An unexpected personal best
On May 1st, I completed the Door County Half Marathon. I ran some, I walked some, I wanted to sit down and cry. But I didn’t.
May 22nd, 2010
Alone with my thoughts. Or am I?
Sometimes it’s a blessing, sometimes a curse, but it’s always best when I can combine thoughtfulness with company.
Apr 16th, 2010
The Four Agreements
Don Miguel Ruiz's book transforms common self-limiting beliefs into four simple guidelines-but sometimes things are easier said than done.
Apr 2nd, 2010
Emotional nudism
The more comfortable I become sharing my struggles, the more I notice people opening up to me. It turns out I’m not the only one who feels naked sometimes.
Feb 26th, 2010
A semi-silent retreat (and lots of talks with myself)
A quiet journey to a Wisconsin hermitage leads Michelle Sieg to some deep-seeded realizations.
Feb 13th, 2010
Our father who art in the shower
TCD blogger Michelle Sieg finds that spreading herself too thin complicates everything from saying a morning prayer to remembering where her parents live.
Jan 29th, 2010
Starting 2010 on fire
TCD's Michelle Sieg discovers the switch to ignite her flame.
Jan 8th, 2010
This new year, don’t waver
'Tis the season for New Year’s Resolutions. For many people, losing weight, eating better and exercising top the list of goals — again.
Dec 31st, 2009
UWM thesis exhibition makes the grade
Grad students look to personal experiences to find inspiration for their exhibit projects.
Dec 3rd, 2009
The Beatles, the Bible and the top of a hill
Life's momentous ups and downs have a way of coloring the journey and streamlining perspective.
Nov 16th, 2009
The Sum Total of Teachers and Doers — UWM faculty art exhibit
Biennial exhibit allows UWM art professors to practice what they teach.
Oct 29th, 2009
The power of a personal best
Looking back, the race really ran parallel to my life as of late. I alternated between feeling really strong and feeling pain.
Oct 26th, 2009
Why Des Moines?
While I'm out running among the gays, the straights, the farmers and the other progressives, I'll be quietly celebrating with Iowa.
Oct 15th, 2009
Waking to the sound of a car alarm
I think that’s how it is for people sometimes. We get used to things — even the stuff that drives us crazy.
Oct 5th, 2009
What to do when reset gets stuck
What I’ve never really tried is to separate all of those mini-Michelles so that I could give them each the attention and love they deserve.
Sep 22nd, 2009
Art for the girl I used to be
I’ve made an entire career out of putting ideas and words on display for clients and audiences. So, why is art different?
Sep 10th, 2009
The answers are history
On relationships and making life's tough choices: when it comes to multiple choice questions, most of us actually do know the “right” answer – whether we choose it or not.
Jul 23rd, 2009
Karma’s a bitch. Or is it?
On a bad day, I think the ouchy kind of karma is God saying, “Na-na-na-boo-boo.” But it’s more likely something like, “Listen, I’m paying more attention than you think. So shape up and give that whole ‘do unto others’ thing some more thought, wouldya?” The thing is, even though I’ve made some questionable decisions in my youth, in haste and/or under the influence, I’m generally a nice person. So what gives with this whole boomerang effect anyway?
Jun 26th, 2009
The brave, the proud, & Cyndi Lauper: Pride Fest
Pride Fest is not about exclusivity, and I hope we can all get together for a beer June 12 – 14. I promise you don’t have to wear rainbows (and in fact, I prefer that you don’t). Plus, I don’t even think any of the headliners are gay. Although Cyndi Lauper has been known to drape herself in a Pride flag. And Etta James may or may not have had affairs with women. Oh and then there’s Brandy, which sounds like something only a retired gay man would drink.
Jun 4th, 2009
Love conquers 8
All lesbians and gays really want is equality. And mostly, they would like to just be normal, all-American married people - maybe even with a house, a yard, some kids and a dog. To most gays, a "boring" married life would mean people have finally stopped seeing them as different. And who wouldn't want that kind of excitement?
May 31st, 2009
Who was that woman in the minivan?
What was it about the driver's morning that made her accelerate so quickly? What was it that made those men crossing the street seem invisible to her? And why would she blame them for making her late to a job she probably doesn't even like? Or was it possible I was just misreading the situation?
May 20th, 2009
Decision making 101010
Awhile back I came across an article about author and commentator Suzy Welch, who recently published a book on her new10-10-10 Rule. The idea behind this decision-making trick is to ask yourself a series of questions: Will this decision matter in 10 minutes? Does it matter in 10 months? How about in 10 years? And what is the impact of this decision within these time frames?
May 17th, 2009
The speed of life
The average person takes in 3000 advertising messages per day. That’s just unsolicited ad messaging; it doesn’t even include texts, tweets, Facebook updates, emails or normal business dialogue. Plus, that stat is from 2007, meaning it's completely outdated. On a side note: Does anyone remember writing papers in high school using a bibliography page? You know the one, filled with books published in 1982 and still thought to be relevant?
May 7th, 2009
All left turns
As someone who often blurs the lines between spiritual and secular, I’m a big fan of “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the Byrds. The song’s peace-anthem lyrics, which were inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, still feel relevant today. As I was researching the penman, Pete Seeger, I noticed a comment that asked, “What’s an Ecclesiastes?”At first, that question made me chuckle. After more than 15 years of religion classes, Ecclesiastes is just as common to me as, say, Deuteronomy. But when I started thinking back over these and other Old Testament books, I also realized the truth behind the statement: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Maybe one reason the world is round is because everything really does come full circle. When Ecclesiastes was written, most of the population was working “green” jobs, such as sheep herding, fishing, farming and baking (with 100% organic ingredients). But there was another occupation that was fairly common too – which was serving in the army. And that brings us right back around to that 1965 anti-war song. Regardless of our beliefs, life does seem cyclical, doesn’t it? That’s why I’m convinced the world (heck, the entire universe) has its own rhythm. And even though we mortals can influence it to a great extent, there must be something (or in my belief system, someone) more powerful orchestrating it all. The thing is, I’m not sure if that realization comforts me or worries me. As a bit of a control freak, I’m much more comfortable being in charge than being at someone else’s mercy. And God knows this past decade alone has seen its fair share of blindsides. So what’s our paradigm today, in 2009 A.D.? It certainly has shifted since the days of Solomon and even the young days of Roger McGuinn. Is it possible to have the power and wealth (and sometimes, greed) of modern times and expect the peace and quiet of simpler days? Or am I being too romantic by imagining that peace ever existed in its truest form? And that greed didn’t? Wherever the lines are and no matter how blurred they’ve become, I have hope. I’ve seen the wonder of spring in my nieces and nephews, but I also saw my grandparents through the fall and winter of their lives. It’s those bookends – and all that lives in between – that remind me it’s all connected. We’re all really jogging on the same big track where there are plenty of turns, except ultimately they’re all in the same direction. I believe the tide will turn. In time, war will give way to peace. Tears will become laughter. Poverty will be changed into wealth. And that’s just the beginning of a brand-new upswing. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 from the Old Testament To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted A time to […]
Apr 23rd, 2009
Blooming, unscathed
I recently went through a time when it felt like the world was against me. There seemed to be obstacles at every corner. And a few wrong turns in general. It got to the point where conflicts at work, home and within myself were distracting me from the same. So I set out to find the cause. I pointed my finger over there. Complained a little over here. Had a couple beers. And waxed poetic against the great injustices in my life – including the people I felt were orchestrating them. Then I spent some time reviewing a mental filmstrip of recent occurrences . . . When did I break that mirror? How could a black cat cross my path without me noticing it? And why on earth (so to speak) does mercury always seem to be in retrograde? Then it hit me. If it wasn’t the universe throwing my life off orbit, maybe it was me. This realization didn’t happen over night or come to me in a dream. It came from a series of conversations with myself and others. And it caused me to both pause and take action. I remembered the retreat I went on last spring and how that week at Solitude Ridge had impacted me. While I was out there, I passed the time by writing, listening to music, listening to the silence and doing a lot of hiking. I cooked nutritious food and took lots of naps. I reconciled a few things and made peace with the things I couldn’t. It was all very “Closer to Fine” of me. One of the most important things I realized during that retreat was exactly how much I don’t have control over. For example, one night there was a terrible thunderstorm, which saturated the ground and even damaged a few small trees. But the next morning, wild flowers were blooming, unscathed. Being out there also allowed me to evaluate whether I was using the powers I do have to their fullest extent. I recalled a conversation with a dear friend a few years back. We were debating how much of life is predetermined and how much is not. I firmly stated that I believe in fate. And to my surprise, she said she didn’t. What? Who says that? Who disagrees with one of the most romantic sentiments ever invented? Hasn’t she seen “Serendipity”,“You’ve Got Mail” or “Lady and the Tramp”? But then she explained . . . If we trust everything to fate, we’re surrendering one of our most important human traits – free will. Yes, things happen to us. And sometimes they’re horrible. And no, I can’t explain them. But maybe that’s why it’s so important for us to exercise control over the things we actually can impact. There’s a book out there called Change the Way You See Everything. It’s a pretty short read with long-term advice about how focusing on what’s right goes a lot further than focusing on what’s wrong. This book, which was a gift from my boss, […]
Apr 17th, 2009
Holy Rollercoaster
This time of year always reminds me of the 6 am Easter service I attended as a kid. The entire Sieg family would wake up early and, with our eyes half open, prepare for worship at St. John’s of Antrim Township, the sister of our usual church. We attended that particular church on that particular day because Mom and Dad thought sunrise was the best time to observe Easter. Either that or it was the fresh egg bake and warm cinnamon rolls being served by the Ladies Aid afterward. My family would sit somewhere near the front-of-the-back of the church, where my sisters and I could show off our frilly, pastel-colored Easter dresses (if they weren’t under our winter jackets). And we could see that the rest of the congregation was also wearing the best of their Sunday bests. As worship began, joyful music ushered in the Pastor, who wore a white stole to signify the resurrection and the life. And the Easter lilies filled the chapel with wonderful hints of hope. Ah, Easter Sunday – a joyous time, indeed. And to think it wasn’t all that long ago that Jesus was on the rollercoaster known as the Lenten season. Today, Lent is usually observed by attending dark and somber Wednesday night services – right before you head over to Target for bright and beautiful Easter baskets filled with Jelly Bellies, Peeps and of course, Cadbury eggs. (Although, I’ve always thought the best thing about those eggs was actually the commercial). The famous Cadbury Egg commercial Once Easter arrives, it’s easy to forget that Jesus had just returned from history’s first-ever silent retreat in the wilderness. And when I say “wilderness,” I’m not talking about an Eddie Bauer tent and a self-inflating mattress, or an REI single-wall shelter, which even most Subaru drivers consider “roughing it.” I’m talking about the desert. Where the original Survivorman spent 40 days alone fasting, praying and resisting temptation. First, Satan told him to change a rock into bread and feed himself. Then he asked him to worship him in order to receive the kingdom. Next, Satan told Jesus to jump off a cliff and be saved by his father. Oh Satan, if you watched any Lifetime Movie Network at all, you would know Jesus’ family actually had a much more dramatic salvation in mind. So instead, Jesus told Satan to jump off a cliff. And a few days later, he received a wonderful homecoming as he rode into Jerusalem. Atop a donkey. People waved palm branches to welcome Jesus as a king. (I’m pretty sure they used them as donkey pooper scoopers as well. Hey – just because it’s not in the Bible doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.) Later in the week, Jesus made dinner plans with a bunch of his friends for Thursday night. Toasts were made, dinner was shared – and so were sentiments. To walk off the wine, Jesus took a quiet stroll in the garden. And that’s when the real trouble […]
Apr 9th, 2009
Shampoo. Rinse. Recite.
A few years back, I found this great illustration. It was tasteful, whimsical line art of a young woman in the shower. Drops of water fell from the showerhead onto her mop of squiggly blonde hair. I think it was in the back of Real Simple magazine or something. And all it said was “God grant me the power to get out of this shower.” It became my mantra. I posted the illustration near the shower in my own bathroom. The drawing is gone. But the sentiment remains. In fact, it’s become a bit of a mini-devotional for me each morning. And now it’s just part of the routine. Shampoo. Rinse. Recite. Lather. Rinse. Recite. Never mind the fact that I just tried to use a travel-sized bottle of conditioner to shave my legs. God grant me the power to get out of this shower, indeed. I’m sure a lot of people feel this way – like getting going each day is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest. Without safety gear, a compass, or oxygen. And little do you know, once you get to the office, an avalanche is in motion. So what can we do? Where does the power really come from? Not only to get going every day, but to actually get through the day in one piece? You have to do it in the face of small hurdles like running out of peanut butter when you really, really want some. Or having a flat tire when you really, really need to get there. Never mind large obstacles like worrying about the economy or the war. I personally believe part of the power does come from God. The other part comes from within each of us. Some people pray. Others meditate. And of course there are other worthwhile practices such as yoga, exercise – and happy hour. The thing that always trips me up is that we do all of these things in order to reset. And stay productive for our partner, family, friends, boss and the local soup kitchen. All of which we wholeheartedly believe we need to tend to every single day, hour, moment. Meanwhile, we personally suffer. We try to do too much. We use up all our energy. We believe we’re operating as a super-efficient hybrid when we’re really burning through energy like an SUV. The reality is life doesn’t have a reserve tank. You have to refuel every so often. Or you’ll miss something while you’re broken down. If you ever want to know the true value of spending your energy more wisely, ask someone who has survived cancer. Or the loved one of someone who didn’t. And that’s why I really want to learn how to slow down. I want to trade my laptop for better eye contact. I want to take in everything life has to offer. I don’t necessarily want to live like my days are numbered, but because I have no reason to believe they are.
Apr 2nd, 2009
The root of all good
Like most of America, money has been on my mind a lot lately. Ironically, the less of it you have, the more it seems to weigh. When I watch the news, read print headlines or virtually talk to anyone who has a strong opinion about financial bailouts, this thought keeps running through my head: Money is the root of all evil. Although the origin has been debated, this phrase was most likely first spoken in the Bible. And has been miss quoted for a couple thousand years. Jesus actually said, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” Which means we’re even more screwed. The difference here is more than semantics. The word love makes it emotional. And it puts the responsibility where it belongs: the human, not the dollar. After all, money is a mere object that people made almighty. We’ve given it power. We’ve given it life. Last year, we even gave it a facelift. Only kidding. Here is the real redesign – just in case you went to your wallet to see for yourself – and found it empty. So if the love of money is the root of all evil, what’s the root of all good? Is there a currency for that? Can you save a few small allowances of wonder and purchase an order of joy? And maybe a side of smiles? (I’m going to stop this analogy now before I call it a Happy Meal and risk trademark infringement. And my dignity.) But, I really do wonder what’s at the root of all good. And if the love of love became its own payment system, would the government also need to help us regulate that? (Insert your own commentary on Prop 8 here.) Would the greedy among us hoard love? And then lie about it? Would the commoners have to lock what love they have up at night? I don’t think so. I think if love had as much tangible power as money, there would be fewer padlocks. Less financial-related depression. And more sustenance – regardless of what’s for dinner. There would be more of an inclination for sharing – if for no other reason than the fact that you’d really have nothing to lose. Only a lot to gain in the form of reciprocity. For the record, I realize affection can’t clothe and feed you. And you can’t drive happiness to work. Or use goodness to pay for your children’s education. But, nowadays, most people can’t pay for school with money, either. So I think we should try it. Let’s live as if love is the root of all good. Let’s use it to help build a nation rich in respect, honor and understanding for each other. Let’s remember love is patient. Love is kind. Love is kinda like weed. Except legal in all fifty states. Let’s make sure we have plenty of love to hand down to future generations. And learn to manage it with wisdom. But most importantly, when we […]
Mar 26th, 2009
