Dear friends, Ruth and I wanted to clarify that our plan to simplify and live in a community is still taking shape. As well as considering the farming/schooling model that I sent out last time (alone in the middle of the night!), we are thinking of how to take gentler strides to create a more community-based life. For example, we could share a central kitchen, dining and living room but maintain private bedrooms and living space. Our hope is to share meals, housework, child-rearing, and finances and to socialize as a regular part of our lives. The extent to which we intertwine all of these things is a large part of the endeavor that stands before us. We do not yet have a fixed idea of what this should be. For ourselves, we still expect to be responsible for our own children and uphold our family values. Also, how much we combine our finances is a large and open topic. Please consider that anything we suggest is merely a springboard to invite everyone’s ideas. Our founders will ultimately need to decide on a model that works for everyone. We want to hear your ideas, attempts and musings! After more discussion on our part, we are thinking a good scenario would be to find a home for this community close to an open-minded town with cultural, educational, professional and high-tech opportunities still available. Most importantly we would like to forge honest, kind and real daily practices that keep us present and connected as a community. Our vision includes: • Lighter work for everyone as we share the load • Increasing our security by having more people work and a lower average cost of living • Getting away from an everyman-for-himself outlook • Living simply • Eating mindfully • Looking towards contributing to a more wholesome and sustainable environment • Living amongst people that excite and challenge us to grow We would love to hear from you with any suggestions.