August 2025
Scrappy Affirmations normalizes being human in a complicated world. We help you build resilience and find your mid-life mojo. We offer creative workshops, heartfelt rituals, and essential end-of-life planning.
Sigh
A recent conversation with friends took a dark turn shortly before we were about to end our time together. This darkness seems all too common these days.
Sigh.
One friend pointed out that I often encourage our talks to end on a positive note. “Do you have something to help us lighten up, Kim?”
I stared blankly and shrugged, “I got nothin’. Everything feels bleak.”
Sigh.
And then I added, “Oh wait. I’m going to be featured on a podcast...it’s called Hope Comes to Visit!”
We broke into laughter at the absurdity of it. Life is full of twists and turns. What can I say?
What could I say during my podcast interview, especially about hope? I knew the conversation would focus on the aftermath of my son’s suicide. I know the comfort that comes from hearing from other survivors.
Okay, she made it through. I guess I can, too.
I want to help others as I was helped.
Still, I know that an interview with Danielle Elliott Smith includes her guest’s definition of hope. I find it fascinating to hear how people describe hope. Are they champions of unbridled optimism? Do they believe that life is a rollercoaster ride, but everything works out in the end? Do they consider hope a discipline?
What was I going to say?
I turned to my oracle--my art supply cabinet!--to craft my response. My answer is the image below.
Click to listen to my thoughts (and the rest of the interview).
Hot Flashes is on the Move
Hot Flashes is moving back to Skokie! Our next show is on Wednesday, September 10.
We’re trying out new digs at The Storefront on Main Street, a creative innovation space sponsored by the Village of Skokie and its Fine Arts Commission.
Not only will it be more convenient for our many fans from Skokie, Evanston, Morton Grove, and Chicago’s North Side, but this move also opens the door to collaborate with favorite family-owned Skokie businesses. For example, you can pre-order a sandwich, salad, and/or dessert from Kneads and Wants, and they’ll deliver it fresh to the venue.
Upcoming Programs
Next week, I’m facilitating an exciting Art on the Rocks workshop. This private session will include setting intentions for the (Jewish) new year ahead and incorporating those into artwork. Self-reflection + creative expression is my jam!
Reach out to book a workshop for your staff, sisterhood, board, or friends.
I’m also happy to connect regarding my Craft Your Life program. For six weeks, I serve up a weekly creative exercise, paired with a 50-minute 1:1 consult with me to help you (as a recent client put it) “move into a sunlit realm of possibilities and forward-moving energy.”
Save November 19 for the next edition of Let’s Eat Cookies and Talk About Death: Stories of Life and Love.
Environmental Stuff
This Sunday, August 24, from 10-noon is the 3rd Annual Induction Cookpad Pancake Breakfast.
Join me to learn how you can improve your indoor air quality and cook without fossil fuel for about $100.
This breakfast will also provide a chance to taste the homemade spruce tip syrup I wrote about last month. It’s very sweet and slightly piney/antiseptic. I won’t take offense if you stick with maple syrup.
Until Next Time
My talented friend Debi Lewis is known for her thoughtful, creative nonfiction work. She recently started a Substack for devoted to speculative fiction. That is, she writes about things that are currently fictional, but Could Happen. The snack-sized stories are intriguing and thought-provoking. If you’re a fan of the show Black Mirror, be sure to click through.
My truth (but I was born a few years later).
A reminder of the many worlds around us.
Let me know what’s making you laugh or think these days.
Kim