Today I learned how to deal with an angry rooster, and I do mean that literally, not metaphorically. Beau Leigh is my daughter Liz’s rooster up here in Ojai and he apparently doesn’t take too kindly to anybody but Liz or her husband Ron coming into the chicken pen. Granted, he is protecting 5 hens…
Author: lenleatherwood
I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years.
Listening to the Crickets Here in Ojai
Ray and I are up at the orange grove for a few days. I am currently sitting in our Airstream listening to the crickets serenade us outside. The air is cool. The night is dark. Our dogs are out checking the perimeter of our fenced-in compound and hoping to find some rodents to chase. Tomorrow,…
In Defense of the Impractical
I wrote this a few years back, but it still holds true as far as I’m concerned. Besides, we had our grandkids yesterday and today for a sleep-over and Grandma is a bit too tired to write anything original tonight. So, here you go. This will not mention Covid-19 or the presidential election or anything…
A Little Advice on Life from Kurt Vonnegut
“Go into the arts. I’m not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the…
A Poem by Granddaughter Luna with a Little Help from Grandma
Luna’s Favorite Things My name is Luna and I’m 7-years-old I have lots of talents, I am told Here are a few of my favorite things Bubble baths, red roses and cute earrings I also like lots of food At restaurants I wanna be a cool dude I love pizza, barbeque I like it so…
RIP, Jano, My Old Friend
Today, I learned that my friend, Jano (Alejandro Lozano-Sanchez), unexpectedly passed away last night in Palm Springs. Apparently, he told a friend late yesterday afternoon that he didn’t feel very well and was going to bed early. He died sometime during the night. Of course, this was a shock and made me very sad. Jano…
Back on the Mend and Grateful for Many Kind Thoughts
I am happy to report that I am feeling much better. I appreciate the kind words that many of you sent to me regarding my COVID-fear post. I could see from your responses that I am not alone in feeling the uncertainty of this time and I felt reassured. So, thank you for that. I…
Feeling A Bit Sick Today and Going Through the COVID Fear
This afternoon, out of nowhere, I started experiencing abdominal cramping, which prompted a series of quick trips to the bathroom. I also felt vaguely nauseated. I went from feeling fine to feeling bad in about ten minutes. I knew I hadn’t eaten anything unusual so I could rule that out as a cause. I lay…
A Writing Prompt Related to Gratitude
This evening I have been looking for writing prompts for the Story Circle Network e-circle group of which I am a member. I volunteered to come up with the monthly prompts and other people in the group volunteered to facilitate the group on a monthly basis. One of the writing prompts I found is the following:…
A Bit of a Ramble on a Friday Afternoon
It is twenty minutes until five on a Friday afternoon. I am going to do my best to get words on the page now so that I can have the luxury of a whole evening to do whatever I damn well please, which probably includes climbing in bed fairly early and watching tv with Ray….
20 Minutes a Day 