Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – 2019 – Contributors, Politics and the Secret to Eternal Youth!

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.