What began as a casual collection of notes about growing up on a farm more than 60 years ago grew to be a bigger project that became this book. Inspired by her family to record her stories and memories, Joyce Olesen reflects on the "good old days," not to glorify them as a time better than the present, but to offer a glimpse into the life of one family who grew up on the Saskatchewan prairie and to celebrate those long ago days.

Joyce Olesen was born in southwest Saskatchewan, grew up there, and a little more than 40 years ago returned after 15 years in other parts of Canada. She was married to a clergyman, who, sadly, passed away several years ago. She has three grown children and four grandchildren, all of whom love to hear stories about "the olden days" of her childhood and youth. In her century house in Swift Current, some of the walls are lined with bookshelves and others with paintings created by her artist brother. A well-used piano, a guitar fashioned by her father, recorders, a couple of violins and an Appalachian psaltery--all in her upstairs workspace--reflect her interest in music. A vocal and piano teacher, and choir director for many years, she shared that love with others. Now retired, Joyce potters at musical endeavours, needlework, gardening, reading and writing. Writing began rather late in her life. Some of her pieces have been published in church periodicals and Saskatchewan's Folklore magazine.

Joyce Olesen's profile page