I am a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, USA, born in 1965. In grade school, the music teacher used to bully us and snap her fingers in our little faces. She was quite scary, intimidating, so I was sure I'd never want to do anything musical! When I was in the 9th grade, my history and social studies teacher( Sonja Ivanovich was among the most influential people ever in my life) played protest songs for us when we studied the 1960s. Immediately, I fell in love with Joan Baez.

I took up guitar at age 16 and taught myself to sing by singing along with Baez's recordings until I could get into her range. Truth be told, I wanted to be her! At some point I realized that Baez is one of a kind and I can only be me, so I try to be the best Linda possible.

These days, most of my writing is educational materials for my students rather than poetry and music. I teach college, political science. Having sustained several injuries, it has been a long time since I've played my guitar, but I do hope to get my fingers and other body parts strong enough to play it again. Our world still needs music with a conscience and people willing to make change happen peacefully.

My sister Marcia was the real musical talent in our family. She could play piano, guitar and flute. In fact, she was first chair flutist in high school. Marcia could also knit beautifully, weave, bake, cook and do anything involving creativity. Cancer took her from us far too soon. Please, everyone, do not smoke and do not let anyone do that around you. "Vaping" is still smoking, still dangerous and to be avoided.