Welcome to “At Waters Edge”
Spooked by the Coronavirus, we rushed home from London on March 13, 2020 – two weeks ahead of schedule. We work hard to remain healthy and fit, so we didn’t worry about getting ill. The fear was being marooned an ocean away from home. I continue to work to travel so it was a tough decision to cut short a trip to our favourite big city. We enjoy living different places and enjoying different lifestyles and London never bores.
Eventually, medical science will control Covid-19. However, its occurrence may have a lingering effect on many, similar to the one left me by the Montreal ice storm of over 20 years ago. Every time I hear that machine-gun rattle of ice pellets on my window, my heart skips a beat. Will the real or imagined possibility of another rapidly spreading virus cause changes to where and how people live, work, and play?
The Urge to Write
I retired in June 2011. I wanted to and I have continued working with clients that I enjoy. Also, I wanted to try my hand at writing a newsletter on what I see as evolving trends. Procrastination set in for a few reasons.
- I find it difficult to start a new project
- I don’t know why anyone would want to read my thoughts on a changing world
- I don’t know if I have the stamina to keep it up but I will try
The Coronavirus pandemic has motivated me to start the “At Waters Edge” newsletters. I think that it is a good time to share observations and to start a conversation about accelerated trends and the changes we will see in human behaviour over the coming months and years. Some of the topics that I think will deserve attention:
- Homes
- Keeping fit
- Work spaces
- Food
- Discretionary spending
- The fashion industry
- Community design
- Origination and distribution of goods
- Education and life skills
- The hospitality industry
- Co-working and Co-living
There will be many more topics to bring into the conversation but this is where I will start.
Wash your hands, practice social distancing, hydrate, and exercise! Keep well!
Note: The attached PDF is the original news letter. At the outset it was called What’s Next? There are many changes to the original text.
