This will be short and sweet. I’ve just finished hosting Story Circle Network’s kickoff webinar for a new memoir series that we’ll be launching in November, and I also wrapped up my work with a couple of students. I am now finished with official business and am heading home to do all those things people…
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.
Two Days Until Spain: Lessons in Timing (and Packing)
Ray and I are headed to Spain on Thursday, a few days ahead of the Story Circle Network tour and writing workshop that begins on Monday. I am wrapping up my college and graduate school admission work with my students tomorrow, and so far, so good. All the personal essays and personal statements are strong,…
Eulogy for My Beloved Sister, Leslie
My older sister’s birthday is tomorrow, so she’s been on my mind. This is a repost of the remarks I made at her funeral back in March 2012. Good afternoon. My name is Len Leatherwood and I am Leslie’s younger sister. On behalf of my entire family, I’d like to thank you for coming today…
“Touch a Truck” with Ethan, his Mama, Pappa, and Meemaw
On Saturday morning, Ray and I went with our daughter, Liz, and grandson, Ethan, to Oxnard for a “Touch a Truck” event near the beach. This is an opportunity for children to get up close and personal with a variety of trucks, including fire trucks, garbage trucks, crane trucks, school buses, ambulances, 18-wheelers, large tractors,…
Raising Cane: Lessons from Winnie Waugh
I wrote this a while back, but wanted to share it again in honor of my grandmother. My grandmother, Winnie Waugh, walked with a wooden cane for as long as I can remember. This cane was made of smooth, polished, dark brown wood and was very plain—a simple curve at the top for her hand…
One Week to Spain, and a Dozen Deadlines to Meet
My high school senior writing students who are applying to colleges using the early decision and early action options have been logging onto Zoom for the past few days, one after the other. I’m also working with dental applicants who are finishing time-pressed applications, along with law applicants who are striving to get their materials…
The Many Meanings of “Other”
Other? What does that mean? Other means not us—someone different. Someone who does not share common traits, beliefs, locations, or even species. Other is a word that comes up often when people want to judge someone harshly. He has other beliefs. She has other interests. Not ours. Against us. Not with us. These are the…
The Shoes That Have Carried Me
A list of the types of shoes I’ve worn over my life: Kid’s Keds. A favorite of mine when I was little, white and navy blue. Patent leather little girl shoes for special occasions like Easter or Christmas (in white or black). Flip-flops, which, when I was growing up, were referred to as “thongs.” Pink…
When Friendship Fills the Room: More Photos from the Vroman’s Reading at
My friend, Gary Moy, took loads of photos of me at my reading and book signing last week at the legendary Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena. I had twenty people there who came just to support me and my writing, which was such a sweet gift for them to offer. Thank you, everyone! Gary sent me…
Heart, Heart, What Do I Need To Know?
You love nature You are at peace when among the trees, plants, and animals It’s okay for you to rest It’s okay for you to relax It’s okay for you to breathe deeply Do nothing Stare at the sky Be four years old again Enjoy the moment Savor the moment Connect to the moment You…
20 Minutes a Day 