Voice of America

The Delirious CURE: Simple Truths that Solve Complex Problems

JULY 9, 2010

Award-winning author, Leslie Bradford. Her latest title, “The Garden That Grew Her”, is a housewife's satirical look at eradicating domesticide. I already have an idea of what that might be, but I can't wait to find out more from Leslie. Today, Leslie is going to talk about sex, murder and "The Secret." Sounds interesting. 

Conscious Talk Rado Show - May 21, 2010

"We very much enjoyed Leslie. She is a a dream guest—real, funny and insightful!"

Megan Skinner

Clairvoyant, author and radio host

www.meganskinner.com

"Humorist, Leslie Bradford and author of, The Garden That Grew Her, A Housewife's Satirical Look at Eradicating Domesticide, is a courageous woman. Her willingness to step into a man's world and make her own way, in her own way, will inspire every woman to become a leader in their own life. Thank you Leslie, for showing women that who we are is greater than we can ever imagine."
 
Brenda Michaels-Host, Conscious Talk Radio

Doug Noll Reviews the Garden

The Peacemaker’s Bookshelf

For this edition of The Peacemaker’s Bookshelf I have chosen the book “The Garden That Grew Her” written by Leslie Bradford. This book is part memoir, part explanation of the meaning of enlightenment and part guidebook on how to find inner peace and outer peace in one’s life.
 
What I like about this book are the essential truths that Leslie speaks. But rather than being a mantra-chanting mountain goat, Leslie speaks with the real-life authenticity of a divorced mother of two daughters who sold cars to make ends meet. Leslie has a profound insight into herself and the people around her. She shares her experiences and her insights with humor and a little satire.
 
Leslie talks about all of the life experiences that are important to us: spouses and ex-spouses, coworkers, friends, mothers, children, intimate partners, and she does it from a place of of compassion for herself and for those who come onto her path. As we walk alongside her, we sense how it is to be present in the moment. We also learn how to Leslie deals with the inevitable and ubiquitous conflicts in everyday life. Finding peace, says Leslie, is nothing more than finding the true essence within yourself and being awake to it. While this is a lot easier said than done, Leslie shows us that the shift is profound.
 
This kind of peaceful enlightenment does not happen in a flash of light or with the heralds of angels. Instead, as Leslie demonstrates, it occurs from consistent self-examination and questioning. What is the real me? What is the mini-me?
 
Readers who like stories, humor, and authenticity will enjoy this book. The profound lessons that Leslie has learned are explained gently and gracefully. I never once felt lectured or commanded. Instead, Leslie reminds us that “there is no cure for being human.” No matter how unlikely we think we are and how much growing we believe has been a conflict none of us has yet manifested fullness of love of which we are capable. There is more love to be discovered. Love for ourselves and love for those who surround us.

Click the links below to hear the interview

  Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Readers delight in Leslie Bradford’s Garden

“Your voice is, tangibly real, hopeful-- authentic. There's wit, entheos, and passion. It's like watching American Idol and knowing, ‘Oh, my God, Divine Goddess and a Realm of angels, this woman has it--all anchored in awareness and truth!' I'll buy it if you promise to autograph it so I can put the book with other respected works I've loved and admired.”

Mlpground

 “Wow! This was amazing and the best is that there is more to come. The way you write allowed me to actually feel the grass under my own feet. The lawn-mower/husband piece was hilarious! You make readers feel like we are living this experience with you.”

--Alex

“Lots of insight and feelings expressed here. Amazing to me that a book can unite this many people. We all share so many life experiences and yet we are each so unique. The meaning behind the title is the one that sticks in my head the most right now. At times I have felt enlightened and at times I have felt burdened. This story just made me feel so much better.”
 
--Lori
 
“Lovely, lovely! I called my daughter and read a little to her. She is going through a divorce. Awesome, powerful, heartfelt, driven with passion. I honor your work and am jumping up and down in celebration of you.”
 
--Jenna

“In my bathroom mirror I did write ‘The garden that grew you’ to stay connected with this truth every day. To love and honor every part of my own garden.”
 
--Ina

“Lots of healing going on and the freedom to both appreciate the stories of our past and allow transformation. It reminds me of the poet Shelley who said that there is an alchemical process in words from the heart and soul that lifts that which has been or is painful and harsh and transmutes it to another realm – allows dignity –elevates. Shine on!”
 
--Anonymous

“You can’t fool me this is Erma Bombeck speaking to us from the dead.”
 
--Alana

“Wonderful, wonderful writing! Your story is just fabulous and your writing is very engaging, witty and just plain fun to read!”

--Jennifer

 “You have a great sense of humor and I could relate to everything you have experienced. The world has found a wonderful person who expresses their feelings in a way so many can relate to. My hope is that our daughters and sons will read your book so they will find peace at a much younger age. Its like you have put into words what my mind could not explain to myself!”
 
--Pauline

 “You are a very gifted writer. Save a spot for me in the front row of the talk show circuit for me along with all of our wonderful Garden friends. Get your pen ready to sign all those autographs!”
 
--Lynda

“Holy Cow! Loved your story. You have a tremendous talent for bringing emotion to paper – you're a gem.”
 
--Casey
 
“Your story brought tears to my eyes. I'm thinking about all those childhood passions we put aside. Like you, I ran barefoot in the green grass, spun around until I was dizzy, laughed until my stomach hurt, watched the clouds roll by. I felt so free and alive! I lived in the moment. I don't know where that person went. It's heartbreaking. Thank you for helping me remember and inspiring me to find it once more.”
 
--Victoria
 
“All I can say is fabulous! I would also like to be in the front row when you’re famous. I'll be the first in line to buy the book! “Spin, Twirl, Jump! Lots of Love and keep on writing!”

--Katie
 

“I just must reply to you as the tears run down my face. Your garden – wow – very similar to mine. The years of staying in a marriage because for eighteen years the fear of leaving was greater than the fear of staying. The loss of my identity and then the process of ‘re-finding’ it, the penis in the back trick. Learning to flourish in the world and trusting myself. I could go on and on.”
 
--Ellen

“Thank you, Leslie. The book hits home more and more. I received your stardust on my PJ's and I stopped crying. We bow to your humor, humiliation and transformation.”

--Janice

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