This was Christmas Day 2024 with Joseph Bille and Joan Johnson at St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood.

Joseph is a writing student of Joan’s and mine. When he sent this picture, he wrote, “This photo means a lot to me because you and Joan have been foundational in my return to creative writing. Your support and encouragement have been a blessing in my life, and I am forever grateful.” It turns out that Joseph is a natural poet, especially with sonnets, and just needed a little encouragement to rediscover his natural gifts. He is a joy to work with in our St. Thomas writing group.

As for Joan, she is a retired college writing professor and an award-winning playwright and flash fiction writer. She is also an inspiring mentor for many people, including Joseph and me. She told me, “I think you should put together a book of your daily blog posts at the end of 2025. Your life is so varied, you have lots to share.” I told her I would consider it.

I strongly believe in listening to guidance from well-intended people. Now, I wonder what Joan’s suggestion might look like and what I might focus on. Please feel free to weigh in with any thoughts on that, dear readers. Are there areas in my life that you especially like to hear about? One of my writing friends suggested working from the title “If I Were a Writing Teacher, I Would Tell You….” and then using my daily life to illustrate a point related to writing and a satisfying life experience. I am pondering that excellent suggestion, but I remain open to other suggestions. I really mean it. If you have any thoughts on topics or an approach for my blog that you think would work, I’d love to hear them. I could use the help.

On that note, I’m headed to bed now to watch a movie with Ray. Time for some R&R.