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ron stempkowski

  • the xanax diary
  • about ron
    • about ken
  • awards
    • Mountain Climbing for Beginners
  • the ronaissance
  • my faves
  • second city
  • publication
    • Extraordinary Healers Vol. 7
  • media
  • travel
    • Costa Rica (June 2018)
    • Iceland (March 2020)

ron stempkowski

love, loss, healing, and humor…in no particular order

  • the xanax diary
  • about ron
    • about ken
  • awards
    • Mountain Climbing for Beginners
  • the ronaissance
  • my faves
  • second city
  • publication
    • Extraordinary Healers Vol. 7
  • media
  • travel
    • Costa Rica (June 2018)
    • Iceland (March 2020)

Category: Friendship

Mountain Climbing with Friends

Mountain Climbing with Friends

Posted on January 8, 2024January 8, 2024 by Ron Stempkowski
I don’t often receive surprise packages in the mail. I can’t say “never,” but it’s definitely a rarity. In late summer last year, I was treated to such an act of kindness... Read More
The Loud Girl Returns

The Loud Girl Returns

Posted on May 24, 2023May 24, 2023 by Ron Stempkowski
I used to sprint the two blocks to her house with the speed of an Olympic athlete—even if it was just to sit on the giant house-length front porch to wait for her to finish eating dinner. Then, once... Read More
They Called Me Rona

They Called Me Rona

Posted on May 17, 2023May 19, 2023 by Ron Stempkowski
“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
Grateful for the Tribe

Grateful for the Tribe

Posted on April 11, 2023May 19, 2023 by Ron Stempkowski
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
You're Welcome, John Hughes

You’re Welcome, John Hughes

Posted on November 22, 2019November 22, 2019 by Ron Stempkowski
Growing up in the 80s was special. In many ways. It was special because we were forced to interact with other, decades before the age of the smartphone. There was no internet, no tablets, no 24/7 news... Read More
Brunch with Two Beauties

Brunch with Two Beauties

Posted on October 27, 2017October 27, 2017 by Ron Stempkowski
I was sitting with Alfre Woodard and two of my closest friends, basking in the sun and each other’s company while we dined al fresco on the most gorgeous summer day imaginable. Well, kind of. The fr... Read More
Ron Stempkowski

Ron Stempkowski

I'm an award-winning essayist and audience-focused word ninja living in Chicago. I have a passion for storytelling with words and images/videos.

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