In marriages or out of them...not because or not because of morality ... which is sometimes beside the point ... I personally believe a woman deserves to have a "secret garden." Sounds like you planted a few random seeds. Sorry you didn't get to see the roses bloom :)) xxx, m
It makes sense that you enjoyed the attention. Your marriage was very poor shape. I came from a horrible marriage myself and I’m so thankful I was able to walk away and find my better half.
I remember overhearing a male boss say to a group of male colleagues, "If you don't take care of your wife, someone else will." That is so true. Most women I know who have left marriages is because they weren't cared for in a multitude of different ways.
How undeniably appealing… to be heard and understood… to engage in a conversation with ease, without fear of criticism or reprimand. Comfortable and maybe even fun. Just being oneself.
Something like this, so simple, stayed imbedded in your memory for decades. I get it.
So beautiful it's painful, & I (gently) weep. Early on in the listening I thought it could be construed to be a fabulous children's book. Leaving out the romance. The world (we) needs more good natured men, they are the only kind to have. Star crossed. Exquisite. And I so appreciate hearing your sweet warm oh-so-human voice, Joyce 💜 thank you, from Little Italy in Toronto. I have just arrived, & tomorrow I will walk the streets of Cabbagetown (going to my therapist) madeleine tattersall butler, appreciating you so so much (boy, can I relate)
Ah, thank you for this. When you're in Cabbagetown, look for the house that was once the home of my mother, Fredelle Maynard. There's a plaque out front. Metcalfe Street, I think. She died there, way too young , in 1989.
I go by it every time, many times, and everytime I think of her and her life, what I know of it, her family, - you, her writing. I read her books years ago, & Chatalaine.
It is right by Toller Cranston's place. Your mother's place.
I used to see Toller Cranston in San Miguel and was in San Miguel the night he died, and I used to walk past his place there as well, and they are both very beautiful.
I have taken photos of your mother's place & will likely take a photo of it again today.
I admire her and you & your sister hugely. The writing life, the work, the effort to express. What would not be known otherwise.
My therapist is on Amelia, very close to Metcalfe. I discovered you mother & Cranston's place by accident a while ago. I was blown away - they are so close to each other and both so beautiful. Just exquisite, both.
I flew in from Victoria yesterday and am staying at my son's place in Little Italy in T, & will take the street car or bus to Cabbagetown, to my appointment, this aft. So, oh yes, I will walk past your mother's place, and Cranston's place, and I will breathe (deeply!)
If you want me to send you a photo please let me know.
Someday, if/when I can afford, I would like to be in a group (writing) with you. Thank you, many thanks. I have great admiration for you, Joyce, madeleine
How lovely, Madeline. And when you are in Victoria… if you visit the Provincial Archives… you can see art work by my father, Max Maynard. A Canadian painter. His early sketchbooks of BC are at the archives
Brilliant! The bit that resonated most with me personally was this: "My husband didn’t read the newspaper columns I wrote. Maybe I actually hoped he’d read this one."
Ya think? I was a columnist (unpaid) for a free local newspaper, and my ex got a kick out of the fans who'd recognize me on the street, but he himself didn't read what I wrote. One sign of many that a marriage isn't going to last! I'm guessing you've got a long list yourself.
In marriages or out of them...not because or not because of morality ... which is sometimes beside the point ... I personally believe a woman deserves to have a "secret garden." Sounds like you planted a few random seeds. Sorry you didn't get to see the roses bloom :)) xxx, m
It makes sense that you enjoyed the attention. Your marriage was very poor shape. I came from a horrible marriage myself and I’m so thankful I was able to walk away and find my better half.
Yes! Your secret garden triggered the Judy Collins song for me. See below.
Yes😊
I remember overhearing a male boss say to a group of male colleagues, "If you don't take care of your wife, someone else will." That is so true. Most women I know who have left marriages is because they weren't cared for in a multitude of different ways.
How undeniably appealing… to be heard and understood… to engage in a conversation with ease, without fear of criticism or reprimand. Comfortable and maybe even fun. Just being oneself.
Something like this, so simple, stayed imbedded in your memory for decades. I get it.
So beautiful it's painful, & I (gently) weep. Early on in the listening I thought it could be construed to be a fabulous children's book. Leaving out the romance. The world (we) needs more good natured men, they are the only kind to have. Star crossed. Exquisite. And I so appreciate hearing your sweet warm oh-so-human voice, Joyce 💜 thank you, from Little Italy in Toronto. I have just arrived, & tomorrow I will walk the streets of Cabbagetown (going to my therapist) madeleine tattersall butler, appreciating you so so much (boy, can I relate)
Ah, thank you for this. When you're in Cabbagetown, look for the house that was once the home of my mother, Fredelle Maynard. There's a plaque out front. Metcalfe Street, I think. She died there, way too young , in 1989.
This broke my heart--in a good way. Thanks so much for sharing this, for stirring my own memories.
Wow...this story made me weep...just beautiful. The road not taken. In some parallel universe you did marry Ned and had a child with him.
What a terrific article! Made me weep as well…..love reading these old articles.
There are no mistakes in life!!!!
Such an amazingly detailed and enjoyable life event. It got to the core of all my unresolved feelings.
I go by it every time, many times, and everytime I think of her and her life, what I know of it, her family, - you, her writing. I read her books years ago, & Chatalaine.
It is right by Toller Cranston's place. Your mother's place.
I used to see Toller Cranston in San Miguel and was in San Miguel the night he died, and I used to walk past his place there as well, and they are both very beautiful.
I have taken photos of your mother's place & will likely take a photo of it again today.
I admire her and you & your sister hugely. The writing life, the work, the effort to express. What would not be known otherwise.
My therapist is on Amelia, very close to Metcalfe. I discovered you mother & Cranston's place by accident a while ago. I was blown away - they are so close to each other and both so beautiful. Just exquisite, both.
I flew in from Victoria yesterday and am staying at my son's place in Little Italy in T, & will take the street car or bus to Cabbagetown, to my appointment, this aft. So, oh yes, I will walk past your mother's place, and Cranston's place, and I will breathe (deeply!)
If you want me to send you a photo please let me know.
Someday, if/when I can afford, I would like to be in a group (writing) with you. Thank you, many thanks. I have great admiration for you, Joyce, madeleine
How lovely, Madeline. And when you are in Victoria… if you visit the Provincial Archives… you can see art work by my father, Max Maynard. A Canadian painter. His early sketchbooks of BC are at the archives
Brilliant! The bit that resonated most with me personally was this: "My husband didn’t read the newspaper columns I wrote. Maybe I actually hoped he’d read this one."
Ya think? I was a columnist (unpaid) for a free local newspaper, and my ex got a kick out of the fans who'd recognize me on the street, but he himself didn't read what I wrote. One sign of many that a marriage isn't going to last! I'm guessing you've got a long list yourself.
Really kind of mind-blowing that the husband never read her columns. Obviously, he just wasn’t that into her. Sad.
This piece really touched me and pushed the "if only" button in me.
Random experiences of kindness and attraction enrich the human experience no matter where they come from. And their memory keeps on giving.
Secret Gardens of the Heart by Judy Collins came to my mind.
"Secret gardens of the heart, where the flowers bloom forever
I see you shining through the night, in the ice and snow of winter."
Wow. Love this!
Ah, the “what ifs” we all experience in our lives. I loved this story; romantic even if it didn’t end up romantic in reality. Made me cry…
this was wonderful!