I had my sweet little buddy, Miss Luna Isabella Pacheco Beaty, today from 10 and until 1:30. She has her own drawer in the kitchen that houses her toys and various plastic kitchenware, so while Grandma was making granola and then tuna casserole, little Luna had her bowls and measuring spoons on the floor whipping…
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.
A Good Day’s Work
I am sitting this evening in my paint-stained tee-shirt and shorts after a day spent helping to paint several rooms at the home of my friend, Peter Kempson, who recently died. We are handling Peter’s estate, which includes getting his house ready to be sold, and Ray and I are taking a hands-on role with…
Recipe for Asian Lettuce Wraps
I made these lettuce wraps last night and they were quick to prepare and delicious. Also, it’s nice that they are quite healthy, which is always a good feeling especially when coupled with such a satisfying flavor. This meal also included roasted acorn squash, which were cut into bite-size chunks and cooked on a baking sheet…
Flash Fiction: Edith’s Tear
Dad gives me a wink, like we are pals or something. We’re sitting in our kitchen having eggs and waffles on a Sunday morning. I’m not sure why he winked; we haven’t said a nice word to each other for weeks, not since he married that witch that is now supposed to be my new…
Friday Night Ramblings
I am sitting next to daughter Rachael Beaty, who is studying for her LSAT, which she will take next Saturday. I am impressed that she is so focused as she works through her questions. No chatting whatsoever; we are both attending to our respective work and that is exactly what Rachael clearly thinks we need…
A Snippet from My Day
I am sitting with my 16-year-old student, Oona. Quick-write time. George – a 7th grader- is sitting here, too. He is waiting for him mother who is running late. He doesn’t seem bothered, however; I think he is playing a video game. Oona said traffic is bad near Santa Monica Boulevard. I can hear a…
A Sad Day
I am writing tonight with a heavy heart. Our beloved friend and priest, Ian Elliott Davies, received the news that his youngest brother, Jason, died unexpectedly today at Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Ray and I are very close not only to Ian, but also his parents, John and Janis, and his brother and…
A Revision of An Earlier Story: Sadie’s Good-Bye
“But she promised she’d say good-bye,” Max said as he swigged a glass of lager while we sat in our usual back booth at “Let’s Get It On” bar, the last place anybody would ever think to “get it on” unless that meant to get shit-faced drunk before noon on a weekday. That’s what Max…
Pann’s Coffee Shop: Well Worth a Visit
Tonight we ate at Pann’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop in Westchester en route to LAX to pick up some friends at the airport. Pann’s is the diner that was featured in Pulp Fiction and it has been around since 1958. The exterior is a great example of Googie architecture, which is a futurist style designed…
20 Minutes a Day 