It is 6:23 pm and Ray and I have already eaten and showered. We are cozy in the Airstream since it is now pitch dark in the orange grove. Ray is curled up with Cordelia and looks as if he may actually already be asleep back in the bedroom. I am sitting at the table…
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.
Back in Ojai
Ray and I just arrived in Ojai. We have Cordelia with us, of course. It is 10:30 pm. We decided to come on up tonight because we are working here beginning early tomorrow morning. We figured it would be easier to wake up here rather than get up in the dark in the morning to…
Another Dog…When Is Right?
Ray has already called a rescue center “inquiring” about another dog. He’s worried about Cordelia; afraid that she is feeling a bit at loose ends without Sammie. I understand his point. Cordie is such a herder, and she herded Sammie all the time, she may feel a little lost not having a canine friend to…
Day of the Dead Altars at Barnsdall Art Center Exhibit
Here are some of the altars at Barnsdall, which are on display for the Day of the Dead exhibit. Many of these are beautiful and touching.
November 1 Deadline Met!
Bard Exam just uploaded. All November 1 Early Decision and Early Admission applications uploaded. All recommendations written and uploaded. I have been working today since 11 am and it is now 9 pm. Excuse me while I go to bed. Hooray. I’ll check back in tomorrow when I suspect I’ll be a good deal more…
Halloween with the Family
Pictures of our trek through Old Town Pasadena tonight:
The Push for November 1 Early College Submissions
I have moved about 100 steps today, from the kitchen and back to my chair in the den about 10 times, while I worked with kids all day on their November 1 submissions to colleges. No need to go into details, but with November only two days away, you might well imagine the tension that…
Rest in Peace, Beloved Sammie
Today our sweet Sammie, our Scottish terrier who has been ailing for a while, died peacefully on our back patio. Ray, Cordelia (our Corgi) and I were there with her as she slipped away. Cordelia licked Sammie’s eyes and her mouth, and then started barking. She looked at us as if to say, “Do something!” We…
Stories of the Heart Conference in Austin in April!
Dear Len, I’m delighted to let you know that the Program Committee for next year’s conference has selected both your proposals, The Fun and Liberating World of Flash Fiction/Memoir and Transforming Your Writing Life in Just 20 Minutes a Day, for presentation. I speak for the Conference co-chairs, Peggy Moody and Jeanne Guy, as well…
Revisited Post: Edward Weston’s Photo and My Grandfather
The car looked like a Model T, or what was left of it. It was more rightly, the carcass of a Model T with no wheels or tires, no engine, no seats. Only the body of the old car, rusted, bent, and disheveled, like an old woman with too many miles and too much booze….
20 Minutes a Day 