The practice of gratitude has a very special resonance this Thanksgiving. Who among us haven’t experienced the continuing and relentless disruption and change that causes moments of serious self-reflection, worry, sadness, and fear? On the flipside, however, is the ever-present reality that we are slowly and surely finding our way, getting through this time, and yes, maybe finding new things to be thankful for.

I asked two of my classes this week to reflect on gratitude in a small online exercise. Using a virtual “white board” that invites individuals to make anonymous comments in a shared space, the students shared gratitude both profound and also very personal. Many were thankful for their health (both physical and mental), for their safety and security as Canadians, while others talked about their friendships, the hobbies that sustained them through times of boredom and lockdown, and the kindness of strangers (for those who worked in retail, restaurants, and other essential services). What struck me was how many of the gratitude posts related to human connection. Spending some time this week in the retail district downtown shopping for Thanksgiving gifts, I found myself happy simply to be in the company of other human beings. Even socially distanced and wearing masks, we were groups of strangers experiencing and enjoying one another’s company— “smizing” and giving knowing nods, understanding that this moment may be fleeting with winter and the second wave upon us.

So, as we gather and find responsible ways to celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend, make sure to take that extra time to speak your gratitude aloud, and to maybe write some of your thoughts down. Once we get to the other side of this strange year, you may want to be reminded of what sustained you.

A Few More Things Before The Round Up

The Art Newspaper’s online event series “New models for new times: Rethinking the art market in a changing world” caught my eye late last month, and the topic is both timely and very much needed. Later this week, I will be co-chairing a panel at UAAC on the topic of commerce, aesthetics, and the value of art, and I continue to research this area with sustained interest, especially as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on all aspects of the art world. As the talk series description reads, “The past year has presented the art trade with unprecedented challenges, but it has also revealed how changes in the way we do business may re-shape the industry into a more collaborative one.” The series has already featured one provocative talk “Is the new spirit of collaboration lip-service or game-changing?” and will have two further events, “Breaking boundaries—local is the new global” on October 15th and “Economist Clare McAndrew in conversation with Georgina Adam” on October 22. Registration is free and can be accessed here.
I was one of the many who devoured Elena Ferrante’s four Neapolitan novels a few years ago and have recommended both the books and the well produced and brilliantly shot My Brilliant Friend television series that follows closely to the spirit of the stories. I am now about halfway through Ferrante’s most recent and very highly anticipated novel The Lying Life of Adults and it is excellent! I was also happy to learn Netflix has optioned the book for another television series and cannot wait to see how this book is brought to the screen. See trailer below.

And as it is Thanksgiving Day long weekend, you can be sure that I will be catching up on the latest season of The Great British Baking Show. Much easier on the waistline, and who doesn’t love a creative competition show that showcases artistic talents and food!