[Dialogue] Nelson Family Letter

[Jo Nelson]

January, 2005

Dear Friends and Family,
It¹s been two years since our last ³annual² letter, so we have a bit to
catch up on. http://ica-associates.ca/downloads/NelsonsJan22005.jpg


As we write this, the world is still reeling from the earthquake and tsunami
in the Indian Ocean, and we are deeply reminded of how tiny humans are in
the big picture of the forces of the universe, and how interconnected we are
with all the earth¹s people.

In our work, 2003 was challenging ­ the SARS scare and a huge electricity
blackout had an effect on the business community in Toronto. Wayne was asked
to teach a course in facilitation at a local community college in the first
quarter of 2004, and was delighted with the response from the students.
He¹s teaching the course again this year.  We moved our office on April 1,
2004 to Queen Street East - not far from downtown.  The positive energy
shift that happened with this move has resulted in lots of interesting work.
On April 19 we facilitated the National Aboriginal Roundtable.  The Prime
Minister and Cabinet Ministers as well as national Aboriginal leaders
participated in the respectful dialogue. We also completed work on the
global ICA core facilitator competencies, and certified the first ICA
facilitators in late 2004.  Jo finished her term on the Executive of IAF in
2003, and Wayne became the Canadian representative on the IAF Board.  Jo
created several new training courses for clients, including one on
ecological agriculture!  Luckily, she could draw on her farm experience (and
the client provided the detailed content).
http://ica-associates.ca/downloads/Waynetrainer.jpg

At home, we accomplished the next phase of kitchen renovation:  new ceiling,
walls, and wall cabinets on the south side.  The cabinets are beautiful, in
Arts and Crafts style, made of oak from scratch by Wayne.  During the IAF
conference in Scottsdale in June, we were able to visit Taliesin West, and
were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright¹s design and its connectedness to the
environment. http://ica-associates.ca/downloads/WayneJoatTaliesin.jpg

Wayne and Jo enjoyed a very active canoe trip on and around the Barron
Canyon in Algonquin Park in late July ­ 3 km. of portages in 4 days meant 9
km. of hiking heavily loaded on steep rocky paths.  But the scenery and
solitude were worth all the effort.  And no rattlesnakes!
http://ica-associates.ca/downloads/sunset.jpg

Aaron became manager at a Caban store in late 2003, and has had a wonderful
learning curve.  His store won a prize for the most sales in Canada in
December 2005. In his rare spare time, he enjoys technical climbing at local
climbing gyms with several friends.
http://ica-associates.ca/downloads/AaronJan22005.jpg

Tim took some time off from school, holding down a couple of part-time jobs.
His creativity was poured into mixing jungle music on his computer, and he
had some of his music played on an internet radio station. He has decided to
focus on music production as a career, and just submitted an application for
an excellent training program. http://ica-associates.ca/downloads/DJTim.jpg

Jo was able to reconnect with Leff relatives at a reunion in Nebraska in
June. We visited extended family in South Dakota and Iowa at the Christmas
season in 2004, and enjoyed long talks and connections with them.  The
adventure on the way to South Dakota included 3 blizzards and an overnight
stay in a Red Cross shelter when the road was closed in both directions in
northern Indiana.

And the unexpected death of Jo¹s nephew Jay Zahrt on January 9, 2005
reminded us again of the fragility of life and the importance of family and
friends.

May 2005 be filled with care.             Wayne, Jo, Aaron and Tim

(To view the photos on the web, just click the links or paste them in your
browser.  They won¹t download unless you specifically say so.)

-- 
Jo Nelson, CPF, CTF  <jnelson at ica-associates.ca>
Certified Professional Facilitator and ICA Certified ToP Facilitator
ICA Associates, Inc.  655 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4
Ph. 416-691-2316, x230  Toll-free 877-691-1422  Fax 416-691-2491
Website http://ica-associates.ca


"Never doubt that a small group of committed people cannot change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  Margaret Mead