I wish you safe travels to and from wherever you might be visiting this Thanksgiving week, as we approach one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. The New York air has a touch of winter, but the tree colors are still vibrant. There are a few mature ginko trees outside my window on West 46th street that glimmer in the morning light with tinges of oranges and chartreuse. I am grateful for many things in my life including access to a beautiful green space like Central Park or my cold runs along the Hudson River. This week of gratitude reminded me of one my favorite passages on seeing in Annie Dillard’s 1974 classic “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.” “The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside by a generous hand. But- and this is the point- who gets excited by a mere penny? But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted in pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days.” How beautiful. May we all “cultivate a healthy poverty.” This space is where gratitude lives. It is an important reminder. What are you looking closely at this week?
New York Museums’ Design (Architectural Digest)
I love this architect’s perspective on New York’s museum design. I think I like the Breuer building after this description the most. The staircase in the Breuer is one my favorite hidden places of New York - no one seems to use it. (Thank you Christoph for sharing).
A Frank Llyod living room inside The Met The Metropolitan Museum of Art Re-opening of European Art (TimeOut)
Over the last five years, The Met has closed their European galleries in phases. Now, they will all be open in chronological order, so you will see Dutch next to French next to British work. I love the dialogue possibilities. I am excited to see an old friend, The Musicians by Caravaggio.Maestro is released (The New Yorker)
Leonard Bernstein looms large over my experience of classical music.Kevin Hart is awarded the Mark Twain Award for Humor (NPR)
Last week, I went to The Pussycat Lounge (Comedy Cellar) and Kevin Hart did a surprise set. It is one of my favorite aspects of live comedy, as an audience member, you are always watching the process unfold. Kevin wanted to test out some new material, so he returned to The Comedy Cellar (as famous comedians often do). It was a solid set and it certainly had some legs. Then, this past week it was announced he would be receiving the Mark Twain Award for American humor. Excited to see him live, unexpectedly.Some fun facts about The Macy’s Day Parade (Library of Congress)
I now make it an annual tradition to see the balloons inflate the day before at the New York Historical Society. It is a magical event. May you make some magic happen gathering with loved ones, friends, and family alike.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Last year’s Pillsbury Doughboy!
