Halcyon Days: April 2023

Monday, April 24, 2023

HD Summer Challenge

Here's the challenge for the upcoming issue.

Summer Choose Your Adventure

Image by Albrecht Fietza from Pixabay

Taking cues from children's literature series, I'd like to bring "adventure stories" to Halcyon Days. Each story shapes the protagonist's actions and the development of the plot.

Guidelines

Structure the stories so that after a few pages, the reader is presented with two or three choices.
Create at least two plausible conclusions.
Endings must be summer-themed and pleasant.
For example:

If you want to choose the garden setting, turn to page...
If you want to choose the beach ending, turn to page...

Minimum word count is 1,000.

Send your submission to halcyondaysmagazine.ca@gmail.com with the subject HD Adventure.

I'm looking forward to reading your adventure!

Calling for Summer Submissions

I extended the summer issue

to June 25*

Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay

If you can soak the reader's mind with tranquil thoughts, I am looking for you. Please submit summer-themed poems, quick stories, haiku, essays, your favourite summer recipes, or other forms with a peaceful concept.

Reviews

In this world of rush, rush, Halcyon Days is an exquisite rest stop, a log inviting a reader to sit, take a breath, watch the sun set. It’s not just a magazine, it’s an essential part of life! Enchantment growing, evolving, expressing is Halcyon Days. Words couples with snapshots create powerful feelings of calm and serene, whether you're in a temple or reading it in the subway. It's an effective reminder to take life easy, getting through each moment at a time. We could all use a page each day, reread a poem, get lost in the stunning red flowers or golden orange leaves. This magazine is powerful in the way it offers some bliss as we move through chaotic days. We can always return to the bosom of Halcyon Days!

From Jerrice J. Baptiste

Contributor and Subscriber

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It is simply one of the most beautiful magazines anywhere. The pictures are always eye candy showstoppers. They instantly bring a feeling of peace, especially in this torn-apart world. Just looking at them reduces my stress level and makes me realize there still is beauty to be found and enjoyed. I love receiving it and immediately stop and look through it, even before I take time to read the poetry. Thank you for providing me with a tiny bit of much needed tranquility.

From Patricia Goodman

Contributor and Subscriber

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I first noticed a copy of "Halcyon Days" at a friend's home. I was struck by the stunning cover and couldn't wait to open the magazine. The images within were also exceptionally lovely and so appropriate to the poetry represented. The writing was varied in style and subject but one thing was certain. Examining and reading each page left me with a feeling of affirmation and wellness. I was hooked! I simply had to have my own subscription! In this time of fear and depressing news, any time a newspaper is opened or a device turned on, I am grateful for the sanctuary "Halcyon Days" provides.

From Gaiyle J. Connolly

Contributor and Subscriber

- Hamilton, ON area writer and artist

- Retired art teacher and consultant

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When you really, really like something, you have to be careful not to get carried away, or otherwise you risk 'overselling' it; but that my be a problem with my admiration for both Halcyon Days and Founder's Favourites.

First, and most important, is the quality of the writing: it is clear, accessible, poignant as it touches the heart and sometimes even rubs the soul--the antithesis to so much so called poetry today, so recondite and idiosyncratic that is is much like reading a concrete wall and looking for clues as to the meaning of life. But it is the 'basin', the physical magazine, that holds the poems and stories that amplifies their beauty many times over. And here the editor shows an almost uncanny ability to pick the most apropos image, as in the Sept 2020 issue of Founder's Favourites where my poem, 'A Passing Glance" is matched with an old man driving a car. It's mostly his arms on the steering wheel that show but I did a double take when I first saw it because they look like my arms! Long and then with wrinkled skin--for a split second I wondered, 'How did Monique get my photo? No wait, that's not my car, it's got a 5 speed.' Okay. Joking a bit here but you get the point.

Finally, kudos on the quality of the photos and their sheer beauty. It really is a pleasure for mind, eye and hand to hold these fine magazines.

From Nolo Segundo

Contributor

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Halcyon Days epitomizes its title: past, present and future. The poetry, glorious illustrations and the idealized layout transport the reader, ameliorating the most stressful times and transforming them into Halcyon Days.

From Bruce Levine

Contributor and Subscriber

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When you want to relax and retreat from daily turmoil, just pick up a copy of Halcyon Days. The poems, stories and graphics celebrate the joys of nature and human kindness. For a dose of gratitude, a measure of peace, a lesson in hope, open up the magazine and read.

From Ingrid Bruck

Contributor

Pages

Monday, April 24, 2023

HD Summer Challenge

Calling for Summer Submissions