Gratitude, a pear and a woman named Pat.

First thank you: Darcy in New York.

In recent years, November became "Gratitude month." I don't know how it started, but I like it.

As an artist, I want to share my excitement for what I am doing, and thank people for their interest and support.

At every art show, I randomly choose a "winner" from the guest book and send them a print. But how can I say thanks for the likes, the comments and the shares, especially from website, blog and social media fans I haven't met? 

A few years ago, I had the idea to start giving away paintings and prints on Facebook. It started with a painting of a single pear, and a few times each year, someone out there receives a gift package. At last count, ten paintings and prints have been given in that spirit of gratitude.

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On November 1, I  posted the painting "Balancing Act" as a giveaway on Facebook, to honor all those package delivery people whose jobs get a lot more difficult during the holidays. The post was liked and shared and reached over 3,000 people! A woman named Pat commented that she used to live right near that location but had moved away. She shared the post and said she would love to win the painting. All of a sudden, there was a groundswell of shares and comments and pleas and promises made to "give the painting to Pat!" I did not know Pat, but realized she must be a woman who had touched people with a generous spirit - and they all wanted her to have the painting. The winner has always been selected at random, but this outpouring made me rethink the process. So, I chose Pat. 

I've since learned who Pat is. After a colorful life as a San Francisco socialite, she has spent the past 30 years doing humanitarian work for peace around the world and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times! I suspect that Pat Montandon has "paid it forward" with gratitude often - and it feels good to know that by selecting her as the winner, her Facebook friends and fans got to share their thanks back.

Saying thank you is contagious -- and if you would like to send a note of gratitude to someone in your life, I'll send a free notecard to write it on!  The first 10 people who leave a message in the comments will get a card - be sure to send me your address using the contact form on my website. (If you would like to purchase cards, you can do that here.)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!