Sheila L. Chingwa
Bio
Welcome to my world.
Welcome to my thoughts.
I am proud to be a Native American Elder born and raised in Northern Michigan. Thanks to my hard work I have a B.A. in Education and a Masters in Administration and Supervision in Education.
Stories (77/0)
Visitor in the Green Light
Two hours had passed since she sipped her quota of morning coffee and nothing had been achieved. The grey day just sucked the energy right out of her body. Nothing screamed at her asking her to clean it, yet, if she put it off, then it would haunt her all week. With a shrug, Lori thought, “I am okay with that. Sometimes, nothing is what you need to do. Perhaps a nap would be in order instead of work.” With a nod, she went and laid back down and pulled a weighted blanket over her and fell asleep.
By Sheila L. Chingwa9 months ago in Fiction
Holiday Homework
“Ring around the rosy, pocket full of posies, asses ashes we all fall down.” Giggles and laughter sounded through the air as the three girls fell to the ground. Dandelion parachutes flew up into the air and lofted on the breeze. Each girl laid there watching as the white fluffs as they were tussled about in the wind. Ginger’s orange hair laid tussled in with the green grass all around her. Such perfect color for the perfect holiday, Green and Orange, Halloween.
By Sheila L. Chingwa10 months ago in Fiction
Brown Paper Packages Tied up in String
Sunday morning, coffee in hand, blanket laying over my legs and, in the background, plays a YouTube video from The Potter Collector hosted by Peter Kenneth. This morning, I have chosen to watch the unboxing of his fan mail. I really enjoy Peter's Personality and it shines as he opens each post. The fan mail is my favorite topic to watch because it is full of love. Not just love for Peter but for Harry Potter itself. I love seeing all the fan mail he receives from various parts of the world. Talk about uniting a group of likeminded people together. I and many of his fans love watching him as he reads fans letters and opens boxes while singing, “Brown Paper Packages Tied up in String”. The patrons watch as he unwraps the package and we get to see his reaction to the object. Never and unkind word spoken. No ones ability is criticized. He makes that one person feel like their effort is appreciated. I am always amazed at the creative creations he receives from his fans and I love to see his reactions when he unwraps each package for, he is so genuine in his appreciation. I just love watching him as I take on a well needed rest. Nerding out on my Sunday is best spent with the Potter Collector.
By Sheila L. Chingwa10 months ago in Geeks
Elder Witch
Eldership, radical time in one’s life. One, at this period in their lives, find many ways to be genuinely themselves. The individual finds unique things that make them happy. I am so thankful that I am at this stage of life for I am finding many new things that brings me happiness. My children have grown and I have been blessed with a grandbaby and boy does he make me happy. Outside of my family, it is now time for me to shine and be happy the way I want to. Radical, loony perhaps, mayhem is possible, fun is likely and I make no apology for the decision I have made. As I adventure into my elder years I do so in freedom. I have been through much, became a warrior for my self-wellbeing, I have transformed in ways that I have no desire to share with you all. I have hidden my truths long enough and I am coming out at an Elder Witch.
By Sheila L. Chingwa10 months ago in Geeks
Wish Upon a Star
“When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires, will come to you.” I have a question for you. Did you only read this or did you end up singing it too? I would be surprised if you only read it, for it is such a well-known Disney song. Today, Disney advertisements no longer include the lyrics. Interestingly, the majority of society knows the words and sings along silently in their head to the music. We, as a society, have been raised with imagination and magic thanks to Mr. Disney. This is advertisement at its finest because the music and phrase was so memorable and gave hope to many who dared to dream. Disney, was a genius when it came to innovation. My favorite innovation was the first audio and picture book set for children. Vinyl records provided the audio version of the stories while the colorful pages of the book brought the words and imaginable worlds alive. In this collection, the book was actually a part of the album sleeve so they never got separated. Thinking back on it now as an adult, I loved how convenient and innovative the collection was. Mr. Disney did “Wish upon a star,” and his dreams came true so yes, even I can wish upon those same stars and I let the magic happen.
By Sheila L. Chingwa11 months ago in Families
Winter is Coming
Over 21 years have passed since dad, Howard (Stan/Stanley) Chingwa, has passed away. Crazy how time passes through one’s life so easy. Yet, everyone goes through everyday life and every day events not even thinking about the impact their actions have on others. Parents, of all people have the biggest impact on the family. My dad, well he was a provider. He worked hard to provide and sustain his large family. The best thing of all, he was resourceful. Not only did he work in a factory, he used the egifts from the earth to support his huge family. Here it is spring and Father’s Day is just around the corner. Such nostalgic moments bring me thoughts of my dad. About this time, while checking my email from work, I noticed they were asking for a story of my father and the gift he had given me. So, I thought I would share these thoughts with all who would read.
By Sheila L. Chingwa11 months ago in Families
Dear Mr. President
Dear Mr. President, Silence, is the very thing the dominant society has told us Native American students to do as we grew into our role in society. I, Jeebi Kwe (Spirit Woman), aka: Sheila Chingwa, am an elder with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa Indians. I choose to stand up and speak. I no longer will remain silent especially with what is on my mind. For the past two days, I have been praying for the small children at Kampoops Indian school in Canada. After a few days of prayer, I have made the decision to write this letter. This morning, I raised my feather in prayer and asked for my words to be true. Silence no more Mr. President, silence no more.
By Sheila L. Chingwa12 months ago in Humans
Verna, the Boss of Life
Michigan, in the early 1800’s, the government negotiated terms with the Native Americans where they did not have to leave the area, they resided in. My ancestors did not have to walk the trail of tears due to the savvy negotiations of the untied Tribes of Michigan. Their efforts brought success to the Native people and many families could stay on their lands. I am proud to say that I am living on the same allotted land my Great Grandfather had received in the town of Petoskey Michigan. My grandparent, my mother’s siblings, and now my family live in that same plot of land. When my parents married, they purchased a few lots from my grandparents. After 185 years, we are the only Native family on this street.
By Sheila L. Chingwa12 months ago in Families
