Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Red River Valley, for Dad on his birthday

By

Such a sad song When I was a little girl, I asked my late father to tell me his favorite song..."the most beautiful song you ever heard." He thought a minute. “I guess it’d have to be ‘Red River Valley.’” His answer stumped me. It was such a sad song. Why would your favorite be one that made you feel sad? He wasn't one to listen to the radio or records. In fact, the bigger surprise may … [Read more...]

Talking with myself

By

Weird habit or normal? I confess: I replay or create conversations aloud. I expound. I pontificate. I argue. I talk in the bathroom. I talk when folding laundry. I talk when walking the dogs. I practice for an upcoming doctor's appointment, a phone call, an argument. I have talked aloud ever since I can remember. Over the years, I've managed to rein it in, but more times than I care to … [Read more...]

Toast to 2024

By

Resolutions, anyone? I generally don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Why set myself up for failure? . That said, I like fitness coach Joan McDonald’s philosophy: "Your future you is depending on you to keep the promises you made to yourself today. If you want to build up confidence in yourself, you've got to start practicing making decisions and taking action today! Start with the … [Read more...]

Will you be missing a loved one this holiday?

By

Experiencing loss vs grieving Working through grief is a process that may take years. Don't worry that it's taking too long. Many times we think we've moved past mourning a loved one only to find later, years later, that we haven't when we burst into tears while picking out oranges at Kroger. Here are two perspectives that helped me look at grief more openly, even 10 years after losing my … [Read more...]

What, Why, How: Artist Cheryl Barill

By

What: I am a lifelong artist who lives in Michigan. I paint with oils and use gold leaf in many of my paintings. I have a long background in two expressions, one is sound and the other is color. I am self taught and have been known to be voracious in studying artists whose work touches me emotionally in ways I wish to master.One of the most entertaining comments I once received while out in the … [Read more...]