The crickets chirp with an insistent rhythm Today was hot, they say. Tomorrow will be only slightly better But right now As the waxing moon glows in the Star-filled sky The crickets celebrate Cool night air
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.
Excellent Chicken Thigh and Vegetable Recipe for an Instant Pot
I made this recipe today for lunch. I didn’t have Cajun seasoning so I used chili powder instead. I also added the juice of one fresh orange to the chicken broth and used orange zest versus lemon. (I am surrounded right now with orange trees waiting to be picked.) I cut up potatoes rather than…
Happy Anniversary, Liz and Ron!
Today is Liz and Ron’s 4th wedding anniversary. They are off to Mexico with their 8-month-old son Ethan and some close friends. I wish them the happiest vacation and want to say how lucky I feel that Ron Wolfgang Betty is part of our family along with his mom, Cindy. We are so fortunate to…
“Love People While We Have Them”
These were the words of my 10-year-old granddaughter Luna when we discussed the recent, untimely death of her classmate’s father, who died after falling down a steep slope while out on a solo hike. My daughter Sarah had been worried about how Luna might take the tragic news since this man was someone she knew,…
“Food and Memoir” – A Class that Makes Me Smile
I am currently teaching a 5-week online class at Story Circle Network entitled, “Food and Memoir.” We meet on Zoom and the five women who are participating write an essay or story weekly that we discuss in class. I have had each of the women who are participating in several classes already so it feels…
Questions About Aging Well
A close friend of mine who I’ve known since college wrote to me today and, after filling me in on all the positive news of his life with his wife, kids, and grandkids, let me know that he recently received a cancer diagnosis. He was quick to add that his doctor said that if you…
Tropical Storm AND an Earthquake
Just how lucky can you get? Two rare natural phenomena in one day? The steady rain arrived at around eleven today from the tropical storm that had been Hurricane Hilary. Then at 2:40 this afternoon, I felt a strong jolt and heard the hanging pans clanging in the kitchen. A minute later, my phone had…
Tropical Storm Watch
We are up in Ojai and watching with great interest the progress of Hurricane Hilary as she makes her way up the coast of Baja. Our son-in-law Gregorio has family in Cabo, Ensenada, and Tijuana, Mexico so the weather there is important to us. As far as Southern CA goes, the hurricane is supposed to…
Wisdom from Maya Angelou + An Inspiring Video
This is not only informative but also so uplifting. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Here are the ten: 1) Just do right! 2) Be courageous 3) Love 4) Laugh 5) Be a blessing to somebody 6) Turn struggles into triumphs 7) You are talented 8) Learn to say no 9)…
The Trials of a Mama’s Baby
When I was little, I was a Mama’s baby; I mean, a BIG Mama’s baby. At night, I sneaked into her bed to snuggle; in the daytime, I played near her while she read, typed, or worked on bills. By age five, I didn’t mind playing in another room or outside in the backyard as long…
20 Minutes a Day 