Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

New Release: Children’s Picture Book

By

The inspiration Many times my late mother suggested I write and illustrate a children's book. Every time, for whatever reason, I resisted. Until inspiration hit me. The scurrying ghost crabs spooked my grandson, Oliver, then three, when we were vacationing at Cape Hatteras on the Outer Banks of North Carolina several years ago. My daughter and I unsuccessfully tried to find him a book … [Read more...]

It’s Not the Same Old Vacation Spot

By

Since 1985, when our youngest child was a baby, our family has vacationed on the beaches of Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. "Doesn't that get boring?" a friend asked. "Why stay at the same place year after year?" Maybe my friend thinks: You've been there once, so you've seen it all. Check it off your list and move on to another destination. I … [Read more...]

Public Accidents and the Walk of Shame

By

  At the Detroit Opera House, David Sedaris told a story about the "walk of shame" involving an elderly man who shat himself in an airplane. Apparently everyone within proximity heard the man's daughter express her outrage; David was seated a few rows behind them. He cringed. The old guy shuffled off to the bathroom never to return his seat, despite the airline attendants attempts to lure … [Read more...]

Mittens from Sweaters

By

Years ago when I was going through my late son's clothes, I came across a thick, wool Abercrombie and Fitch sweater that his sister loved to borrow. I was never a fan of scratchy wool, but she had loved it. It looked as if it had been washed and had shrunk. What do do with it now? I'd seen pictures of mittens made from sweaters, and figured it couldn't be that hard. Of course, this was … [Read more...]

English Language Groaners

By

In Memory of a Cornball My late father was great at telling corny jokes. And yes, I groaned, but I often laughed too, just because he was laughing so hard. Lousy jokes and laughter can be infectious like that. I miss hearing him now. I'm sure he'd get a big laugh out of these groaners. I hope you do too. 1. The meaning of opaque is unclear. 2. I wasn’t going to get a brain transplant … [Read more...]