Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

THE WATERS: Spellbinding and brutal fiction

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Fiction to lean into, to absorb, to take your time reading Author Bonnie Jo Campbell's newest novel, "The Waters," is not to be missed if you like dense, provocative fiction. My review is currently up on MER Motherhood Literature and Art magazine. “There were herbs in the Waters of Massasauga swamp that could be rendered into medicines for just about every affliction: yarrow and … [Read more...]

Queen Clementine: a Dog Story

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The gift of dogs Dogs bring so much into our lives that I sometimes wonder how we can ever repay them. Clementine was like a gift. When our kids were growing up, we had a wonderful chocolate Lab. When she developed diabetes in her later years, we gave her insulin injections twice daily. It was a challenge, but we loved her. After she died, we spent 7 years debating what kind of dog we … [Read more...]

Red River Valley, for Dad on his birthday

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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

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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...]

Will you be missing a loved one this holiday?

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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...]