Holiday movies. We love them (lots of them, actually). And the one we love the most ticks some of the essential feel good boxes we think of when we think of holiday films - humor, sentimentality, coming together, a life lesson learned and celebration. Join CH this week as she talks all-things Christmas with the Kranks, and how a story centering around skipping out on Christmas actually showcases both the traditional and untraditional holiday spirit. Show Notes - If you want to check out a bit more, head to IMDb’s listing for ’Christmas with the Kranks’: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388419/ - Honorable favorite holiday film mention goes to ’A Christmas Carol’ (the Jim Carrey/Disney animated version): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1067106/

In this week’s special episode, CH honors the impact of a colleague and friend who recently passed away, and the importance of focusing not necessarily on the length of time we know someone but on the impact from that time. Show Notes - The first episode of our podcast (”This Is Me Starting”) was shared with CH’s dear colleague and friend, Trudy, shortly before her passing. True to her selfless, supportive and kind spirit, she sent one final, inspiring text to CH shortly after the episode launched: ”Great idea.”

Holidays. They can be the best of times … and maybe the not-so best of times - particularly when we find ourselves flying solo after years of having a co-pilot and/or full crew. Join CH this week as she discusses her journey to finding and developing her own holiday traditions. Show Notes A couple of CH’s holiday traditions: - Listening (and playing drums) along to classic holiday songs from the 1930s, 40s and 50s (Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Duke Ellington) - Honorable music mentions: Michael Bublé’s Christmas album (https://open.spotify.com/album/3CKVXhODttZebJAzjUs2un?autoplay=true); Ottmar Leibert’s Poets & Angels album (https://open.spotify.com/album/5GwFm4qkouebIWmqO0F6yO?autoplay=true). - Bellevue Botanical Garden’s ”Garden d’Lights” (Washington): https://bellevuebotanical.org/garden-dlights/ - ”Snowflake Lane” in Downtown Bellevue (Washington): https://bellevuecollection.com/snowflakelane/ - Christmas Ship Festival via Argosy Cruises (Washington): https://www.argosycruises.com/argosy-cruises/christmas-ship-festival/ - REI #OptOutside: https://www.rei.com/opt-outside - Northwest Harvest: https://www.northwestharvest.org/get-involved/

Time is a preciously finite thing - and how we spend it even more so. Join CH this week as she discusses the simple importance of being present in any given moment, which then can - and often does - end up being an invaluable and priceless contribution to the tapestry that weaves our life journey together.

What happens when you combine a favorite film and a live symphony orchestra performance? An amazingly entertaining concert experience. For all ages. And for fans of both film and music alike. Join CH this week as she recaps her recent viewing of the The Harry Potter Film Concert Series as performed by the Seattle Symphony, and how it is an inspiring, unique (and dare we say hip?) way to experience an orchestral music performance (especially if you have never thought about going to one). Show Notes - For more information on ’The Harry Potter Film Concert Series’, check out HarryPotterInConcert.com for the current rounds of films being played by symphony orchestras worldwide. - For additional information on The Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall, check out SeattleSymphony.org. - ’The Holiday’ can be rented or viewed on most streamers.

Inspired by the way Taylor Swift often uses the fifth track on her albums to share some of her most personal revelations and reflections, the fifth episode of our podcast delves into the story of how host CH developed her first life mantra to help ground her in times of fear, worry and uncertainty. Show Notes - The full list of the life mantra’s CH has come up with as part of navigating her life journey can be found on the About page of LifeNotesfromChair17Podcast.com: 1) Strength. Confidence. Courage.; 2) The strongest part is the broken part.; 3) Do what you say. Say what you mean. Mean what you say.; 4) Trust, but verify.; 5) Give yourself permission. - For those wanting to learn more about Taylor Swift and her Track 5s, this article at Just Jared is a good explanation ( https://www.justjared.com/2023/10/11/why-is-track-5-on-every-taylor-swift-album-so-important-song-meanings-revealed); you can also hear Taylor explain it herself via this TikTok ( https://www.tiktok.com/@xorcontent/video/7241546673565043994?lang=en )

What does Michael Jackson’s ”Thriller” video and the villainous Michael Myers of the ”Halloween” film series have in common? Aside from the name Michael, they are the sources of CH’s journey from scaredy cat to scary movie aficionado. Join us for our first (and fun) Halloween-esque episode talking all-things MTV, ”Thriller,” werewolves, ”Halloween,” seeing masks in towels and a very oblivious (but favorite) IRL babysitter that started it all. Show Notes: - The ”Thriller” long-form video might be sensitive for some viewers. Think werewolves and zombies, with zombies dancing with Michael Jackson (yes, really). - The ”Making of ’Thriller’” is also quite interesting for those that enjoy behind-the-scenes type of documentaries. - You can check out any of the ”Halloween” movie series on most streamers. ”Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” will always be “the one” for host CH. - The concept for the animated film, ”Coco,” is inspired by the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead (a.k.a Dia De Los Muertos). - For those curious: Knott’s Scary Farm (https://www.knotts.com/events/scary-farm)

This week’s episode features our first special guest - Gail Samowitz. As a certified life coach who recently recovered from having a brain tumor removed, Gail’s story is one of inspiration and wisdom as she discusses not only her journey to becoming a life coach, but also the importance it played as she faced one of the most difficult health challenges of her life. Disclaimers: 1) This episode discusses medical condition(s), diagnosis, treatment and opinions specific to Gail’s health and point of view; it is not intended to provide health guidance or advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for your health and wellness. 2) This episode is not sponsored by Optavia; neither CH nor Life Notes from Chair 17 is receiving any compensation for discussion of the Optavia program or the following links that provide more information on Gail. We are simply sharing an inspiring life story. Show Notes - For information on Gail as a Life Coach, you can visit her page on the Optavia web site: https://www.optavia.com/us/en/coach/GetFitWSammy - If interested in a free consultation, you can visit: https://tinyurl.com/GailsGetHealthyConsult

Ready, set, show. In this week’s episode, CH talks about her recent visit to Las Vegas to see Lady Gaga’s Jazz and Piano residency, and the evolution of her own interest in Vegas - from that of almost non-existent to a unique opportunity to enjoy one-of-a-kind shows by some of her favorite artists. Show Notes: - For those interested in listening to more of the jazzier side of Lady Gaga,  CH highly recommends the two albums that were recorded with Tony Bennett: ”Cheek to Cheek” and ”Love for Sale”. - The discussion of the true meaning of the Gaga’s hit song ”Poker Face” is for mature audiences only and can likely be Googled given the popularity and discussion shared during her residency.

In our very first episode, we talk all things musical inspiration and starting anew. Host CH shares the story of how her lifelong connection to being inspired by music began, and the importance it has held in times of celebration and challenge as well as leading to new beginnings (even when they aren’t perfect). Show Notes: - ”Hold Me” is from Fleetwood Mac’s ’Mirage’ album. - ”This Is Me Trying” is from Taylor Swift’s ’folklore’ album. CH enjoys the version that was featured on ’folklore: the long pond studio sessions (from the Disney+ special)’.