Leah Vidal's Blog, page 5

Just Look For Eden – Chapter One

  It’s the kind of day you would light a match just to watch it burn, if not for the drops that would extinguish the flame. Not those falling from the sky, but those traveling down your face. It’s the kind of day you long for the numbness you’ve trained your heart to embrace because…

Scars Of Gratitude

  “It is only in the world of objects that we have time and space,” T. S. Eliot Every object holds a value. Whether the value is monetary or sentimental, a material possession is something we can’t take with us when we die. The rational part of our brain knows this and accepts it. The other…

The Lion Who Needed College

Courage looks different depending on where you’re standing. Sometimes you’re the one in need of a little bravery to take the next step. Other times, you’re standing on the outside looking in, wishing you could magically transfer just enough courage to support someone who needs a boost. What does courage actually look like? When my…

Directionally Challenged

I’m the reason GPS was invented. I’m also the reason disclaimers are written, but that’s for another day. As a young driver, I found myself lost more times than I care to admit. Back then, GPS did not exist so my options were to unfold a paper map knowing I would never get that sucker…

For She Had Eyes And Chose Me.

Photo by burak kostak on Pexels.com I’m here now. Please, take my hand. We were good together once. We can be again. You always were more stubborn than me, but now I’m the one who isn’t giving up. We vowed we would be together forever. I know I broke that promise once, but I couldn’t…

The Presence Of Her Absence

I walked the halls of the old house, my mind in tune with each creaky step of the wooden floorboards. Running my hands along the walls my thoughts wandered to my grandmother, a stranger, save for the birthday cards with a couple of dollars and a handwritten note underneath the standard Hallmark message. The birthday…

Soul Finding Journey

My people have made this long journey numerous times, spanning many generations. This year, the invigorated group consists of approximately forty to fifty teenagers, ranging in ages thirteen to sixteen. The pilgrimage is led by Abuela Edna, a sixty-five year old stout woman who is as strong as she looks. She’s not everyone’s grandmother, but…

I Declare Thumb War!

We don’t all bloom where we are planted. I learned this from my grandmother at a young age while following her around her garden as she tended to her many plants. Each of them required something different, whether it was full exposure to sun, less water, partial shade, or adequate space for root development. They…

The Timeless Christmas Decoration

Throughout the holiday season, I’m often torn between the tug of Christmases past, and the desire to immerse myself in creating new memories with those loved ones who are still by my side. While it is one of the busiest times of the year, it is also a time of reflection. Each song, each gift,…

I like Ike

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about!” “Yes, I do! You’re the one who’s wrong!” “No, I know I’m right, so just leave me alone.” “I’m not even listening to you anymore. I don’t care what you say because I know you’re wrong.” My kids’ argument drowns out the radio as I turn the…