Len at Age 6 George, Sandra and Baby Leslie Leslie a Bit Older Sarah at age 3 in New Orleans with Friends Len and Girls in 2005 Hutch, Rachael, Ray and Holly, 1994 Ray and the Girls, around 2005 I just happened to come…
Category: Flash Memoir
A Publication!
I am happy to report that one of my memoir pieces, My Mother’s Pain, has been accepted for the 2014 True Words Anthology. This is the story of my mother’s reaction after she learned that my oldest brother, John, had been diagnosed with AIDS. I am not sure of the protocol of sharing my work…
In Memory of My Sister, Leslie
Leslie’s birthday is in just a few days, so she has 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…
My Father’s Words
These are things my dad used to say: 1) “That old dog won’t hunt.” This meant that excuse won’t work; that plan isn’t any good; that behavior isn’t what it should be, etc. 2) “Hasta La Stinko” This was accompanied by a smile and a wave to a bunch of teenagers who seemed to constantly…
My Most Embarrassing Halloween
Several years back, my husband Ray mentioned to me that we were invited to a Halloween party that was being hosted by one of his clients, J. J lives in a gated community off of Sunset and Ray’s company designed and maintained the landscaping for her large glass and teak home. Anyway, I was happy…
Favorite Cartoon Characters from My Youth
My favorite cartoon growing up was Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends. I loved watching Rocky, the flying squirrel and Bullwinkle, the moose, as they matched their wits against their archenemies, Boris and Natasha. As I recall, there was always a Dudley Do-Right cartoon immediately after Rocky and Bullwinkle, and there was usually one of Mr….
My First Job: McKnight’s Drug, 1968
When I was a sophomore in high school circa 1968, my friend and fellow cornet (or was it French horn player?), Cathy Wait, mentioned one day in band practice that she was working at McKnight’s Drug Store in the pharmacy department. “I love working there,” Cathy said, “and they have an opening at the soda…
Childhood Best Friend
My best friend growing up was Patricia Butler. I met her when I was three and she was four, when her family moved to my little town and began attending our tiny Episcopal mission there. Patricia was the polar opposite of me in appearance: she had big blue eyes, snow-blonde hair and was skinny as…
Today with Luna
This is a short blog tonight. Granddaughter Luna was here for most of the day and I’m beat. Of course, I had a wonderful time having her here. There is nothing like her sweet face to make me feel completely happy. Here are some pictures to chronicle our day together: Luna with Grandpa Heading…
Skin and Scars
My skin is a conduit of memory. One soft touch takes me back to my sweet high school boyfriend, the first male to every caress me; one harsh squeeze reminds me of one of my college boyfriends, the only person who ever physically hurt me; one stroke on my back connects me to my mother…
20 Minutes a Day 