Thanks for liking one of my stories, which then brought me to your art. You have a wonderful talent for illustration and writing. Your chicken stories are beautiful and an absolute delight to read. I was forced into retirement three years ago, after a military coup in Myanmar. Back in Australia and with a new found boredom, I did the cruises and got bored further ––I can only eat so much and reminisce so much. Left wondering what I was going to do when I grow up, I started writing to fill the void. I know that creating insane characters deeps me sane. For now anyway.
Thank you, Jack. To be honest with you, I felt so badly about reading only one of your stories, but I have to say, that one so masterfully written, there’s no way I can every write anything as good. You totally turned around how I thought the story was going to end. It was a delightful read Words and spelling can be so confusing to children and to chickens! I will be back reading your work again soon because I have a feeling there are so many tips I can learn from reading what you’ve shared here. Thanks so much!
I'm chuffed you read one of them! And thanks so much for your kind words. I recently put many of my short stories, after a few changes, into a book - 'Deviates from the Norm'. Its about 120 pages. I gave a copy to my doctor (now I am fast approaching 70 I find I am fast approaching the doctor more often). He had just paid a small fortune for his daughter's book design and he quizzed me about mine. I told him I did it myself and there was no cost. He looked at the credits for my design (my real name followed by Minnie and Sparkle). He gave me an odd look and said 'I can see your name but you would have had to pay Minnie and Sparkle.' I told him 'no' - Minnie and Sparkle were my dogs when I was a kid. He gave me a very odd look. I didn't think further explanation was necessary and moved onto my aching knee.
Jack, I just ordered “Deviates from the Norm.” It sounds wonderful! Also have “Get Rid of Glenda” on my Wish List because I worked in HR from 2007 until this year when I retired. Before that, I taught Elementary School, 4th Grade (about 9 to 10 years old). So writing about my chickens is sort of my 3rd career!
Thanks for your support. I am sure you managed HR much better than Glenda did. I look forward to reading your books too. Earlier today I looked on amazon but could not find any. Coming soon? P
Thanks John. The reason I could not find you. I was searching for JR and J.R Spiers - not knowing your first name. But John Spiers comes up. Just ordered BwÖwK! (Two). Have a jolly good weekend.
My parents have been retired for several years now. I thought their being retired would mean they had more time to be with me, but that isn't entirely true...
David, I’m sorry for being so late in replying, and saddened about how you are feeling. You have shed some light on how Pearl must feel. It is likely that she wishes very much that I would have more time to be with her. Although it’s no defense, I do think that people have been given the idea that retirement is all about “doing the BIG things like taking a cruise or a trip around the world that you never did before because of work” when really it should be simply “doing the SMALL things like spending time with those one loves while there is still time.” I’m hoping things will improve for you. You truly are a rare individual, and if no one else wants to spend time with you, I know a little white hen who would love to sit with you under the camellias. Sending Feathery hugs your way, Pearl (and John)
At work our retirees would come back to visit and say they didn't know how they had found time to work. It's only when you've retired yourself that you understand how true that is!
Thanks for liking one of my stories, which then brought me to your art. You have a wonderful talent for illustration and writing. Your chicken stories are beautiful and an absolute delight to read. I was forced into retirement three years ago, after a military coup in Myanmar. Back in Australia and with a new found boredom, I did the cruises and got bored further ––I can only eat so much and reminisce so much. Left wondering what I was going to do when I grow up, I started writing to fill the void. I know that creating insane characters deeps me sane. For now anyway.
Thank you, Jack. To be honest with you, I felt so badly about reading only one of your stories, but I have to say, that one so masterfully written, there’s no way I can every write anything as good. You totally turned around how I thought the story was going to end. It was a delightful read Words and spelling can be so confusing to children and to chickens! I will be back reading your work again soon because I have a feeling there are so many tips I can learn from reading what you’ve shared here. Thanks so much!
I'm chuffed you read one of them! And thanks so much for your kind words. I recently put many of my short stories, after a few changes, into a book - 'Deviates from the Norm'. Its about 120 pages. I gave a copy to my doctor (now I am fast approaching 70 I find I am fast approaching the doctor more often). He had just paid a small fortune for his daughter's book design and he quizzed me about mine. I told him I did it myself and there was no cost. He looked at the credits for my design (my real name followed by Minnie and Sparkle). He gave me an odd look and said 'I can see your name but you would have had to pay Minnie and Sparkle.' I told him 'no' - Minnie and Sparkle were my dogs when I was a kid. He gave me a very odd look. I didn't think further explanation was necessary and moved onto my aching knee.
Jack, I just ordered “Deviates from the Norm.” It sounds wonderful! Also have “Get Rid of Glenda” on my Wish List because I worked in HR from 2007 until this year when I retired. Before that, I taught Elementary School, 4th Grade (about 9 to 10 years old). So writing about my chickens is sort of my 3rd career!
Thanks for your support. I am sure you managed HR much better than Glenda did. I look forward to reading your books too. Earlier today I looked on amazon but could not find any. Coming soon? P
Try https://graciepress.com which is my own website with downloadable previews an links to Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Thanks!
Thanks John. The reason I could not find you. I was searching for JR and J.R Spiers - not knowing your first name. But John Spiers comes up. Just ordered BwÖwK! (Two). Have a jolly good weekend.
Since I left the workplace, I'm also surprised at how hard it is to find time for all the things I want to do.
Isn’t it the truth! I wouldn’t have believed it if someone had told me what retirement would be like beforehand.
I'll wait 'til you are ready to share again.
My parents have been retired for several years now. I thought their being retired would mean they had more time to be with me, but that isn't entirely true...
David, I’m sorry for being so late in replying, and saddened about how you are feeling. You have shed some light on how Pearl must feel. It is likely that she wishes very much that I would have more time to be with her. Although it’s no defense, I do think that people have been given the idea that retirement is all about “doing the BIG things like taking a cruise or a trip around the world that you never did before because of work” when really it should be simply “doing the SMALL things like spending time with those one loves while there is still time.” I’m hoping things will improve for you. You truly are a rare individual, and if no one else wants to spend time with you, I know a little white hen who would love to sit with you under the camellias. Sending Feathery hugs your way, Pearl (and John)
Thank you, John.
Welcome to retirement, where you will begin to wonder how you every had time to work!
I have nodoubt that you will soon find a balance.
At work our retirees would come back to visit and say they didn't know how they had found time to work. It's only when you've retired yourself that you understand how true that is!
Welcome to retirement! I know exactly how you feel! I hope Pearl will understand and that you will get time to collaborate over the weekend!