I hope you’re having a beautiful day. ♡
We’re celebrating another ¤ JohnnyO Gratitude Day! ¤

“‘The first time I wrote in the manner we’re writing was at Hard Times writing group at Denver Public Library…it was sponsored by Lighthouse,” says John Olander, a regular member of the Magpie Writers’ Forum. “It was designed by the Library to help homeless people. It went on until COVID hit.’

“John’s interest in writing extends to SAME Café on Thursday mornings and to Pablo’s Writing Group on Wednesdays. Writing has played a big part in his life since becoming sober.

“‘There isn’t any question that a big part of my sobriety was having this new community and writing with people. And not only just writing, ’cause I didn’t have any particular objective with writing itself, but just having a new group of friends and that diversity and exuberance, because some of the people are really, really talented. So just to sit there and be inspired is all the entertainment I need.’

“John is known as the man about town: connecting dots all over the city by spearheading healthy food initiatives for kids, enrolling in competitive leadership conferences, and attending countless events ranging from creative groups to community organizations.

“‘Magpie is a form of self-growth; it’s a form of community; and it’s a form of entertainment. And the community we have at SAME, at Pablo’s and Tattered Cover is the fact that we have somebody new almost every time, and, in many cases, those people are very talented. So just to have the privilege to be present at these venues and create that community is like a gift from heaven.’

“John’s been attending the Magpie Writers’ Forum regularly since its beginning in November 2023. “The biggest reason I don’t want to miss is that there’ll always be something new, and effective, and great.'”

The Magpie Newsletter
March 3rd, 2025

“SPOTLIGHT: John Olander”

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Shared with permission. (Thank you!) For more information about The Magpie, here's their Instagram page: The Magpie Creative.