My grandmother, Winnie Waugh, walked with a wooden cane for the whole time that I was a little girl. This cane was made of smoothly polished dark brown wood and was very plain – a simple curve on the end for her hand and a rubber cover on the tip to help grip the floor…
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.
Tonight and Today
I am sitting in a very quiet house with William, the cat. Rachael, who is now living in Texas, has her friend, Natasha, from LA visiting her there. Ron and Liz are off on their cross-country trek; Sarah, Gregorio and Luna are snug in their beds in Pasadena; and Ray and our dogs, Cordelia and…
The Joy of Family and Making New Friends
Today, Sarah and Luna visited and we went to the 3rd Street Farmer’s Market with my brother-in-law, Ray Agutter, who is visiting from Salt Lake City. Ray was my sister Leslie’s husband and is the father of my beloved niece, Kevin, and my nephew, Jim. Ray is also a gregarious character and loves to chat…
A Few Things I Know…
What do I know? Living in the present is the healthy way to live. Life works out…I think. Time heals…eventually…I hope. Babies are a blessing and to be cherished. One day at a time. One minute at a time if need be. Stay focused on what works. Keep negative thoughts at bay. Hug tight. Love…
Gratitude
I know that I have been posting a lot about my granddaughter lately. I promise I’ll move on to other subjects in the near future, but, honestly, I must share this gorgeous picture of this child tonight. She is the picture of serenity. Not always, of course, but actually she is much of the time….
Where I Work and Spend My Days
I work in the living room of my house on a routine basis, looking out on the street during the day and seeing the street light illuminate a far-off tree at night. This room is where I see my students in person, work with my students online, answer my email, and write. Light comes in from…
5-Star Greek Lentil and Spinach Soup Recipe
I made this soup today for lunch. It is by far the best lentil soup I’ve ever tasted and is a favorite of my family. My youngest daughter is especially fond of it, so here you go, Rachael, you can add this to your treasure trove of tasty recipes you’re collecting. The vinegar makes all…
Ojai, the Orange Grove and a Success or Two
Ray and I drove up to Ojai this morning, leaving at 6:00 am and arriving by 7:30. We worked at the orange grove until 2, then headed back home so I could see students beginning at 5:30. We worked on the old Spartan trailer again blocking as many holes as possible to the outside, and…
Baby Day
Today, my husband, Ray, and I went out to visit our little 5.5 month granddaughter, Luna. We arrived around 1 and left fairly close to 5 pm. We played with her, carried her around the house, cradled her, and I danced with her. (Much to my family’s chagrin, I might add.) The gist – I…
