CP Monthly for November 2020

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to our American friends! There are some conversation tips below from David Brooks to help you through holiday Zoom calls, chats around dinner tables, or physically distanced check-ins with neighbours for our Toronto and Montreal readers.

I may not be American, but this year I'm thankful for good conversations. Montreal had a relatively normal summer as far as small outdoor gatherings and dining were concerned, and now, as the cold chases us inside, I'm missing the opportunity to bump into people.

So I bump on purpose instead. A phone call here, something warm from the oven to convince a neighbour to open the door for a few minutes, and shutting my mouth long enough to listen (yes, even when I think I'm right and they're wrong). It's my hope that the links below will stoke your imagination not just for this weekend's conversations and meals, but for many more weekends to come.

Grateful for readers like you,
– Matt‌‌‌‌ Civico,‌‌‌‌ Editor

Top Post for November 2020‌

Recovering Childlike Creativity

Most people do four things that keep them from creating and making.

Common PursuitsHelen Davies MacIntyre

Matt: It's no surprise this reflection on creativity is doing well with our readers. Everyone loves beautiful things! Artists are alchemists, but thankfully even apprentices can turn paper and colour into gold.

Reading & Cooking

💬 How to Have Deeper Conversations - NYT

Matt: It was David Brooks last week and here he is again, but I don't care! Pandemic or not, the quality of our conversations needs a prophylactic, and Brooks shares insights that, while simple, will take practice to master. Many of of us have the time; let's put it to better use than just one more episode.

Opinion | Nine Nonobvious Ways to Have Deeper Conversations

The art of making connection even in a time of dislocation.

NYTimesDavid Brooks

🥣 Soupe au Pois - Seasons & Suppers

Matt: Around this time of year I begin to cover 2/3 of my body in wool. I also turn to thoughts of soup. Why not try some of the conversations tips above over a hot bowl of Québecois comfort?

Quebec-Style Yellow Split Pea Soup

Delicious and hearty, this yellow split pea soup cooks low and slow with vegetables and a ham hock, for a filling soup, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Seasons and SuppersSeasonsandSuppers

📺 Analogue People in a Digital Age

Matt: Don't let the Irish brogue scare you off. Sit with this, and listen.

Tell A Friend about Common Pursuits

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