I periodically have to remind myself why I write. Tonight is one of those occasions. It certainly is not for the money, by the way, or the fame. So, why do I write? Let me think about that question for a minute. I write because: 1) I often express myself on paper better than through…
Category: Stories
A Letter to Luna about Her Mom
Dear Luna, I want to tell you a few things about your mom. Tomorrow is her 31st birthday and you will be exactly 5 weeks and 6 days old. I think there are a few things you should know about this person who pushed you into this world on April 4, 2013 at 10:04 pm….
RIP Bettye Whitmire
An older friend of ours, an antique dealer in Texas, was buried today. She was 83 and up until 2 or 3 years ago, she was out and about in her Camaro convertible, always on the look out for antiques. She had a great sense of humor and a real joy of life though she…
My Mother’s Gift
I was twelve years old when I scanned through the beautifully bound books that comprised our family library. I don’t know why I decided on that particular day to look through these volumes. Perhaps it was cold outside and the idea of curling up with a book in a cozy room was alluring. Whatever the…
First Full Day Home
I guess it would be disingenuous of me to think I could write about anything else besides my new little granddaughter, Luna, the girl with whom I just spent the greater part of the afternoon and the evening. I guess you wouldn’t be surprised to hear how velvety soft her skin is – and her…
Getting Myself Up and Outside
Today I went with daughter Rachael to Runyon Canyon for a hike with our two dogs, Sammie, the Scottie, and Cordelia, the Corgie. This is the second walk I’ve taken in less than a week. I went with daughters Liz and Rachael last Saturday morning, along with Ray, Ron (Liz’s boyfriend), Ron’s father and a…
Three Beloved Objects that Connect Me To My Past
I am sitting at the round table in the living room, which is my work spot. This is where I see my writing students and this is where I write. I also do bills here and billing and read online and off. Three items in this room are especially important to me: the fireplace, a…
Scholastic Artists and Writers Contest Winners
Congratulations to my writing students, who have won awards in the Scholastic Artists and Writers contest, the oldest, most prestigious, and most competitive writing contest for youth in the United States with over 230,000 entries in the regional competitions. I am proud to announce that Madison Stringray has won a gold medal for her short…
Healing Through Storytelling
Tonight I read my online students’ Week Two flash stories/memoirs and I literally was sitting at my computer crying. The class is tiny – three woman – a perfect size, really, for a class. They are sharing such deeply personal and painful stories with such grace and beauty, I might have to go upstairs and…
My Old Student and His Ambitions
Today I had a treat. My student, Shaun, came to see me for the first time in three years. He is a junior at Boston University and is home for spring break. He called me a few days ago and started his conversation with, “Len, this is Shaun. Shaun Herzig. Do you remember me?” Now…
20 Minutes a Day 