I had just delivered a photograph to the Da Vinci Artist Association at my appointment time on Saturday (the upcoming show will be in a couple of weeks, and will be conducted in a limited and socially distanced manner). During my drive home from South Philly I started thinking about the Thanksgiving holiday. It wasn’t going to be even remotely the same, but all things considered I am very thankful and grateful for all I have and am able to do. Despite everything that has happened there have been some very nice things for me this year.
My work has been exhibited at several shows, both physically and virtually. With the help of some great photographers, I got the Monalog Collective off the ground and growing. While we had to cancel our first program, Monalog has now expand to 14 members and I have made 14 new friends! If you haven’t checked Monalog out yet, take a moment and visit us at https://monalogcollective.com
Despite the virus I’ve made a lot of photographs, many outside my norm. I’ve expanded my photographic vision and horizons, and that’s good thing.
We welcomed a new granddaughter into the family … virtually. Saw my family as best I could, and finally met the little one in time to celebrate her one-month birthday. And while my wife and I will not have our annual blowout Thanksgiving with all the kids, grandchildren and in-laws, we will get together Thanksgiving day on Zoom to celebrate all we have to be thankful for and to commit to celebrating the 2020 holiday as soon as it’s safe to do so in 2021. For now the turkeys (we bought two) are in the freezer and I look forward to my favorite holiday with the family and my wife’s legendary cooking twice in 2021! Not a bad deal at all!
We got through the election after all. Our democracy is still intact and a true president will be inaugurated in January.
Yes, I really do have a lot to be thankful for. I’m alive and not sick. And I have so much to experience and accomplish! I’ll bet you do too.
So as we enter a second wave that’s going to be worse than what we’ve just been through, please do the right thing. Social distance, wear a mask, get the vaccine when it’s available … and live to photograph another day.
Stay safe,
Michael