About Leslie
I knew I was a writer as soon as I touched the crisp pages of the pink diary with its tiny gold key hanging by a thin silk ribbon. Into it I poured my ten-year-old musings in careful cursive, penning my tagline, “Tomorrow is Another Day,” (borrowed from my heroine Scarlett O’Hara) at the end of each entry. All six of them. After that, the heavy demands of fourth grade sidelined my budding career.
Fast forward to today. After a lifetime of professional word craft, I felt the nudge not long ago to share my personal writing. My parents had passed away and I was still shell-shocked by our family’s lack of preparation and resulting turmoil. Caring for our elderly parents is a privilege that most of us will face. I write for women walking through that season, as well as other challenges of our second act.
I also write a slice-of-life blog for anyone who loves a good story. Sign up below to follow and receive new posts by email.
Then to Now
I wrote all through school and college, where I earned a degree in Communications and landed my first job in hospital PR.
Later, married with a little one, I launched a freelance writing business. It lasted till baby #2 came along.
I’ve written, directed, and acted in church dramas (the scripted kind), including a role as a grandmother twice my age that drew tears of connection from the audience.
Pre-pandemic, I also enjoyed playing hymns on the piano for residents, both the sweet and the surly, at a nearby senior home.
My day job? The law enforcement electronics company that my husband and I co-own. A police sergeant, he asked me 20+ years ago if I’d like to retire so we could start our own business. I said no. I’m happy to say we did it anyway; and after a nosebleed-inducing learning curve, we now support the good guys who support citizens across the U.S.
Faced with looming empty nest, I picked up painting, sharing the joy with my artist mother. Check out my gallery here.
I also adopted our beloved rescue mutt, whom I occasionally call my son’s name.
And yes, we sail the waters off the California coast—my husband more enthusiastically than his comfort-loving wife. Still, there’s no better therapy than a warm day on the water with a steady breeze, lulled by the motion of the waves and accompanied by the dance of friendly dolphins.