November 2025
Maybe This Will Help
I haven’t spent a full week at home in almost a month. As a dedicated homebody, this is hard for me even though I’ve had some amazing experiences in that time. I’m in California for a Jewish Death conference of sorts. Is it safe to fly? Will I have a flight home? (I’m considering booking an Amtrak ticket just in case, but that’s a two-day ride, and a really great way to pick up an upper respiratory infection. I just recovered from one.)
Also, as many of you know, ICE has been terrorizing our neighborhoods. Yes, even in the low-crime suburbs. So much for picking up gang members and dangerous criminals.
And I’m trying to micromanage my mom from afar so she’ll cancel her landscaping crew. It’s not going well.
Needless to say, on a scale of 1-10, my stress level is at 12.
The good news is that people are mobilizing like crazy. As one new friend put it, I’ve met more neighbors in the last two weeks than in the last two years! So there’s that.
Since my son’s death, I’ve become practiced in the art of holding incredible darkness and the brightest lights at the same time. Thanks, Isaac?
There’s a mnemonic to help remember what to do when you see an active ICE presence, but I always forget it, so I made a song about it. And then I posted a video about it set to the background of the walls of an old synagogue in Prague, which has walls lined with the names of the Jews of Prague in the early 1940s who met an early death.
Every wall in the synagogue.
Wall after wall of names.
More than 77,000.
But let’s not go there.
Literally.
Let’s fight while we can.
My point is that I made a song that captures the essence of SALUTE and can help you remember what to do if you encounter ICE. It’s set to the tune of that old summer camp/Girl Scout gem, “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Check it out.
Let me know if it helps. If you find it catchy, teach the song to your friends. I’ll make a better video this weekend.
Did I mention it’s late. And I’m tired? Is this Powerful ART or is it unhinged? Let me know before it become my first piece of content to go viral after 20 years of being chronically online.
Cookies and Death: Life and Love
The evening of November 19, a talented cast will share true-life tales of life and love (and loss and grief). This time, we’re focusing on how relationships develop, and even grow, after a loved one is no longer earthside. It’s going to be a powerful evening!
If you feel like you’ve had to close off your heart from the hurt of the world, these talented folks will help you open it up.
Save your seat today!
Did we mention the free cookies and tea?
Get Your Ticket to Stories of Life and Love
Hot Flashes are Back with a Vengeance
Hot Flashes is returning to Skokie at The Storefront on Main on December 10! Dinner arrangements are in the works, but if you’re ready to buy your ticket, you can do that here.
We still have space for a couple of tellers. Apply soon!
Save Your Seat at Hot Flashes
Until Next Time
I’ve thought about women’s lack of pockets, but never quite this way until now. And yes, I’m always the family schlepper. Hmmm.
How cool is this? #ArtGoals
The sweet, wholesome content you skipped down to this section for.
Let me know what’s making you laugh or think these days.
Kim
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.