A Light in the Writer's Block Darkness

It's funny sometimes how life works out.

Every year for many years now, fellow original WriteOn Joliet member Duanne Walton has presented me with a thoughtful gift of some kind during the holidays.

For the last few years, that gift's been a candle.

The first candle was a "werewolf candle." I now burn this one sparingly because it's out-of-stock.

The second candle was called "The Playwright," which I burned during the oom rehearsals for WriteOn Joliet's oom radio play. That's the candle with the dusty lid, which I set aside to burn again for the 2026 radio play rehearsals.

This year's candle is called "Wordsmith." So now I have rehearsal choices.

And it's funny how life works out.

Because I wrote this post to post today.

And tonight launches WriteOn Joliet's 2026 radio play with our first table reading.

And due to brutally cold temperatures that are predicted for tonight, it's likely that table reading will move to Zoom, where I can burn this candle while we read.

You should also know that I presented Duanne with a special gift this year, too.

My niece and goddaughter Rachel, who directed WriteOn Joliet's two radio play, owns White Stag Wares with her husband Michael.

And Michael created this one-of-a-kind leather journal cover for Duanne, who journals regularly and has a robust collection of journals.

We selected the colors, texture, and size based on Duanne's preferences.

So Duanne, like me, will be able to enjoy his gift long, long past Christmas - and enjoy the  happy glow of a longstanding writely friendship.