Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

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...]

What, Why, How: Artist Cheryl Barill

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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...]

How to Find Calm after Trauma

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Cheri's recovery process My friend and fellow poet has been working on acute anxiety and trauma recovery by painting colorful watercolor birds and boldly posting her work on Facebook. The images intrigued me because, in my experience, watercolor is not an easy medium. It does not forgive. There are no do-overs. So how did this help anxiety? For Cheri, however, that's exactly the point. I … [Read more...]

Soul to Soul: Faye Rapoport DesPres

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It’s all about connections: Faye Rapoport DesPres is a multi-genre writer whom I’ve long admired. We met in the early 2000s through the same small press that published her memoir, Message from a Blue Jay, and my novel, In the Context of Love. Both of us have also published a children’s book (except Faye published an entire series!). We’ve had some of the same mentors, too, like the late Michael … [Read more...]

The Little Pill and Deanna’s Big Story to Tell

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You know the TV commercial... And it probably annoys the heck out of you because after you hear it, the tune plays in your head on endless repeat. I bet you could sing it in your sleep. That's the power of a good jingle. Whenever the Jardiance ad aired, I looked away. If I couldn't mute the TV, I stuck my fingers in my ears and said "nanananana." I asked my husband "Look at her! Who IS this … [Read more...]