Today, we headed to Carpinteria, a little beach town just north of Ventura. Our old friend Sonny Crawford and his son Sovahn are visiting from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts and we figured they’d enjoy a nice sunny day right on the edge of the Pacific. Liz, Ron, and Ethan joined us as well and we spent…
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.
“What the Living Do,” a Poem by Marie Howe
Having lost two brothers to AIDS, this poem hits home in a deep and meaningful way. I discovered Marie Howe through the Billy Collins Master Class on Poetry at Masterclass.com. He had Marie join him for several sessions and, in one, she read this poem. I think it’s ironic that her brother was named John…
Grandpa and His Two Grandsons
Here are recent photos of Ray, Nico, and Ethan. Ray is snoozing with Rachael’s dog Hazel. Nico is on his way to his first baseball game. Ethan is snuggling with his beloved dog Winston. I sometimes pinch myself that Ray and I have these two adorable grandsons. They are so loving and sweet. Our cup…
Today on a Walk
Today, daughter Liz and grandson Ethan and I went for a walk. Spring felt right around the corner. We saw some flowering rosemary and another flowering bush that was full of happy bees. The sky was blue, the sun golden, and the grass a bright green. Just happy to be happy, healthy, and surrounded with…
Flash Fiction: Who Killed KiKi?
When my old friend Mary told me that she was going to have to take a lie detector test for the police, I looked at her, shocked. “What for?” “It’s about the dead bird.” “Are you referring to your husband’s prized cockatiel that dropped dead a few weeks back?” She nodded, “Lawrence was so upset…
Some Sage Advice from Some Very Successful Writers
I’ve posted this before, but it is hard to beat the advice presented here. Just had to reshare from an article a few years back from The Guardian. Even if you don’t write, you might find yourself having a good laugh or two. Happy first day of Daylight Saving Time! Sage Advice from Those Who…
Happy Birthday, Andrew, and Happy Housewarming for Andrew and Rachael!
Today is the 30th birthday of Andrew, Rachael’s boyfriend. Actually, his birthday is on Tuesday, but a weekend party gets a lot more attendance. Also, Rachael and Andrew are celebrating moving into a new house, which makes for a doubly happy event. Andrew’s mom made street tacos for the party with chicken, chorizo, nopales, and…
An Excellent Meal: Ojai Tortilla House
Our Welsh friends, Jan and Rich, came up to Ojai for a visit. Here they are in front of our Buddha, who is a fairly large fellow. Jan and Rich visiting Buddha in our orange grove Besides meeting and playing with 14-month-old grandson Ethan, visiting with Liz and Ron, and touring the orange grove, Rich…
NY Times Recipe: Sheet-Pan Chicken With Potatoes, Arugula and Garlic Yogurt
This recipe has my name all over it. I love chicken, potatoes, and arugula, so there you go. Plus, I am not negative about yogurt, especially with freshly grated garlic in it for just a tiny bit of extra flavor,. Also, the idea of thinly sliced leeks with potatoes and chicken sounds like a complete…
Day Two: Post-Cataract Surgery
I had an 8 am appointment today with my eye surgeon and she said that all looked exactly as it should. So far, so good! Also, my new lens in my left eye aids my close-up vision so with my glasses off, I was able to read the smallest print on the paper the nurse…
20 Minutes a Day 