Using my words

New this week! I’m reading the posts aloud for an eyes free experience!! Also, Pel’s Picks! Four books recommended by Pel, a voracious reader. Enjoy! The hardest part of a change in schedule is just that: a change in schedule. For me and my friends who have kids, it was the change from having to wake up early, make food and drive kids every week day. Now, let’s be honest. It’s been quite a while since I could lean on that as an excuse. The kids started to drive, in my case a year later due to Covid (and general lack of enthusiasm). And, that’s when the springing out of bed and into clothing by 7-ish ended. In fact, as I write this at 8:48 am on Friday the 13th of January, I am in my bed and jammies. What is your morning routine? Do share!!! I have discussed my bed before, describing it as a big raft that pets and people climb on and off of while I ride its comfy wave down the river of life. But I also call it my World Headquarters, because that is what it is for me and Gidget, my trusty dog. And you? Are you one of those people that leaps out of bed at 6 a.m.? Or are you like me, who wakes up at 7 ish and, with crusty face and stinky breath, sips coffee and water and catches up on emails while the world turns? Tell me in the the poll above and we will get an idea of each other! I said I’d start reading my posts aloud to you, and there they are at the top of the page! Pel’s Picks! Books chosen by Pel. For those of you who read my last post seen here, I planned to invite my husband, Pel Stockwell, to share book titles from his abundant reading list. Please enjoy his first contribution! “Naïve. Super” by Erland Loe A contemplation on the nuances of life. The narrator simply presents. A fairly quick, enjoyable read that should calm the reader. “Treacle Walker” by Alan Garner This book made me dance while I was reading it. Wizzy, wizzy, woo… ,Nuf said. “Pity the Beast” by Robin Mclean A crazy western adventure, good versus evil, a little violence along with some psychedelic detours. The style of writing is fresh, unique and keeps you turning the pages. “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” by Shehan Karunatilaka. Don’t let what at times seems like a bit of a chaotic story push you away. Keep reading. It all pulls together by the end. The Booker Prize winner of 2002. I am having a show… WREN:Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network Mom (Jane Elfner) and I are doing our first show together at WREN-the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network, a wonderful organization. WREN has risen like a phoenix from the Covid ashes under the leadership of Pam Sullivan with Scarlett Moberly heading up the gallery, marketing and programs. Please give WREN a look and donate to this well-run institution (or buy our art:). Wren is a keystone in the lives of women (and men) in the North Country! LEARN MORE Light & Form: Northern Landscapes This exhibition celebrates the beauty of our natural landscapes through paintings and photography. Here is what WREN has to say about the show: Kimberly Druker Stockwell's current work focuses on the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Painting en plein air, Stockwell’s work is less about rocks and trees than color and light. The patterns created by different species of plants and trees are reflected on her canvas in a series of playful brush lines and swipes of pallet knives, toying with appearance and reality. Jane Elfner’s mother recognized her daughter’s penchant for visual learning at a young age and encouraged her daughter to explore art as a way to express herself, sparking a life-long love of painting. “Kim and I have enjoyed so many wonderful times together painting and discussing our creations,” says Jane. “She is so committed. She is in her studio most days and has really evolved. She has become my inspiration.” Though both live in Boston, this mother-daughter duo spend ample time in Bethlehem and at Mittersill and are constantly inspired by the mountains, lakes and forests that surround us. Please check out my landscapes! Click below! ‘Til next week… xo Kim This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.womenssurvivalguide.com/subscribe