Jan's Feb/March "Little Notes" ☺

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— Jan Goldyn —

Early Spring Greeters

Late February shows tiny bits of spring.

Robins’ sweet song

and snowdrops by the stream.

Catch a yellow streak

dart across the woods.

Finches greet the world

that wakes from Winter’s cold.

March brings overturned garden’s deep musty smell.

Hear the water’s laughter

as the creek begins to swell.

Catch your breath for a moment

as the tree frogs begin to chime.

A place deep inside responds

to the Earth’s rebirth in time.

— Feb/March Update —

I trust all my readers are doing well!

Please forgive me for taking so long to do the February Newsletter….

I came down with the flu!

But I hope you will enjoy my little February/March “Notes”☺

Valentine’s Day is, of course, the highlight of February!

One of my favorite things as a young girl was making valentine “mail boxes.”

They collected cards from my school mates. Glitter, ribbons, pieces of fabric, wrapping paper, foil — I loved it all! And still do.

In March we think of St. Patrick’s day!

St. Patrick, we’re told, used the shamrock and it’s three leaves to illustrate the concept of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Did March come in like a lamb or a lion?

I truly can’t remember☺ But however it arrived, it will surely leave in an opposite fashion.

That’s how it is with early spring. We thrill to see the warming Season, but have to keep the faith as she decides to give us a soft snowfall.

Prequel, Julia

My vision for the unveiling of “Julia” had been Spring 2025. I’m now focusing on Summer 2026. My life has just become unexpectedly busy! But I promise to do my best and will update you well in advance!

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I am so excited to be working on my Prequel — Julia. You’ve all given me such super feedback on Coal Town Girls! Those of you who have grown up locally have been sharing your excitement at seeing the landmarks of your youth (or your present!) showcased within its pages.

Now, with Julia, I’m taking a journey further back in time to the people, places, struggles, triumphs and dreams of those who came before Joan and Mary. I can’t wait for you to join me.

-Excerpt from Julia -

“Oh yes. Julia, I’ve a five-piece band in mind and many of my home-made dishes. Dorothea’s makes the most glorious wedding cakes. Do you prefer roses or lily of the valley? Of course, Mother Kaczan, you may prepare the halupki.”

Cecelia peered at Clara sideways over the top of her coffee cup. “And pierogi.”

Clara sighed, “Of course, Mother Kaczan.”

“Sounds like you all have it figured out fine and dandy. What I can’t figure out is why you’re all the sudden so cozy about the thought of me and Francis Donahue together.” Julie walked up to Walter with her arms crossed, a suspicious look in her eye.

“My dear sister, I’ve simply realized that it is futile to fight against something which nature has so obviously intended..

Jan’s Reading Nook

As my February/March “Notes” are short and sweet, here is a select poem from a collection written by a woman from a nearby town of Hooversville (her name does not appear in the text.)

To me, this verse is perfect for February, the month of love. It hauntingly pulls us back to the simple, innocent, magical times of youth.

Riding the Hayload In

— Unkown —

Do you remember riding the hayload in?

Languidly slow at the end of that summer day,

Between the sunset-gilded meadows.

Keeping pace with the lengthening shadows;

How we lay on our fragrant Everest,

Lulled by the drowsy harness-sound,

Soft thuds of hoofs and the muted sound

Of crickets, and peered in a hummingbird’s nest,

Where in one elfin oval curled

The primal mystery of the world —

As awesome and as fragile as

Young love that summer evening was?

Now time goes by like a moon-bound rocket.

The years thrust away in his deep, dark pocket —

Along with leisure and things akin

To young love riding the hayload in.