Author: Ron Stempkowski
They Called Me Rona
“So, tell me how you think the death of Curt Cobain will impact music,” a reporter asked me. I stared blankly. “Let me get the manager.” I mean, I knew he died, and it was tragic, but I didn&#... Read More
The Dewey Decimal Diaries
I made up a new word: volunteaming. I’ve decided it means “the state of immediately feeling like part of a team while volunteering.” Read on, and you’ll see why. My mom and I o... Read More
Walking in the Present
I spent a lot less time outside this winter. Without my winter-loving Mongolian snow beast, there was no reason to suit up (or boot up) and play in the snow. Though we didn’t get much snow this ... Read More
Retreating
I renewed a commitment to myself this year. I took some time and intention to remind myself that I’m a writer. And writers are writers because they write. So, I’ve worked to build a content calend... Read More
A Night to Remember
Since saying goodbye to my sweet puppy girl in December, she, Ken, and Quantum have been on my mind even more than usual. Though Ken and Quantum never met Kallie, they are intimately connected to each... Read More
Grateful for the Tribe
Looking back over my life, I realize I’ve always been someone who looks to find “my people,” those who I feel organically connected to in some way–great or small. And those I&#... Read More
Enchanted Ravenswood
I loved living in Ravenswood, a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. Even the name was evocative of some kind of old-timey place rife with history and magic. I lived in a giant one-bedroom apart... Read More
New Year’s Day & Message in a Bottle (on my mantle)
I love a ritual—especially one that involves handwriting, nostalgia, memory keeping and self-reflection. In January 2022, I started a new ritual, aptly titled “New Year’s Day Cards.” At the en... Read More