Thank you for reading my posts for the past year. It’s Christmas Day, my 52nd Wednesday post for 2019. That was my goal, and I did it, so I’m feeling good. Not that it was easy. I made quite a few mistakes. Maybe you noticed. I’ve never done anything like this before, publishing a piece of writing once a week and waiting to see the response. At times it’s been quite humbling. So, thank you for sticking with me.
Now I can’t help but compare where I was in 2018 with where I am now at the end of 2019. Tis the season for self-evaluation, muscular hindsight, and promises, promises. 2018 was my first full year in Portland, Oregon, living in a tiny apartment by myself with my dog, the first apartment I’ve ever had entirely by myself, no roommates, no boyfriends, no husband. The expansive alone time was an opportunity to get reacquainted with myself, rethink my history, unpack the dirty laundry buried in my head, and write a memoir about it. After a year of navel gazing, I was dizzy with regrets. Memoir writing was emotional quicksand. To preserve my sanity, I needed a new head space that was untethered from my past, an exploration of my emerging new self. That’s when I started Billie Best Blog, in January 2019, 52 weeks ago.
My dog, Moon, really likes my blog. It has kept me on a fixed schedule, which he appreciates. He’s ten and the regularity comforts him. I’m sure it’s good for me, too. With the commitment to post weekly, I’ve learned how to make a practice of writing every day. That was a giant leap for my skills. Moon has learned that when my laptop opens, it’s time for him to take a nap. His companionship forces me to think about something other than myself and walking him three times a day saves me from death by sitting. He is my exercise machine. The relationship feels like a blessing.
I look forward to continuing on this path in 2020. All my posts are on my website (the address is my name). Also, every post is on my Facebook page, which is public. One of the coolest things about the past year has been connecting with so many women through Facebook groups and getting their (your) feedback on my work. My writing has been influenced by these interactions as my sense of community with women all over the world has blossomed. My memoir became a better book through the experience of listening to my gender, learning what it means to love life beyond 60, how to enjoy myself as I age, and the trick to remaining relevant. The journey continues in 2020. I hope you’ll stay tuned.
Sending love and light to all. Happy Holidays.
Great work done, Billie. Admire yr discipline and POV about most everything/anything. Ever relevant. Wish you were closer so I could hear your great big laugh. ML, r
Thanks, Rick. xoxo
Vive la difference’ girl. I’m straight up always inspired by your insights, creative blog composition and the freaking discipline of your whole approach. Loud bravo! Hope to catch you in the new year. Natalie living outside of Bend now so I’ll be out that way soon enough!
Hey, MP! So cool to hear from you. Would love to see you if you are out this way. Bend is on my list of places to see this year.
I love you, your writing and your outlook on life. You write with humor, intelligence, wit and wisdom. Please do not stop. I look forward to reading about your journey in life, makes me ponder my own.
All the best in the New Year!!
Thanks for your kind words, Alexandra. I appreciate hearing from you.
what Christmas means to me at 73. Getting up Christmas morning & not having glazed over pink eyes from wine the night before. A normal B.M. After 1/2 a cup of folgers coffee. That is for me “the joy of the season!”
I share your sentiments. Life’s simple pleasures make my day.
Dear Billie
We have soo enjoyed your blogs all year. I love their unpredictability and quirky nature, you are so creative and insightful!!
We hope you have a healthy, joyous and productive year.
We love you and wish the best for you!!
Thanks, Howard. It makes me happy to think of you reading my stuff. So glad to hear from you.
We are all equally as fortune as Moon to have Wednesday’s to look forward to — reading your blog has brought comfort and insight to us (me!), as well. I look forward to reading everything you write in the future. I’m so happy that you have found a sense of community with your female readers — but, as a red—blooded very male male, don’t rule out ˋhalf´ of your audience. Even though being male is no longer a prize (about time), we still read (some of us) and in between football and other ball—things, we do appreciate the mind of Billie Best. We’re behind you! And, I feel obligated in today’s world to explain: that only has one meaning — we’re fans!
I love having you and your girlfriend as fans. It means the world to me.
thank you Billie for all the wonderful blogs you send out every Wednesday.
i look forward to reading them and often email them to family and friends.
your words are inspirational, funny and sometimes sad (but in a good way)
please continue writing.
regards from Alford…
Thank you, Sandra. I so appreciate knowing that you are out there reading me and sharing my stuff. It’s the best kind of motivation.