Life Notes from Chair 17

A Woman of History: Tamsen Donner (1801-1847)

It's Women's History Month 2025. And although we completely missed the moment LAST March (our bad), we definitely wanted to do a special episode this year honoring perhaps a lesser-known woman of history: Tamsen Donner. Join host CH as she reflects on why she feels drawn to Tamsen's story of enduring strength and resilience, as well as her appreciation of a pioneering woman who defied some of the more traditional norms of her era while also facing incredible personal tragedy not once but twice during her short life. Although Tamsen is perhaps best known for her selfless acts during the infamous Donner Party expedition, she is just one of many women in history whose unyielding spirit still resonates today, and helps to remind us of the challenges and sacrifices faced by women of the past - and the power of their perseverance that continues to inspire our present.
 
Show Notes
For those interested in learning more about Tamsen:
WikiPedia: Tamsen Donner
Tamsen's Letters: Tamsen Donner Letters
Article: 'Tamsen Donner: Strong-willed matriarch of the Donner Party' by Mark McLaughlin || YourTahoeGuide.com
Book: 'Searching for Tamsen Donner' by Gabrielle Burton
Book: 'The Fateful Journey of Tamsen Donner' by Frankye Craig
The author who CH asked about the viableness of the elusive diary Tamsen supposedly kept during the Donner Party expedition is Ethan Rarick, who wrote 'Desperate Passage: The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West'.
The full inscription of the plaque dedicated to Tamsen and Elizabeth Donner that is currently at the Donner Memorial Picnic Site of California Highway 89 in Truckee, CA (wh), can be viewed here.
Donner State Memorial Park is located in the town of Truckee, CA.
The song, "I Hate it Here" that CH's references is from Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology' album.

Unscripted: Hot Mess, Anyone? (The Hanging in There Version)

Anyone else feeling like the world - particularly the U.S. - is a bit of a hot mess right now? We are there with you. In one of our first truly unscripted episodes, host CH highlights the significance and power of shared experiences in building resilience during a time where the world seems fraught with political uncertainty and sudden, uncontrolled change. And she reminds us once again to focus on some key tenets that we DO have control over: 1) that which brings us joy; 2) remaining connected within our communities; and 3) avoiding doom scrolling of the news cycle echo chamber. She also shares what it has been like working inside a non-profit cancer research center in the U.S. during a time of great uncertainty over funding resources. It's a deeply personal episode, but one that aims to still find light and hope in some darker, challenging times.
 
Show Notes
The full quote that CH paraphrased during this episode was: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." It was spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore, in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.'

Introducing Rant, Rave, Really ...?

We are shaking things up a bit (we think, anyway) as we introduce a new set of episodes called "Rant, Rave, Really ...?", leaning into every day observations about something that we really want to give a shout out about, perhaps something that is a bit troubling, or something that is just plain confusing (because we've all been there, right?). Might be a direct life experience, but it  also might be an observed experience. Either way, it's all still part of navigating life one story at at time. For this first one, and inspired by attending a live jazz and jam session performance by a drummer she admires, CH reflects on the importance of nurturing young passions WITH support of family and mentors.
 
Show Notes
The Canadian jazz drummer, bandleader, composer and music educator CH went to see that was Jacob Wutzke. More information about Jacob can be found on his official Web site.
The Royal Room is the Seattle-area venue where the performance was held; more information can be found on its official Web site.

Share the Chair: Tobi Stone

In our first Share the Chair episode of 2025, we welcome talented jazz musician and educator, Tobi Stone. Tobi has played an important part of CH's own journey into jazz musicianship, and after almost a year's worth of planning (yes, really!), finally got the chance to sit down to talk all-things musical life journey - from Tobi discovering her passion for music at a young age; to knowing early on that she wanted to teach in addition to perform; to the key influences and experiences that have helped shape her career - including recovering from an early injury during her time studying jazz performance at the University of Washington. Tobi's uplifting approach to music education, and her ongoing efforts to support aspiring young musicians - especially female musicians - is all part of her goal to create an inclusive, empowering environment that blends the art of playing with the joy of teaching. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or simply curious about the life of a professional musical artist, this episode has a little bit of everything.
 
Show Notes
For those looking for more information on Tobi, you can visit her official Web site, Tobi Stone Music (tobistone.com). Some key highlights:
Her full list of credits and in-depth biography can be found under the About Tobi section of her site.
She has several key performances scheduled for the first part of 2025 that can be found under the Performances section of her site.
A key callout performance will be May 9, 2025 at the Black Box Theatre in Olympia, Washington. It will be a tribute performance for one of her saxophone teachers, Bert Wilson. It is part of the Washington Center for Performance Arts Women In Jazz Series.
The influential substitute teacher that inspired and influenced Tobi's early appreciation for the saxophone is professional saxophonist, Darren Motamedy.
The non-profit Tobi has started that aims to elevate musicianship of under served communities is called Kindred Blue Notes. Additional information can be found on KindredBlueNotes.org.
Tobi also is a long-standing faculty member of Seattle's Jazz Night School, where she teaches various combos and also offers private lessons.
The technique Tobi referenced that is used as an alternative treatment to improve both voice and posture for people in the performing arts is called the Alexander Technique.
James Lipton's Inside the Actor's Studio questionnaire, and the original Bernard Pivot/Marcel Proust versions that inspired it, can be found here. Our C17 version is our own take on these two famous questionnaires.
Previous episode mentions
Episode 20: Episode 20: Share the Chair - Nathan Waldvogel (Journey to Yoga Therapy)
Episode 25: Little Drummer Girl
Episode 29: I'll Take a Lesson
Episode 33: Ok Not Being Ok

London: My Soulmate City

Picture it: London. December 2024. A trip 30-some-odd-years in the making. And one that will never be forgotten. Join CH this week as she reflects on her first-time visit to London, and the soul-stirring connection she felt within the city despite never having set foot in it prior. From iconic moments in Piccadilly Circus and Notting Hill (yep, THAT Notting Hill); to taking in the holiday splendor of Regent Street and Trafalgar Square; to the unexpected gift of connecting with jazz singer Emma Smith; to heartfelt visits with friends out in Worcester and up in Holmfirth. If you love London, or want to visit one day, or just appreciate sharing of a life story with a unique connection to a place and time, CH paints a vivid picture of her journey in this episode - one that truly captured her heart, and now has her affectionately referring to London as her soulmate city.
 
Show Notes
Some of the locations, services and establishments CH mentions and of which were a key part of her trip:
Regent Street || Piccadilly Circus || Trafalgar Square || Trafalgar Theatre || St. James's Square || Harrods || Camden Town || Dr. Martens Flagship Store  - Camden Market || Primose Hill || Hampstead Heath || Notting Hill / Portabello Road || Big Ben || Covent Garden || Abbey Road / Abbey Road Studios || Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter || King's Cross Railway Station || Paddington Railway Station || London Underground
Lock & Co. Hatters was the favorite hat shop CH mentioned. It is the oldest hat shop in both the world and Britain, having been founded in 1676. (And yes, CH really does wear a hat every day.)
The two cities outside of London CH traveled to during her stay were:
Worcester (West Midlands)
Holmfirth (Yorkshire)
The jazz singer CH had an opportunity to see perform twice during her visit is Emma Smith. For those interested in learning more about her, you can visit her official Web site: EmmaSmithMusic.co.uk. The two venues in which Emma performed were:
Brown's Hotel
The Crazy Coqs
Some of the British TV shows CH grew up watching were: 'Keeping Up Appearances'; 'As Time Goes By'; 'The Thin Blue Line'; 'Prime Suspect'; 'Absolutely Fabulous'.
Previous episode mentions
Episode 39: Spirit of Place
Episode 58: Life at the Midpoint

Resolutions ... Or Not

2025. New year. New resolutions. Sorta. As the clock resets on another 365 days, and as we celebrate our 60th episode, join CH this week as she considers a more forgiving and flexible approach to looking ahead. She also offers a gentle reminder that success is not defined by our ability to adhere strictly to a set of resolutions that most of us abandon by mid-January. Instead, it's about focusing on the things that bring us joy, allow us to stay true to ourselves, and embracing the upcoming year with open-mindedness and self-compassion. Tune in for thoughtful conversation that urges us all to prioritize mental well-being and personal happiness. Whether you are a goal setter or someone who takes life as it comes, this episode reflects on how we can view progress and success throughout any given year - and adapt and thrive amidst the unexpected. 

2024: End of an Era

As they say, all good things must come to an end. As we close out 2024, join host CH as she reflects on the end of fairly significant chapter in her life's journey - that of a 20 year Pluto Moon astrological cycle that was rife with challenge and struggle while also amounting to significant personal growth. Listen in as she discusses how a start-of-the-year job layoff became the catalyst for some of the deepest introspection and self-growth she has ever done leading to greater understanding of personal strengths and aspirations. If you have felt perhaps this year has been a humdinger for you as well, this episode offers insights into embracing transitions and finding resilience in the face of uncertainty - no matter the year.
 
Show Notes
For those interested in learning more about what the Pluto Moon cycle means from as astrological standpoint, try a Google search for "Pluto Moon Astrology Meaning" or use an AI prompt.
CH mentions the Taylor Swift lyric: "The who's who of 'Who's that'", which is from the song "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" off 'The Tortured Poets Department' album.
Fawkes is the fictional phoenix bird character from the 'Harry Potter' series, known to periodically die by bursting into flames then be reborn from the ashes
Previous episode mentions
Episode 1: This Is Me Starting
Episode 18: Living Through A Layoff
Episode 20: Share the Chair: Nathan Waldvogel
Episode 22: Walk Through the Fire
Episode 49: The (Unexpected) Summer Sabbatical

Life at the Midpoint

Fifty. 5-0. Half-century. However we want to call it, host CH hits that milestone birthday this month. And although she can't say she is exactly where she thought she'd be at this precise moment in her own life timeline, she also never put any arbitrary age accomplishments ON her timeline. Join her this week as she reflects on what this approach has taught her about the importance of embracing the whole of the life journey, and not defining success or failure if something has not been accomplished by a certain age - especially a YOUNG age.
 
Show Notes
For those not familiar with what can be a less-than-advantageous view or bias against those who are older, check out the definition of ageism by the World Health Organization.
The Taylor Swift song "You Need to Calm Down" comes from her 'Lover' album.
CH references the Anxiety character from "Inside Out 2".
The "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" quote from John Connor that CH references is: "There is no fate but that which we make for ourselves."
The (un)official life memes and quotes CH mentions towards the end of the episode that do ultimately seem to always end up being quite true:
Life is a marathon, not a sprint.
Money is helpful but not necessarily the source of happiness.
The simplest things bring the most amount of joy
If something isn't working, change it.
Imperfections are not a detriment to one's sense of self.
Give ourselves permission to learn from our mistakes.
Dream big. Have passion.
Stop worrying about what other people think (a.k.a. be confident in who are ... and be ok with it).

When the Holidays Aren't Holidaying

Holiday Season 2024 is officially underway. And yet, we have to admit we're not feeling all that holiday-ish. And you know what? We're ok with that. Join CH this week as she talks about the importance of acknowledging the emotional challenges the holiday season can bring - especially when it might NOT be the most happiest or magical for everyone. She encourages us to remember that it is alright to forge your own path during this complex time of year, and to celebrate in a way that feels best for each of us in the moment we are at - whether traditional or not, whether all in or not.
 
Show Notes
Previous episode mentions
Episode 33: Ok Not Being Ok
Episode 8: Soloing the Holidays

The Weight Of It All: 2024 U.S. Election

This is a bit of tough episode, folks, but we're going to give it our best shot at reflecting on the 2024 U.S. election. While this podcast is not a political or a current events show, the election's impact is impossible to ignore - and it is creating a life experience that is also impossible to ignore. While we might all be tired of hearing about the election (and news ABOUT the election), this episode is meant to be a personal reflection, not a post-mortem. Recorded only a few days after the election (on November 9th), CH shares her thoughts on what is perhaps the shifting political landscape, and its implications for individuals and communities that may feel marginalized or be adversely affected; and, the importance of community and connection when we find ourselves facing very polarizing differences of opinions and ideologies - including the challenge of reconciling with friends or family when we are on opposite sides of the political spectrum. She also encourages us to engage in a bit of self-reflection, and to perhaps find soft places to land in what can often be an increasingly harsh world. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that acknowledges the challenges ahead for some, while still aiming to inspire hope and collective strength.
 
A special note from CH on this episode: "This was not an easy one to record. I have ultimately attempted to articulate the concerns that are quite personal to me, to those in my inner-circle and my community. Perhaps not everyone is going to understand these concerns or even agree with them. And that is fine. But maybe it will offer a perspective one might not have considered. In the end, I hope it will help us all think about how we continue to treat each other during very polarizing times. Also this was recorded only a few days after the election - on November 9th. Things continue to evolve and shift daily."
Show Notes
The quote CH paraphrased that was shared by her friend Nathan: "Be a soft place to land in a harsh world."
For those interested in referencing some more specific examples and statistics on the increased hate and harassment directed at women online following 2024 U.S. election results, you can read this article from The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (NOTE: Please be advised this article contains offensive and obscene language).
For those wanting to learn more about Project 2025 or Agenda 47 (alternatively, you can use an AI platform/prompt): Google search: Project 2025; Google search: Agenda 47; Google search: Project 2025 vs. Agenda 47