I’m in my car. I have my water bottle, a backpack with a few clothes, my parka, and a pair of hiking boots. The rest of my stuff I’ve given away, sold, or left in bags by the dumpster in the alley, knowing people come through there all the time and will appreciate a twice-worn…
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.
Thoughts on My Late Brother George Today on His Birthday
My brother George, three years my senior, was one of my closest and most favorite people in this world. He was my first playmate, first friend, and first hero. I can still feel the warmth in my chest that I felt as a little girl when my big brother George was around. I developed a…
Rest in Peace, Geraldo
Today, we celebrated a Requiem Mass for Geraldo Vergara, a fellow parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, Hollywood. I saw Geraldo (aka Gerry) routinely at the 8 am Sunday Mass, which is the one Ray and I usually prefer. Gerry served as an usher at many early morning Masses and always greeted us…
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles By Steven Pressfield
I have recently been reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This book is considered a classic by many but I’ve only recently heard of it. The general message is that any creative effort (or anything you really, really want that is good for you) is part of a call from your higher self….
My Love Affair with the Wind
I am sitting in my little writing room listening to Gregorian chants. The heater is on and it’s warm and cozy. Outside, I can hear the wind starting to blow. Southern California has had very strong winds over the past few nights. They are revving back up tonight. I love a good strong wind. Not…
Our SCN Writing Challenge and the Need to Avoid Perfectionism
I am leading a Story Circle Network “20 Minutes a Day” Writing Challenge this month. Approximately 42 women are participating in this challenge, and each has signed up to write 20 minutes a day, 6 days a week for 4 weeks. They are divided into accountability groups of 5 to 6 members, and each group is…
How Texas Customs Have Influenced My Goodbyes
My husband Ray always teases me about my “goodbye” etiquette based on my Texas upbringing. He is fond of pointing out that I am often the last person to leave a gathering, including a funeral where I might start a conversation with the men just about to fill in the grave after everyone has driven…
Four Words for 2024: Breakthrough, Change, Health, and Heal
Today, I came across one of those Facebook games that is a square with what looks like a couple of hundred random letters. It read, “The first four words you see will define 2024 for you.” Those words, which were not quick in coming, by the way, were breakthrough, change, health, and heal. While I…
#55 – Something That Makes Me Happy – Reflecting on My Life in 2023
I want to spend my writing time this evening reflecting on the positive aspects of my life that were present in 2023. I think that would be a suitable ending for the year on New Year’s Eve. This list will certainly not be all-inclusive or in any particular order since I am relying on my…
#54 – Something That Makes Me Happy – Going to the Circus!
When I was growing up, the circus coming to my small Texas town was a cause for celebration. There was a big parade around the town square with music, colorfully painted circus wagons, wild animals, and exotically attired performers. Also, when the troupe traveled to an empty field north of town, many local people gathered…
20 Minutes a Day 