Cindy Betty, Liz’s mother-in-law, introduced this salad to me, and I knew from the first bite that I’d be making it myself before the month was out. This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s pretty, too. Bright colors, fresh flavors, and that sweet-tangy kick that makes you want to go back for seconds. Maybe thirds. The vinaigrette…
Bastrop Post Office Named After 1st Cousin, Billy D. Waugh, ‘Godfather of the Green Berets’
Today, husband Ray, brother Sam, and I attended the renaming of the post office in Bastrop, Texas, after my late first cousin, Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh, a highly decorated Special Forces officer also known as “the grandfather of the Green Berets.” Below is a news link to the event: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/bastrop-post-office-renamed-after-local-veteran-sgt-major-billy-d-waugh I saw many of…
Where Mama Was
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…
What the American Dream Looks Like
I wrote this piece several years ago. Fong not only attended medical school, but is currently completing an orthopaedic surgery residency. His brother graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a degree in computer science, and his sister is also attending UCSD, where she is studying engineering. I’m proud of these kids and…
Happy Upcoming Anniversary, Sarah and Gregorio!
This is a piece I wrote back in 2014. Sarah and Gregorio’s wedding date is approaching, 11 years later, and I thought it’d be fun to share the tension that preceded that civil ceremony before their big church wedding near Thanksgiving. Sarah and Gregorio told us several weeks ago that they were going to get…
My First Reading & Book Signing for Hope in a Time of Dying
This past Sunday, I had the privilege of giving my very first reading from Hope in a Time of Dying at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Hollywood. At least forty people came, and many lined up afterward to buy a copy of the book. The focus of the reading was on passages featuring…
Flash Fiction: Choice vs No Choice
“What does the phrase, “I didn’t have a choice” mean to you?” the therapist asked her client. “Didn’t have a choice? Hmmm. Yes, that’s what they all say. No choice means not taking responsibility.” Marie stared at her therapist, waiting for her reaction. “Who is ‘they’,” her therapist asked. “What?” “You said, ‘That’s what they…
Happy Anniversary, Ray!
Forty-five years. Now that does make us sound old, eh? We have had a lot of happy moments together, my dear. Our girls, our sons-in-law (we’re counting you, Andrew), our grandkids, our extended family, lots of friends, our travels in the US, Mexico, and abroad, our orange grove, our Texas life, our antique business, our…
Help! I’ve Been Misplacing My Commas for Years
I’m writing this blog for those of you who worry about punctuation as much as I do—which, admittedly, may be a small group. But if you’re a proud member of that grammar-loving club, then this one’s for you. A few days ago, I discovered I’ve been misusing commas around names for years. (Yes, years.) Naturally,…
Flash Fiction: Where the Kindness Is
I wrote this a while back, but saw it tonight and thought that we could all use the reminder to go where the kindness is. I do, at least! Also, sometimes we do just have to walk through the pain. No fun, but that’s the truth. Happy Wednesday to all. Len “I don’t know what…
20 Minutes a Day 