Life Notes from Chair 17

Parental Guidance

The parentals. The 'rents (a.k.a. parents). It often seems it is just a matter of time before we catch ourselves doing something those who raised us used to do. Or may even still do. And that may (or may not) always be the best for us. Join CH this week for a thoughtful discussion on developing a sense of our own self, and being encouraged to forge our own path of actions and behaviors, which may differ from that set down by parental figures.
 
Show Notes
The viral video clip CH discusses in this episode, called "Cranky kid goes viral for telling it like it is," can be viewed here via YouTube shorts.

30 Going on 30

Anyone have a time machine? No ...? Well, darn. As we hit our 30th episode, we've taken a moment to reflect on the things we might go back and point out to our 30-year-old selves ... and we put it in another Top 10 list! Join CH as she rolls through the 10 key things she’d point out (and double down on) to her then self if there was a DeLorean time machine with a flux capacitor nearby (“Back  to the Future,” anyone?). And no, winning lottery numbers did not make the list.
 
Show Notes
For those who may not be familiar with what was the nightly Top 10 List on "The Late Show with David Letterman", check out the Wikipedia summary.
In the film series, "Back to the Future", a DeLorean served as the time machine in which various characters traveled both back in time AND into the future.

I'll Take a Lesson

“Hey, I can teach you that!” Ah … the well-intentioned friend or partner who wants to help us learn the new thing we want to learn. But is that really the best way to help us be successful - whether it be a sport, a skill, an instrument? Join CH this week as she discusses the importance of finding the right environment - and teacher - to help us feel comfortable and confident in taking on a new adventure.
 
Show Notes
CH's tips for taking on something new:
Do not be afraid to turn down the offer from a friend or partner who wants to be the teacher; sometimes, learning from someone we are close to doesn't always provide the best learning environment or set us up for the right level of success.
See if there is a workshop, a class, a clinic, etc. that is local to your area to enroll or participate in person; if not in person, see if is there a virtual option.
If unsure about the level of skill or pre-requisites that may be required, reach out to the organization and ask so you can feel comfortable enrolling or participating; this may also include asking about a given instructor.
Give yourself permission to learn at your pace; if you don't get it right away, don't get discouraged; keep at it in a way that makes you feel comfortable and successful.

Working Through Friendships

Have you ever found yourself no longer as close to those you once worked with? Even when you thought they might be part of your life posse? Join CH this week as she discusses how some workplace friendships can - and will -  stand the test of time; the importance of defining camaraderie and connection on our own; and, coming to terms when the friendship exits stage left once the consistent interaction provided by the work environment is gone.
 
Show Notes
The article CH references is on Business Insider, as told by Sylvia Duran Chen (a former Google employee), discussing how everything - including friendships - became tied to the company.

Share the Chair: Ellie Cornell

Actor. Painter. Businesswoman. All around creative spirit. In this very special Share the Chair episode, CH chats with one of her longtime inspirations, Ellie Cornell. Some might know Ellie from her portrayal of Rachel Carruthers in 'Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers' (it's our fave scary movie, what can we say.) But Ellie's artist journey has evolved to include her passion for painting. Join us as she reflects on her days as a working television and film actor (including being taken under Bill Murray's wing ... yes, that Bill Murray); her lifelong love of painting (and from her front porch, no less); connecting to Nantucket Island's spirit of place (we also share that sentiment); and, always finding a way to honor and stay true to one's creative callings (because, as she says, there is a place for all of us).
 
Show Notes
Ellie's full list of film, television and producing credits can be found on her IMDb profile.
The theatre company she had previously been a part of is  Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts.
She also has participated in productions put on by the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket located on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
Front Porch Studio is the online home of Ellie's paintings and home goods that are inspired by her long time affiliation and love of Nantucket.
The book Ellie references that she reads daily is 'The Book of Awakening' by Mark Nepo.
Those interested in learning more about Nantucket, Massachusetts can visit the town/county official Web site.
The Nantucket lighthouses CH mentions are: Brant Point, Sankaty and Great Point (a.k.a. Nantucket Light).
Young's Bicycle Shop is where CH rented both car and bike during her visits; she also stayed at Brant Point Courtyard.
The Ship's Inn is the Bed & Breakfast establishment that Ellie was a  part of for over 20 years.
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.

Halfway to One

26 weeks. 26 episodes. We’ve reached the midpoint of our first year, so we’re celebrating our half-birthday with a thank you to all of you who are - and continuing - to tune in. Join CH as she reflects on returning to her storytelling roots, what her time as a journalism major in the Office of Communications at the University of Oregon taught her, and why really at the end of the day we just like to tell - and share - good stories as we navigate this thing called life.
 
Show Notes
CH's alma mater is the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication.
The quote CH references is from Sixth Officer James P. Moody, which was said in a letter a few years before his assignment to the RMS Titanic : "What a lot has happened since then, and what a distance I have covered." (1908)

Little Drummer Girl

So … how do you teach yourself to play drums without actually playing a real drum kit? You get creative - especially when rhythm is at the core of your love of music. Join CH this week as she shares the true, rather unconventional and perhaps inspiring story of her journey to becoming a drummer that began with 1) a childhood bedroom mattress; 2) assorted pillows; 3) a busted chair; 4) a set of 5A drumsticks; and, 5) a radio. (Yep, really!) And that it really is never too late to pursue a passion.
 
Show Notes
Information on Seattle's Jazz Night School can be found on the school's official Web site.
Information on The Royal Room in Seattle can be found on its official Web site.
CH's local drum shop: West Coast Drum Shop
The quote CH's references is from actress Annabeth Gish: "But if you have something inside of you that is so determined to get there, that's how you're going to get there."
It can be referenced in this article that was done for Duke University Baldwin Scholars.

Saying No to the Joneses

Ah, that old saying: “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Probably isn't surprising to learn we aren't fans of this saying nor the sentiment behind it. Inspired by a recent discussion on this topic with a good friend, join CH this week as she talks about the importance of keeping up with ourselves (as opposed to everyone else), and avoiding the temptation to define our own sense of happiness and fulfillment by what others have or do.
 
Show Notes
The Merriam-Webster definition of to "keep up with the Joneses" can be found here.

Diary of a First Time Comic Con-er

Come one, come all! It’s comic con time. Er, well … it was. Emerald City Comic Con 2024 just wrapped, and it was quite the experience - especially for a first-timer. Join CH this week as she reflects on her first adventure attending a comic con, the nerd-ery that lead her there (Jodie Whittaker anyone?), and the immense sense of kindness, inclusion and acceptance that seemed to be everything and everywhere all at once.
 
Show Notes
To learn more about the history of comic cons, check out this Wikipedia page.
CH attended the 2024 Emerald City Comic Con.
She also mentioned the San Diego Comic-Con, which is one of the largest in the world.
Information on Doctor Who can be found on it's official Web site.
For those interested in learning more about Jodie Whittaker, check out  IMDb or Wikipedia;
The gift CH gave to Jodie was on behalf of the fan run Instagram account, @jodiewhittakerfans.

Walking Through the Fire

“I’ll walk thru fire with you.” A great line from an upbeat song (thank you, Vicetone). Except … have you ever noticed not everyone is willing to do this? Join CH this week for a thoughtful share on the importance of finding and holding on to those who are willing to walk with us through our various life fires and help pick up the pieces when life cuts pretty deep.
 
Show Notes
The song CH's references is "Walk Thru Fire" by Vicetone; you can check out the lyric video here on YouTube.
The quote that CH references is by Chishala Lishomwa.
Previous episode references:
Brief Encounters (Episode 9)
Living Through a Layoff (Episode 18)