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“As full of spirit as the month of May, and as gorgeous as the sun in Midsummer.” – William Shakespeare

May Splendor

— Jan Goldyn —

If April is the beginning

of breath’s fragile start

after the pause of inhale,

then May is its fervent heart.

Rushing to form a stream

verdant, breathtaking, new.

Beseeching our astonishment

of the splendor it brings into view.

‘Round We Go

Although I’ve never attended one, I’ve always loved images of May Pole celebrations — flowers, ribbons, children in beautiful dresses and hats!

These celebrations usually occurred between the March equinox and June solstice. Their history is so interesting.

The Celts often erected tall poles decorated with colorful flowers to celebrate the arrival of spring. They believed in the sacredness of trees, and these poles symbolized the World’s center, connecting the heavens and earth.

In ancient Rome, the festival of Floralia was celebrated. During this time, they danced around a May tree adorned with foliage and ribbons, demonstrating their love for nature and fertility.

Ribbons and flowers attached to the May pole symbolize the blossoming of life and the intertwining of human connections.

The renewal of the earth in spring comes in so many stages and each has its own allure!

Like the first time in late February that we hear a red wing blackbird; the gurgling of a little stream once the ice has melted; the unique damp smell of fresh warm earth in March; a sneak peak of a dandelion; spring peepers calling on an April evening; a reddish cast to the hillside which is followed by a bright green explosion of welcome!

Of course the queen of all this magic is May — a burst of yellow, pink and purple, a chorus of life in the woods, streams and sky!

They say there is a time for every season, for each of life’s stages. I think of this now with the recent passing of my sweet father. He lived a life of loving the earth, enjoying music, dance and celebration.

One day I may hold a ribbon and circle around a flowered May pole. When I do, I will imagine him joining me, telling me we are still together with every season that circles the sun

*****************

Update on Prequel, Julia

My vision for the unveiling of “Julia” had been on a Spring 2025 horizon. I’m now focusing on Summer 2025. But I promise I will update you regularly well in advance!

May Sneak Peek

-Excerpt from Julia Prequel to Coal Town Girls--

Sarah and Julia finished watching the ball game and the mystery man on the motorcycle was still sitting in the parking lot. Julia walked in his direction.

“Julie, what are ya doing? Stay away from that one," Sarah insisted.

Before Julia could answer, she was face to face with the man. “Have you got a name,” she asked.

“It’s William, but you can call me anything you like, Darlin’,” he answered.

“William will do. Oh, and, William, I ain’t really joinin’ the circus," she smiled." But I will be at that speakeasy in the alley off Main next Saturday if you care to join.”

“What’s your name, Doll?” he asked.

“Julie,” she answered. “Kaczan.”

William gave Julia a wide grin, revved up his bike and left the ball field.

Sarah stared at Julia in disbelief. “What are ya doing?”

“Just stirrin' some things up, Sarah.

* * * * * * *

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.

Jan’s Reading Nook

Throughout history, our ancestors gathered around fires telling and soaking in the magic that is “story.” This primal need continues and has not left us! I love to share thoughts on nuggets of literature I’ve been enjoying and exploring. For me, a main focus has been historical fiction, literary fiction, family sagas. Although all genres have their own jewels.

The Nest

— Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney —

The “nest” — a family’s inheritance — is in danger due to the foolish escapades of an older brother.

In order to keep his indiscretions private, Leo Plumb’s mother, Francie, practically drains the funds of the nest.

Sister Melody thinks of the nest as she plans the future for her twin girls at a private university.

Her brother, Jack, secretly takes out a second mortgage on the home he and his partner share, based on his own reliance on the nest.

The truth of the nest’s situation is revealed at a family dinner from which Leo is conveniently missing.

“Here’s the thing,” Melody said clearing her throat. “We’ve been counting on the money and have made plans”.

“This is a financial blow on top of several financial hits over the past few years,” said Jack.

“Your father set the conditions of the account so that I could tap into it in case of an emergency for this exact reason. This was a family emergency,” said Francie.

“Which part? Leo cheating on his spendthrift wife or crashing his Porsche,” asked Jack.

Sweeney does a great job showing the hopes, assumptions and risks taken on by various members of the Plumb family. We see discouragement, judgment, forgiveness and personal growth.

The Nest is definitely worth a read!

Coal Town Girls

Coal Town girls was an idea that bubbled up over the years and finally found its way to paper. My mother, Joan, and her best friend, Mary, were often found on our back porch, telling stories of their youth -- the town, the river, the people, the adventures, the sadness's, the joys. 

Each month I’ll try to highlight a tidbit of history from Coal Town Girls!

—-Excerpt from Coal Town Girls—-