Happy holidays.
Often, a simple and direct approach is best. Days around here have been more springlike in recent weeks (well, early spring rather than late). This after roughly a stretch of 10 days in which fog blanketed the Treasure Valley, partially thanks to an inversion.
Wait. We are not here for weather reports. My mistake.
On this eve of Christmas, in which this holiday letter is born, reflection of the year 2024 snuggles close, fire crackling in a nearby wood stove. A gray day, with a faint promise of snow flurries tantalizing us in the coming hours.
"Where have you been in 2024?" one might ask, leaning in with more than casual interaction.
"Why, I have been here and there, but not everywhere. I hopped flights to Arizona to take in baseball, burgers, and brew. A weekend of fun I will not soon forget, thanks to the valued generosity of two best friends."
"But is that all?" the curious mind inquired.
"Oh, no. A mountain escape occurred in July. A getaway of laughs and relaxation, rafting the Payette River, and of course, Scotch. Time spent with friends who are family, going on 25 years now. A weekend in nature to soothe the soul."
Soothing, too, is a daily writing routine, elevated in 2024 while not getting down on myself if days produce limited results.
Focus narrowed in 2024, though still spread in multiple styles and genres. An ounce of dedication brought me closer to finishing a new novel (Through the End of Time). Plus, about three-quarters of the way through a draft on a new youth novel.
*In the spirit of capitalism, I bring forth a gentle reminder (in the style of self-promotion), three fantasy books (The Dragon Princess, The Blue Gem, and The Dragon Slayer) and a Christmas novella (Of Snow Forts and Santa) are available to purchase. Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Writing about sports these days happens on my blog, The Journey of Now. Boise State (football, men's basketball, women's basketball), the Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox are the primary topics covered. Though I do hop into pop culture (and nostalgia) now and then, with articles on the summer box of 2004 and a trip down memory lane.
Earlier this year, I was grateful enough to receive a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts for a new play. The money allowed me to put full focus on this play, where I wrote five drafts, with a staged reading on the horizon in 2025.
The year 2024 was another enjoyable year in theater, where I am grateful for time spent with dear friends and collaborators at Alley Repertory Theater. In the spring, we produced Boulevard of Bold Dreams by LaDarrion Williams (who is also an up-and-coming author in the fantasy genre).
This play tells the story of Hattie McDaniel, and a fictionalized version of the real life events the night McDaniel became the first Black person to with an Academy Award.
Currently on stage is Merrily We Roll Along by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth. This musical won four Tony Awards last spring
"Writing and theater appear to take up a lot of your time, Jason," you might say.
"Ah, yes. But I do have other hobbies and running to attend to."
One of the hobbies I reacquainted myself with this year: the trumpet. A hobby locked away for the last 30 years. In the true spirit of the season, I am close to mastering Silent Night, Good King Wenceslas, and Jingle Bells. Once I got into a regular rhythm of practicing, notes, stylings, and more returned from the depths of my mind. With any luck, by this time next year, the ability to hit those high notes will return and I can play Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Running has turned into a full-fledged hobby, with good health ramifications. I set out to do five races in 2024 and finished with exactly that. Pulled by the sleigh – my two legs – and carried around the greater Boise area, I ran three to four days a week. Rain, snow, sleet, and shine accompanied me along the Boise Greenbelt and beyond.
A five-mile affair happened in March, with the Saint Patrick's Day run, followed by a half-marathon in May, of the Idaho Potato variety. September witnessed my first-ever Fit One Boise (a 10k). And race number five was a six-mile jaunt of Yuletide bliss in the YMCA Christmas Run, of which I knocked off over four minutes from last year's run.
Two months prior to the Christmas run, I participated in the fourth run of the year. I ran and finished a full marathon, enjoying a Saturday run of 26.2 miles.
Wrapping up this not-so-tidy holiday letter, let us enjoy a virtual candy cane and steaming mug of hot chocolate (spiked or not). Is there snow swirling in the post-dusk air where you are? Maybe so. If not, make it so by using your imagination, if you desire.
Me? Grateful to have a little snow falling this evening. Grateful to have a year filled with love and support from friends and family. Grateful for days spent each month with my mother and brother. In a year where we did not get to see my sister, brother-in-law, and family, grateful for technology for random calls, messages, and the rest. Missing them dearly this Christmas and keeping them close to my head and heart.
Take care of yourselves this holiday season. Whether it be in celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, all the above, or none of them. Find your own special ways to spend these December days. Wishing you the best, and here is to a healthy, joyous 2025.
Be bold. Be kind.
Watch Santa Claus - The earliest movie about Santa in existence
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