July 2025

When There’s Too Much Muchness

Feeling discombobulated? Stressed out? Heartbroken?

Congratulations! Your tender heart is still beating, even though it feels heavy and wounded.

You’re grounded in reality, even though it feels like the world is spinning off its axis.

You’re hurting, but you’re here. You’re still you.

These are hard times to be deeply, beautifully human. But your hurt is a sign of humanity, of hope. It means that you haven’t given up yet. It means there is something you can do, some action you can take to improve a tiny corner of the world.

June 14 No Kings Day. More than 1,000 protests attracting millions of people will take place around the country. Find one near you. Protesting isn’t for everyone, but you can make calls or write letters to legislators, talk to your neighbors about the issues that matter to you, donate money to causes you care about, support mutual aid efforts in your neighborhood. YOu can find ways to slow the roll of tyranny.

Granted, not everyone can do this. But we can all find ways to be helpers, especially if we’re willing to stretch our comfort zone.

This quote from Governor J.B. Pritzker is living rent-free in my brain:
The wrong side of history will always tell you to be afraid. The right side of history will always expect you to be brave.

Be brave, friends.

Once again, it feels weird to transition from our political reality to, “Come to my program!” But here we are.

There’s nothing like heartfelt stories about death and grief to remind you of your humanity, of what it means to live and love.

So I hope you’ll join me in Highland Park on Wednesday, July 16 for Let’s Eat Cookies and Talk About Death, Stories of Life and Love. I’ll be sharing a story alongside five other talented folks. Tickets are now on sale.

A big thank you to Mike Dyer, CRPC, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, and Philip Flores Jr of Cremation by Water for sponsoring the event thereby ensuring cookies for all!

Hot Flashes & Fierce Tales

The June Hot Flashes was a blast and not just because I got two birthday serenades. It was just so refreshing to step away from mess of daily life and celebrate women sharing their truths.

Also, for the first time in over a year, I finally made it into my own show. The beginning got cut off, but you can watch a no-frills version of my performance here.

Do you have a story to share at the August show? Let me know!

Upcoming Programs

Heads up for the (Almost) Summer Solstice on Monday, June 16. This year’s theme is healing in the light. You don’t have to register or pay, it was just convenient to list it on Eventbrite. If you’re willing to be at the lakefront around 5 AM with a reading, poem, or song (and maybe a snack?) to share, you’ll make this co-created event priceless.

Make a Joy Collage with me at ArtLab in Highwood on Wednesday, July 23 from 6-8 PM. Highwood hosts a Gourmet Market every Wednesday from 4:30-9:00, so you can grab some grub and catch some tunes before or after our fun class.

June 18-21 it’s time for Menopause (and More) in Michigan, the Scrappy Affirmations MMM Tour. I’m partnering with Karen Faith and Elements Every Day to offer some of my favorite programs in the Detroit area.

Wednesday, June 18th, 2 - 4 p.m., Growing Older, Growing Wiser: Mantras for Modern Aging | $35

Wednesday, June 18th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Mid-Year Vision Board | $35

Thursday, June 19th, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Let’s Eat Cookies and Talk About Death | $18

Thursday, June 19th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Menopause Dialogues | $25

I’ll be leading small group experiences for friends on the 20 and 21st.

Do you have a friend in the area? Pass them this registration link. If you want to bring a Scrappy Affirmations program to your group, drop me a note.

Environmental Stuff

Imagine that you have a friend who is part of an environmental group. Let’s say that group is planning its flagship educational event. Imagine that someone on the planning committee suggests that instead of offering the traditional free beef hot dogs and veggie dogs to attendees, in 2025, they only offer the free veggie dogs, in the name of sustainability. What do you think happens next?

Last month, I told you I was off to collect spruce tips. Now that they’ve been fermenting for a month, I’m going to make the syrup. If it doesn’t kill me, I’ll share the results on Instagram.

Until Next Time

I, too, want emotional support potatoes.

Good-looking sushi, but I wouldn’t want to eat it.

Aw, this doggo.

Let me know what’s making you laugh or think these days.

Kim