Optimism is for the Brave

I have written but occasionally over the past twenty-four months. Twenty-four months working with Anastasia Mourogova-Millin on innovative concepts designed to attract financing-at-scale to invest in  urban nature and bio-diversity. We have now re-defined our working relationship. I continue to believe in the ideas she is pioneering.  However, we are at different stages of our working careers and lives.  Partnering in this endeavour became a “job” and I don’t want a “job”. I will continue to support her and the team that she will assemble if and when asked. And, if I think that I am adding value. 

What’s next?

Developing a pool of capital to create and sustain an inventory of housing units for the difficult-to-house – those individuals with:

• psychological troubles
• physical problems
• substance abuse issues – alcohol and drugs
• and frequently,  potent cocktails of all of the above

The goal – to eliminate visible homelessness across Canada, starting in Montreal. 

I don’t really know how to build or manage a building. And, I can’t imagine what it takes to care for the difficult-to-house. So, I will need volunteers / collaborators from the real estate sector, professional practices, and  from homeless organizations. But I do understand money and so my focus- creating the capital pool needed to address this human and urban calamity. 

Other Projects

• You are now reading this on larrywaters.ca so you will know I have shut down At Waters Edge and redesigned my blog.
• If you read my posts, you know that cities intrigue me. I have started to put all of my articles about cities into a cohesive collection that I hope will turn into a book
• And talking about books, my children, my nephews and nieces, and my cousins keep bugging me to write a family history so that the stories are not lost. I am sure that the story will be of limited interest to a wider audience but I will try to leave some useful memoir.

Crazy – maybe. But, optimism is for the brave and   “Pessimimism is for Lightweights” .

I choose to be brave

From Pessimism is for Lightweights:

There is power and strength in optimism

To have faith and to stay true to you

Because if you can look in the mirror

And have belief and promise you

Will share wonder in living things

Beauty, dreams, books and art

Love your neighbour and be kind

And have an open heart.  Salena Godden 

Optimism is for the brave.