it along
Pay with a Tweet/Facebook
Pay it forward!

Closing Date: The end of 2012

Giveaway 05: I Believe That Dreams Can Come True 2012 Calendar with Inspirational Photos and Quotes (April to June)

Our next giveaway is a hi-res printable PDF of our I Believe That Dreams Can Come True Calendar – personally designed by us with inspirational photos and quotes from this journey so far. We are releasing the months of April, May and June for this giveaway:

I Believe That Dreams Can Come True - Calendar 2012

Why you would want this Calendar:

She raised her hand when we asked, “Who here does not have a dream?”
Our hearts sank.
She walked down the aisle when we asked, “Who wants to share your dream?”
Our hearts beat with apprehension.
She opened her tightly clutched fist to reveal, “I will find My Dream.”
Our hearts – they now beat for that reason.
— Quotation for May 2012

One Dream Shared
One Dream Inspired
Be a part of this chain of
Dreams Inspiring Dreams

How to get this giveaway:

Simply click the button below and share our website via Facebook or Twitter; and you may download the Calendar. In Tay’s words:

ALLOW ourselves to give.
ALLOW ourselves to receive.
ALLOW ourselves to be inspired.

Click 3 allows from the following button and download an inspiring calendar for 2012!

Closing Date: The end of 2012