Ten years ago on September 6, 2002 I launched this blog with an innocuous little link to an on lie art project ground through Euan Semple. I called the blog Parking Lot, which is the term facilitators use for a flip chart where we record things that are off topic to the subject at hand, but important enough to come back to. Since then I have used this space as my open source learning pad, to explore and grow in the field of facilitation, organizational and community development and random other bits and pieces of living. I’ve had long extended sidelines into poetry and art, music and taekwondo, bits and pieces and threads and buttons that have led somewhere or nowhere, notes that have been quoted, posts that went viral. I’ve met amazing friends, had fleeting fame and even got into a few fights over the years in this little space.
I have often said that this space is the book I will never write – I learn so fast and change my mind so much that a book is almost too static a format for me. If you want to see the book that I will never write, head over to “A Collection of Life’s Lessons” which is a occasionally updated meta blog of this site’s greatest hits. Print all those posts out, make a nice cover and there you have a book. For free.
So this blog has been a saving grace – a place where I can jot down notes, record great links and sources and leave a legacy for my own reference. Over the years, twitter and Facebook have become more and more prevalent in my writing life, and this blog has gone through periods of being neglected and avoided. There are a million links in my twitter feed that are more instantly useful, and I’m trying to get into a rhythm of writing about them a little longer here.
So as the summer falls away and the fall simmers around the corner, join me in raising a glass of whisky and toasting ten years of Parking Lot. Thanks for being along for some of the journey.
How I found you – it’s such a small world – Euan in both our lives
And thanks for keeping on writing here – and elsewhere! I always read your posts – and enjoy them!
I first got to know you through reading your blog :-), thanks!!! Will have a glass of wine – toasting to you from Slovenia. Looking forward to more entries!
Happy 10th anniversary of blogging! I think I’ve read you since I started blogging myself over 8 years ago, and I’m still enjoying it. All the best!
And what a privilege it’s been to be along for the ride – and share in your experiences and wisdom. Raising a glass of good Aussie red…
Happy birthday to this parking lot of gold, gold I tell you! Please have double and triple back-ups of everything here. In addition to reading your posts I visit your treasure trove of resources too frequently to confess publicly. 😉
This little online space has been a refuge for me during busy days, a place for reflection, laughter and lessons on practice! Cheers to the parking lot and thanks to you for your sharing 🙂
Fantastic…thanks for the birthday wishes and the grand selection of drinks to toast from around the world!
Chris, it is everything a blog should be… an honest presentation of your discoveries and insights during your journey. Like that whisky it will gain character and flavour with aging. Thank-you for inviting us all along. Looking forward to decades more observations and reflections from Chris Corrigan!
Best wishes.
Congratulations Chris. It’s been a long journey my friend. I began my blog in Feb./’03 so I’m coming up on a decade too. How many ofthese blogs, do you remember — my list of the 10 best Canadian blogs of 2003?
Your blog directly or indirectly has had a strong impact on who I love, where I live and what I do now. I think we all underestimate just how much of an impact our little journals have had.
Ah Dave – great points – and what a gift you both have given
thanks, Chris!
We’ve tried the Open Space technology for research interviews with family physicians. This set up had many advantages for multiple meetings with extra busy attendees, like doctors. It can help solve problems and it works best with many people attending your meeting, but maybe it’s not ideal for research focus groups