I know. I know. This Christmas Letter is late and some of you won’t get it until after Christmas Day. Well, all I can say is, I know.
The publishing world has been good to me. The Fresno Bee news paper has printed many of my Letters to the Editor. The national United Cerebral Palsy organization, in Washington D.C., has a Blog that has graciously published some of my articles and stories.
I am also still serving on the local United Cerebral Palsy of Central California Board of Directors. I believe I might be helping to improve things to come for persons with disabilities. Lyn has recently joined the board and she has already made a great addition. She is busy designing flyers and other things for United Cerebral Palsy. She loves this type of work.
My brother, Larry, came to see me on my birthday. We are finally really communicating after several years. It is a good feeling.
I am sorry to report that Mable, due to health reasons, is no longer my care provider. I miss her cooking and the many extra things she did for me, such as fixing switches so I can operate my TV and such.
I was lucky to find Jennifer to take Mable’s place. Jennifer is very nice and takes good care of me.
Most Wednesday evenings you can find me at the Java Wava Café and Coffee House where there is an open mic night. Fresno truly has some great musicians. Peter is the organizer of this event and he plays many musical instruments. Sometimes someone reads a poem of mine as part of the evening. I have made many friends there.
Yes, you are right. Yes, you are right. I did a lot more this year that I could write about but I need to get back to the writing assignment that was due days ago. I sure hope Santa Claus is not late with his delivering as I am with my writing projects.
Merry Christmas and I hope everyone has a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Joe

Joe Hemphill
Email: joehemp@sbcglobal.net

It is at last another Wednesday evening,
And I am going to my favorite coffee shop.

This coffee café serves much more than coffee,
Friends are top on the menu.

Pieter or Sir Pieter, as I call him, is the host of this happening,
He gets to call the shots because it is his sound system and nobody else can touch it.

Madera Bill will be there,
He must have his hat on to sing; his notes are probably kept there.

The Fluteman will probably be there, playing his flute and singing,
He is a good singer just as long as the blender making a drink doesn’t interrupt him.

Gloria will be there to read a poem or two to brighten up the evening, her poems always are enlightening and inspiring.

There is a new man, who recites poems about fast food,
No telling how much fast food he has put down but I am not going to be the one who asks him.

Some, like the farmer, just come to listen.
That is nice.

Of course, Cindy might be there to add smiles.
She might read a poem of mine.

Oh, another thing must be said about Sir Pieter, especially to new comers.
Please, please put money in the tip container!

If you don’t, Sir Pieter will talk and talk.
And, my friends, the poor guy doesn’t make sense.

The longer he talks, the less sense he makes and you will get a headache.
If he thinks he isn’t making himself clear, he starts waving his arms and running around the room.

NOT A PRETTY PICTURE.
Trust me on this one.
Put money in the tip container.

This coffee shop is where my spirit is reborn each Wednesday evening.
Friends are top on the menu.

Joe Hemphill
August 14, 2008