Suddenly it is New Year’s Eve and I have no idea how it came around so quickly… I could put it down to advancing years, but I choose to believe it is because time flies when you are having fun.
I wanted to end the year with some thanks for those who contribute to Smorgasbord, but also some of my thoughts on the year in general.
Smorgasbord is a team effort and this year has seen some amazing posts from contributors both established and new to the blog.
William Price King – American Jazz singer, musician and composer with the Music Column has been writing the music column for over five years and has provided a masterclass in jazz, contemporary and classical music. You can enjoy his own music and performances via his YouTube Channel
Carol Taylor– living in Thailand following along career in the catering industry who writes the Food and Cookery Column. Carol is also passionate about how our food is grown, the environment and sustainability and her own blog is full of amazing articles on many different subjects and some mind blowing recipes.
D.G. Kaye (Debby Gies)– Non-fiction and memoir author who loves to pack her suitcase and take off to warmer climes…with the Travel Column. And coming in 2020 a new column reflecting another area of expertise – Relationships. ..D.G. Kaye Writer Blog is where you will find an archive full of wonderful posts across several subjects including writing tips, social issues and book reviews.
Jessica Norrie– Retired teacher and author from London who shares her love of Literature with us in the Literary Column which I repeated this year as it was so popular. Jessica celebrated the release of her new novel The Magic Carpet to rave reviews during the year. Jessica has a wonderful blog of her own and I recommend you head over and follow Jessica Norrie on WordPress
Annette Rochelle Aben– Broadcast specialist, poet and author who shares our universal energy each month in the Numerology Column. We hope that Annette will be back in 2020 sharing more of her wonderful talented writing. You can find wonderful poetry daily motivation and inspiration by visiting her on Annette Rochelle Aben WordPress
Silvia Todesco– Our resident Italian cookery expert who brings us wonderful mediterranean recipes each month. My love of pasta has certainly been revived along with an improvement in my baking skills. I promise that if you head over to Italian Goodness you are likely to be there for some time browsing her archives…
My thanks are also due to regular guest writers who have entertained and informed during 2019 and I hope will return in 2020 with more posts.
Author, poet, book reviewer and fabulous baker Robbie Cheadle
Historian, author and advocate of all great things British, Mike Biles
Author, poet and entertaining raconteur Joy Lennick
This time of year is also one of reflection on the events that have dominated our lives both on a personal level and as a community.
I know that for many of you the political landscape has been far from serene this year. On our side of the pond, Brexit of course was a focus for the third year in a row, along with political supremacy, whilst many issues that required attention, in my opinion, were allowed to get out of control. Including crime, the NHS and the financial security of the elderly.
After so many that were elected to serve the people, chose to ignore their wishes so blatantly, it was interesting to see how even die-hard Labour supporters voted Conservative in the general election. If ever there was a vote of no confidence in a party leader, this was it. I used to respect the Labour party even if I did not vote for it, as in the past they have righted many inequalities in our country. However, we now need dynamic and forward thinking in our leadership on both sides of the political divide, as we move forward on our own terms for the first time since 1975. I hope that a new opposition leader will be elected by the bright and progressive younger generation in the party with a long view to regaining the respect of their voters.
There is a long list of issues that need attention, and that includes idea stimulating debate between parties to create a cohesive and effective solution for the good of the people. That cannot take place without a multi-party democracy.
The contribution made by bloggers this year.
As I read the amazing posts from other bloggers throughout the year, I find so much that is inspiring and motivating. People overcoming their own health issues to advise and support others experiencing similar problems, sharing tips on how to care for elderly parents, or educating young children. It is a delight to read of challenges that have been overcome and of achievements after long years of hard work.
There is also a mountain of creativity with short stories, poetry, flash fiction and entertaining posts on every subject under the sun. The blogging community gives us access to travel, history, health, music, film, culture and the broadening of our perspectives by communicating with others.
Apart for the wonderfully positive content (which the mainstream press would do well to focus on) there is also the generosity of spirit shown to fellow bloggers which I have experienced first hand. This blog would not have thrived for the last six years without the support of others and I could not be more grateful to be part of this global community.
What about 2020.
I am looking forward to not just writing and reading more in 2020 but meeting new bloggers and discovering more about them and myself.
People have been seeking the secret to eternal youth for thousands of years, and in many ways, this open portal to the world is the secret. As we learn more about healthy foods and lifestyles and apply them to our lives, as we continue to learn new skills, as we absorb the vitality and the creativity of the younger generation through their writing, as we are stimulated by new connections and interactions, we are staying younger for longer.
So I wish you a very Happy New Year, successful resolutions of old issues, good health and the wealth of new friends, an abundance of creativity and the surprise of a windfall from time to time.
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up 29th December to 4th January 2020 – | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Oh Sally you end the year as generous with your comments and sharing as ever. I wish you too a very happy 2020 and like you, I do hope attention will be paid to the poor old NHS and to mitigating the effects of Brexit which in my view is a massive own goal. Let’s hope too for an electable opposition that can campaign effectively – the slogan “for the many, not the few” was a good one so now let’s see them do it! Politics aside I wish you good health, good reading and good writing to spice and gladden your days. I’ll always be proud if my association with Smorgasbord. Many hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jessica and Happy New Year… will be keeping an eye on The Magic Carpet for reviews and hope you will continue to send links for posts as usual.. Catch up with you soon.. hugs Sally xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fabulous group of giving individuals – you included, Sally! Thanks to you and all the contributors for great blog content! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jan and wishing you the best year ever.. ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I second your shout out to your many, wonderful contributors. And to you, Sally, for giving us readers so many delightful posts to read. Here’s to 2020! I’ll be there with bells on! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jennie…Happy New Year and see you soon.. hugsxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome, Sally! Happy New Year! 😀
LikeLike
Again, I wish you a Happy New Year Sal. I’m honored to be part of this wonderful and supportive community, and even more to be able to contribute to the fabulous Smorgasbord Invitation. This community is so important to all of us writers, a place to commune, cheer, learn and support one another. Thank you again for all you do and looking so forward to see what the bew year has in store for us! Love and hugs my cohort and dear friend. ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has been a blast Debby and much more to come in 2020… we shall see how much mischief we can get up to….♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh, my favorite word!!! ❤ xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Happy New Year Sally. Huge thanks for all you do for your fellow writers and bloggers. Wishing you all the very best in 2020. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Darlene and sending wishes for the same for you..hugsxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year Sally.
Let’s hope 2020 isn’t as personally tragic as 2019. About the time I think I’m strong enough to move forward, I’m taken to my knees. What is comforting is all the friends I have that continue to support me (you included). I won’t commit to a time, but I will get back to my blogging, I do miss it. A few months ago, I committed to rewriting my first book. Even when it is so poorly written, it still sells. In 2020 I want to finish the rewrite project and maybe finish book four. HUGS
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sorry that 2019 has been so challenging Chuck and we look forward to seeing you back more permanently when you are ready.. Sending you love and best wishes for 2020..hugsxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happiest of new years to you, Sally!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too you too Jacqui.. see you next year.. ♥
LikeLike
Happy New Year, Sally! Thank you for the amazing amount of time and energy you spend in enriching your readers’ lives.
LikeLike
A wonderful post to end 2019, full of optimism and enthusiasm for the future. Thank you for featuring my posts and books over the past three years [can you believe I have been blogging for over three years already] and for helping me become a part of this lovely blogging world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a definite fixture now Robbie.. and we cannot imagine the community without you.. Looking forward to your fourth year of blogging.. Happy New Year.. hugsxx♥
LikeLike
Happy New Year everyone and I hope you have a healthy, happy and safe one with much success and joy. Thanks for your support and for the lovely and enjoyable posts. Appreciated. xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jane and the same to you.. see you in 2020 ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do hope so xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t believe 2019 went by so fast, either. Thanks to you, Sally, for all the support you have shown me, my blog and my books over the last year – and for all your thought-provoking, entertaining and wonderful posts. Here’s to 2020 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure Mary and it has been reciprocated by you in more ways than one… See you in 2020.. hugsxxx♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Sally, and thank you for your posts and the support you have given to others throughout the year
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Viv.. Happy New Year.. hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year Sally – looking forward to blogging in The Twenties.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Now there was a decade… thanks Janet and Happy New Year to you too.. see you in 2020.. hugsxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and wishing you a wonderful 2020…
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike
Happy New Year, Sally. Thanks for all the great stuff you’ve done and shared for us all in 2019. I look forward to seeing what you’ll have for us in 2020.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Tori and for all the amazing support that you have offered me and others over the year.. Happy New Year hugsxx
LikeLike
Pingback: CarolCooks2…2019…A recap and some thank you’s… | Retired? No one told me!
Happy New Year, Sally. Thanks for making 2019 such a wonderful year for so many writers and bloggers.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Jim and the same to you.. see you in 2020.. hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely and generous post, an accurate reflection of the author. Looking forward to sharing another year with you Sally. Wishing you Health and Happiness in the New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Cindy and wishing you and your family the same. Looking forward to sharing this space with you again in 2020.. love and hugs ♥
LikeLike
Ahhhh, Sally, it has been a great pleasure to work with you over the last 3 years and yes where does the time go? Not only have you given me the opportunity to share my knowledge and cookery skills but in turn, I have learnt much from you and your merry band of contributors and followers who all rock!
Thank you for the recognition, Sally …I, in turn, wish both you and David a very Happy and Healthy 2020 where your dreams and hopes will be realised…Much love and Hug’s xxx Cheers to an exciting 2020 xxx
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Carol… and have a wonderful New Year’s Eve… see you on the other side… love and hugs ♥
LikeLike
Looking forward to it.. Love and hugs xx ❤
LikeLike
Three cheers to you, Sally, and a big round of applause for your regular contributors and guest writers!! I’m so glad I found Smorgasbord Blog Magazine! Looking forward to seeing what the new year brings!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Liz and for your daily support and motivation. Enjoy New Year’s Eve…hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sally! I hope you have an enjoyable New Year’s Eve as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did thank you Liz… welcome to 2020…hugsxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for the recognition and the invitations! It has been a pleasure. Here’s to an interesting 2020 for us all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure Annette and wishing you a very Happy New Year..♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Best wishes to you and all of the fellow bloggers I’ve met during 2019. I’ve discovered a whole new world I knew little about, and it has been quite enjoyable getting acquainted with folks scattered around the globe. I’m looking forward to seeing the changes you are unveiling to your blog in 2020, Sally.
LikeLiked by 6 people
Thank you Pete and so much to look forward to. Happy New Year…hugsxx
LikeLiked by 1 person