Dublin, Home, Snow

A lovely week.I was in Dublin working with clients. I’m one of the worlds luckiest people as I seem to attract/invite really creative, interesting and ethical people as my clients.

I’m working with one client to develop their learning and performance strategy for the next few years. It’s a lovely challenge as we work together to create both the big picture and the practical steps forward. I have a strong passion and belief in the creation of real learning environments in the workplace. Places that are knowledge spaces – real and virtual. Places that ‘get’ the value of all the informal learning moments that happen every single day. Places and people that are eager to be even better at what they do so that their clients/customers get the best possible service. And this means a great deal to me because my client is an organisation that provides front line services to homeless people. Anyway, we had a very productive time then went and had dinner and I got some good advice from my client on the options I could explore to get a home – love that.

The next day I facilitated a fab conversation montage between artists who work with, and in, some Dublin inner city communities. Their employer organisation is committed and passionate about supporting the artists to do their work and this gathering was one way to create links between the artists – most of whom work alone. So we had visual artists; dancers; drama people; film makers; photographers; musicians; storytellers in the room and I had the privilege of facilitating the conversation.

As a facilitator I don’t ‘do’ games. I think we can have creative and courageous conversations with each other without having to stand in a circle and throw teddy bears (although if that’s what rocks your boat – then go for it). I created space for people to introduce themselves and talk about their professional practice. I then asked them to talk together about the words of wisdom they would give to a ‘newbie’ artist wanting to work in communities – and that was a fun and wide ranging conversation. We talked about ways to support their practice and how these kind of gatherings could be developed to work for them. We went deeper and talked about the power of the unexpected – the essence of the creative experience. They talked about why they do this work and how it does and doesn’t inform their own artistic practice. It was a real pleasure to meet and work with these wonderful people.

And I got to play in Dublin. There’s always room for a glass of wine and more conversation.

It snowed as I was walking to the LAB to facilitate the artists conversations. I love the look of snow as it floats down and around.

Glad to get home tho. The 2 hour train trip was relaxing as we sped thru the country side – all covered in snow (the countryside, not me!).

Threw the bags into the office and got out of my work clothes. I went to say hello to my friendly shop keepers next door – had a cuppa and Gabriel then said he wanted to show me a property (he does real estate as well). Looked at a small cottage on a high hill overlooking a lake and mountains – amazing views. The cottage is a few hundred years old and they’re putting on a roof and new windows but it’s basically a shell inside – no plumbing/kitchen etc. I’m off to look at it again today. It has a great feeling and I could create a lovely small home there. All I need is for the mortgage people to say yes to the money and I might just put an offer in. Wish me luck. And if that doesn’t work – something else will come along and right now I live in a sweet house in a lovely town – no complaints here.

So, that was my week – full of interesting people and moment and unexpected opportunities.

I also want to congratulate one of my fave bloggers on his new job. Noah Brier was the first blogger I subscribed to and I love reading his musings and take on life. He creates connections online and in real life and has been very supportive of me setting up this blog. Thanks mate and well done on the new job. From the comments on your blog it looks like your current workmates will miss you.

I send good wishes for a relaxing and fun weekend to my readers.