My name is John Olander, DCCA. I live in Denver, Colorado. I am the Rocky Mountain Director and Talent Scout for under1000skies.org. The letters after my name are self-made, just like I am: I am a Dot-Connecting Change Agent.

John Olander at “The Slate” Hotel, Denver, CO. July 2022

The 28th is a special day of the month for JohnnyO.

On February 28, 2022, John celebrated his 14th month of sobriety. That day, we also featured two of John’s recent poems. Every month on the 28th going forward, John hopes to share new material to celebrate each anniversary of his new journey.

28 October 2022

Gems 8.180

Gratitude Day, 28 October 2022

28 September 2022

Gratitude Day ☼ 28 September 2022

28 August 2022

This month, John shared three new poems, the vid above, photos of beautiful friends, and two gorgeous murals at SAME Cafe and Tattered Cover Books, Denver, Colorado.

Thanks so much, Johnny O.!

♥.

This beautiful mural was created by Mary x hangs in SAME Cafe in Denver, Colorado. The mural was as an homage to John and features the words from his poem “Defying Odds.”

Megan Robins, Mary Rosenburg (mural artist ↑) , John Olander, August 2022

Defying Odds

Spirit is always Present.
Invisible. Inaudible.
The maze becomes precise.
Spirit, desire, fruition merged.
Unexplained.
Inextricable.
One in 10,000.
Acorn becomes Oak.
Naturally,
Peerless.
-John Olander

Megan Robins, John Olander, Tommy Nahulu (mural artist ↓), August 2022

The SAME Cafe Mural (background, wall) with its new permanent home at Tattered Cover on Colfax in Denver. Pictured: Left – Kwame Spearman; Middle – John Olander; Right – Tommy Nahulu, artist, who completed the Mural for the late Bob Luna, a beloved friend of the community.

Songs that Speak to John’s Heart

Recent Poems by John

Contented Presence
Where am I now?
Still listening, still seeking, but now,
Content, in the knowledge that I am blessed.
Content, in the experience of being ensconced in Grace,
Content, to feel omniscient connection,
Content, to have the privilege just to listen,
The opposite of absence is presence.
My individual presence is truly a divine presence to me,
Yes, the lion’s share of Maslow’s hierarchy is below me,
But in listening, seeking, breathing, releasing,
I did not have to climb that Mountain at all,
Only notice and release and SHE lifted me.
Thank you, Spirit.
-John Olander

The P List

Pride

The P list.
What am I proud of?
Another precious day.

Peerless, promising, not perfect.

One of the things that I am most proud of is that
I continue each day to evolve.

A unique work in progress at the Cellular level…
Patiently.

Somebody once said, and many have repeated,
“Let patience have it’s perfect work and you will
Be made whole and complete, Lacking Nothing.

Now, that’s a perfect thought.

But is requires profound control that I frequently
Do not possess or demonstrate.

Each day and moment I strive to release the past
and claim the present, your thoughts permeate
Your presence. That’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Your ability to be the unique presence that God made
Without pessimism, just peace.

We all need pride. Pride that God made us each unique,
Patiently claiming the present that is today.

To be present at our best so that we may benefit others.

I am proud that I am no longer pissed off at myself or the world.

I receive the precious payoff for my paramount presence, incrementally,
pricelessly, each plain, precious day is pay day Baby,
Imagine that!!
-John Olander

Pride: The P List – AUDIO

Gratitude Day – 28 July 2022

Johnny O. Christmas At L2 which became the Heights, which spawned Redemption Church of Denver. c.2015 or 2016.

CONTAGIOUS LIKES

What do I like?

Loving.

Incredible.

Kinetic.

Energy.

I like the fact that even my major problems are minor,

Inconsequential bumps in the road.

I like the fact that people call on me to help them and that

I am pleased to be able to do so.

I like the fact that I can still lose myself in a blissful unawareness

Of time, even if it is an occasional privilege indeed. Yes, folks…

I like the fact that when even such bliss sends my best-laid plans

awry, I can still adjust on the fly.

I like the fact that despite my boundless curiosity, and multiple

fascinations, there will never be a shortage of things to learn.

I like the fact that I don’t expect from others or desire in myself

Perfection, I’d never get anything done.

I like the fact that almost each and every day, I get to participate in

some other unanticipated delight.

I like the fact that even so early in my journey to wellness, I am

Beginning to again appreciate all of the subtle nuances in nature.

I like the fact that I am clueless as to just what other unexpected like

will enlighten my world today.

A likable state indeed, to be enjoyed by all.

What is a contagious like Like?

Let me repeat that

Loving.

Incredible.

Kinetic and kindred.

Energy.

Can I get a like?
-John Olander

Soul Connections

Kids and Cooking

Park Hill

Videos

Poetry

The Garden

John and I meet weekly to discuss his upcoming memoir. As the project comes together, I’ll share parts of his story here. John’s story is one of the most inspiring, interesting, and triumphant stories I have ever heard.

Thank you so much for your creative gifts and for your friendship over the years, John.

♥. Niki Flow, Founder

under1000skieskies.org and Volunteer Biographers

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