This cat has fishing down to a fine art courtesy of Storm Pickett
Monthly Archives: November 2022
Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2022 – Book Review – #Western #Romance – Geller’s Find by Sandra Cox
Delighted to share my recommendation for the latest release by Sandra Cox… a western romance Geller’s Find
About the book
It’s summer break and Dr. Luke Geller, history prof and part-time archeologist is in Nevada looking for potsherds. What he discovers is an antique rifle and a portal in time.
Touching an ancient piece of Chiastolite crystal, the earth rumbles, the skies darken and the ground opens. He’s hurled straight to the core of the earth then shot back up and spewed out.
When he stumbles to his feet, he finds himself where he began. Same, yet different. There are no winding roads. No parking lots. No cars. No town with bright lights in the distance. Only Lily Winter Tremaine, an angry young woman pointing a gun at him, demanding he hand over her rifle.
All thoughts of primitive pottery disappear as Luke finds himself fighting alongside three young women trying to hold onto their ranch against a dangerous scoundrel who intends to have the ranch by whatever means possible. Then there’s the little fact that Luke’s mightily attracted to the young woman he’s working for. A woman old enough to be his great-great granny. And Miss Lily Winter Tremaine does not figure into any of tenured professor Luke Geller’s lesson plans.
My review for the book November 30th 2022
As a fan of Sandra Cox’s western romances you know that you are going to be offered all the elements in a story that make for a riveting read.
The special element to her stories is that there is usually a supernatural twist that adds additional tension, mystery and intrigue. In Geller’s Find we have two worlds, 140 years apart, which collide with a bang, offering an opportunity for Luke Geller to experience the subject he teaches in person.
Throw in sassy women, a beautiful but wilful boss, a macho saloon owner with an acquiring nature, gunfights, a horse with a mind of his own and a mystery hidden beneath the earth of the ranch, and you have a great story.
The characters in Sandra Cox’s books are always memorable, and whilst not necessarily perfect human beings, they are authentic. I loved Geller’s mother, who appears in the later part of the book, who proved that feisty women still existed in the present day.
If you have already read books by this author you probably don’t need me to convince you to read Geller’s Find… but if you are new to her stories I can highly recommend you check them out.
Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
A selection of other books by Sandra Cox
Read the reviews and buy the books : Amazon UK –And: Amazon US- follow Sandra Cox: Goodreads – Blog: Sandra Cox Blogspot – Twitter:@Sandra_Cox
About Sandra Cox
Sandra is a vegetarian, animal lover and avid gardener. She lives with her husband, their dog and several cats in sunny North Carolina.
Her novels consist of All Things Western and More. She is an Eppie finalist, award winner and category best-seller.
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books…Sally
Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2022 – #Scifi -#PsychologicalThriller Richard Dee, #Occult Mae Clair, #Paranormal #Romance D.L. Finn
Welcome to the Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair with a selection of books from personally recommended authors on my bookshelf I believe will make wonderful gifts for friends, family and for you.
The first book today is Life and Other Dreams: A Dual-time Psychological Thriller by Richard Dee. I have read a number of Richard’s book and can highly recommend.
About the book
It’s only a dream…, isn’t it?
Rick’s life is boring. He escapes it in his dreams. There, he becomes Dan, and that’s much more exciting.
Dan’s an explorer, six hundred years in the future and half a galaxy away. Dan’s life on Ecias beats Rick’s days, on Earth, writing advertising copy for cat food.
It shouldn’t happen, but people and events from Rick’s dream world start to appear in his waking life.
His wife wonders what’s going on. What can he tell her, what would she believe?
Neither of them could be prepared for what follows. Both worlds collide and fall apart.
This leaves the question, can a man exist in two places and times at once?
Find out now.
“Absolutely amazing, from a fresh original voice in fiction”
“a masterpiece of fiction”
“Fast-paced, edge of your seat stuff!”
One of the reviews for the book
This was the first novel by Richard Dee that I’ve read and I must say, I am impressed. What a simply delightful tale. The story has many elements that I enjoy in a novel (mystery, adventure, romance) which I also found so enjoyable because the characters are depicted so well; their lives become fascinating and vested with interest for the reader.
The change in point of view from an everyday bloke on Earth who works a 9 to 5 job, to leaping 600 years into the future and light-years away to another planet where our humdrum Earthman vicariously experiences the life of a futuristic settler/explorer thru the medium of his dreams is perfect.
The experiences of these two men begin to parallel in a fashion that is too similar to be mere coincidence. Are they the same man? Or are they men from different times who are somehow connected by a psychological, temporal thread that impacts the life of the other? For when disaster strikes for Dan on Ecias–an Earthlike world–it also bodes ill for Rick, back in Earth’s past.
With Rick’s wife wondering about his loyalty after he tells her about his dreams of being married to a beautiful woman on an Eden-esque world in an exotic future, and with invaders threatening Dan’s home on far, futuristic Ecias, will either man live happily ever after? It’s an intriguing story that I found quite captivating and well written. Bravo, Mr. Dee.
Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US
A small selection of books by Richard Dee
Discover more about Richard Dee and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website: Richard Dee’s Scifi – Goodreads: Richard Dee at Goodreads – Twitter: @RichardDockett1 – Facebook:Richard Dee Author
The next book is occult horror novel Cusp of Night (A Hode’s Hill Novel Book 1) by Mae Clair the first in her successful series.
![Cusp of Night (A Hode's Hill Novel Book 1) by [Mae Clair]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VlpKzC2EL.jpg)
About the book
In this supernatural thriller series opener, a librarian moves to a small town following a near-death experience, and a chain of chilling events occur.
Recently settled in Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania, Maya Sinclair is enthralled by the town’s folklore, especially the legend about a centuries-old monster. A devil-like creature with uncanny abilities responsible for several horrific murders, the Fiend has evolved into the stuff of urban myth. But the past lives again when Maya witnesses an assault during the annual “Fiend Fest.” The victim is developer Leland Hode, patriarch of the town’s most powerful family, and he was attacked by someone dressed like the Fiend.
Compelled to discover who is behind the attack and why, Maya uncovers a shortlist of enemies of the Hode clan. The mystery deepens when she finds the journal of a late nineteenth-century spiritualist who once lived in Maya’s house—a woman whose ghost may still linger. Known as the Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill due to a genetic condition, Lucinda Glass vanished without a trace and was believed to be one of the Fiend’s tragic victims. The disappearance of a young couple, combined with more sightings of the monster, trigger Maya to join forces with Leland’s son Collin. But the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .
One of the reviews for the book
After surviving a car accident that nearly killed her, Maya Sinclair moves to Hodes Hill, Pennsylvania. She decides to rent an old brownstone close to where Charlotte Hode was murdered over a century ago.
Maya is still haunted by the time she spent in the Aether, hovering between life and death in a reality where souls with unfinished business lingered. Now, she finds her perceptions altered, opening the doors to her own clairvoyance.
It doesn’t take long for the house to connect with its new occupant. When the clock reaches, 2:22 am known as the cusp of night, terrifying noises explode from the walls of the house. Eventually, Maya recognizes a figure from the Aether… what could it mean?
In a city where the people refuse to let go of the past, the night of the annually celebrated Fiend Festival finally arrives. The townsfolk dress up in costumes to resemble the terrifying creature that murdered Charlotte Hode all those years before. However, this year is different. Something is out there, and it‘s killed again!
It turns out that Hode’s Hill sponsored the spiritualist movement of the Nineteenth century in the form of the Blue Lady, a blue-skinned spiritualist who perpetrated a scam against unsuspecting townsfolk. Now, she uses Maya’s sensitivity to the Aether to carry out her task.
Clair skillfully incorporates the tragic story of Lucy Strick, the Blue Lady, with that of Maya Sinclair bringing the past into the future in a story that was so riveting I couldn’t it put this book down.
The author also displays a rare command over language that’s unique. Her vivid descriptions and settings put me in the story, as if I’d experienced the events myself. I’ll never look at my watch at 2:22 am again!
Maya Sinclair is the type of heroine I like the most. She’s flawed, but in a way that makes her seem multidimensional and very human. This town is full of characters, which makes the story even more realistic. The Hode family contains some despicable figures, but Collin Hode teams up with Maya to help solve the mystery of the blue lady.
If I could give this book a rating over five stars, I would. I rarely say that, but this series is exceptional. I’m already reading the second book (End of Day) in the series and have purchased the third book, (Eventide) as well.
If you love mystery and suspense with a healthy helping of the paranormal, you won’t want to miss this series.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
Find out more about Mae Clair and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Mae on: Goodreads Website: Mae Clair – Twitter: @MaeClair1
The final book today that would make a wonderful gift, and I can highly recommend is the latest release by D.L. Finn.. a paranormal romantic fantasy – A Voice in the Silence.
About the book
Drea Burr has experienced more than her share of loss when a stray dog, cat, and rat enter her life. Although the animals start to mend her broken heart, there is something very unusual about them. During a snowstorm, Drea discovers a chilling set of footprints leading to her front window. Both the police and a ghostly messenger warn her about a killer stalking widows. Help comes from her late husband’s best friend, Adam Hale. As the two try to discover answers, more questions arise— about a killer, ghosts, and animals experimented on in a lab.
One of the reviews for the book
Drea, a recent widow, lives alone in her home far from town. There’s a serial killer roaming the area and a winter storm on the way. But what initially finds its way into her home isn’t a murderer, but a trio of animals who’ve escaped from a lab—a dog, a cat, and a rat. And before she knows it, they’re doing things that no animals should be able to do. They talk.
Suspension of disbelief was a necessity for this book. In some ways, the fantastical abilities of the animals gave the story a whimsical, childlike innocence. But that quality is countered by the presence of a serial killer outside in the storm, and the suspense intensifies when Drea finds his footprints in the snow. With the help of her animal family, a ghost, and a caring police officer, she just might get through the storm alive.
Three major plot lines thread through the story, and each comes to its own satisfying climax rather than all resolving at the end. The main protagonists are well-rounded characters, and that includes the animals. My favorites were Drea, Adam, and Charlie the dog. The villains range from mentally ill to completely deranged.
The story unfolds primarily from Drea’s perspective though the overall POV is omniscient. The pace is good, and descriptions gave a clear picture of the action and setting. There’s a romantic undercurrent and some violence, including an off-stage suicide. Overall, I’d say this book is suitable for YA and adult audiences, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy paranormal stories and want to try something whimsical, suspenseful, and entirely different.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US– And: Amazon UK
A small selection of other books by D.L. Finn
Discover more about D.L. Finn and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow D.L. Finn: Goodreads – Connect to D.L. Finn – Website: D.L. Finn Author – Facebook: D.L. Finn Author – Twitter: @dlfinnauthor
Thanks very much for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. thanks Sally
Smorgasbord Laughter is the Best Medicine – Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Husband and Wives, Words of Wisdom
Firstly, some funnies from Debby Gies followed by a joke or two from Sally. Thanks to those who share the funnies on the internet.
D.G. Writes is where you will find an archive full of wonderful posts across several subjects including writing tips, social issues and book reviews.My thanks to Debby for excellent foraging
D. G. Kaye – Buy: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK Blog: D.G. Writes – Goodreads: D.G. Kaye on Goodreads – Twitter: @pokercubster
Debby’s new series Spiritual Awareness. Spiritual Awareness – Are you familiar with Astral Projection? 
Now for some fun from Sally….from the archives
Words of wisdom
A man had been contemplating the world’s population,
It’s amazing, he told his friend. Every time I breathe in and out someone dies.
Have you tried mouthwash said his friend
*****
‘Every man should have a girl for love, companionship and sympathy,’ said a wise and mature bachelor. ‘Preferably at three different addresses,’ he added
Quick thinking
The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: ‘Take only ONE. God is watching.’
Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.A child had written a note: ‘Take all you want. God is watching the apples.’
Sally’s books: Amazon US – Amazon UK – More reviews : Goodreads – Podcast – Sally Cronin on Soundcloud – Twitter: @sgc58
Thank you for joining us today and we hope you are leaving with a smile on your face.. Debby and Sally.
Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2022 – #Prehistoric #Adventure Jacqui Murray, #Psychological #Thriller Terry Tyler, #PostWar #Russia Marina Osipova
Welcome to the Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair with a selection of books from personally recommended authors on my bookshelf I believe will make wonderful gifts for friends, family and for you.
The first book today is the third book in the Dawn of Humanity trilogy by Jacqui Murray. I can highly recommend Natural Selection (Dawn of Humanity Book 3)
About the book
In this final book of the trilogy, Lucy and her tribe leave their good home to rescue captured tribemembers who are in grave danger. Since leaving her mate, Lucy created a tribe that includes an eclectic mix of species–a Canis, a Homotherium kit, and different iterations of early man. More will join and some will die but that is the nature of prehistoric life, when survival depends on a mix of man’s developing intellect and untiring will to live. Each brings unique skills to the task of saving Raza and his Group from sure death. Based on true events from 1.8 million years ago in Africa, Lucy and her band of early humans struggle against the harsh reality of a world ruled by nature, where predators stalk them and a violent new species of man threatens to destroy their world. Only by changing can they prevail. If you ever wondered how earliest man survived but couldn’t get through the academic discussions, this book is for you. Prepare to see this violent and beautiful world in a way you never imagined.
One of the reviews for the book
The final book of the Dawn of Humanity series ends on a positive note though I suspect that Lucy’s story of survival in the prehistoric world will continue to be riddled with danger and challenges. As the title suggests, not all the branches of primitive mankind will survive and those who do will depend on their ability to develop new skills and think strategically.
The plot is straightforward with two main threads. The first is Lucy and her group’s continuing search for a sustainable homebase. The second is their plan to rescue past members of her tribe from Man-who-preys before they become so weak from hunger that they’re killed. Lucy is the main character, but not the only point of view, and other characters are frequently brought to the forefront. These include her two-legged group members as well as those with four.
Murray’s research continues to add depth and realism to the read, and I found it as fascinating as I did in the first book. Our ancestors had it tough, and their lives were intricately entwined with the world around them. I appreciated that Murray didn’t spare our modern sensibilities. Grooming bugs from each other’s skin, eating rotten meat, and “fear poop” aren’t very glamorous, but they added to the authenticity of the story. Her word choices—to describe the harsh environment, its rhythms and wild creatures, and the nature and skill of each member of her diverse group—bring life on Earth 1.8 million years ago into vivid relief.
For readers who enjoy a meticulously researched primitive world and the remarkable challenges faced by our evolutionary ancestors, I highly recommend this series. It’s fascinating.
Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US And: Amazon UK
A selection of books by Jacqui Murray
Discover more about Jacqui Murray and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Jacqui: goodreads – Blog: Worddreams – Twitter: @WordDreams
Delighted to share the news of the latest release by Terry Tyler and my review of this psychological thriller… Where There’s Doubt.
About the book
‘I can be anything you want me to be. Even if you don’t know you want it. Especially if you don’t know you want it.’
Café owner Kate is mentally drained after a tough two years; all she wants from her online chess partner is entertainment on lonely evenings, and maybe a little virtual flirtation.
She is unaware that Nico Lewis is a highly intelligent con artist who, with an intricately spun web of lies about their emotional connection, will soon convince her that he is The One.
Neither does Kate know that his schemes involve women who seek love on dating sites, as well as his small publishing business. A host of excited authors believe Nico is about to make their dreams come true.
Terry Tyler’s twenty-fourth publication is a sinister psychological drama that highlights the dark side of internet dating—and the danger of ignoring the doubts of your subconscious.
One of the reviews for Where There’s Doubt
Four rich and lonely women fall for the not unsubstantial charms of the thoroughly obnoxious and narcissistic Nico Lewis. Nico is only after one thing… money. He manages to divide his time between all four ladies, promising love and eternal devotion. If he’s not sorting out wedding plans or taking Polly, Kate, Heather and Minerva (separately of course) around the mansion where he proposes they shall live (of course he needs ‘help’ to fund a deposit), then he’s duping wannabe authors into believing he runs Curlew Publishing, a vanity press whereby authors pay money up front and then seemingly wait forever for their book to be published.
This book is very well written and told from multiple perspectives. When women like Kate, Polly, Heather and Minerva are lonely and isolated and then somebody like Nico comes along, wooing them with charm and the promise of eternal devotion, then they believe any lie they are told because they are looking for love and are gullible.
The four women all deal with the fallout of Nico’s activities in different ways, making this book very readable and quite a page-turner. I read until the very last page as I was interested in how things would turn out. I found Nico to be the most reprehensible person with no redeeming features at all, but then again that’s because of Ms Tyler’s writing skills.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US
A small selection of other books by Terry Tyler
Find out more about Terry Tyler and buy the books:Amazon UK – And : Amazon US – Follow Terry Tyler: Goodreads – Blog: Terry Tyler Blogspot – Twitter:@TerryTyler4
The last book today is by Marina Osipova – Push Me Off a Cliff a novel set in post war Russia when wounds and loss are still dominant in the minds of the survivors.
About the book
March of 1948. Three years have passed since the Great Patriotic War ended in victory, disposing into the streets of the destroyed and hungry cities and villages brave decorated soldiers: thousands of them having been burned, maimed, or disfigured beyond recognition.
On a crowded commuter train, Maria hears an invalid singing, which painfully connects her to her time at the front and to the love that failed to happen to her. Why, then, since that day, does the voice from the past echo so insistently in her present life? The torture of uncertainty—was it really Armen?—intensifies after the next encounter and leaves her with an unsettling compulsion to do . . . what? Help him? Or, rather, rescue herself from her lonely and unassuming existence her heart subtly rejects? She must decide whether she is willing to let go of the life she knows for feelings she had never thought she could experience.
But, first, she has to find him.
As the genocide of 1915 within the Ottoman Empire destroyed the lives of Armen’s parents and about one-and-a-half-million ethnic Armenians, his future is shattered by this other war and betrayal. Legless and totally alone, and without any family after his mother is gone, it seems the most merciful thing for him would be to end his miserable existence by leaping off a cliff. Otherwise, he must find the courage to continue living in the condition the war left him and find his place in the bitter every-day reality full of difficulties prone to men like him.
Maria and Armen. Each carries private wounds. In the face of despair, will fate offer them a chance to heal their souls and hearts?
One of the reviews for the book
Now that I finished reading it, I’m absolutely certain this book will stay with me for a very long time. The author doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities the Soviet people had to deal with during the post-war years, and the brutal honesty with which she describes the neglect and humiliation that yesterday’s heroes of war – now homeless and disabled people – had to face from their own government and fellow countrymen left me speechless many times throughout the book.
Both Maria and Armen are incredibly real and likable characters, but it was the character of Armen that has left me completely in awe. In the first part of the book we see him as a sensitive, compassionate and somewhat impetuous young man. The tragedy that befalls Armen later is supposed to crush his personality, it nearly destroys him, and that’s where it becomes evident just how much inner strength and will to live there is in him.
The parallel Marina Osipova draws between the two episodes with the man on the cliff shows that Armen wouldn’t become such a strong person without his mother and her love for him. His family’s legacy and his people’s culture live in his heart, preventing him from losing the last shreds of hope and guiding him towards the light even in the darkest of times.
I loved the gradual, careful and authentic development of feelings between Maria and Armen. Despite their youth, they are old souls because of what they’ve seen and lived through, and the fact that their bond is based on the same experiences, mutual respect, compassion and eventual friendship makes it all the more precious and hard-won. Together, they learn to heal and leave the pain and loneliness behind, and, as a reader, I couldn’t root for them enough.
I was also very surprised and happy to find the descriptions of Novopestchanaya street in the Moscow district Sokol where I myself live in one of the chapters.
Overall, if you are a World War 2 and Soviet Union historical fiction lover, Push Me Off The Cliff by Marina Osipova will be your best choice. Highly recommend.
Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
Other books by Marina Osipova
Discover more about Marina Osipova and buy the books: Amazon US – And on: Amazon UK – follow Marina : Goodreads – website:Marina Osipova – Twitter: @marosikok
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Breakfast Show with William Price King and Sally Cronin – Chart Hits 1950s – Doris Day, Elvis Presley, The Four Aces and Paul Anka
Welcome to our show and whilst there have been some great songs since 2005, we felt that hits from the 40s and 50s deserved a showcase from now to the end of the year… we hope you will enjoy our music memories and some of the news events of the decade.
Here is my next selection of top 1950s chart hits which I hope you will enjoy.
Doris Day – Que Sera, Sera
“Que sera, sera “ composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, is from the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film “The Man Who Knew Too Much” starring James Stewart and Doris Day. Released on Columbia Records, the song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the UK Singles Chart. “Que sera, sera”, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became known as Doris Day’s signature song. In 2004 it finished at #48 in AFI’s 100 Years . . . 100 Songs survey of the top songs in American cinema.
February 25th 1957 Buddy Holly & Crickets record “That’ll Be the Day”
Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock
“Jailhouse Rock”, released by RCA in 1957, was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stroller for the film bearing the same name. It peaked at #1 in the US for seven weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100, #1 on their Country and R&B charts, #1 in the UK for three weeks, and the top 10 in several other countries. In November, 2016 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
July 6th 1957 John Lennon (16) & Paul McCartney (15) meet for 1st time as Lennon’s rock group Quarrymen perform at St. Peter’s, Woolton’s Parish Church in Liverpool
Now time for my next picks from the 1950s all tunes that I remember from my childhood from cartoons, films and my parents records.
The Four Aces – Love is a Many-Spendored Thing
“Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing” is a popular song with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. The song was publicized first in the movie, Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955), winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
The best-selling version of the song was recorded by The Four Aces backed by the Jack Pleis Orchestra and issued by Decca Records. It reached number two in the UK Singles Chart, and number one on both Billboard and Cash Box in 1955
January 10th 1958 Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” reaches #1 on the UK pop charts
Paul Anka – Diana
“Diana” is a song written and first performed by Paul Anka, who recorded it in May 1957 at Don Costa’s studio in New York City. The song reached number 1 (for two weeks) on the Billboard “R&B Best Sellers In Stores” chart and has reportedly sold over nine million copies. “Diana” also hit number one on the R&B Best Sellers chart.number 1 on the UK’s New Musical Express chart, staying there for nine weeks and sold 1.25 million copies in the UK.
June 24th 1958 Nina Simone releases her debut jazz album “Little Girl Blue”
Additional sources: On This Day – Music – Hits of the 1940s and 1950s: Playback FM – Wikipedia
Your Hosts for The Breakfast Show
William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.
His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.
While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.
Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson
Sally Cronin is an author, blogger and broadcaster who enjoyed four years as part of the team on Onda Cero International’s English speaking morning show in Marbella and then for two years as a presenter on Expressfm the local radio station in Portsmouth. She co-presented two ‘Drive Time’ shows a week with Adrian Knight, hosted the live Thursday Afternoon Show and The Sunday Morning Show guests including musicians and authors. Following this she became Station Director for a local internet television station for two years, producing and presenting the daily news segment, outside broadcasts and co-presenting the Adrian and Sally chat show live on Friday evenings.
She and her husband David have now returned to Ireland where they live on the Wexford Coast where she blogs and continues to write books.
Books :Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin
Thanks for tuning in and as always we love to hear from you.. thanks William and Sally.
Smorgasbord Afternoon Video – Sally’s Favourites – This adopted dog gives the best hugs.
Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2022 – New Book on the Shelves – #Poetry – Sorrowful Soul (Book 3 in the Soul Poetry series) by Harmony Kent
Delighted to share the news of Harmony Kent’s latest release… Sorrowful Soul (Book 3 in the Soul Poetry series) On Pre-Order for December 3rd
About the collection
If we’re lucky, we meet twilight at the front door and old age creeps in on the night breeze.
Even if we make it to our twilight years, the more we age, the more loss we must endure as part of the cycle of life. Many of these poems lament death, but they also relate to broken relationships, severed friendships, and the loss of youth. This book of grief poetry is as much about saying goodbye and working through loss as it is about death and love split asunder.
This heartfelt collection provides company and compassion through the devastating journey of loss and shows us we do not travel this lonely road alone. Within these pages we share shock, numbness and denial, catapult into anger, bargaining, depression, loneliness, and guilt, and—eventually—make the seismic shift into testing the possibility of a new normal and finding acceptance.
Head over to pre-order the collection for December 2nd: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US
A small selection of other books by Harmony Kent
My review for Life and Soul (Book 2 in the Soul Poetry Series) July 7th 2022
This collection takes us on a journey exploring the many aspects of life, love, loss and renewal.
The soul that is our unique inner being, can be fragile at times, but also incredibly strong to withstand the storms that sweep through our lives.
The author is very open about her life and the traumatic events that she encountered and overcame and her strength is very evident in the poems she shares in this collection.
There are many that I can relate to, with poems that reflect the heartache of love that has not just faded, but developed a darker side, and being an outsider in a society that has strict rules for acceptance. It is also a celebration of finding love unexpectedly, and discovering true friendships that come with total acceptance.
Clearly love is all encompassing and there is a wonderful section devoted to the romance, growing connection and everyday joys to be found with your soul mate. One line in particular stuck with me.
Love in the simple things
Such as your glasses case left on the kitchen island…
I found the last section of the collection The Life of a Soul fascinating as the author takes us from birth to rebirth with such grace and poignancy. Certainly there are tears for the young child and woman trying to find her way, but also smiles at the determination to overcome a devastating accident and to adapt to the world on her own terms.
There were many poems that struck a chord with me including This Isn’t Love, The Group, True Friendships, Plastic Surgeon and This is Home.
Wild and Free is a lovely example of the authors way with words.
I’m not the prettiest flower in the field
But neither am I a weed
Take the time to watch me bloom
Don’t cut my stem and moan when I fade too soon
Far better that you leave me be
Dancing in the breeze, wild and free
I recommend this collection to those who would like to absorb the wise and poignant words of one soul to another.
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And : Amazon US – Follow Harmony:Goodreads – Website:Harmony Kent – Twitter: @Harmony_Kent
About Harmony Kent
Harmony Kent is an award winning multi-genre author. Her publications include:
- The Battle for Brisingamen (Fantasy Fiction) AIA approved
- The Glade (Mystery/Thriller) AIA Approved/BRAG Medallion Honouree/New Apple Literary Awards Official Selection Honours 2015
- Polish Your Prose: Essential Editing Tips for Authors (Writing/Editing) New Apple Literary Awards Top Medallist Honours 2015
- Finding Katie (Women’s Fiction)
- Slices of Soul (Contemporary Poetry)
- Interludes 1 & Interludes 2 (Erotic Short Stories)
- Moments (Short Stories and Poetry)
- Jewel in the Mud (Zen Musings)
- Backstage (Erotic Romance)
- FALLOUT (Apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic Dystopia) BRAG Medallion Honouree
- The Vanished Boy (Psychological Thriller)
As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers reviews and supports her fellow authors. Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the publishing arena. She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes. Harmony lives in Cornwall, England.
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. thanks Sally.
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Spiritual Awareness – Are you familiar with Astral Projection? by D.G. Kaye
Explore the spiritual side of our natures as D.G. Kaye shares her experiences and research into this element of our lives.
You can find Part Four of the Angel series: Decoding Sequenced Angel Messages in Numbers
Are you familiar with Astral Projection?
Welcome back to my Spiritual Awareness series here at Sally’s Smorgasbord. Today I’m speaking about the act of Astral Projection. So, what is Astral Projection?
The astral plane is the realm of dreams and spirits. When we astral plane, we are taken to a level beyond the physical where we live here on earth. Astral Projection is the vehicle method we use to visit an intermediate world of light between heaven and earth. Those who have astral traveled say when in the astral, they can feel they are in the present, along with all their senses. People often experience this during illness or if they’re involved in a near death experience, if not practiced intentionally.
Astral planing is a spiritual journey of the out of body experience, known as OBE. It is like floating out of our bodies and watching our body below, not unlike what many tell us they experience in near death situations, or while in an operating room as their soul spirit watches from above. The nature of astral traveling is we can explore another plane that does exist. It is said that approximately 10% of the population has had an OBE (out of body experience). So how would we know if we’ve astral planed?
Astral planing is basically, lucid dreaming. It is the separation of our spirit body from the physical body allowing us to experience the astral realm. And remember, our body is still connected by a silver cord, enabling us to return anytime. In actuality, it is the brain’s body schema (its perception) of our physical form being altered. Nothing is “leaving” our body, we can literally only feel our conscious self, leaving our body when we start to fall asleep, that is why we sometimes feel like we’re falling while dreaming as we are startled and our body shakes us awake. the first step to starting an astral projection.
The goal is to transcend our physical being, mentally. Our soul doesn’t disconnect completely from our body, it’s just something people say as a way to describe astral projection.
It’s important to do our research before attempting astral projection, making sure we have a clear and pure intention because astral projection is the law of attraction for the soul, meaning that whatever we reflect will come back to us during our soul journey.
While we sleep, our subconscious is in control. The difference between unconscious astral travel when asleep and dreaming, and practiced astral projection, is by using conscious astral projection, we’re able to control where our soul travels, also referred to as conscious sleeping.
How to Astral Travel
Lie down or sit in a chair in a quiet place and focus solely on your deep breathing. Do this until your mind draws blank and the only sound you hear is the sound of your deep breathing, and you’re just about to fall asleep, but still awake. Continue on with deep breaths for approximately 20 minutes when you will begin to feel a tingling or numbness within your body, and you eventually lose consciousness of your physical body. Don’t panic, stay focused, and do not move or allow in any thinking, just stay focused on the breath, this is part of the process. Once we’ve achieved this vibrational stage, we can begin to use our willpower in one of several ways.
Vibrational Stage
Our vibrations have now been shifted to an alternate frequency, which enable us to project. We must next visualize ourselves moving – without moving, as we need to begin lifting ourselves out of our physical bodies.
We must now focus our imaginations and intentions with eyes closed and using visualization. There are various methods we can use for visualization, and as time progresses with practice, we eventually discover what works best for our focus. But one suggested method is that we close our eyes and imagine there is a rope hanging above us. Then we must reach up (with our astral bodies) and grab on to the rope, without moving any body parts.
This event takes a lot of practice, and admittedly, I still have not mastered it myself, as I have a very active imagination and have a difficult time doing deep concentration, but I’m working on it. It’s natural for us to be pulled right back into our bodies the first few times until we get a natural handle on astral traveling. Once we master this, we will be free to journey to wherever we wish. When we’re ready to return to our bodies, all we have to do is ‘think’ it.
What will you experience in Astral Traveling?
- We may feel as though our body is paralyzed, similar to when we sleep.
- Some say they feel their heart rate escalate as astral traveling exerts a lot of energy.
- Some will feel a tingling through their bodies, where others claim to feel an electricity-like vibration through them. This happens when energy points reach a synchronized resonation.
- Others claim they begin to hear a loud buzzing noise, or a hum. Some say it’s a light buzzing sound, while others claim they feel as though they were near proximity to a jet plane.
- Some explain they feel numbness, while others claim they feel a vibrational tingle throughout their bodies, feeling anywhere from a gentle brushing against them to a dire itchiness.
- Some claim they feel an overwhelming blanketed feeling all around them, while others say they feel an immense pressure around their heads that doesn’t last long. Experts claim this is due to increased activity in the crown center from separation of body and spirit.
- Another common sensation is a heated sensation through the center of the body, raising upward to the chest area. This is explained because of the amount of energy exerted to astral plane.
- Some claim they feel either a sinking or floating sensation as they begin to separate mind and body, while others describe the feeling as one of being on a roller coaster. These occurrences are attributed to the separation of the astral body as the physical body leaves behind all the physical feelings associated with our physical form.
If we are feeling any or all these sensations, we are on the right path to astral projection.
Are there dangers in Astral Traveling?
It’s important to learn the caveats of Astral traveling. This journey is not a dangerous one, but it is advised that we prepare properly before beginning a journey. A common fear is that someone may die while trying this. This is not true.
Others question about whether or not we can become possessed by some demon entity. Keep in mind, we can only let in evil spirits if we invite them in, or if we are vibrating at a low frequency. We must be firm with any entities we may encounter while traveling. We have only to remember to say no to them and at the same time envisioning our protection of white light around us as a shield. It’s also a good idea to begin the procedure by asking the higher powers to protect us on our journey.
Remember, we can’t get be separated from ourselves or get trapped while in another realm or when returning back to our physical bodies because of our free will. It can sometimes feel as though we’re trapped, but we never are. We need only to focus our energies on returning to our bodies. And our ‘silver cord’ will always bring us back.
Remember, our physical world is a lot more scarier than the astral realms!
So, what is the Silver Cord?
In short, it’s an ethereal thread that connects our souls to our physical bodies – a link, so to speak, connecting our physical selves to our higher selves, which prevents us from getting lost in an astral realm. Some claim they can see the cord while astral traveling, and some don’t. Those who do have described it as a strand of silver tinsel, while others say it’s like a string connected to a ball of energy. It’s almost like an imaginary harness.
However, most people say they never see the string while traveling and say it’s like a tethering energy. Regardless of whether we can see the cord or not, just know it is always there. The cord is said to only be broken once we physically die.
It is said that if we were to have an NDE (near death experience), for example, if one is having a heart attack, the soul reaches up for the silver cord and hangs on until such time the patient is revived and comes back into themselves as they are revived. If they die, the cord is severed. This is why many people claim they have looked down on themselves onto their physical bodies and have seen all that has gone on before they were revived, they were still connected by the cord.
The silver cord has been referred to by many religions, cults, and history books. Here is a direct quote from the bible:
“Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
Below, I’d like to share some helpful links for you to learn more about Astral Projection.
Become a Living God – Soul Travel – Best Way to Succeed
I hope I’ve enlightened you all about the Astral Projection journey. If any of you have tried this, please share your experience in comments.
Below is a good video that helps prepare the mind for Astral Projection
Here is a wonderful video to help guide you through an astral journey
©D.G.Kaye 2022
My thanks to Debby for another fascinating post on the spiritual side of our natures. I know she would love to hear from you.
About D.G. Kaye (Debby Gies)
Debby Gies is a Canadian nonfiction/memoir author who writes under the pen name of D.G. Kaye. She was born, raised, and resides in Toronto, Canada. Kaye writes about her life experiences, matters of the heart and women’s issues.
D.G. writes to inspire others. Her writing encompasses stories taken from events she encountered in her own life, and she shares the lessons taken from them. Her sunny outlook on life developed from learning to overcome challenges in her life, and finding the upside from those situations, while practicing gratitude for all the positives.
When Kaye isn’t writing intimate memoirs, she brings her natural sense of humor into her other works. She loves to laugh and self- medicate with a daily dose of humor.
“I love to tell stories that have lessons in them, and hope to empower others by sharing my own experiences. I write raw and honest about my own experiences, hoping through my writing, that others can relate and find that there is always a choice to move from a negative space, and look for the positive.”
Quotes:
“Live Laugh Love . . . And Don’t Forget to Breathe!”
“For every kindness, there should be kindness in return. Wouldn’t that just make the world right?”
Books by D.G. Kaye
One of the reviews for P. S. I Forgive You
Many of us came from a flawed family. Unfortunately, we can’t choose our parents, and when a child is abused, they will carry the pain throughout their lives. It’s an emotional roller coaster; the author speaks from her heart and soul. This story is heartfelt. You will have tears flow down your cheeks. It’s not easy to forgive, but I am glad she has written this book.
A mother’s love should be unconditional, but when they have gambling and other problems, they exercise control over their children by being selfish and not loving. It’s a recipe for disaster. Why her mother wasn’t happy reflects on her daughter’s hurt she carries throughout her life and the neglect and abuse of the family.
I understand why writing her journey was so important. It’s like letting go of a butterfly jarred to be free to fly away from the Suffocation from her past.
I don’t think we can ever understand why some parents do what they do. We must heal from the bad and be grateful for the good. I could relate with D.G. Kaye. My parents were alcoholics and gave us away. It’s important to forgive, but you never forget. I highly recommend this fantastic book.
Read all the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – follow Debby: Goodreads – Blog: D.G. Kaye Writer – About me: D.G. Kaye – Twitter: @pokercubster – Linkedin: D.G. Kaye – Facebook: D.G. Kaye – Instagram: D.G. Kaye – Pinterest: D.G. Kaye
Thanks for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share Debby’s post.. thanks Sally
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up November 21st – 27th 2022 – Author Interviews, Reviews, Chart Hits 1950s, Culinary A-Z, Tony Bennett, Podcast, Christmas Book Fair, Humour
Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord.
Hope you are all well and a busy week I am sure for those of you celebrating family Thanksgiving gatherings. I find it hard to believe it is December round the corner and another year coming to a close.
I have been out and about with Debby Gies this week on Tuesday for a Q&A which gave the new book a lovely boost… and she generously reviewed the collection too for her Sunday Book Review.
I have also been scheduling the Christmas and New Year archive posts and some wonderful contributions already. There are still some spaces left before the 15th of December and also after Christmas for any New Year Posts you would like to share.
Details are in this post: Posts from Your Archives – 2022 – Christmas and New Year Special
Contributor News this week.
William Price King joined me for The Breakfast Show for the next in the series on hits from the 1940s and the next post in the series about the wonderful performer Tony Bennett and his music in the 1970s and 80s. You can also find William – Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr
Debby Gies is here on Monday morning with the next post in her Spiritual Awareness series .. Over on her own blog apart from the two posts I have already linked to you can enjoy another Q&A with author Jacqui Murray. Follow the link to Debby’s posts …D.G. Kaye
Carol Taylor was be here on Wednesday with her A-Z of food with the letter ‘L’…on her own blog you will find Monday Musings with a cautionary tale from Clive about scammers, and a kind promotion for Variety is the Spice of Life, A wonderful recipe for Red Thai curry with mushrooms as a delicious plant based meal, A look at edible flowers and a trip to the local market for some exotics that in Thailand are everyday foods. Head over to check the posts out CarolCooks2 weekly roundup…20th- 26th November 2022
Thank you too for all your visits, comments and shares during the week. As always very much appreciated…♥
On with the show….
Podcast – #Poetry #Flash Fiction – December and Sea Mist
#Mystery #Thriller Genuine Deceit by Joy York
Previous Reviews 2021- #Western #Romance – Tumblestar by Sandra Cox.
Previous Reviews from 2022 – #Christmas #Romance – Love, Me by Jacquie Biggar
Previous Reviews 2021 – #Children – Brody Cody and the Stepmother from Outer Space by Toni Pike
#Fantasy D.Wallace Peach, #Memoir D.G. Kaye, #Familysaga Judith Barrow
– #Poetry Colleen M. Chesebro, #SouthernCulture Claire Fullerton, #CrimeThriller Joan Hall
#Shortstory Silent Night by Abbie Johnson Taylor
Christmas and New Year Special – Short Story, The Bike by D.L. Finn
Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin November 22nd 2022- Thanksgiving food and Students
Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin November 24th 2022 – Turkey Dilemmas and Betting slips
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will join me again next week.. Sally.
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine 