Helena Smrcek

Pitchforks and Pedicures Helena Smrcek

With prosperous businesses, big house in the suburbs, Benz in the driveway, and two teens in high school, Nell becomes increasingly aware of the emptiness creeping into her marriage. Morty, her husband of twenty-some-years, is busy with business and his passion for golf. When stress-related health issues creep up, Nell is convinced that the only way to salvage their marriage is to move to the country and work the land. Morty fights her every step of the way, yet by the end embraces their new life, despite the many challenges the family must overcome. Pitchforks and Pedicures tells a story of Nell and Morty, a married couple, struggling to juggle their numerous responsibilities while keeping their relationship alive. Colin and Ali, their teens, are getting ready to fly the coop at the earliest opportunity. Morty has stress-induced insomnia, and Nell faces an soon-to-be empty nest, but what she fears most is an empty life. Nell's solution is to buy a hobby farm and trade their hectic city life for the idyllic country lifestyle. Morty lacks her enthusiasm but decides to give Nell a chance to test her theory. Acquiring a hobby farm proves to be challenging on several fronts, providing ample opportunities for comical situations. Nell and Morty struggle to adjust to the changes in their lifestyle, learn about farming, and win over the farm folk. Yet the greatest reward for their trials is finding a way back to each other. Pitchforks and Pedicures is a contemporary story about a married couple facing midlife crises. Generation X, 84 million strong in the USA, follows on the heels of the Baby Boomers. Many find themselves in a tight squeezed by their work demands, financial responsibilities and care for their maturing children. They are forced to deal with financial challenges a crumbling economy, environmental issues, the onset of health problems, care of parents, and worries about their children's future, who cares for the GenXers? Stretched to the max, we often forget about being kind to ourselves, by taking occasional breaks and holidays, as well as paying attention to our spiritual lives, nutrition, sleep, and fun. Pitchforks and Pedicures offers an escape, clean entertainment, and a much-needed pause to think and re-evaluate our commitments, goals, and quality of life.