Today, I spent the afternoon with Sarah, Gregorio, and their kids. Of course, this counts as something that makes me happy, which fits right in with my November challenge to myself to write daily on that topic. Sarah, Lyla, and I went to watch Nico play soccer at noon and also to see Gregorio coach…
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.
Something that Makes Me Happy: The Pacific Ocean
Yesterday, Ray and I took a drive along Highway One between Santa Monica and Oxnard, which, for the most part, borders right on the Pacific. The sun was shining, the water was deep blue, and the waves in many places were white-tipped and lively. In several spots, the ocean is only yards away from the…
May Beloved Deacon Walter Johnson Rest in Peace
Last night, Ray and I received the sad news that our friend, and the retired deacon of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, Hollywood, had passed away. This came as a surprise since 86-year-old Deacon Walter Johnson was still posting his daily “Prayers Ascending” on Messenger just last week and was also commenting on social…
My November Goal: Write Daily About Something That Makes Me Happy
My goal for November is to write each day about something that makes me happy. I am hoping this will offer a positive counterbalance to the many unhappy events in the news. Just a simple effort on my part to shift my attention to something that brings a smile or a moment of pleasure. I’m…
Today’s Family Halloween Party Photos
Today our family met at Sarah and Gregorio’s for our annual family Halloween party. The girls outdid themselves on the “scary” food offerings and there were some fun costume choices. Here are some photos of our event. As usual, it was full of fun, great food, and laughter. The Halloween Table Beetlejuice (Ethan) Carebear (Luna)…
A New Roof in Texas!
I wrote what is below last night. We arrived later than expected and I was too tired to post. I have included a photo of part of the roof that went on today. So far, so good. Len I am sitting on the plane heading to Texas. We are going so we can be there…
Cordelia, My Friend and Teacher
Cordelia is my dog and we’ve been together now for twelve years. She’s a Cardigan Corgie, which means she’s black, white, and tan, with a tail that curves like a sideways U above her back. Being a Corgie, her little legs are not long, perhaps four inches if she stretches, and her body is like…
America’s Test Kitchen: OKLAHOMA FRIED ONION BURGERS
This is a great recipe for a turkey burger. It comes from Cook’s Country Magazine, which is part of America’s Test Kitchen and I can guarantee this is one seriously excellent burger. The Fried Onion Burger (FOB) apparently originated during the Depression in El Reno, Oklahoma, which is 25 miles from Oklahoma City. Mashing onions…
Poem: Sweet Like Gardenias
A long day of work Students from morning ’til night Green against gray skies I love my students They are smart and fresh and strong White flashes of light My life is enriched Through this “enrichment” I give The mourning dove coos How did this happen? This unplanned, but happy life? Sweet like gardenias Gratitude…
Happy Birthday to my Beloved Sister, Leslie
I wrote this a few years back but it seems perfect to commemorate my late sister Leslie’s birthday today. She was one of the closest people in my life and I carry her in my heart. She was eleven years older than me so she was in many ways almost a second mother to me….
20 Minutes a Day 