By way of updating an earlier observation from Birgitt, I thought it might be helpful for those of you journeying to Toronto this weekend to have a glimpse into what seems to be in store weatherwise...But since this is my first message out to the list, my name is Jody Orr, I am a member of the Open Space Institute of Canada (active when I can be), finally - last year - left the not-for-profit sector after 17 years (Birgitt and I were active in the social services in the same community together and at the same time...thank goodness for the gifts of support, humor and a shared commitment to change!) and struck out on my own with a business partner to form a very dynamic consulting partnership with a strong commitment to organizational change work...after almost a year and a half, I am managing to still pay the mortgage and keep my two wonderful daughters clothed and fed and myself healthy (writ LARGE!)!!! It's a grand adventure and I wouldn't be anywhere else...stopped worrying about the lack of a road map some time ago...coming around the curves and over the humps in the road is much more exciting this way, and the learning, both intentional and otherwise, more meaningful...
If you are planning to join us in Toronto, expect the warmest of welcomes but slightly less warmth in the external environment...our long range forecasts (through to Saturday) suggest cool weather (below 10 degrees Celsius daytime and below 0 degrees at night from time to time) with the possibility of rain here and there...if you are planning to walk about, seek out adventurous dining opportunities or sample the wonderfully diverse lives of Toronto, you may wish to pack "stuff" accordingly...we have been blessed this year with a storybook Autumn...lots of sunlight, gentle transition and crisp reminders of where we're headed, but it looks like we are now in the middle of a process of gentle remembrance of what living in a northern clime entails... We are all looking forward to welcoming you... Safe journey to all... Jody
