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.
Flash Fiction: A Mysterious Appearance
Prompts: Pump organ, Scotty dog, elephant incense burner. Gerald polished the oak on the pump organ in the front parlor of his restored Queen Anne Victorian when he twisted around to see what all the ruckus was about. Olivia, his Scottish terrier, was in the corner of the room barking madly at an object on…
A Little Spice
Mary Andrews glared at her husband, Chet. “For God’s sake, our life needs a little spice.” Chet, who was stretched out on the couch with the remote in his hand said, “We could go upstairs right now and I’ll add a little flavor to your day.” “Honey, even that part of our life has gotten…
My Day in Photos: Lyla’s St. James’ Pre-School Celebration + Nico’s Soccer Game
St. James, South Pasadena where Lyla goes to pre-school Kids singing in front of the congregation. Lyla in her pretty pink floral dress. (Yes, she is only 4 and one of the tallest kids in her grade.) Supporters in the back during church and the performance L-R: Luna, Nico, Ethan, Liz, and Sarah 7-Year-Old Nico…
A Poem: Woven Beauty
When I was young, life was simple and slow All I knew was land, sky, and flow Dew on the grass and pink morning light A world of beauty in every sight A woman tended our home with love and care Her wisdom taught me the sacred there Not separate from the things…
5-Star Honey-Sweetened Apple Pie Recipe
I made this pie today for dinner with Liz, Ron, and Ethan. Ron, who said he doesn’t usually like apple pie, said that he actually really liked this one. Liz had two pieces, which would suggest she liked it too. Ethan nodded approvingly that Grandma had brought pie but preferred nursing instead. The key to…
An Exceptional Role Model
When we first moved to Beverly Hills in 1994, we enrolled all three of our daughters at Hawthorne Elementary (K-8), where Dick Douglas was the principal. We walked in that first day and were greeted by Mr. Douglas, who had a wide-open smile and bright blue eyes. He made sure that each of our daughters…
A Poem: Let Your Heart Be Broken
Let Your Heart Be Broken Walk into life Full-hearted Open Willing Don’t hold back Out of fear Insecurity Ego Be brazen In love Passion Engagement Know your heart Will be broken But don’t be afraid Brokenness produces New opportunities for Love Passion Joy We are all shards Of the same broken vessel With the potential…
My Mother’s Positive Reaction to My Risktaking
When I was 19, I decided I needed to travel to Europe alone. I look at that now and marvel at how brave I was. Off I went with my backpack and my Eurail pass from Italy to Switzerland then onto Germany, France and then to England. I was shaky through the first part of…
Coming to California and Remaining Here
I am sitting here in my living room. It is dark outside and there is a chill coming from the open back door, which leads to our back patio. A helicopter just passed overhead, the drone of its engine slowly fading into the distance. Cordelia, the corgi, is walking around the living room looking for…
20 Minutes a Day 