For my old friend, Rodney. The weary man hears a voice. “Take a step, you can’t stay here. What comes next is on the other side.” A great horned owl appears in the dawn sky, amber eyes beckoning. A guide for his journey. Stepping onto the wooden bridge, the man sees a roaring river far…
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.
Sing to Them in Heaven, Raul Malo
Raul Malo, the lead singer and songwriter of the Latin-country band, The Mavericks, died yesterday of colon cancer at the age of 60. This is very sad news for anyone who loved the fusion of country, Latin, and rock music that The Mavericks were famous for, and also for those of us who fell in…
Until Life Turns a Corner
When I was nineteen, I transferred from the University of Texas to the University of Utah. My sister was getting a divorce that summer and asked if I would come out and be there in Salt Lake City with her and her kids. I was happy to do that since I knew she needed some…
A Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes
When I was growing up, I took piano lessons from Miss Virginia Baird. She lived in a brown-boarded two-story house on the corner of Main and 9th Streets, and she had at least thirty cats that lived in that great big house with her. Miss Virginia loved best to talk about what was happening in…
Agave-Sweentened Banana Pudding w/ Italian Meringue
Since Ray and I don’t eat refined sugar, I am often modifying refined sugar recipes to accommodate honey, maple syrup or agave syrup alternatives. A tried-and-true recipe that I have perfected over the years is my honey or agave-sweetened banana cream pie, which is a family favorite. However, when Ray recently bought a honey-sweetened lemon…
Returning to the Amalfi Coast in 2026
I am looking forward to seeing Positano again in October 2026, when I’ll be traveling to the Amalfi Coast to host my fifth international writing workshop affiliated with Story Circle Network. It will be my third visit to this breathtaking corner of the world, and I can’t wait to spend more time there. Positano I…
“Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Cake Recipe w/ Butter Cream Frosting
If you want a foolproof cake for the holidays with a frosting that’ll knock your socks off, then just follow the recipes below. We substitute honey for ours, but I have kept the original white sugar measurements if you would prefer to go that route. The first recipe comes from the back of the Hershey’s…
In Honor of World AIDS Day
Today is World AIDS Day, and this year’s theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” We are all called to reconsider what compassionate care can look like in our world today. For me, this day is deeply personal. I wrote Hope in a Time of Dying to offer a window into one family’s struggle…
Happy Birthday, Nephew Jim
My sweet nephew, Jim Agutter, is celebrating his birthday today. My sister Leslie’s son, he is fifteen years younger than I am. I remember changing his diapers as a kid and now he has grown kids of his own. Life has a way of moving forward in a steady fashion that is surprising. I love…
In Memory of Sandra, Who Died This Day in 2011
It seems fitting to remember Sandra, my sister-in-law, today. Our whole family misses her very much. She was smart, sassy, and had a wicked sense of humor. What was there not to love? My Short Speech at Sandra’s Funeral My name is Len Leatherwood and I am Sandra’s sister-in-law. My nieces requested I say a…
20 Minutes a Day 