Gloria and Joyce....it was a very bad day for me today. Both of you have given me a peace of mind moment. Thank you for being there and reminding me we're in this together.
My neighbors’ chickens are escape artists that come into my yard to scratch & peck. I enjoy them in part because Joyce has taught me to appreciate their kind. I love the sharp analyses that usually occupy this space, but an occasional chicken is blessed relief from the harsh world of Trump & Co. (Nice doggie, too,)
There’s a song titled “The Secret Garden” but I thought it appropriate to make it Joyce’s! I just love all of the pictures of her animals - both of my grandparents were farmers so I really like the chickens! 😊🥰
I know a lot of women like you! From visiting my grandparents every summer (my Dad was in the Army - 30 yrs) and from meeting so many women during my 26 yrs working for FEMA! 👍👍😊🥰🥵
After trying to reply to you several times, I figured this will get to you - I hope! I would be honored to help you with titles! After all, what’s a retired FEMA person with an English degree to do - besides avidly read Joyce Vance and a few other Substackers?!
I don’t have a Substack so here’s my email: patlynn43@hotmail.com. Yes, it’s an old email - I got it after getting off of AOL if you’re old enough to remember that! Looking forward to helping you with titles! Meanwhile - Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 and a safe but Happy New Year 🍾🎊🎉🎼
Gloria Horton-Young: Your poetry paints a word-picture that makes the moment incarnate, so if we did not have the pictures, we would close our eyes and spiritually walk in "Joyce's Secret Garden".
Tyson is an extensively trained dual use service dog (medical alert) and family protection canine. He is known for traveling with me all over the world but particularly when we go to Paris.
Marcus (Barcus - a normal middlename for the pembroke corgi breed) was our trained therapy dog. We went where no others wanted to go. It was an interesting and brief chapter in our lives. Marcus keeps Barcusing at 15 yrs and 3 mths. He beat the odds.
Im sorry for your loss. Are you up to getting a new Malinois. Because of the hype surrounding Cairo (the Mal that helped get Bin Laden) and John Wick 3 which has a pretty cool trio of Mals, there has been an overabundance of purchases. Unfortunately, people don't realize how difficult and time consuming it can be to work with Mals as they require a tremendous amount of initial training and then consistent daily work. Some of these inconsiderate humans just release them to pounds where the Mals suffer from being cooped up and lack of intelligent stimulation. Worth looking around at different rescues or pounds. I only have room for one and I had my Mal trained over three years before I was paired with him. But, I do donate a lot of money to rescues to inspire others to adopt. Please consider this for your next Mal if you are ready to accept another sweetheart into your life.
I had my Malinois while my boys were growing up. It took all four of us to keep him busy (my husband would take him running, etc.) but it was well worth it. He was the most wonderful dog ever! It's sad to hear about them (or any dog really) being abandoned at at shelter but knowing how much training and daily work they need, I wasn't considering another. Btw mine came from Quebec and had been trained in French. He eventually became "bilingual" because of course!
Nice hearing from another Malinois lover. Do you donate specifically to a Mal rescue group?
I hear you, Laura. I had the same kind of day, and wonderful Joyce, the brioche bread, the chickens, and the German Shepherd are just what I needed to see. Joyce, you are a treasure.
It's interesting how different authors how different styles (duh to me). Joyce is inevitably a pick-me-up and we are warned when it's otherwise. I love it.
Joyce, you don’t know me but I am one of your devoted fans. Additionally, your knitting (much more accomplished than mine—or my mom’s), chickens (reminds me of my own childhood, when we kept chickens), and joy buoy me up in a difficult time. Thank you. Keep on keeping on…AB
I love seeing you with the ladies. My daughter had a whole yard full of chickens and a name for every one of them. It was such a joy to feed them and gather the eggs. Last year she passed away from colon cancer. When I see your pics it reminds me of her. Thank you for keeping us abreast of all the news we are now facing. We’re definitely in this together❤️
I am so sorry, so very sorry for your loss. As a Dad of two Daughters, I know that a Wife and a Daughter fill one’s whole heart. May God bless you and your loved ones.
What can i say. I think Jackie Gleason said when you've got it! you've got it. And all the chickens and four leggeds know you have it too. We are in this together.
I like Andrew, too. Having these communication opportunities with Joyce reminds me that she's a REAL person who treats all of us like REAL people, not just a bunch of people clicking "likes" on a blog.
In a haven where nature's whispers blend,
Joyce rests, her day in serene suspend.
Adorned in Nordic weave, a lopapeysa bright,
Her smile, a soft beacon in the dappled light.
Around her, life's simple tableau takes form,
A majestic rooster, in the sunlight warm.
Its feathers white, its comb a fiery red,
Mid-crow, mid-dance, its royal decree spread.
Beside her, a German Shepherd, noble and grand,
Its black and tan coat, like strokes of an artist's hand.
A vigilant guardian in this tranquil scene,
Watching the rooster, calm and serene.
In her hand, a loaf of brioche, golden and sweet,
For her flock, a sumptuous, indulgent treat.
Her chickens, in eager anticipation, gather near,
In this moment, their world, simple and clear.
Leaves fallen, pebbles scattered, nature's own art,
Each element a piece of the peaceful heart.
A black chicken, with a comb as red as flame,
Adds to the canvas, nature's untamed claim.
In this corner of the world, time seems to pause,
A tableau of harmony, without a single cause.
Here, in Joyce's garden, where quiet moments thrive,
A snapshot of joy, where all is alive.
I have now read it twice. It was even better!
❤️
We love you E Jean!
Gloria and Joyce....it was a very bad day for me today. Both of you have given me a peace of mind moment. Thank you for being there and reminding me we're in this together.
Chickens and doggie helped too!
It has been a horrid day. I’m glad Joyce came to our rescue.
And your poetry beautiful.
🙏
Thank you. 🙏
You should title it “Joyce’s Secret Garden” - absolutely beautiful. Thanks for adding to Joyce, her chickens and her dog! 🙏❤️
What a lovely title. I will! Thank you.
My neighbors’ chickens are escape artists that come into my yard to scratch & peck. I enjoy them in part because Joyce has taught me to appreciate their kind. I love the sharp analyses that usually occupy this space, but an occasional chicken is blessed relief from the harsh world of Trump & Co. (Nice doggie, too,)
Amen!!!
There’s a song titled “The Secret Garden” but I thought it appropriate to make it Joyce’s! I just love all of the pictures of her animals - both of my grandparents were farmers so I really like the chickens! 😊🥰
Grew up on a farm. I’m a hard living, hard working cowgirl at heart. ❤️💚🩵
I know a lot of women like you! From visiting my grandparents every summer (my Dad was in the Army - 30 yrs) and from meeting so many women during my 26 yrs working for FEMA! 👍👍😊🥰🥵
My tribe!
I was able to edit the note to include your title but not my post. Can I call on you for title assistance in the future. Titles are hard for me!!
After trying to reply to you several times, I figured this will get to you - I hope! I would be honored to help you with titles! After all, what’s a retired FEMA person with an English degree to do - besides avidly read Joyce Vance and a few other Substackers?!
I’ll definitely use your skills! Thanks 🙏
I don’t have a Substack so here’s my email: patlynn43@hotmail.com. Yes, it’s an old email - I got it after getting off of AOL if you’re old enough to remember that! Looking forward to helping you with titles! Meanwhile - Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 and a safe but Happy New Year 🍾🎊🎉🎼
Gloria,
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Gloria,
Thank YOU for your creativity! It was so nice!
Thank you so much!
Glo-girl, You are magic!!!
🩷🩷🩷‼️
Gloria Horton-Young: Your poetry paints a word-picture that makes the moment incarnate, so if we did not have the pictures, we would close our eyes and spiritually walk in "Joyce's Secret Garden".
Tears of happiness. Thank you!
Delightful and clever!
Thank you. 🙏
Wow! Beautiful.
Thank you.
Gloria, this is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you.
Magnificent 💖
Wow, I love this. You are talented!
Thank you for the compliment.
What a beautiful poem.
Thanks!
You’re brilliant!
Love your chickens and the patience of your dog! Really needed this today ❤️ Many thanks!🙏😊
I agree, Patricia! I needed it too -- and Joyce, your sweater is gorgeous and you look good in it. I am grateful that we are indeed in this together.
I didn’t see your comment when I wrote mine!
Thank you Joyce! Beautiful sweater!
and kilt! Beautiful.
Liked the kilt and sweater, too! Joyce definitely has good taste.
Chickens are ok but lets have more on the German Sheperd. My writing partner Tyson, a Belgian Malinois says hi.
Wow, that's cool. I met one when we were doing therapy-dog work. They're beautiful dogs.
Tyson is an extensively trained dual use service dog (medical alert) and family protection canine. He is known for traveling with me all over the world but particularly when we go to Paris.
Marcus (Barcus - a normal middlename for the pembroke corgi breed) was our trained therapy dog. We went where no others wanted to go. It was an interesting and brief chapter in our lives. Marcus keeps Barcusing at 15 yrs and 3 mths. He beat the odds.
Very, very cool. He lived a long life for a corgi.
I agree. Love the Chickens but more GSD the obvious boss 😊
& don’t forget her crazy & gorgeous kitten, Tofu. 🐾
Agree! Joyce's German Shepherd makes me think of my dear departed Malinois. (Also more hand knitted sweaters would be nice!)
Im sorry for your loss. Are you up to getting a new Malinois. Because of the hype surrounding Cairo (the Mal that helped get Bin Laden) and John Wick 3 which has a pretty cool trio of Mals, there has been an overabundance of purchases. Unfortunately, people don't realize how difficult and time consuming it can be to work with Mals as they require a tremendous amount of initial training and then consistent daily work. Some of these inconsiderate humans just release them to pounds where the Mals suffer from being cooped up and lack of intelligent stimulation. Worth looking around at different rescues or pounds. I only have room for one and I had my Mal trained over three years before I was paired with him. But, I do donate a lot of money to rescues to inspire others to adopt. Please consider this for your next Mal if you are ready to accept another sweetheart into your life.
I had my Malinois while my boys were growing up. It took all four of us to keep him busy (my husband would take him running, etc.) but it was well worth it. He was the most wonderful dog ever! It's sad to hear about them (or any dog really) being abandoned at at shelter but knowing how much training and daily work they need, I wasn't considering another. Btw mine came from Quebec and had been trained in French. He eventually became "bilingual" because of course!
Nice hearing from another Malinois lover. Do you donate specifically to a Mal rescue group?
Peaceful, calm kindness... much needed and much appreciated! Thank you…
Oh, thank you Joyce Vance. I had the most horrible day today, and this made everything OK.
I hear you, Laura. I had the same kind of day, and wonderful Joyce, the brioche bread, the chickens, and the German Shepherd are just what I needed to see. Joyce, you are a treasure.
Although let them eat brioche comes to mind. I’m guessing it’s stale. I hope.
It's interesting how different authors how different styles (duh to me). Joyce is inevitably a pick-me-up and we are warned when it's otherwise. I love it.
Must have been an epidemic of bad days -- me, too! Hang in there, my friends💖
Thank you, Sheila. Hoping you have better days ahead. ❤️
Lovely sweater...I assume you made it--and it fits. For me that would be a miracle. Thanks for all you do.
Joyce, you don’t know me but I am one of your devoted fans. Additionally, your knitting (much more accomplished than mine—or my mom’s), chickens (reminds me of my own childhood, when we kept chickens), and joy buoy me up in a difficult time. Thank you. Keep on keeping on…AB
My mom loved her chickens and I loved to hear their quiet clucking around the farm yard. I love these photos; so peaceful.
Love your sweater. from a fellow knitter. 😊🧶
Love these pictures! Thanks for the break.
Gorgeous sweater!
What an amazingly good doggie. Love these chicken photos - a nice escape from the state of the world💕
I love seeing you with the ladies. My daughter had a whole yard full of chickens and a name for every one of them. It was such a joy to feed them and gather the eggs. Last year she passed away from colon cancer. When I see your pics it reminds me of her. Thank you for keeping us abreast of all the news we are now facing. We’re definitely in this together❤️
I am so sorry, so very sorry for your loss. As a Dad of two Daughters, I know that a Wife and a Daughter fill one’s whole heart. May God bless you and your loved ones.
Thank you so much💜
Joyce,
What can i say. I think Jackie Gleason said when you've got it! you've got it. And all the chickens and four leggeds know you have it too. We are in this together.
This gave me great joy! Follow you and Andrew Weisman faithfully to keep up, but just need these moments of happiness.
I like Andrew, too. Having these communication opportunities with Joyce reminds me that she's a REAL person who treats all of us like REAL people, not just a bunch of people clicking "likes" on a blog.
This is so lovely! Thank you! 🐔 ❤️