Dear ones, as the year winds down and we all get swept into the rush of the holiday season, we want to make sure you pause for a little self-care and reflection. It's a tender time to check in with yourself, breathe deeply and create small moments of calm amid the bustle. With that in mind, we've gathered a few ideas, inspirations, and offerings to help you nurture and entertain your spirit as we close out the year. ~Andrea & Barbara

What We're Reading:

Upon recommendation, we’re looking forward to reading This Is Happiness by Niall Williams. Readers describe it as “a fable told between raindrops,” a quiet novel that seems to cast a spell on anyone who enters its pages.

Williams transports you to a small Irish village in the 1950s—a place on the brink of change, but full of the timeless comforts of community. Readers are praising the book for its lyrical writing, its gentle humor, and the way it captures the beauty of ordinary life: shared stories, familiar faces, and the slow, steady rhythms of a world before rush and noise.

Those who’ve read it say it leaves you feeling grounded, nostalgic, and a little more aware of the small moments that make up happiness.

While we are barely past the first chapter (only one powerful sentence long - you'll have to read for yourself!) , we are already drawn into this world where community can bring joy.

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​What We're Listening To:

“Holiday music” is everywhere right now, and the usual radio standards can
start to blur together and become meaningless.
This year, try letting your personality build the soundtrack.
Ask your phone, smart speaker, or music app to conjure something unexpected:
​“Hey speaker, play some Mariachi holiday music.”
Or maybe you’re in the mood for instrumental harp-and-snowfall vibes.
Perhaps a little ’70s country Christmas?
The world of playlists is wider than you think—full of surprises!

And if you’re craving something altogether different and genuinely uplifting, try Aloe Blacc’s “Don’t Go Alone,” from his 2025 album Stand Together. It’s a warm reminder that we’re strongest when we walk with friends. The whole album is steeped in the theme of togetherness, but this track, with its soulful vocals and comforting message, feels like an embrace. It leaves you grateful, encouraged, and just a little more connected to the people who carry you through the season.

What We've Been Watching:

Our newest intern, Vivian, has us buzzing about the latest Frankenstein adaptation on Netflix—specifically Jacob Elordi’s haunting, unexpected portrayal of The Creature. Early reviewers keep returning to one striking idea: the film uses the philosophy of Kintsugi as both a visual and emotional metaphor.

The Creature’s body, etched with thin, branching scars, resembles pottery repaired with gold—evidence of damage, yes, but also of resilience, beauty, and transformation. The film deepens this theme with its rich, tactile world: velvet and granite, glass and paper, swirling snow and swirling camera work that makes each frame feel alive. Critics note that the lens doesn’t just capture scenes; it reveals entire inner landscapes.

Whether you’re a lover of atmospheric cinema, a fan of bold reinterpretations, or simply curious about why this film is sparking so much conversation, it’s worth adding to your queue. Vivian has excellent taste—we trust her.

What We've Been Doing:

Speaking of Kintsugi....

Behind the scenes, we’ve been quietly (and excitedly!)
working on something new for you, dear ones.
In January, we’ll be launching our digital course,
​ Picking Up the Pieces and Moving On—​
a project inspired by the gentle wisdom of Kintsugi,
the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold.

In the same way that cracks are transformed into shining lines of strength, this course invites you to explore the places in your life where change, loss, or transition have left marks—and to reimagine those marks as the beginning of something more resilient and beautiful. Through guided reflection, storytelling, and creative exercises, we’ll walk with you as you integrate the shifts happening within and around you.

We’re getting ready to launch our introductory online course in January 2026,
and we'd love to welcome curious, open-hearted participants into the first circle.

Click here to learn more,
​E-mail us HERE with your participation interest.​
We can’t wait to share this journey with you!

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​New Podcast:​ The Tables are Turned! About Boom Talk Media Today - With the Fascinating Lisa Schnebly CLICK HERE TO LISTEN We’re sitting down with Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, a journalist, author, adventure girl and the granddaughter of the late Sedona Schnebly of the Arizona town by the same name. One of the many joyful things about this interview is that we talked with Lisa some 6 years ago. And this time she's asking us the tough questions!:) It was sheer joy to be on the other side in this interview! We talk about the life paths that unfold before all of us. About how the rapids of life take us on creative, gratifying and sometimes painful journeys, and how we all desire to put our life pieces into perspective so we can continue using them wisely as we envision the mosaic path ahead.