Well, Here We Are

After spending the last few weeks dusting off old writing, reorganizing my website, and thinking about where I want my words to live, I decided to start a newsletter. Because ADHD and why not?

But not because the internet needs another newsletter. Lord knows we're all drowning in emails already.

And not because 2025 me jumped in to Substack headfirst without really getting to know this space and then ADHD and life, happened.

But because I like to have a place for slower conversations. A quick note sent out to the void to let you know I’m still here. Still writing. Still reading. Still dreaming.

So here’s this space. A place to talk about books, writing, family, faith, motherhood, and all the little things that don’t quite fit into an Instagram caption.

A place to write letters. So, welcome to Between Here & Home.

In a couple of weeks, my family and I will board a plane and head to Tacloban City in the Philippines. It’s the city where I was born and a place I’ve spent much of my life carrying with me. This trip feels different. Maybe it’s because I’m older. Maybe it’s because I’m bringing my children. Maybe it’s because I’m beginning to understand that home is sometimes a place, sometimes a memory, and sometimes the people we carry with us. I have a feeling I’ll be writing a lot about that in the months ahead.

For now, I simply wanted to say hello.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for making room for one more voice in your inbox.

Until next time,

Leila

Currently Reading

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Currently Writing

Love, Lumpia & Words

From the Archives

“My immigration story goes like this: I once belonged somewhere. Now I don’t belong anywhere.” — from Love, Lumpia & words