Mazie Hoffman Leftwich loves stories, particularly stories about people!  From her earliest childhood as she first learned to read she was fascinated with the characters and their different personalities, the artwork and colors of the illustrations, the stories of peoples’ lives and adventures.  She and her childhood friends even ‘acted out’ stories they had read and put on ‘shows’ from their garages or patios for other children in the neighborhood.

Not only a member of the Journalism Club throughout her high school years, she also worked for one of the local newspapers throughout high school, learning more about story telling and the art of presenting a written story that would satisfy the readers.  Additionally, she was extremely active in speech contests and theatre, again finding great joy in learning new ways to enjoy storytelling.

Those foundational years of her youth gave her many experiences and lessons learned that have served her well and prepared her for a career where she has had much variety and satisfaction.

For 30 years Mazie provided counseling and psychotherapy services to a wide range of individuals and family, along with executive coaching.  During this time, she also hosted a local radio program, You and Your Health, and then a Community TV Program of the same name.   Additionally, she wrote a weekly column for the Houston Area Community Newspapers, Ask the Therapist, where she answered questions about family life, parenting and raising children, marital relationships, and handling grief and divorce.

Along the way, she assisted her husband in the company he founded with a focus on employee benefits, work environment, marketing and business development.  She became active in his professional organization and began speaking at local chapter, regional and international conferences as well as teaching classes for the organization on conflict management, communication and negotiation skills.  She wrote a regular column, ROW Therapy, for the association’s international magazine for years and it was a well-read and appreciated addition for the magazine where she discussed creating positive work cultures, managing others successfully, dealing with conflict in the workplace, and other specific topics for that industry.

Mazie began writing stories about her grandchildren 10 years ago after she and her husband bought acreage in the country, built a home there, and began enjoying real country life.  Sharing 4 children and now 6 grandchildren, she and her husband have enjoyed watching the grandchildren experience life in the country as they visit the family farm along with the many antics children naturally display in their growing and learning process. 

The Adventures of the CedarWood Kids are books based on these real adventures on the farm.  Nothing is as fun and wholesome as watching children be children as they grow and learn about life, especially as ‘city’ children spend time in nature and experience surprise after surprise as they discover the many differences of country living.

Interestingly, Mazie had a learning problem that went undiagnosed for many years, causing her difficulty in reading, phonics and spelling. She also had a lisp as a young child and went to speech therapy for several years, which made a huge difference for her.

But these difficulties sure didn’t make her not want to read and it sure didn’t keep her from loving books.

It was her ever encouraging mother, some good teachers and an exceptional county librarian that made the difference for her.  With their encouragement and patience, she learned to cope and to make accommodations that helped her to become an honor student by the time she was in high school.

Dr. Mazie Leftwich has a BS-Psychology, an MSW (Master of Social Work) and a Psy.D. (Psychology) despite not understanding her learning disabilities until she was finishing her Bachelor’s program.  She states, “These learning problems created huge doubts for me that I never shared with anyone, but also made me more determined and stronger.”

GRACIE BECOMES A ROCK STAR was the first children story Mazie wrote and is her first book to be published.  “It will always have a special place in my heart because the two children are so adorable and just being their unique selves as young children,” states Dr. Leftwich.

The second book in the in the CedarWood Kids Book series is LOGAN’S CAMPFIRE VICTORY POOP. Dr. Leftwich states, “I really love this story; it’s such a hoot! I think all children are sure to enjoy it – potty stories always brings smiles; and parents will appreciate the mom’s innovative problem solving. Potty training is not always easy but sometimes it even can become hilarious!”