I Choose Happy is pure, simple poetry coupled with images that capture the content of the words used. It is intended to convey both a feeling of happiness and the belief that being happy is always a possibility.

As this description is being written, it is the first month of 2021. History will likely show this time in human history as filled with a wide variety of incredibly difficult challenges. I Choose Happy was written hoping to remind people that regardless of what negative things may happen in life, feeling happy remains possible. It is pure, simple poetry coupled with images that capture the content of the words used.

Joan Cuyjet Tilmon was born and was raised in West Chesterfield, a small neighborhood within the Chatham area, on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. It was, as it is now, one of Chicago's many well-maintained African-American communities. Looking back, she describes her childhood and formative years as being normal with some privilege in a stable and loving household. Her parents were able to expose Joan and her brothers to opportunities through a great many experiences and ideas outside of the formal school environment. She believes the cultural benefits afforded her by her parents has been invaluable throughout her entire life. Joan always enjoyed school and learning never seemed difficult for her from nursery school through high school and college. She attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. After college, Joan worked briefly for the Chicago Board of Education and then enjoyed a multi-faceted career with a major commercial airline. Upon resigning her position at the airline in 1989, she was able to develop her interest in graphics and their use in various areas of media production. Together with her husband Jim, they formed Carpe Diem! Productions in 1993. The company prided itself on producing broadcast quality video and audio for clients ranging from those needing simple PowerPoint presentations to full television and radio media campaigns. Carpe Diem! fell victim to the economic influences following 9/11/2001 and closed its doors by the end of 2003. During those ten years Joan was able to become proficient in many areas of creative arts and continues to use those skills today. In her first book, Open a Window, Walk Through a Door, she primarily uses poetry as the format for presenting her thoughts, opinions and philosophies. I Choose Happy is pure poetry coupled with images that capture the content of the words used. Joan, recently widowed at the time of the publishing of this book, currently resides in Arizona. It is her plan to continue writing and developing various other artistic endeavors. For additional information please contact Joan using the email IChooseHappyl988@gmail.com.