Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

From Treadle to Kenmore: A Family Sewing Legacy That Outlasts JoAnn Fabrics

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Passing Down a Sewing Legacy: My grandmother Elsie taught me basics of hand sewing. My mother sewed clothes and doll dresses for me, and then taught me sewing on her Singer treadle machine. I still remember the pump of the metal foot pedal, the soft hum of the mechanics, and the smell of machine oil. When she upgraded to an electric sewing machine, I resisted because it didn’t feel the same, … [Read more...]

Autumn: a season of celebration and grief

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When Autumn Stopped Being So Beautiful: For Derek, 9/29/1979 - 10/26/2011 Fall unsettles me.The air cools with a hushthat's both fleeting and permanent.The moon reflects silenceand absence.My son was born in late September.I lost him in October.Two months hold celebrationand grief, memory and mourning together where I walk again through the joy of cradling my firstborn and the ache of … [Read more...]

Confronting social media, power, and love: Herta Feely’s fiction

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The dark side of social media: Herta Feely draws on her global perspective and keen interest in contemporary issues to shape her fiction. In her latest novel, Strange Shape of Love, she explores the perils of social media, sexual harassment, and human trafficking, while weaving in themes of love, identity, and resilience. Enjoy her What, Why, How! What: Longlisted in Uncharted Mag’s … [Read more...]

When Fashion Trends Haunt Us

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The Return of Millennial Trends What a kick to watch two millennial reporters in a WaPo video romp through clothing stores that now sell the same styles they wore in high school. The giggled as they modeled bubble hems, lace-trim tank tops, distressed denim miniskirts, and long-sleeved rugby polos. One of their favorites was a belted prairie skirt with a Henley T-shirt. Reporter Ashley Fellers … [Read more...]

Reclaiming the Self: Suzanne Manser PhD on Healing Childhood Wounds

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Suzanne Manser, PhD, is a therapist and author whose work empowers people in healing from childhood wounds and reclaiming their self-worth. Her debut memoir and companion journal reflect her core belief that everyone is already worthy and lovable exactly as they are. Through both therapy and writing, she helps others move toward self-forgiveness, empowerment, and more fulfilling lives. Here's … [Read more...]