June 2025
I wanted to start off with
an a-ha! moment from a recent life coaching session (I’m the life coach, to be clear),
notes from a writing class I led last week,
my thoughts about the book, Permission* or about generally giving ourselves permission to do and be,
but that all felt too indulgent given, well, everything. That said, if you need a bit of comic relief, skip down to the final section of this newsletter.
We know that stewing in a flurry of anxiety isn’t helpful (even if, sometimes, it can’t be helped).
This Yup’ik word or term struck me enough to want to stitch it after I first read about it years ago.
It means always getting ready, always preparing.
So what can you do?
On the one hand, Van Jones offers empowering advice: (essentially) nobody else knows what to do either. So, follow your passions and do something. Anything. Maybe it will attract others. Or go viral. Or bring people together in a way that leads to stronger, communities and bigger, more effective solutions.
On the other hand, historian Tad Stoemer, suggests that we’re past the time for performative solidarity. We need to move into a new phase of collective courage, a willingness to accept risk along with our peaceful protest. He advises people to “Make authoritarian overreach expensive, unpredictable, and ugly.” Give a listen. (More from Tad.)
Ultimately, we’re facing more of a yes/and than an either/or situation. Just do something. Reach out if you’ve watched all of these short clips and want to discuss.
The cognitive dissonance of the current moment is getting to me, but life goes on, so here’s what’s ahead in the Scrappy Affirmations world.
Hot Flashes & Fierce Tales: Stories from Menopause, Midlife, and Beyond will take place on Wednesday, June 4 at 7 PM at Secret World Books.
It’s going to be an amazing show full of bold stories that we all need to hear, to feel.
This is the kind of event that is a balm to our souls right now. Join in! It has to be done in advance of the show because going around Eventbrite requires extra work for me. I’m willing to do it, though, because the EB fees are outrageous and if I can save you a few bucks, I will. Or, at least, I’m willing to give it a try for the June show. Reach out for instructions.
Do you have a story to share at a future show? Let us know!
Mother’s Day, But Make It Weird was a lot of fun! A huge thank-you to Sue Fink, who stepped in with a song to fill in for a sick teller with just over an hour’s notice. Notice Sue playing air guitar in the recap video because she didn’t have time to run home and get her actual one.
Upcoming Programs
Are you among the 70 people who brought the We Have the Best Words art activism project to life? Then join in for a special reception on Sunday, June 1 from 2-3 PM at Secret World Books in Highland Park.
Thursday, May 29 in Morton Grove, join in for a funny, uncomfortable, outrageous, and ultimately reassuring W.O.W. Doodle and Noodle session on Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse. Speaker Melissa Pierce will help us flex our creative thinking, future forecasting, and strategizing muscles. (Melissa will also be sharing a story at the June 4 Hot Flashes Show!)
On a related note, stay safe during tonight’s storms. I’m keeping one of my charged-up solar lanterns nearby.
Heads up for the (Almost) Summer Solstice on Monday, June 16.
June 17-21 it’s time for Menopause (and More) in Michigan, the Scrappy Affirmations MMM Tour. I’m partnering with Karen Faith on a handful of engaging programs in the Detroit area. We’ll be touching upon menopause and midlife, talking about death over cookies, making creative things, and welcoming the summer sun during an early morning solstice celebration. Look for details in the June newsletter, and please spread the word to your friends who live in the area.
Environmental Stuff
Last month’s Crafting Your Climate Message was a hit. I appreciate this participant’s take on Chicago’s motto, urbs in horto, city in a garden.
If you work with an organization that can benefit from a workshop that’s both craft- and issue-oriented, get in touch.
On Mother’s Day, we hosted a workshop with Chicago’s “forager to the stars,” Dave Odd. I’m sorry I forgot to include this in the April newsletter. Earth has been supporting human life since waaaay before grocery stores were a thing, but we’re so disconnected from nature that it’s easy to forget this. My point is, at my next party, instead of setting up a “grazing tray,” I’m just gonna set everyone loose on my lawn.
I jest! You can catch Dave around the Chicago area this summer. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to collect spruce tips.
Let’s Eat Cookies and Talk About Death
Stories of life and love (and death and grief) will be back in Highland Park on W
ednesday, July 16. I’ll be sharing a heartfelt story alongside five other talented folks. Tickets are now on sale.
Curious about Water Cremation? Cremation by Water in Arlington Heights (my dog’s last stop in bodily form) is hosting an open house on Friday, June 6 at 10 AM. I won’t be there, but as a sponsor of some of my programs, a client of his, and a fan of the eco-friendly aspects of water cremation, I’m happy to spread the news.
Until Next Time
The app the patriarchy wants us check daily.
I want to go to there.
The man who made this reel is right; we really do need to acknowledge this.
Let me know what’s making you laugh or think these days.
Kim
*Affiliate link. If write or aspire to write personal narratives or have even the tiniest smidge of desire to write a memoir, buy this book or ask your local library to do so on your behalf.