Hi Rita, I'm going to go somewhat against the grain here and encourage you to try the M+22 if you really want it...you are quite right- that lens does have a distinctive and lovely look; it's relatively inexpensive, and what's the worst that can happen? You can't make friends with it and sell it on, and then at least you will have given it a try.
Here's how I use my M with the 22 and it works EXTREMELY well for stabilization. I have lengthened the strap so I can wear it cross-body, like a purse, strap on left shoulder and camera hanging on the right. (Despite my forum name I'm a lady like you, btw). The unique strap lugs on the M work perfectly for this (they swivel easily for shots in either landscape or portrait orientation, without catching or straining against the corners of the camera), and the supplied strap is soft and flexible and slides well across your clothing. When you want to take a picture, swing the camera up to eye level, tuck your elbows in firmly against your sides, push it away from you body to make the strap taut (as one of the earlier posters also mentioned), and fire using the touchscreen; I use mine almost always in 'focus+fire' mode. The image quality of the M is tremendous compared to typical compacts, and indoors in low light I find I can push the ISO to 800 EASILY and still get very pleasing shots; even 1600 and higher will still give you good results with the nice wide f2 aperture of the M (and it's VERY good wide open) and will give you a nice quick shutter speed. And, outdoors in good light you will have far fewer worries about camera shake using this method I'm describing, and the image quality of the M/22 in good light is truly outstanding.
I have several cameras including a fairly heavy DSLR kit, but must say that I really enjoy using the M in this "whole body" way. I don't miss the viewfinder at all. I do have an inexpensive 35mm optical viewfinder that I got on eBay years ago for an older G9, but I never really bother with it. For additional stabilization, install the Richard Franiec handgrip. I recently bought one; haven't installed it yet but expect it to be beneficial as I have used one of his grips on the G9 and it was great.
Remember that stabilized lenses are a relatively recent development and photographers of all ages, physical capabilities, etc. have been making great photos for much, much longer without this modern convenience, using a variety of clever methods for stabilization : ) For indoor shots if you have a handy surface to rest the camera on, the touch screen is really excellent and requires just the lightest touch to fire the shutter. Who wants to lug a tripod to use with a camera as small and svelte as the M? Try a small beanbag...I have one from an office store with beads inside that's used as a computer wrist support; it works like a charm as long as you have a level surface. If you try it, good luck and post some of your photos!
Catherine
