As many of you know, Ray and I don’t eat refined white sugar. Therefore, I am always on the lookout for great recipes for cookies, cakes and pies that turn out well when I substitute the sweeteners we do eat: honey, maple syrup, maple sugar, agave syrup or fruit juice. This particular recipe is adapted…
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.
Prompt: A Life-Changing Moment
In 1984, I returned to college. I already had a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology but wanted to deepen my education in literature so I was exploring getting a second Master’s in Comparative Literature. I took a class in writing nonfiction which was taught by a professor who normally taught Chaucer. She explained to us…
Prompt: My Favorite Season w/ a Glimpse into My Childhood as well as Paris
My Favorite Season It’s a little hard to think about favorite seasons since I live in Southern California, which is like living in perennial spring. I do love spring so that is one of the benefits of living where I live. However, if I have to pick a season as my true favorite then it…
Heading Off To Italy!
In case you’re wondering where I’ve been, let me say that the last month or so has been a bear. Not only is this my busiest time of year working with students on their college essays, but this is also the very first time that I have helped coordinate a trip to Italy for 48…
A Calm Day
Hi friends, I have about 15 minutes before my next student so I thought I’d jump in and write my blog post for today. What to say? Rachael’s little dog Hazel is asleep on the couch. The other dogs are upstairs with Ray. I am listening to the Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B flat…
Movies in the Morning; Students in the Afternoon
This morning I watched, “I Am Not Your Negro,” which is an amazing documentary featuring James Baldwin. This is a definite must-see for anyone who wants to gain more clarity on how racial issues in the U.S. started with slavery and continue today. It is hopeful in tone and challenges all of us to face…
Heading Off to Bed
We are back home in LA. It was tough to leave the orange grove since it was a perfect 70 degrees with a light breeze coming in from the ocean. The next several days are busy student days for me so I had to come home. I love the cooler weather. I can see the…
Up in Ojai at the Orange Grove
I am sitting in the “dining” section of our Airstream; Ray is reading on his computer in bed. We are listening to KUSC, the classical music station, which is playing Concertante in G by Domenico Cimarosa. (I looked this up to be sure.) It is lovely. The dogs are up on the bed with Ray….
A Day with Sarah & Gregorio and Our Grandkids
Today, Ray and I spent the afternoon and early evening with the Pacheco Beaty family out in Pasadena. First, we attended granddaughter Luna’s soccer game in La Canada/Flintridge where we had a light sprinkle of rain. Luckily, Gregorio brought the pop-up so we were all comfy and dry while Luna’s team, the Unicorns, ran up…
Instant Pot Magic With Boiled Eggs
I just want to go on record as saying that my Instant Pot produced the most beautiful boiled eggs that I have made in low these many years of boiling eggs. Plus, it was simple and easy. Below is the recipe and some photos of my perfect boiled eggs. I realize this is not earth-shattering…
20 Minutes a Day 