Gift chains like this don’t always work, that’s true. But sometimes – often, in my experience, they work WONDERFULLY. One of my friends recently let me know she received 7 new books this way.
Evenif it hits a dead end, we have the joy of sending someone a book they will enjoy! And it’s likely you’ll delight in the joy of being gifted new books (you can choose to have the gifter choose something from your list or surprise you). Happy reading!
Join us TONIGHT! My husband’s Brandon’s pitch got accepted for “Pitch Your Single Friend for a Date” free online Seattle event tonight, February 12, 2021.
Brandon’s pitch for one of our single friends will be FUN to watch!
If you know folks who are in the Seattle area and are single-and-looking, please share this post with them.
Don’t miss your chance to enter to win The Worry Less & Manage Stress Program (plus be notified when the early-bird rate is available). If you would like to decrease your stress, worry, or anxiety levels, check this out. (Tell a friend too – it’s likely you know a few friends who could benefit from this.) This project is super special to me and I am so excited to be able to share it with you.
MOHAI Scavenger Hunt in South Lake Union
Our pals at MOHAI (Museum of History & Industry) have created a South Lake Union Scavenger Hunt! Mask up, bundle up, and add some much needed variety to your day. In their own words: “Start your journey in front of MOHAI and follow our digital scavenger hunt to explore the neighborhood and see the tangible impacts of the civic actions that shape our community. Unlock access and complete the hunt at the time of your choosing. Finish by July 4, 2021 for an opportunity to win a MOHAI membership!” Such a rad idea for an outdoor experience right now.
Children’s Film Festival Seattle (Streaming)
Presented by Northwest Film Forum, The Children’s Film Festival Seattle has been delighting audiences since 2005. It returns this month, streaming films Feb 18 – 28. My parents and my youngest niece have made the film fest a tradition for many years. The film festival chooses a level of films that delight teens and adults as well as younger kids. If you are in different pods than the kids in your life this year, you can all pick a night to watch the same movie in each of your homes, then hop on a zoom call afterwards to chat about it.
My mom, Jeanne, shared the films she’s most looking forward to seeing this year include
Youth Shine(Ages 9+) which is a collection of shorts featuring “young people whose creativity cannot be dimmed by a global pandemic, and learn how their resilience — and yours — can overcome any foe.”
Journeys, Genders, and Identities(ages 11+) which “celebrates complex stories of identity and diversity — the characters in these films are one-of-a-kind, living bravely in their authentic selves, rejecting bullying, stereotypes and reaching out to others who respect their journeys
“Children’s Film Festival Seattle celebrates the best and brightest in international film programs for children, including animation, feature-length films, short films and workshops.” Even in the pandemic, they are offering online workshops such as “stop motion animation: playing with food” for ages 8-12, “storytelling for filmmakers” for ages 10-14, and more. The festival runs Feb 18 -28, 2021.
Recent Book I Loved (Book & Audiobook versions)
I really enjoyed “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. The description of nature is enchanting and the story really pulled me in. Note: it took me a few pages to get into it, so give it 10 pages or so – I’m glad I had my book club set for this or else I might have moved on and I’m so glad I haven’t. Check out all my recent reads on my Goodreads Page. Photo by @robertson.reads on IG. Shout out to my neighbor who gifted this to me via my Buy Nothing Group. I passed it on to someone else in the group when I was done!
Multi-Chapter Audio Play “Mañanaland”
I adore how Book-It Repertory Theatre has pivoted during the pandemic. “Mañanaland” is the third audio-play of their season and this one has a unique style: multiple chapters! I love the idea of short installments of a longer show and look forward to cuddling up with some tea and some “Feetie Heaties” and enjoying the chapters. This show is appropriate for ages 8 and up. In their own words:
Here’s to all the arts organizations who are finding ways to bring art to us this year as we stay home and stay safe.
Sending you love,
Keridwyn
P.S. Got something you want me to consider sharing in a future post? Just reach out!
I’m sliding into early February to share with you some TV shows (& a few Movies) I watched in 2020. This is “Part 1: Comedies and Competition Shows.” (To be clear, these are shows I personally WATCHED in 2020 that I recommend.)
Some of these titles might feel familiar and some might be new to you! Since I haven’t linked to streaming platforms, you can use justwatch.com to find where they are streaming. The majority of these shows are on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+.
COMEDIES (or at least made ME laugh)
Flo and Joan. I want everyone to watch this comedy special! They’re goofy and witty and playful and sometimes acerbic. Comedy song writers. Like Garfunkle and Oats or Flight of the Concords, but different because they are different people. I’m already ready to rewatch this special. (It’s on Amazon Prime). It might be a bit over the top for some audiences (some adult content) but I’m guessing most of you will like it.
The Good Place. One of the best comedic shows ever! It took a few episodes for me to bite but this show gets better and better. Goofy, quirky, heartfelt, and a very satisfying series end. This show feels like a hug from a close friend.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Clever concept. Characters burst into (awesome) song and dance. The “tech” writing is bad but the character of Zoey’s neighbor Mo (played by Alex Newell) is SO good. Some tear-jerker moments but it still falls under comedy in my mind. I’ll likely go back and watch some of the group dance numbers again – a nice variety of cover songs and great choreography!
I’m Sorry. I share this show with a strong “not for the easily offended” disclaimer. I mean it! That said, I have rarely laughed out loud so much at a show. I had seen this show before but watched it again in 2020 (done via netflixparty/teleparty with a friend) and it was just as funny a second time. I’m wrecked that the third season was written and ready for production but was canceled due to Covid. Andrea Savage is one of the funniest people I have ever watched and the supporting cast is phenomenal. Hulu or Netflix would be smart to pick up season 3. But if you are offended by the show, you didn’t hear about it from me.
Palm Springs. A very funny and sweet movie. Rom Com with a focus on the Com.
The Great. This period piece (18th century Russia)’s tag line is “An occasionally true story.” I don’t usually like raunchy comedies but I like period pieces so I’m guessing that’s part of what swayed me on this one. Not for the easily offended.
Middleditch & Schwartz. Clever and unique long form improv show featuring two dudes. Self-referential. Wacky. Fast paced. I’m a big fan.
Some Good News. I sure was disappointed when this show was sold-and-then-pretty-much-cancelled. It’s likely the episodes don’t hold up now but they were really helpful for those of us who watched them while going through the early days of the Covid19 Pandemic. They came back for a 2020 Holiday special. I would totally forgive them for pausing for so long if they came back this year! 🙂
Dead to Me. Wow these ladies have great chemistry together. The writing, the timing, the weirdness of this show. I was sad when we ran out of episodes!
Upload. This was lighthearted, cute, and a cool concept. While I wasn’t super happy with how it ended (no spoilers, I promise), it was still a fun watch. I’d like a season 2!
Nate Bargatze, The Tennesee Kid. I remember liking this comedy special more than I expected to. I don’t remember details but I marked a star next to it in my journal which means I’m recommending it to you now. Maybe I’ll rewatch it and laugh all over again? 🙂
Douglas by Hannah Gadsby. Her work is amazing. Watch Nanette (her other special) first. It’s BEYOND comedy and she’s one of the best writer/performers of our time. I have watched Nanette twice and will likely watch both Nanette and Douglas again. WOW.
Noelle. This relatively new holiday movie was absolutely charming. I expected it to be bearable and was delighted. I am already planning on watching it again Dec 2021.
The Lovebirds. Cute and clever romcom movie. I liked it more than I thought I would. The actors were fun to watch together.
Frozen 2. Might be better than Frozen. There are two scenes in this movie I just adored and the rest of the movie was very good.
COMPETITION SHOWS
Sing On. Just pure, silly fun with pop and rock songs. If you like watching really good karaoke performers, this is a good show for you. No snarky judges, fun sportsmanship, some very talented singers. Fun escapism.
Win the Wilderness. I did not expect to get wrapped up in this show! BBC competition show with very little repetitive shots. Couples face Alaskan wilderness challenges – the prize is the deed to a beautiful house and property deep in Alaska (you FLY in to get there!). Loved the nature shots, the problem solving, and the personalities of the current owners and many of the contestants. It’s a very light watch for being a “wilderness competition show” – likely as it has UK not US origins.
Taskmaster. I rarely laugh so much at any show. Watch this on youtube (be sure to watch the UK version). I think the first few seasons are the best but I’m still making my way through the later seasons. Comedians compete in silly challenges. The co-hosts are hilarious, the challenges are goofy (and sometimes result in very clever solutions from the contestants). Super fun!
Making It! Oh boy, Nick Offerman & Amy Poehler are full of goofy dad jokes in this competition show for makers and crafters. The challenges are fun and the vibe is very Great British Bake Off but with glue guns instead of frosting. Some really awesome crafters are featured, including Jamie from Portland, OR who is part of the duo behind 20leagues.com. They make some of the cutest diorama kits for house plants EVER and I might have geeked out a bit when I met the two of them at a recent Urban Craft Uprising.
Great British Bake Off. You likely know it. You likely love it.
The Final Table. Supportive, interesting food challenge show. I would watch every season if they do more.
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There you have it! I’ll be back in a future blog post with my favorite dramedies, dramas, and other categories.
I LOVE to chat and message about shared love of shows, so share what shows / movies YOU liked in 2020, which on my list resonated with you, or what you’re excited to check out. You can also connect w me at fb.com/keridwyn , twitter.com/keridwyn , or instagram.com/keridwyn.
If you’d like to check out my favorite fiction and non-fiction books (and audiobooks) from what I read in 2020, you can see my full post HERE.
It’s time for a Weekly Roundup! I’ve gathered up some stuff that I think you’ll enjoy or you’ll benefit from:
EVENTS TO ENJOY FROM HOME
Seattle Rep’s “Plays in Process.” Support this vibrant local theatre and get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process in this 5-part video series.
MoPop “So Bad It’s Good” Movie Series. Every second Saturday, every one of this all-virtual series will “feature a special guest who will fight for the legitimacy of their favorite flop. Audience participation is highly encouraged — attendees can sound off in the chat and heckle (or praise!) the current movie.” Con Air and Catwoman are just two of the movies they’ve picked.
Want to network with others? The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is hosting a FREE online networking event, using breakout rooms on zoom to create an online version of their popular (and effective) “Toast of Seattle.” You’ll be in breakout rooms and go around the space sharing what you do for just a couple minutes, listen to everyone else share, then get reassigned to 2 more breakout rooms, so you leave the event having met a lot of people in a fun, effiecient way. Bonus points for this system that allows everyone time to talk! Event is January 21. Free, registration required.
TWO FOLKS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
@KingGutterBaby.Not the IG handle you’d expect from an Infectious Disease Researcher. She’s approachable, super helpful, fun and funny, and has a wealth of knowledge around Covid19, vaccines, etc. I recommend checking out her “Stories” (round image on top left) and Highlights (round images in the center above her square posts) the most as that’s where she keeps most of the best content.
@kinggutterbaby’s posts are a highlight of my days, for real
@HubermanLab. Like approachable neuroscience? Me too. His IG lives, stories, and reels are great. BONUS NEWS: Andrew Huberman also started his own podcast this month (if you like looking at him while he talks, you can view it on his youtube channel). I also really loved his interview with Rich Roll.
Instagram Tip #1: If you hold your finger on your screen when watching stories/highlight photos, it will pause on the image you are on so you can read it!
Instagram Tip #2: You can view Instagram accounts, stories, highlights, etc without signing up for an account! Just visit the user’s url (such as instagram.com/keridwyn).
HUMANE SOCIETY HELPS WITH PET COSTS
Folks who are experiencing financial hardship and have a pet: the Seattle Humane Society has a Pet Owner Assistance Fund. More info on their Community Outreach programs can be found here. Thanks Brittany R. for sharing this with me. “Seattle Humane has a 120-year history of saving and serving pets in King County, with over 10,000 animal lives touched in 2020. This year is no different, and we are expanding our programs to help pet owners in need – to provide them with pet food, supplies, and veterinary care – so that they can keep their pet in their loving home despite hardship.”
Photo by Kasya Shahovskava
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
If you have access to Prime Video streaming service, grab a la croix or bowl of popcorn and buckle up as you hit play on the filmed version of the stage play “What the Constitution Means To Me.” It’s funny, witty, emotional, all-of-the-feels, and electric. Enjoy the brilliant writing and performances. You should absolutely watch it. I will probably watch it again (and I rarely rewatch things) with my “teleparty” crew.
Free Self-Reflection Tool
The free YearCompass is back, this time with a version specifically designed around experiences many of us faced in 2020. It is a lovely tool to reflect on the year past and look forward to the coming year. You can fill it out online or print it out to write on it and do as much or as little as you’d like. They suggest doing it all in one sitting, but I personally find that a bit tricky and have always enjoyed doing it in bite-sized increments (no surprise there!)
Photo by kristy.kate on IG
An Invitation
I’d love to invite you to join my free Facebook Group, Reframe Your Brain, where I share tips, resources and encouragement to help us live more content lives. Whether you’re looking to manage stress, lower your worries/anxiety, get motivated, or have related thought/feeling/behavior goals, it’s likely there’s something here that will help. If you’re not on Facebook, you can follow my Reframe Your Brain blog on Medium.
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If there are “pockets” you’d like me to feature in a future Weekly Roundup, let me know! It can be your own endeavor or someone else’s that you just want more people to know about. Feel free to message me on Facebook or via my contact form.
If you live in Washington State, you can check your covid-19 vaccine eligibility with this quick form (and optionally sign up to get an email alert or text when you are eligible).
Please share this with everyone you know, especially those who may struggle with using social media and google search! findyourphasewa.org
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P.S. This is a very new experience for everyone, so continue to search updated information in WA State or your state, as things may change day to day or week to week. While I very much appreciate this tool, I’m still going to follow social media and stay on top of the news of eligibility in the coming days and weeks, as things may change and I don’t want to rely on just one communication system.
Wishing you all a safe and vibrant 2021.
Sidenote: If you have struggles with needles and want to work through that, hypnosis can help! I’ve helped many clients decrease their discomfort or fear of needles and would be happy to work with you: keridwyn.com/contact.
Estimated timeline (shared 1/6/2021 by Gov. Inslee):
Here are some of my favorite reads of 2020! Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. This year I was lucky enough to have the time to read 35 books/audiobooks. Note: I use the term “reading” and “books” in this post to also include “listening” and “audiobooks.” This year, I used Scribd,* the Libby App & Seattle Public Library, bought a few, and got gifted some as presents and via my local Buy Nothing group.
(Breath, Burnout and Upward Spiral are all books I draw from in my upcoming “Worry Less & Manage Stress” Program. Honorable mentions go to The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel K. van der Kolk and Between the World and Me By Ta-Nehisi Coates)
Find these books and everything I have read on my goodreads page at goodreads.com/keridwyn.
As you pack up holiday decor for the year, I recommend creating one bag or box of items that you want to regift – maybe it’s decorations you haven’t felt inspired to put out for a few years, maybe it’s ornaments that don’t “spark joy.” Put these items in a bag at the top of your holiday decor box. Then send an email to your future self to arrive in your inbox sometime between Nov 26 and Dec 1 next year, reminding you to list your holiday decor on your Buy Nothing group (or other gifting site) as people are decorating their homes for the holidays. It’s a kinder time to pass things on, especially to people who don’t want it now but will want it then!
I did this last holiday season and a man in my Buy Nothing group was so grateful to add some holiday cheer to his place this December. Gmail has a built in feature to snooze emails – just send an email to yourself now, then snooze it until Nov 26 next year! If you don’t have this feature, FutureMe provides a free way to email your future self.
I’ve also done this with seasonal items such as winter wear. Folks experience hardship at different times, losing their belongings, so gifting items at the times when people can most use them is so helpful!
If you were fortunate enough to get presents for the holidays, now is a great time to see what you no longer need or want as well. We got a new microwave for Christmas, so I’ll be listing our old one on our Buy Nothing group today.
(Note: If you are in a place where you need something, Buy Nothing Groups are also a great place to ask!)
If you are gifting warm clothing and outdoor gear in decent condition, please consider donating to an organization that directly helps those experiencing homelessness. If you struggle finding one in your area and need help connecting with one, I’m happy to do some internet searching for you, just reach out.
Book-It Repertory Theatre is offering a lovely selection of audio plays this year, having pivoted to this safe style of performance during the pandemic. Their Winter Show is “The Canterville Ghost” by British wit Oscar Wilde. Consider gifting tickets/access to this audio play to your own household and friends and families who are celebrating from afar. You can even plan a time to listen together-yet-apart to bring more feelings of connection.
Three households in my family plan on listening to this audio play over the holiday week. We’ll likely be cozy in pajamas, listening by the fire (or virtual fire), with cups of hot cocoa or tea in hand. There’s something so lovely about the idea of turning off the tv and tuning into Book-it’s “The Canterville Ghost” audio play knowing so many of my loved ones are also listening, close at heart even though we are apart.
Book-It has made this play a suggested $15 and has also offered a Pay What You Can option for those on a tighter budget this year. Every dollar will help keep this wonderful theater going during these hard times.
In their own words, about the play:
“He made me see what Life is, and what Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both.”
“Oscar Wilde, one of our favorite wits and celebrated scoundrels, gives us an hilarious satire at the intersection of American and British sensibilities. Full of clever repartee and heartfelt charm, The Canterville Ghost succeeds as an amusing ghost story laced with romance and redemption.
Why We Chose This Story: For lovers of the cozy British mystery and a good holiday special, this classic ghost story is full of warmth, laughs, and great good fun.” – Book-It
Tickets here. You can also get tickets and listen to “Childfinder” by Octavia Butler or buy Season Tickets, which include access to all of Book-It’s audio plays and serials.
Happy Holidays! Scattergories via Zoom has been a fun way to connect with family and friends during the Pandemic. In prep for a Christmas when my fam will be celebrating in our own homes on December 24th & 25th I made this “Santagories” holiday version of the beloved game. I hope you enjoy it – simply share the screen on a zoom call with your family, chosen family, or friends.
ROUND 2:
Update 12/21: The third round!
RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS
Share your screen on zoom, everyone uses their own paper and pencil.
The official rules of Scattergories can be found here.
While they suggest a 3 minute timer, my family has found 4 minutes to be more comfortable and relaxed.
If you don’t have a Scattergories letter dice, you can use the random letter generator on Swellfargo (this is the site we use for most Scattergories games we play, thank you Swellfargo for creating so many lists!)
Enjoy playing those reindeer games, everyone! Sending you love, Keridwyn
P.S. I originally published this post two two rounds, asking for YOUR ideas for the third! Thanks to Amy, Brandon, and Suzie and her gaming buddies for your suggestions to help me fill out the last 12 prompts and for helping spread holiday cheer!
I may not be the most famous reindeer of all, but I do love those reindeer games.
