This is a piece I wrote a while back, but tonight it spoke to me. Not sure why, but here it is just in case it might also speak to you. Stay well. I’ll be checking back in with you tomorrow. Len The Road to Normal My husband said to me today, “Thank you for…
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.
Easter During a Pandemic
Today was the first time I have not officially celebrated Easter with my family in a very long time (like ever). It was a strange day from that point of view; however, I did have the advantage of getting to see Easter services broadcast from my priest’s dining room with the addition of music from…
Good Friday
Well, here I sit in my kitchen on Good Friday, the night that I was scheduled to serve at church as an acolyte, after a Holy Week when I was scheduled to serve at almost every service. Instead, tonight I tuned into the St. Thomas the Apostle Facebook page to watch a video of my…
A 5-Star German Chocolate Cake Recipe & A Little Personal History
The first cake I ever made was at age 12 when I made a German Chocolate cake from scratch. For many, this wouldn’t be a significant milestone, but in my house where my mother didn’t cook or bake at all and my dad’s time in the kitchen was limited to Saturday morning breakfasts, my making…
Rest in Peace, John Prine
We have lost one of our best singer/songwriters today to Covid-19. I feel sad about that. I sat this evening and watched a whole slew of videos on YouTube of John Prine and I was struck with what a genuinely nice man he clearly was. He didn’t take himself too seriously and had a good…
Flash Fiction: The Anniversary
I wrote this story based on the following prompt: Pick 3 items in the room where you’re sitting. Mine were travel cup, poetry book, red plaid blanket Use these 3 items in a story of no longer than 1200 words Use at least one metaphor, one symbol and one alliteration. I have not written flash…
Happy 7th Birthday, Luna
My beloved granddaughter Luna turned seven today. What a joy she had been in my life. As my first grandchild, she occupies a very special spot in my heart. Who knew love could grow so exponentially? Happy birthday, sweet girl. May you have a long life and much happiness. Always know your grandma loves you.
5-Star Butternut Squash Soup Recipe in the Instant Pot
Today for lunch, Rachael and I made this delicious and easy butternut squash soup. The hardest part of the process is to peel the skin off the squash, but besides that, this is a simple soup to make. The spices add depth of flavor along with either goat or cream cheese. The parmesan will make…
Skin: A Graveyard of Past Events
My skin is a conduit of memory. One soft touch takes me back to my sweet high school boyfriend, the first male to every caress me; one harsh squeeze reminds me of one of my college boyfriends, the only person who ever physically hurt me; one stroke on my back connects me to my mother…
An Exceptional Poem by Marie Howe about Losing a Brother to AIDS
Having lost two brothers to AIDS, this poem hits home in a deep and meaningful way. Also, since we are in the middle of a pandemic, it seems appropriate to share. I discovered Marie Howe through the Billy Collins Master Class on Poetry at Masterclass.com. He had Marie join him for several sessions and, in…
20 Minutes a Day 