I have a thin, but distinctive wall that protects me. I imagine it running over the entire outside of my body, much like the thin coating of chocolate around a Twix bar—familiar and alluring in its chocolate nature, yet hiding something surprising just beyond its façade. My inner structure is not soft and gooey with…
Day Two of Spain Sightseeing Tour and Writing Workshop
After breakfast today at the hotel, our group took a guided bus tour around Madrid, then visited the Royal Place. Don’t worry, we didn’t see all of the 3,000-plus rooms, but rather only 26. Afterwards, about half of us walked back to our hotel (the others took the bus). After a two hour nap on…
Day One of Spain Trip
Our folks have gathered and we are all now here. Had a good writing group tonight and a lovely dinner. Tomorrow we head to the royal palace. our guide, Christopher, is sensitive and knowledgeable. All is well. Here are a few photos.
Madrid Does Not Disappoint
Today, we visited the Reina Sofia Museum, which was filled to the brim with wonderful art. I have included many photos (I took at least twice as many but didn’t want to overwhelm you). We also walked through the botanical gardens, which were truly lovely. The quality of the art here is beyond my wildest…
Tired but Happy to Be in Spain
Ray and I have made it to Madrid! We traveled on Iberian Airlines from LAX with another of the tour participants, and the trip went quite smoothly from start to finish. Ray and I had chosen aisle seats across from each other, which was very comfortable and gave easy access for walking around from time…
One Day Before Departing for Spain
This will be short and sweet. I’ve just finished hosting Story Circle Network’s kickoff webinar for a new memoir series that we’ll be launching in November, and I also wrapped up my work with a couple of students. I am now finished with official business and am heading home to do all those things people…
Two Days Until Spain: Lessons in Timing (and Packing)
Ray and I are headed to Spain on Thursday, a few days ahead of the Story Circle Network tour and writing workshop that begins on Monday. I am wrapping up my college and graduate school admission work with my students tomorrow, and so far, so good. All the personal essays and personal statements are strong,…
Eulogy for My Beloved Sister, Leslie
My older sister’s birthday is tomorrow, so she’s 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 for coming today…
“Touch a Truck” with Ethan, his Mama, Pappa, and Meemaw
On Saturday morning, Ray and I went with our daughter, Liz, and grandson, Ethan, to Oxnard for a “Touch a Truck” event near the beach. This is an opportunity for children to get up close and personal with a variety of trucks, including fire trucks, garbage trucks, crane trucks, school buses, ambulances, 18-wheelers, large tractors,…
Raising Cane: Lessons from Winnie Waugh
I wrote this a while back, but wanted to share it again in honor of my grandmother. My grandmother, Winnie Waugh, walked with a wooden cane for as long as I can remember. This cane was made of smooth, polished, dark brown wood and was very plain—a simple curve at the top for her hand…
20 Minutes a Day 