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Poem: The Place I’ve Always Been Headed
A window opensand my spirit slips outside I seecreamy moonlight slanting through leavessilvery moss growing on the trunks of old oakswispy clouds lingering on far-off mountains. I befriend red-tailed hawks,turkey vultures,two blue herons who live nearby,a gopher snake slithering across the dirt road. I feel no fear, no worryonly an explorer’s heartready for discovery.I knowthis…
Letting Life Get Messy
I have always hated what comes first when contemplating change: the ruin of what is, the demolition of the status quo, and the process of undoing in order to redo. This has caused me great discomfort as a person with a strong need for tidiness and order. “Let’s knock down that wall,” my husband might…
Flash Fiction: Family Legacy
She wasn’t happy, no she wasn’t. All this time trying to cope with the family problem – that’s what they called Randy’s addiction to coke these days – and at the same time, trying to study enough not to flunk the chemistry quizzes that came every day, relentless and unyielding, like a black boxing glove…
5-Star Apple Cake Recipe
This is a tried-and-true recipe for a delicious apple bundt cake. Since Ray and I don’t eat refined sugar, I have added my maple sugar, honey, and maple syrup substitutions. You can follow the original recipe or go with my substitutions. Either way, you’ll produce a moist and delicious apple bundt cake that is perfect…
For My Mother, Higher Education Equaled a Golden Ticket
Whenever one of my older siblings ever said, “Maybe I’ll just stay here—in our rural Texas town—and go to college close by,” my Mom’s reaction was a frown and a quick, “No, you won’t.” This was not said teasingly or with a laugh but rather in a hard-edged tone that left no opening for discussion….
Why I Share My Writing with Other Writers
I share my writing with other writers because I need permission to express my experiences and truths about difficult things that have happened in my life. I need to hear others openly sharing about their hard experiences so I don’t feel alone, self-absorbed, or overly needy when looking deeply at my tough stuff. I want…
Sarah’s 5-Star Recipe for a Wonderful Ginger Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew with Peanuts
My daughter Sarah makes this soup all the time, so I asked her to send me the recipe. The soup is rich, hearty, and delicious. I believe you will love it. Ginger Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew w/ Peanuts Servings 6 to 8 servings Use chicken legs, thighs or wings for this recipe. They have…
To My Dad for his Upcoming Birthday
My dad, Leslie Earl (George) Leatherwood, was born on February 19, 1903. He was fifty years old when I was born, and he died on February 4, 1972, just a few weeks shy of his 69th birthday. I now understand exactly what my dad meant when he said things like, “I was 16 about a…
Poem: Let Your Heart Be Broken
Walk into life Full-hearted Open Willing Don’t be afraid Embrace living Be brazen In love Passionate Engaged Yes, your heart will break But don’t be afraid We’re all shards of the same broken vessel With the potential for Wholeness As we face New beginnings
20 Minutes a Day 