Essays

Reviving dreams of past would make for a better America
Linda Sands – For the Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, September 17, 2002

I am a proud American woman. I drive my American-made vehicle to overstocked grocery stores, proudly paying extra for American-grown fruits and vegetables. I give to charities that benefit less fortunate Americans, and I raise my children with the hope they will embrace The American Dream, whatever that may mean to them.

My father chose to live his parents’ dream. By the second baby and the third house, Dad’s company settled him in a small town in central …

Dec ’02 BigCityLit

Articles

A Holiday Gift From Your Sole
by Linda Sands

Ask any woman. Shoes are more than mere footwear. They are an expression of love, of want, of desire. They can tell you more about a person’s inner life than any other article of clothing on her body. A good shoe can make your day, get you the job, win you a spouse. Yes, the shoe is more than elemental protection, it is karmic destiny. The soul of my sole will not be denied. Which is why I just had to have one more pair of …

EndPiece, Byline Magazine, January 2005

My mom used to say I had a “come hither” look that invited trouble. I think it’s more of a “come tell me anything” look that invites stories.

People tell me their most personal problems, thoughts and feelings. They relate stories about their jobs, their neighbors, their Scottish childhoods, and I stand there nodding and wondering why these complete strangers feel compelled to confide in me.

Personal journal pundits claim it’s cathartic to write things down. Just “get it out.” Then burn it. Compose a ten-page, soul-wrenching letter to Mr. Perfect who dumped you in …

I might take him up on his offer. My husband keeps saying, “Why don’t you go in for me today, and I’ll stay home.”

I imagine my day. I’ll drink real coffee, while it’s still warm, wear real clothes with real shoes on my feet. I might actually be able to go to the bathroom with the door shut, and not have to explain to anyone what I am doing in there.

If I were my husband I could eat an entire nutrition-filled grown-up lunch, sitting down. Hello expense account. I could have long-winded uninterrupted conversations with real people who …