Halcyon Days: IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Friday, June 16, 2023

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Issue 31 will be the final issue.

But a new one is in the works.

Check out Halcyon Times Magazine at halcyonhouse.ca. Click here for submission guidelines.

NEW: Weekly Haiku

I write this with a heart as heavy as a monolith. The final issues of Halcyon Days and Founder's Favourites will end in the autumn of '23. I have volunteered my skills, time, and money (while earning $400 less than the poverty line) over two decades to create outstanding publications where readers can unwind through words and images. Creating these publications has always brought me joy. The covers on this page https://issuu.com/moniqueberry don't even cover a fraction of all of my magazines.

I appreciate the compliments, but they are insufficient. Recent submissions have been sparse, and with everything else going on (my recent six weeks of radiation treatment and recovery), it has left me feeling noticeably depressed. These are shelf quality publications and yet I remain in the same place as I did twenty years ago. Lining the shelves of my home is not what I had in mind.

The photo contracts are ending in the fall—that's why I am waiting until October. I've worked so hard to continue publishing my beautiful magazines, doing everything myself, including designing the layouts, cover, and embedding the entire magazine online for contributors to view for free, as well as attempting to come up with new ways to inspire writers, going above and beyond to produce these one-of-a-kind literary works, but I cannot do so for free or with four, five, or six contributors. Advertisers and marketers would have done a world of good but to no avail.

Thank you to ALL THE CONTRIBUTORS who bought print versions and subscriptions. I am very grateful beyond words.

Anyway...

If you wish to be included in one or more final issues, please review the submission guidelines to determine where to submit your submissions.

PS: I am selling all my extra issues for a discounted price—these are magazines from people who asked me to order from the printer but couldn't pay. Details for Halcyon Days copies are under the 'store' link.

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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

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Friday, June 16, 2023

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

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