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!
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.
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.
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.
My friend Liz Larsen is an AirBnB host (check out her lovely vacation rental, here) and she put together a Seattle guide for her guests. She’s shared this with me – here are some suggestions from her guide! Whether you’re visiting or live here, read on and enjoy exploring.
Greenlake – Photo by Liz Larsen
Guide by Liz Larsen:
Some Top Attractions open during Covid-19
Pike Street Market Located in downtown Seattle along the waterfront, this market has vendors in stalls in a covered market. As this is one of the top attractions in Seattle, it’s likely to be busy. It’s a fun place to visit while it’s raining outside. Find Rachel the pig in the market and add a coin. Watch the fish tossing! Buy a fun, handmade souvenir.
Olympic Sculpture Park – Outdoor park with outstanding sculpture featuring some of the most recognized artists such as The Eagle by Alexander Calder. Masks suggested. Keep walking past the sculpture along the waterfront into Myrtle Edwards Park. A large enough park to get some distance and tiny pebble beaches where you can stick your toes in the water or have a grassy picnic overlooking the water.
Fremont Troll – Every bridge needs a troll under it, right? The artists of Fremont thought so and created this fabulous troll. I won’t spoil the surprise, but take a look at what is under the troll’s hand.
Kerry Park – A small park, this iconic park has the best view of Seattle with the Space Needle in the foreground. Stop in, take a picture, keep going. This is one of the stops on the Seattle Driving Tour.
Ballard Locks – Going from the ocean and saltwater to Lake Union and fresh water, there are locks that raise and lower the boats. Fascinating the watch and a lovely place to visit. You can walk across the locks on the top, watch the water fill up or lower and the boats exit on the other side. On the far side of the locks are fish ladders where you can see different kinds of salmon swimming [upstream] to spawn between June and September.
Woodland Park Zoo – A lovely 92-acre zoo with great animals, well-maintained and fun for all ages. Adults are $23.
Driving Tour of Seattle
Incorporating most of the top spot above into a driving tour that shows you the highlights of Seattle. If you visit all of these, it’s a 4+ hour tour depending on your exploration, all free.
Half-way through July! I’m finding ways to keep myself active, learning, and content during this stage of the pandemic. I had a bit of a pause on the blog but I’m back now!
Today, I share some ways I’ve been spending my down time, in case you want to join me:
Yoga: you gotta start somewhere
After decades of declaring I wanted to “get into yoga,” the time is finally here. Thanks to the “Yoga & Movement Encouragement Group” I started on Facebook, I can finally say I have a personal yoga practice. I’ve been enjoying Sarah Beth Yoga on Youtube (she’s got a nice list of Beginner yoga videos that are just 10-15 minutes, which is right for me at this time).
I did 21 days in a row then thought I would go to 2-3 days a week and increase the time I spent on my mat on those days. Well, unfortunately that plan didn’t work out: I ended up doing ZERO yoga for nine days in a row. So, now I am back to the mat with a “daily yoga routine.” Even in just nine days without yoga after 21 days with yoga, I noticed my body was a bit more achy and tight, so I’m excited to be back to the mat. This time around, I’m using the mindset of “I do yoga every day” rather than counting days.
Arm Workout: 5 minutes a day
My pal Samantha Lamb, who is part of my movement encouragement group, shared the daily arm workout program she liked . . . now I’m hooked! I’m already noticing a difference. While I’m not a fan of the title of the course (and guessing the site named it, not the teacher, as Sarah Rector has zero body-shaming in her program), the DailyOm 14 day arm challenge offers arm workouts using small weights at just 5 minutes a day. I did the 14 days and the restarted the program and plan on continuing this for the days to come. Being just 5 minutes a day makes it easy to do it and get through it.
What I’ve been watching
Thank you to the creators of Netflix Party! I’ve enjoyed watching shows with friends while staying home and staying safe during the pandemic (connecting via the chat feature while we watch the show together). Some of the shows I’ve enjoyed watching via NP include
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat – travel to Italy, Japan, Mexico, and California with the charming and approachable chef and author Samin Nosrat.
Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker “The inspiring story of trailblazing African American entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker who built a haircare empire that made her America’s first female self-made millionaire.” – IMDB
Hollywood Not for the faint of heart. A wild ride with delightful casting.
Dead To Me (Season 2) Dark, twisty, funny.
When They See Us Intense and based on a true story. This mini-series was recommended to me by multiple antiracist mvoies/shows to watch lists.
Other shows I’m watching or recently have watched that I recommend include:
Dear White People (the series) “At a predominantly white Ivy League college, a group of black students navigate various forms of racial and other types of discrimination.” – IMBD
Hannah Gadsby: Douglas (if you haven’t seen Hannah Gadsby: Nanette yet, watch that first). One of the best solo performers of our time, maybe ever.
The Morning Show. Great casting. An inside look at a morning tv show, centering around #MeToo plot lines.
Upload Goofy sci-fi with a fun concept. “A man is able to choose his own afterlife after his untimely death by having his consciousness uploaded into a virtual world.” -IMBD
Palm Springs It’s not often I laugh out loud at movies and shows but this comedy is so good!
Um, who has a pool I can socially distance hang in soon? I’ll bring my own floaties!
Curling up with some good books
I discovered Scribd this year (basically the “netflix” of books/audiobooks/magazines/sheetmusic). I’m hooked! They normally just give 2 weeks for free but if you sign up with my link you get TWO MONTHS free (and if you’re on a budget you can cancel before your two months runs out and you won’t be charged). I love being able to read and listen to my hearts content, rather than subscription plans that allow just one audiobook a month or charge you if you want more. Sign up with my link here: https://www.scribd.com/g/8gjtsr (You get two months free of Scribd and I get one month free!)
I just finished The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (WOW so good!) on Scribd and am now enjoying Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. My mom (Seattle Pockets blogger Jeanne Deller) and dad recently listened to The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia and The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (narrated by national treasure Tom Hanks). They recommend both of these books.
Seattleite I’m inspired by
Journalist Omari Salisbury has been doing an incredible job covering the protests in Seattle, including the experiences at CHOP. His livestreams and replays are an excellent source of news of what is truly happening in Seattle. Check out his links, here.
I’ll be back to blog again soon. Sending love to you, reader! Drop me a line or send me a message if you have suggestions of (safe) entertainment in the coming weeks and months. More about me: linktr.ee/keridwyn – Keridwyn
“In solidarity, we distance,” my friend Angelica Kushi shared in her Facebook Live video today. While we’re physically distancing, this is an opportunity for us to socially connect – online. We’re staying in (unless we are one of the heroes working a front line job to keep the community alive). We’re keeping ourselves 6 feet or more away from others in the necessary times we do go out. We’re discovering new ways to experience life from indoors. We are voicing and naming our feelings, mitigating our stress and anxiety, and finding the “bright spots” where we can.
It is imperative for our wellbeing, for our own self-care and for our ability to show up for others, that we do things to relax and recharge when we can. Reach out to others and offer support. Be a helper. And prioritize your own self-care too. Take time to breathe deep throughout the day. And find ways to play, explore, and experience delight. Your brain needs you to keep these healthy, play-seeking, gratitude-seeking neuropathways going now more than ever.
I wanted to share a few free virtual events and experiences with you today:
Ebooks and Audiobooks from the Library
Got a library card? Download the Libby app and sign up with your card – you’ll be able to check out ebooks and audiobooks for free. If you need help with the technology, reach out to a friend to walk you through it over the phone (or message me if you don’t have someone to turn to and I’ll pair you with a helper).
The Stranger has collected an awesome list of virtual events for us – check out their full list. This page shares virtual events for tonight/Friday/Saturday/Sunday and ongoing dates. You’ll want to subscribe to get future updates from them.
Free Hypnosis Session
Join me Sunday as I host a free hypnosis session online “Mindful Hands: keep your hands comfortably away from your face.” If you can’t make it Sunday, you’ll be able to watch the replay. Join my free Reframe Your Brain Facebook group here for details. (If you aren’t on FB and want access to this recording, drop me a message at keridwyn.com/contact)
Dance it out
Dance Church is offering their next fab-energy dance workout event on March 22 at 10am. Free (donations welcome). Live stream will be here. Learn more about Dance Church here. (I’m going to be in an online class at that time but hope to make the next one – not sure what the dates are yet.) If you attend, I want to hear about it!
Reach out to others
Reach out to friends and even acquaintances that may need more connection. Think about which friends who are “distancing in solidarity” and living solo (or with a roommate situation that is tricky for them). Consider what folks of older ages you know and see how they’re doing (maybe ask if they need any support with learning how to video chat or other tech needs you can walk them through on the phone). Seeing each other’s faces gives us more feelings of connection than just texts or even phone calls. This is the time to connect, as we distance in solidarity.
Angelica Kushi’s Online Yoga Class
My lovely friend Angelica (who I quoted at the top of this post) is hosting a yoga class ($9 suggested or pay what you can) on 3/20 and 3/23 at 9am Pacific Time on Zoom. She’s also offering great rates if you prefer a one-on-one session with her. Details here.
Welcome to another Weekly Pocket Roundup, a potpourri of events, experiences, giveaways, things to do while staying in, and other quality content.
YES, it’s time for another movie ticket giveaway! Keep reading to discover how you can easily enter to win two tickets to see a movie at Pacific Place this February.
Speaking of giveaways – how about a Burlesque giveaway?!
Some of the very best comedic burlesque performers are coming to The Triple Door this February (13-16, to be exact) for J’ADORE! A Burlesque Valentine! Re-imagined every year, this is a delightful way to your valentine’s day weekend. I’ve taken dates and friends to this show over the years…get your pals together and go! They are hosting a giveaway right now (you can enter on their Facebook post and Instagram post). P.S. Cherdonna is in the show!
Auction items for Australia:
An awesome woman named Jill Gallagher is hosting auctions on Facebook to raise money for Australian organizations Red Cross and Wires to help with the devastation from the fires. Thanks to my pal Rachel Miller for sharing this group with me. You can check it out and bid on what you want here. P.S. I love online auctions for good causes!
Shows I’ve been enjoying lately:
I hear “The Good Place” has it’s series finale episode happening soon. If you haven’t checked this comedy out yet, start with season 1 episode 1 and give it a couple episodes. It’s delightful and clever. I also enjoyed the weirdness that is “John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch.” Not all of the numbers were my cup of tea but those that were are worthy of a rewatch. Thanks for being weird, John. P.S. JustWatch is a site/app that makes it easy to discover where the shows and movies you want to see are currently streaming.
A blog from a Seattle bus driver:
Shout out to Seattle bus driver Eric who not only gets us around town safely but also shares his stories on his blog Transit Transient and Other Stories. Check out his blog and enjoy a unique perspective of the city and the people on the bus. Thanks for submitting my blog via my contact form, Eric and for the care you give our community through your work. P.S. I’m so grateful for my Metro bus route that gets me from home to my office!
Free networking event:
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free event on February 18, 2020: Level Up Your Networking Game. Details here. In their own words: “Join us at the next Elevate NW Series for a “Networkshop”, led by Alan Alabastro, photographer and networking expert. He’ll go over the basic dos and don’ts in making new business connections and offer advice on how to follow up afterward. Plus, you’ll have a chance to try out these tips in real-time, as you hone your skills with other attendees.” P.S. I’ll be at a Hypnotherapy conference in Vegas – but you should go!
Ready to enter to win two movie tickets to see The Photograph at Pacific Place in downtown Seattle?
I’m giving away three pairs of tickets to see The Photograph at AMC Pacific Place at 7pm on February 12, 2020. Enter via the form here (plus you can get bonus entries on my Facebook post). Three winners will win a pair of tickets each!
About the film:
When famed photographer Christina Eames unexpectedly dies, she leaves her estranged daughter Mae Morton (Issa Rae) hurt, angry and full of questions. When a photograph tucked away in a safe-deposit box is found, Mae finds herself on a journey delving into her mother’s early life and ignites a powerful, unexpected romance with a rising-star journalist, Michael Block (LaKeith Stanfield).
P.S. The seats at AMC Pacific Place are adjustable and so comfortable!
Got something for me to consider for a future Seattle Pockets post or round up? Contact me here. I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via my contact form about what you’d like me to cover in the future or giveaway, whether it’s your own business, event, or product, or simply something you’re a fan of.
