Notes on Life Archives - Page 2 of 33

What We Owe Each Other as Writers

April 6, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

When personal biases get in the way of simple congratulations: My MFA association’s Facebook page is intended to be a place where, among other things, we share our joy and celebrate the rare, … Continue reading >>

Creating Community, One Chalkboard Message at a Time

March 26, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

chalkboard with a rainbow, clouds and sun. Text reads Love will win

A coping mechanism that began in 2021: At the height of the pandemic, uncertainty filled the air. We searched for ways to cope, to connect, and to hold onto hope. For me, that came in the form of a … Continue reading >>

Small Talk: the Social Ritual We Pretend Not to Need

March 16, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Are we really doing small talk wrong? The ads on Instagram for coaching people in conversation so you don't sound "weak"—i.g. never ask “how’s it going” or “what’s new”—make me wonder if I'm … Continue reading >>

Kegels, Kenny G, and the Curse of Bad Waiting Room Music

March 2, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

The music was worse than the dentist: Recently, I spent a half-hour doing Kegel exercises at the dentist, not to distract myself from the cleaning, but from the awful music. This wasn’t soothing … Continue reading >>

In Defense of the Wild Girl Within

February 23, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Fictional characters and impressionable kids Author Jamie Cat Callan mused on Instagram that when you were a child you likely had favorite character in a book. Maybe you embraced a secret identity. … Continue reading >>

Art as resistance: a reminder to love

February 12, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

No more chaos, I'm exhausted: Confession: I lettered this February’s chalkboard early because I felt compelled to take January’s off the porch before the month even ended. January’s message was … Continue reading >>

Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line