A Country Lunch in the Garden with Ivan Illich
On or around the weekend of 4-6 September 2026, in places across the world, friends and strangers will gather to celebrate the life and work of Ivan Illich on what would have been his 100th birthday.
Ivan Illich offered us provocative ideas nestled in a joyful exuberance and love of life and shared company. Lately, around our house, we find ourselves drawn to his writing, his thoughts from the ’70’s filtering back to us in these strange times.
In the spirit of shared experience, initiated and encourage by the wonderful Dougald Hine at a school called home, Madelaine and I invite you to a country lunch in the garden, followed by a relaxing afternoon exchanging reflections on Illich’s thought.
Whether you are new to Illich’s work, have engaged with it for years, or reside somewhere in between, there is a place for you around our table.
Lunch is at noon. The Bruce Trail runs across the property, come early if you wish to hike or simply wander the pathways through the forest and meadow. Bring your suit if you would like to swim in the pool. If you wish to stay overnight, there is some accommodation in the house/cabin and certainly lots of space for camping.
You need only bring your desire for a thoughtful exchange of ideas and an enjoyment of shared hospitality. And perhaps, beforehand, to give thought to what in Illich’s writing granted you a moment of joy, or outrage, illumination or peace. If you need a refresher on his thought, see link at bottom of this email.
Please feel free to share this invitation with anyone to whom you think it would be of interest. We gather in our confusion and our clarity, our longing for joyfulness, and our failure to consistently embody it. Illich believed profoundly in the gentle power of conviviality. So do we.
Every blessing, Madelaine and Candice
Details and Contact Information - *** If you wish to gather with us, please let us know so we can plan accordingly.
Location: 756473 2nd Line East, Mulmur, Ontario. 1.5 hours north of Toronto.
Contact: 705 817 3408, candicebist@gmail.com
Hosts: Madelaine Ley, Candice Bist
