Author Archives: rhondakalkwarf

The Story Behind the Picture

This is a picture of me when I was three years old. Looking at the picture, you might think I was a somber child. Honestly, though, somber is a word that has never been used to describe me, especially when … Continue reading

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The Sears Catalog

I have an aunt who is my age. Growing up, we lived in the same household and were raised as sisters. Our family moved often, so we were usually the new kids in the neighborhood. Sometimes, it was really nice … Continue reading

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Thoughts About “Stuff”

For the last several months, I’ve been hosting Show & Tell for Adults. At these events, people bring something special to show the group and then they share the story of what makes it special to them. Members of the … Continue reading

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Gratitude

I have some Facebook friends who, each day, post three reasons they are grateful. While I am actively seeking to adopt an “Attitude of Gratitude,” I haven’t chosen to publicly share my gifts each day. Today, I’m making an exception. … Continue reading

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Show and Tell

One very cold winter day, probably not unlike any of the many we’ve suffered through this winter, I brought my Barbie case to Show and Tell to share with my first grade class. On the way home my hands were … Continue reading

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The Peace of Silence

I recently participated in a writers’ workshop at the beautiful Ragdale Foundation. The workshop was called, “Shut Up and Write,” and focused on the practice of silence as part of a writing life.  It was sponsored by Story Studio Chicago … Continue reading

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Blackhawks Joy

Monday evening, the Blackhawks were down 2-1. They were playing game six of the Stanley Cup Series and their play appeared lackluster. Game seven seemed inevitable; at least it would be at home. We decided that rather than stay inside … Continue reading

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Sandal Season

It’s finally sandal weather and after a winter of socks and shoes, I am so ready! I dug out my sandals and polished my toes.  A pedicure has been a prerequisite to sandals for as long as I can remember. … Continue reading

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Remembering Payphones

I bought a new cell phone yesterday.  The purchase was simple, but the update process was running slowly because the data network was jammed.  Tell me, how can the AT&T store have a clogged network?  Don’t they know someone who … Continue reading

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Never Too Late

About three years after my father-in-law passed away, my mother-in-law began keeping company with a gentleman who lived nearby.  We weren’t sure about the nature of the relationship, but we noticed he was around more and more. One evening when we were … Continue reading

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