Little House by the Vineyard

A Blog Column by Jay Bryant

Little House by the Vineyard is a blog column reflecting on life on the farm, through the unique perspective of Jay Bryant, Union Grove Farm’s Poet Laureate.

Jay Bryant is a retired speechwriter, communications consultant for U.S. Senators, congressmen and governors, television producer, internet columnist, radio personality, poet and author who now lives in a little house by the vineyard at Union Grove Farm. He has been a commentator on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. He and Greg Bohlen collaborated on the novel The Sugar Rat, and the non-fiction work, Common Men. Jay also authored the novel Earth and Water.

Reach out to Jay: [email protected]

Fixing Things

When it comes to handyman stuff, mark me down as poor to medium. Maybe about the fortieth percentile. I mean, I can rewire a lamp, do simple carpentry – as long as it doesn’t involve power tools, blow leaves and paint anything I can reach. I used to be able to clean gutters, but old… Continue reading

Christmas on the Farm

Well, it’s Christmastime here at Union Grove Farm, and here at the Little House by the Vineyard, the spirit of the season is being enjoyed by one and all. Of course, one is all there is here at the Little House, but that one – me – certainly is just bursting with holiday cheer. I’ve… Continue reading

Water, water

Ever since old Noah checked the weather report on his cellphone and saw there was a 100% chance of rain for the next 40 days and nights, mankind has had this love/hate relationship with water. Here in North Carolina this year, it’s been mostly hate, We have had devastating floods that have brought tragedy to… Continue reading

Join Me for My Book Signing

The folks at Union Grove Farm have decided to throw a book signing party to celebrate the publication of my latest book, Time and Poetry, a collection of verse and short prose written over the past 60 years. And you are certainly invited. It will be Sunday, November 17, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, at… Continue reading

Kidnapped !? Me?

There I was, standing by the side of the road, minding my own business with my thumb in the air when a car pulls up and this blonde orders me to get in. So I do. I don’t know if she’s a guardian angel or a kidnapper, but I figure I’ll chance it. She says… Continue reading

The French Connection

The French are a strange people. A few weeks ago they all trooped to the polls and voted to turn their government over to the most right-wing group in the country. But in this strange land, you have to win twice to take office, and when they voted the second time, only a week later,… Continue reading