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It’s spring in Vermont, and it’s been a full year since we heard from my friend Leland. When we left him last year, he was just about to graduate from Calais elementary school and move up to the big union middle school.Leland is my neighbor. And this will be my third year talking with him on tape…about what he’s doing, and what he’s thinking about. He talks about revolutionary war reenactments and friend groups and grief… he takes me around and shows me all the places I forgot about in the thirty years since I was thirteen.
This year we decided to meet down in the valley between our two houses. We crouched in a stand of dead reeds by Pekin Brook, which runs through our town…and Leland gave me some highlights from his year.
The music for this show is by Vermont musicians Brian Clark, Mike Donofrio and Peter Cressy, and was recorded in my living room. I feel so lucky to have such talented and awesome friends.
To hear the other Leland shows, look below for links…!
We always enjoy hearing from and about Leland
You do such good work, Erica.!
A quick thank you for your terrific work. Since I discovered you via your bear, ice cream post on FPF, I’ve so enjoyed the episodes I’ve heard. The one today about Leland hits home since I have a nephew in Calais Elementary, grade 5 and I walk Pekin brook road and it is so terrific to hear Leland talk about what he’s going through. Helps me have a little more insight into my nephew’s head too… Thanks loads, cw
I love this kid. I’ve listened three times now, once with large speakers, and it’s just as good on my computer ; it seems more intimate. I nearly cried along with him when he spoke of his social studies teacher. This is a stunning show.
I would love to say that I used to be a neighbor of Leland’s and the family! They have such a wonderful family! I became very close with lelands mother sage over the years and look at her like a mother figure! I remember when the family first moved to town and Leland was just a little toddler! I am so ecstatic about how such the young man Leland has become along with his older brother Simon! They are both wonderful children and miss them and the family even though me and sage catch up occasionally!!
I loved this episode. Leland is a remarkable young man, able to articulate very complicated thoughts and emotions. I also thought the music worked perfectly and was beautiful! Thanks Erica, Leland and the musicians.
Ah, quite the nourishing activity to listen to Erica and Leland this Friday morning. I love getting to know Leland, my neighbor down the road. Quite the heart opening story. Well done!
I love this podcast and this episode is one of my favorites. Leland sounds like a fine young man and well-spoken, too.
This is such a great series. We know and love Leland, and you really capture him well. But perhaps more importantly you give us a glimpse into a world that we don’t hear often, or perhaps have just forgotten – what it’s like to be growing up today and what the world looks like from this age. Thanks for all of the great podcasts, including this series.
When Leland talks about bodysurfing, he was so into it that once he swallowed a gut full of water, came out of the water and threw it up on the beach and immediately ran back in.
his papa
Is this the Leland who is related to Simon and who’s parents’ initials are S & P? Loved the talk!
Indeed it is!