Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – Cruise ships, Italian Cookery, Weights and Measures and a Badger in the Rose Garden!

Welcome to the round up of posts on Smorgasbord you might have missed this week.

Eureka!  The back garden ground works are completed and the side gate has been attached to the house again. It looks so much better and David is now levelling the rest of the garden which was very deeply sloped. This involves stainless steel cages about four foot in length, filled with stones to form a platform for the top soil.. when they arrived from Germany, and the first one was assembled, I did have a moment of wondering if this was my punishment for over using the debit card!  Then I saw there were several others which was a relief…

One final job is to install a new fence between our house and our neighbours and across to the hedge to enclose the back garden. Even though we have electronic gates we are sure that the next owners are likely to be a family and we wanted to provide a safe and secure place for them to play. Also if they have a dog it too is secure with plenty of space.

Not sure we will be completely finished by the end of the summer as so much is weather dependent.. but certainly by next spring when the next house selling season comes around we shall be. We are currently exploring the coastline further south and to the west looking for our next home, with a sea view.. and dare I say, less to do!

Twitter

One of the ways I try to support people on Twitter is retweeting their pinned tweet when they follow me, and also to zip around regularly to my friends to share their pinned tweet too. There are still quite a few people who are not taking advantage of this additional promotional feature that extends your profile of 160 characters by another 280 characters.

I currently use my pinned tweet to promote my Cafe and Bookstore and it is the first thing new followers see when they visit my account. And it is also usually the first thing that they will retweet out to their own followers.. I do change from time to time. If I have a new book that has been released, or a new series beginning.

It is very easy to use.. Prepare your tweet – edit it so that you are getting the maximum bang for your 280 characters..

1. What are you promoting?
2. If it is a book, what are the key words you should be including… along with one or two relevant #hashtags #Romance #Thriller #offer  etc.
3. Have you removed unnecessary words such as that, and etc and used commas instead.
4. Would it sell the book to you.
5. Perhaps you are a blogger looking for guest posts.. what can you offer those submitting and what do you need from them.
6. You might have a post that you particularly want to promote – don’t forget to add a couple of # and think of a way to hook them that encourages them to read your post.

Once the tweet is edited… next step – easy as 1,2, and 3

1. Click on the downward facing arrow to the top right of your tweet.
2. You will be offered several options including Pin to your profile page.
3. Click and you will then be asked if you would like to view.

I am always very happy to share your tweets… pinned or otherwise but if you would like to tag me when you change your pinned tweet next time.. @sgc58… I will be delighted to share.

Time to get on with this week’s posts you might have missed….

My thanks as always to the contributors, guests and to you for dropping in this week.. you keep me motivated.

Last time Debby Gies (D. G. Kaye) shared some important information on cruise lines, the various standards of cabins available, and the best place on the ship to be if the weather is a bit choppy.  Here is the link to Part One

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-travel-column-rewind-with-d-g-kaye-cruises-part-two-ship-tips/

With our global obsession with food and recipes, it can sometimes get a little confusing with measurements and the differing names for the foods we are familiar with. This week Carol Taylor clarifies a few things for us. Cooking terms, weight conversions and foods names

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/10/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-cookery-column-with-carol-taylor-cooking-terms-weight-conversions-and-foods-names/

A wonderful multi-coloured appetizer or light meal from Silvia Todesco in this month’s Italian Cookery post..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/11/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-italiancookery-with-silvia-todesco-summer-italian-flag-colors-sandwich-an-impressive-appetizer-by-silvia-todesco/

My guest this week is Debby Gies D.G. Kaye talking about her heightened 6th sense, which has forewarned her on a number of times about coming events.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/14/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-human-in-every-sense-of-the-word-my-sixth-sense-ias-inner-alert-system-d-g-kaye/

On centre stage this week……

As the night drew to an end, the lights dimmed and the music changed tempo from the rock ‘n’ roll to a more romantic vibe… the oldies were placed on the turntable and we were chaperoned..loosely by the likes of Frank Sinatra… Ole Blue Eyes himself. Who conveniently looked away from any shenanigans going on…. Here are some of my favourites.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/09/smorgasbord-summer-music-festival-the-crooners-part-one-frank-sinatra/

Time of the week to respond to Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 135 and this week the two prompt words are ‘Pretty and Ugly‘…. And I have selected the synonyms ‘Fair and Unsightly’ Etheree – Fairy Tales by Sally Cronin

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/12/smorgasbord-poetry-colleen-chesebro-tuesday-tanka-challenge-etheree-fairy-tales-by-sally-cronin/

The first of this weekend’s chapters from Tales from the Irish Garden Last week we met the foxes who had been changed from their human form by the evil goblin, the female was the Storyteller’s daughter.  Summer: Chapter Twelve – The Storyteller to the Rescue

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/13/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-summer-chapter-twelve-the-storyteller-to-the-rescue-by-sally-cronin/

The Storyteller arrives for his daily nurturing of his imported roses when he finds the garden in ruins.. and who might be the culprit?  Chapter Thirteen – Trouble in the Rose Garden.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/14/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-summer-chapter-thirteen-trouble-in-the-rose-garden-by-sally-cronin/

This is the second post from the archives of writer Sherrey Meyer whose blog is titled Life in the Slow Lane. Although Sherrey posted this in the spring of 2018, I am always behind with chores like this, as I am sure are some of you… so no time like the present. Time for Cleaning and Decluttering 2018 by Sherrey Meyer

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potlucktime-for-cleaning-and-decluttering-2018-by-sherrey-meyer/

This is the second of the  posts that I have selected from the archives of author Janet Gogerty. We are currently pet less, but certainly the one dog that we did have made a huge pawprint on our lives and did inspire a book all about himself. Do you have a pet that lies across your keyboard or has inspired you to write? Llamas and Labradoodles 2017 by Janet Gogerty

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-writerspets-llamas-and-labradoodles-2017-by-janet-gogerty/

This is the second post from the archives of Laura M. Bailey who blogs on a number of subjects including history, family, horses, Southern lifestyle and cookery. I selected this post as we love frittata or quiche for breakfast… great recipe thank I know you will enjoy. Barefoot In The kitchen: Breakfast For Dinner? 2018 by Laura M. Bailey

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/09/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-barefoot-in-the-kitchen-breakfast-for-dinner-2018-by-laura-m-bailey/

This is the second post from the archives of author Stevie Turner who has an extensive and eclectic archives and it is easy to get yourself lost in there for an hour or so. I selected this post from 2016 as I was always fascinated by Eva Peron and her extraordinary life. Haddon Musings’ Feminist Friday – Eva Peron 2016 by Stevie Turner

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/09/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-haddon-musings-feminist-friday-eva-peron-2016-by-stevie-turner/

This is the second post from the archives of children’s author Annabelle Franklin who lives in a lovely part of South Wales. She blogs from the Literate Lurcher.. or perhaps I should say Pearl and Millie do…sadly Millie has now passed on over the rainbow bridge, but as you will see she was a wonderful companion. This post is from 2016 and introduces us to some of the pack. Brother from Another Mother by Annabelle Franklin

No, you’re not seeing double – the one on the left is Tommy, Snip’s new BFF.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/10/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-pets-brother-from-another-mother-by-annabelle-franklin/

This is the second post in this series from the archives of Dolly Aizenman, who not only shares amazing recipes from around the world, but also shares the history behind them. I selected this post from 2016 because I love eggplant or aubergine and always keep an eye open for recipes.  Eggplant Napoleon 2016 by Dolly Aizenman

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/10/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-kosherkitchen-eggplant-napoleon-2016-by-dolly-aizenman/

This is the third post from author Christa Polkinhorn who has been blogging since 2010.. This gave me access to her extensive archives. Christa is also a poet and I fell in love with this particular one that she wrote in 2000 and posted in 2016…The Old Man and his Memories by Christa Polkinhorn

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/11/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-poetry-the-old-man-and-his-memories-by-christa-polkinhorn/

This is the third post from the archives of poet Dorinda Duclos…and for something slightly different, some wonderful photographs from a Wordless Wednesday post in 2016. A Family Affair by Dorinda Duclos

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/11/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-nature-wordless-wednesday-a-family-affair-by-dorinda-duclos/

This is the third post from author Marjorie Mallon (M.J Mallon) and this week I have selected one of the over 100 book reviews in her archives from 2015. This book is by another author in the Cafe and Bookstore Nicholas Rossis.. for Runaway Smile.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/12/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-book-review-my-kyrosmagica-review-of-nicholas-rossiss-runaway-smile-by-m-j-mallon/

This is the third post from the archives of a regular contributor to the series and wonderful supporter of us all, apart from challenging us each week with photo and Haiku prompts Sue Vincent wanders the land..in search of the ancient and modern to share with us. This week a post from her Muse and constant companion and contributor to her blog.. Ani. Notes from a small dog – War and peace 2017 by Sue Vincent

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/12/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-notes-from-a-small-dog-war-and-peace-2017-by-sue-vincent/

This is the third post from Amanda Reilly Sayer and because Amanda has only begun blogging recently, the posts are from 2019. There is plenty to share in poetry, prose and wonderful artwork. I am sure you are going to enjoy. This week I have selected a poem to share with you…Snow Day by Amanda Reilly Sayer

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/14/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-poetry-snow-day-by-amanda-reilly-sayer/

New book on the shelves

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/10/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-ages-8-10-pixie-and-the-green-book-mystery-by-coraline-grace/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/11/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-pre-order-july-22nd-the-magic-carpet-by-jessica-norrie/

Author Updates -Reviews

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-laura-m-baird-rachele-baker-dvm-and-jacquie-biggar/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/12/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-update-reviews-annette-rochelle-aben-barbara-silkstone-walter-rhein/

One of the leading causes of heart attacks in men and increasingly in women is stress. It is a silent killer that lies in wait and pounces when you least expect it. It is not helpful that the stress that we experience is as unique as our own bodies.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/09/smorgasbord-health-column-major-organs-of-the-body-part-three-the-heart-and-stress-connection-by-sally-cronin/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/09/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-digitally-enhanced-random-thoughts-on-life/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/11/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-comedian-in-residence-d-g-kaye-and-a-joke-or-two-from-sallys-archives/

Thank you very much for dropping in and all the support that you offer each week, it is much appreciated…

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Smorgasbord Summer Music Festival – The Crooners – Part One – Frank Sinatra.

Over the next few weeks I am going to be sharing a range of music for jazz, pop, rock, country and classical fans.Unlike most music festivals, the sun will always shine, there is not camping or glamping…

Last week’s post with Katrina and the Waves, Summer Nights from Grease, Stevie Wonder and Percy Faith: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/02/smorgasbord-summer-music-festival-summer-songs-to-get-you-in-the-mood/

On centre stage this week……

As the night drew to an end, the lights dimmed and the music changed tempo from the rock ‘n’ roll to a more romantic vibe… the oldies were placed on the turntable and we were chaperoned..loosely by the likes of Frank Sinatra… Ole Blue Eyes himself. Who conveniently looked away from any shenanigans going on…. Here are some of my favourites.

You can buy Frank Sinatra’s music albums and singles: Amazon

It was a Very Good Year uploaded by Bob Barry

Just the Way You Look Tonight uploaded by miscapb

Fly me to the Moon uploaded by RAYLOWESWINGS

And for that very last dance……..Strangers in the Night…. uploaded by hypherism

What is your favourite Frank Sinatra song?

I hope that you have enjoyed this musical interlude thanks for tuning in… Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – Making Hay, Getting your Blog Promoted, Guests Galore, Music and a Good Laugh.

Welcome to this week’s round up of posts you might have missed here on Smorgasbord.

Image Pixabay.com

Summer arrived finally, and for nearly a week the farming activity has been in overdrive. After the drought and poor harvest last year, the farmers are naturally very keen to get their hay made while the sun shines… This means that getting to town has been a bit slower behind tractors and other harvesting equipment, but nobody really cares as it gives us all a chance to enjoy the scenery.

I have spent my week pleasurably reading through the blogger’s archives who have kindly granted me permission to share their posts. This was an overdue attempt to get to know more about the people who support this blog and to promote them and their blogs. I had no idea that it would create such a wonderful windfall of interesting and entertaining posts. Normally when I issue an invitation to submit posts from the archives I might get 10 to 15 responses.. So far I have 65 bloggers on the list and I am half way through showcasing their posts.

This had me wondering what the difference was between the response. And the answer I believe is natural reticence. It is one thing to put yourself forward and perhaps wonder if your posts are acceptable, and another when someone actually selects posts to share. Whatever the reason, I am grateful, as I have discovered some wonderful posts and in fact am hard pushed to share just four.

It will depend very much on the reason why you write a blog, but one thing I am absolutely sure about is that there those who write blogs should promote themselves far more than they do. Also I do recommend that you open your doors to guests in every form including articles and interviews, as not only does it promote them, but it brings you readers for your own work.

On that subject, and something that I often repeat. For the majority of us our blogs are a full-time or part-time job, even if it is not monetised. If you add up the hours per week or month that you spend writing posts, and sharing them on social media, you will find how they add up.

I have been promoting authors and bloggers now for seven years and whilst delighted to share here and on social media, I do have some tips for those who are guests so that they get the most from the experience.

1. Answer all comments individually. If people have taken the time to respond to the post then it is only courtesy to respond.
2. If you are tagged on social media such as Twitter and Facebook with the name of the person who has shared from the post, then it is a good idea to respond and follow that person if you do not already do so.
3. After a few days, reblog your guest post to your own site, just in case your own readers missed.
4. Check on the post for a week at least every couple of days if you have not clicked the button that informs you of new comments.
5. Go through your earlier posts and share again on your own blog. Like me I am sure you will find that your readership has grown year after year, and you have a completely new audience for your work.
6. And when someone offers you the opportunity to share your work on their site, take them up on it. With me it is just a link needed, but you can also sent complete posts to anyone requesting guests and reach their audience. Great sites that are looking for guests are massive promoters of authors and bloggers – Christopher Graham, The Story Reading Ape, such as this post from Traci Kenworth – https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2019/07/02/writing-for-yourself-guest-post-by-traci-kenworth/  or Sue Vincent who has a wonderful collection of guest posts: https://scvincent.com/guest-posts/

As an example of how enjoyable an experience it can be as a guest of another blogger…

This week I was the first guest of Patty Fletcher for her new series Author of the Week.. I hope you will head over to read.. and also to sign up to be interviewed.. either answering the questions individually or in essay format.

https://campbellsworld.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/author-of-the-week

Lecture over… time to share some of the posts you might have missed this week. As always huge thanks to regular contributors who provide such informative and helpful content… and to all of you who have taken the time to visit, like, comment and share.

It is over a year since D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies began writing a Travel Column for Smorgasbord, and as she is up to her hollyhocks in work projects at the moment, I am repeating her first two posts on Cruise ships with part two tomorrow.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/01/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-travel-column-rewind-with-d-g-kaye-cruising-reports-and-tips-part-one-d-g-kaye/

This week my guest is author and poet Joy Lennick. Joy has often entertained us with her tales of her long and very interesting life. Now in her young 80s, she lives with her husband Eric in the warmth of the Spanish sunshine.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/07/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-sunday-interview-human-in-every-sense-of-the-word-poetry-loyal-senses-by-joy-lennick/

Over the next nine weeks I am going to be sharing a range of music for jazz, pop, rock, country and classical fans. Unlike most music festivals, the sun will always shine, there is not camping or glamping…this week three summer favourites, including this one.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/02/smorgasbord-summer-music-festival-summer-songs-to-get-you-in-the-mood/

In Touch with the earth.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/smorgasbord-poetry-colleen-chesebro-tuesday-tanka-challenge-in-touch-with-the-earth-by-sally-cronin/

Time for this week’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills and this week being July 4th, it is in celebration of Charli’s part of Michigan, and its history. She asked us to check out the micro history of the Keweenaw National Historic Park from the 1840s and write 99 words no more no less about an aspect of that history.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/06/smorgasbord-short-story-carrot-ranch-flash-fiction-escaping-the-famine-by-sally-cronin/

The queen and her new husband are honeymooning for a month, having left her two daughters under the surveillance of the Storyteller.. however, when there is a music festival in town, girls with be girls, even when they are princesses.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/06/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-chapter-ten-summer-after-the-festival-by-sally-cronin/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/07/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-chapter-eleven-summer-the-foxes-by-sally-cronin/

This is the first post from the archives of writer Sherrey Meyer whose blog is titled Life in the Slow Lane. If you are planning on tracing your family history or bringing together research for a memoir, I am sure you will find this post very helpful. Family History – 5 Ways to Excavate Memories 2015 by Sherrey Meyer

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/01/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-family-history-5-ways-to-excavate-memories-by-sherrey-meyer/

This is the first of the four posts that I have selected from the archives of author Janet Gogerty about keeping a journal, and the value to us as writers and as we get older.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/01/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-journals-into-infinity-by-janet-gogerty/

This is the first post from the archives of author Stevie Turner who has an extensive and eclectic archives and it is easy to get yourself lost in there for an hour or so…Last week Stevie posted a wonderfully entertaining visit to the Download Festival in 2010 Camping Under the Stars and so I decided to share one of Stevie’s early posts from 2014 about another music festival…. Stevie and Sam go to Sonisphere 2014 by Stevie Turner

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/02/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-music-stevie-and-sam-go-to-sonisphere-2014-by-stevie-turner/

This is the first post from the archives of Laura M. Bailey who blogs on a number of subjects including history, family, horses, Southern lifestyle and cookery. This post caught my eye as I have been sharing our stories of South Padre Island in Texas in my series set in 1986. 1919: Lost In The Storm (2018) by Laura M. Bailey

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/02/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-history-texas-1919-lost-in-the-storm-2018-by-laura-m-bailey/

This is the first post from the archives of children’s author Annabelle Franklin who lives in a lovely part of South Wales. She blogs from the Literate Lurcher..or should I say Millie and Pearl do….Millie has sadly passed away now, but in this post from January 2019 it is clear that she is still very much in the hearts and minds of those she left behind.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-greyhounds-sorry-im-late-2018-by-annabelle-franklin/

This is the first post in this series from the archives of Dolly Aizenman, who not only shares amazing recipes from around the world, but also shares the history behind them.  July 4th – Fireworks on the Beach 2016 by Dolly Aizenman

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-july4th-recipe-for-fireworks-on-the-beach-by-dolly-aizenman/

This is the second post from author Christa Polkinhorn who has been blogging since 2010.. This gave me access to her extensive archives. This post from 2013 is about the research into wine making for Christa’s series set in a vineyard. The Art of Winemaking and Writing by Christa Polkinhorn

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/04/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-the-art-of-winemaking-and-writing-by-christa-polkinhorn/

This is the second post from the archives of poet Dorinda Duclos…and another poem that made me smile… having met and married in six weeks… we heard the same phrase.. ‘It will never last’… Dorinda celebrates 30 years of marriage in 2015.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/04/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-poetry-thirty-years-by-dorinda-duclos/

In this post Sue Vincent reminds us how we tend to breeze through much of our life on auto pilot, missing a great deal of wonderful sights and events in the process.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-green-light-2017-by-sue-vincent/

This is the second post from author Marjorie Mallon (M.J Mallon) and this week I have selected a wonderful short story that Marjorie wrote in response to one of D.Wallace Peach’s monthly speculative fiction prompts which I enjoy participating in too.  The Old Man of Snow and The Snow Snake by M. J. Mallon

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-shortstory-the-old-man-of-snow-and-the-snow-snake-by-m-j-mallon/

This is the second post from Donna W. Hill who has let me loose in her archives. I would say it is a fair bet that you are a writer if you are reading this post. In 2015 Donna explored this form of expression and communication that we have chosen to make such a key part of our lives. Writing: the What & Why of It 2015 by Donna W. Hill

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/06/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-writing-the-what-why-of-it-2015-by-donna-w-hill/

This is the second post by Bill Hayes who blogs at Matterings of Mind and there is definitely a treasure trove of posts to be found covering many subjects. This week the subject is photography and an exploration of the ‘selfie’. From O’Connell Street to Instagram 2014 by Bill Hayes

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/06/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-from-oconnell-street-to-instagram-2014-by-bill-hayes/

This is the second post from Amanda Reilly Sayer and because Amanda has only begun blogging recently, the posts are from 2019. There is plenty to share in poetry, prose and wonderful artwork. I am sure you are going to enjoy. This week Amanda shares her move into working with acrylics for her art. A shifting definition of good work by Amanda Reilly Sayer

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/07/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-painting-art-a-shifting-definition-of-good-work-by-amanda-reilly-sayer/

New book on the shelves

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-poetry-photography-my-maine-by-bette-a-stevens/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/04/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-books-on-the-shelves-sci-fi-steampunk-short-story-this-could-change-the-world-by-richard-dee/

Author Update

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/01/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-jan-sikes-balroop-singh-vashti-quiroz-vega-annika-perry/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-lorinda-j-taylor-d-wallace-peach-and-hugh-w-roberts/

Each of our major organs has its own requirement for nutrients, and you need a varied diet to keep all of them happy. This is true for the heart as well.. and here is a recipe packed with heart healthy ingredients.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/02/smorgasbord-health-column-major-organs-and-systems-of-the-body-the-heart-is-only-as-healthy-as-the-food-we-eat-by-sally-cronin/

There are some very good reasons why you feel you need chocolate?  And some are related to your body not getting sufficient nutrients.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/smorgasbord-health-column-what-causes-your-cravings-part-two-need-chocolate-by-sally-cronin/

Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 (E.Coli) – Strong toxin in raw meat and uncooked food

Escherichia Coli is a group of bacteria that normally live in healthy humans and animals. Like any population there are dissidents and in the E.Coli family this particular strain produces a very powerful toxin that leads to severe gastric illness and in some cases has proved fatal. The numbers 0157:H7 distinguish this strain from the other E. Coli bacteria and refer to specific markers on its surface. As this June 2019 report from CNN shows, there are over 95,000 E.Coli 0157:H7 infections reported annually.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/04/smorgasbord-health-column-foodsafety-escherichia-coli-0157h7-e-coli-strong-toxin-in-raw-meat-and-uncooked-food-by-sally-cronin/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/02/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-comedian-in-residence-d-g-kaye-and-a-joke-from-sallys-archives-10/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/07/04/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-comedian-in-residence-d-g-kaye-and-a-joke-from-sallys-archives-2/

Thanks again for being part of the magic and the fun ….

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Weekly Round Up – Music, Numerology, Vitamin C, Guest Posts and funnies.

Welcome to this week’s round up of post you might have missed on Smorgasbord.

It has been a good week for works in the garden with two days in a row of dry weather to do the final cement pour. This coincided with a visit from an old friend from Hampshire for a couple of nights, ending with a lovely dinner out last night.

There is still work to be done over the next few weeks but we will see about getting the house on the market earlier than anticipated whilst the paint is still fresh.

Today is the first of the Human in every Sense of the Word and my first guest is author Paulette Mahurin who shares a poignant and thought provoking memory that involved the senses…I hope you will join us.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/30/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-sunday-interview-human-in-every-sense-of-the-word-with-paulette-mahurin/

William Price King is taking his usual summer break and will be spending time with his grandchildren in the mountains, hopefully a bit cooler than the rest of France and Europe is at the moment. Since this is the season of music festivals, I will be taking the opportunity to share some of the music William has posted over the last four years in a summer music festival.. In William’s last post before his break he shares the music of Arturo O’Farrill

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-music-column-with-william-price-king-arturo-ofarrill-jazz-musician-pianist-and-composer/

Thank you for all the support this week and you lovely comments. Always love waking up in the morning and logging in to read and respond to them. Summer tends to be a little quieter as children go on holiday and vacations are taken, but always grateful to see you when you drop in.

Better get on with more posts from the week…..

Vitamin C is necessary for so many functions of the body that it is one of the key nutrients, along with Vitamin D that should be made a priority in food and sometimes in supplemental form. Vitamin C is not stored in the body, so if you do not eat regularly in your diet you can become deficient. Carol Taylor and I share the benefits, key food sources and recipes to ensure you are getting sufficient.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/26/smorgasbord-health-column-cook-from-scratch-to-prevent-nutritional-deficiencies-with-sally-cronin-and-carol-taylor-vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid-and-l-ascorbic-acid/

This week, not only do we find out what our universal energy is going to be gifting us in July, but also I am showcasing Annette Rochelle Aben’s latest poetry collection, hot off the press this week.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/29/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-numerology-your-universal-energy-for-july-by-annette-rochelle-aben/

Two more chapters from Tales from the Irish Garden.. the first Spring: Chapter Eight. The royal banquet with a magnificent menu created by Chef Marcel and wine and champagne contributed by the Storyteller.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/29/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-spring-chapter-eight-the-royal-banquet-by-sally-cronin/

In Chapter Nine – Prince Ronan gives Queen Filigree a wonderful betrothal gift that all of us girls would love to have in our gardens!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/30/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-spring-chaper-nine-the-betrothal-gift-by-sally-cronin/

 

My response to Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 133 and this week the prompt words were ‘Plan and Spend’ and I have chosen ‘Intent and Squander’ as my synonyms. The Magpie’s Prize.. a double Etheree.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/smorgasbord-poetry-colleen-chesebros-tanka-poetry-challenge-133-double-etheree-a-magpies-prize-by-sally-cronin/

My response to this week’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills This week, Charli has asked us for 99 words, no more no less… on the subject of painting

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/29/smorgasbord-short-stories-carrot-ranch-flash-fiction-white-washing-by-sally-cronin/

In this week’s letter to my parents in July 1986, I share our weekend away with our friends from the complex to San Antonio, river rafting and battling Mariachi bands..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/smorgasbord-letters-from-america-july-1986-rafting-on-the-guadaloupe-and-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-by-sally-cronin/

Author Linda Bradley takes us to Montana and share the research for her series Montana bound..saddle up… and there is also a FREE book offer for Maggie’s Way until July 2nd on Bookbub..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/30/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-guest-writer-linda-m-bradley-bookpromotion-montana-bound/

Authors Helen and Lorri Carpenter explore the ability of the birds in their garden to predict weather.. we have sparrows who will feed differently when bad weather is coming in.. as if they know to stock up before the storm hits.. have you noticed this in your garden?

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/24/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-essay-summer-weather-forecasting-is-for-the-birds-by-hl-carpenter/

John Rieber loves books and this is one of his very first blog posts from 2011… I am sure having looked as his recommendations that these are as valid now as they were then.…. 7 Great Books For Gifts!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/24/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-bookrecommendations-7-great-books-for-gifts-by-john-rieber/

This is the final post from the archives of Frank Prem for this series. In this poem he lays bare the wonderful wood that lies beneath layers of paint..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-poetry-stripping-by-frank-prem/

A lovely tribute to motherhood.. from Marian Wood..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-poetry-the-love-of-a-mother-by-marian-wood/

Lorinda J. Taylor shares a recipe for a deliciously moist fruit cake.. for Christmas or any time of year.. Bishop’s Cake.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/26/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-recipe-bishops-cake-lorinda-j-taylor/

Tasker Dunham with his last post in this series. I have selected a post about an eccentric but forgiving neighbour (when there are three young boys either side of your garden) who became an adopted grandmother.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/26/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-memoir-mrs-quackworth-by-tasker-dunham/

Dorinda Duclos with a poem about camping that has got everyone chiming in with their camping stories.. no wonder hotels do such good business!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-poetry-camping-by-dorinda-duclos/

This is the first post from author Christa Polkinhorn and she shares her thoughts on book reviews.. great for novice reviewers and those of us who may need a refresher..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-some-thoughts-on-book-reviews-by-christa-polkinhorn/

The first of the posts from fantasy author Marjorie Mallon who shares her experience of her gallbladder operation, which I am sure will be very reassuring to anyone facing this procedure.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/28/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-health-my-gallbladder-operation-by-m-j-mallon-2014/

The first post from the extensive archives of Sue Vincent....a lovely trip to the west… Wild Things from 2016.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/28/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-going-west-wild-things-2016-by-sue-vincent/

A new contributor to the series with his first post, Bill Hayes.. I know the Wembury and Plymouth area reasonably well and this post caught my attention.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/29/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-mewstone-and-starfish-2013-bill-hayes/

The first of the posts from the archives of Donna W. Hill…her review of a wonderful book for dog lovers..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/29/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-bookreview-the-big-new-yorker-book-of-dogs-by-the-new-yorker-by-donna-w-hill/

New to the series, artist and writer Amanda Reilly Sayer, with her submission for Diana Wallace Peach’s speculative fiction a couple of months ago…

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/30/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-shortstory-empty-promises-by-amanda-reilly-sayer/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/28/smorgasbord-book-reviews-psychological-thriller-hope-by-terry-tyler/

 

New Book on the Shelves

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/24/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-pre-order-for-august-7th-racked-grafton-county-series-4-by-sue-coletta/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/24/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-j-p-mclean-sally-harris-marcia-meara-and-barbara-ann-mojica/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/28/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-james-j-cudney-james-j-cudney-teagan-riordain-geneviene-jane-risdon-lynda-mckinney-lambert/

The second part of the heart health series… and some of the more common symptoms to keep a look out for.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/smorgasbord-health-column-major-organs-and-systems-of-the-body-the-heart-part-two-angina-arrythmia-and-valve-disorders-by-sally-cronin/

Toxoplasma Gondii – Pets are a joy but they also harbour unwanted visitors

Handling food safely is of vital importance to our health. As children it is instilled in us that we must wash our hands after going to the toilet, and also before eating, but it is one of those rules that every generation learns, but is seldom explained in detail.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/26/smorgasbord-health-column-food-safety-toxoplasma-gondii-pets-are-a-joy-but-they-also-harbour-unwanted-visitors-by-sally-cronin/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-some-life-lessons-from-the-archives-and-a-joke/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-comedian-in-residence-d-g-kaye-and-a-joke-from-sallys-archives/

Thank you very much for dropping in this week and for your ongoing support.. It is much appreciated.. Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – Books, Music, Health, Short Stories, Great Guests and Laughter

Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed on Smorgasbord this week…

I know that at the moment the round ups are slightly longer than usual (that is saying something for me!) due to the number of posts from your archives. Right now I am reading through over 55 bloggers archives, and that is an perfect antidote to the weather.. Two days of sunshine (not necessarily in the same week), and rainy days. We are hopeful that July will be better, but as yet, I have not put any of my winter clothes away, and I have not got my sandals out either.

Anyway.. I can tell from the comments that you are enjoying the posts from other blogger’s archives and I am learning more about the people who support me here and also getting a great insight into all kinds of topics. I have enough posts to take us through to September and more coming in every day. The aim was to get as many people chatting to each other and following new blogs, and so pleased with the outcome. Thank you for keeping it all going with your likes, comments and shares.

Next Sunday the new Sunday Interview begins and I am now booking for mid-August onwards. I know that some of you are planning to participate and may be waiting until you see the first couple and their format… don’t wait too long will you.

Author Paulette Mahurin is kicking off the series on June 30th, and if you are still not sure what it is all about…. here is the original post:https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/23/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-new-sunday-interview-series-human-in-every-sense-of-the-word-starting-sunday-june-30th-2019/

Without further ado….here are the posts that you might have missed this week.

Another post from the archives of Paul Andruss here on Smorgasbord… and this week he leaves us with some questions… about the financial aspects of our writing, professional and peer group opinions of our writing, and where our efforts place us in terms of writer vs. author status. Something to think about………Three Minutes Forty-nine

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/21/smorgasbord-posts-from-my-archives-three-minutes-forty-nine-our-value-as-writers-by-paul-andruss/

Although the band Free were only together a few years they left a legacy behind and influenced many artists. Only one number hit.. but one that I still play today.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/smorgasbord-music-column-one-hit-wonders-all-right-now-by-free-sally-cronin/

Chapter Six – Spring Comes to the Magic Garden.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/22/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-spring-chapter-six-the-magic-garden-comes-to-life-by-sally-cronin/

Chapter Seven – Jeremy the Donkey

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/23/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-spring-chapter-seven-jeremy-the-donkey-by-sally-cronin/

The last post of the week is in response to Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills and the prompt this week is ‘Waiting’. This week in her post Charli Mills talks about the challenges they face with completing on their house with VA loans dependent on certain work being carried out and an inspection to check compliance. Added into the mix is a starling intent on building a nest in the most inconvenient place. Waiting for the Bus

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/23/smorgasbord-short-stories-carrot-ranch-flash-fiction-waiting-for-the-bus-by-sally-cronin/

We baby sit a new kitten, I am made to do 300 half sit ups and I get a black eye playing water volley ball with the boys.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/20/smorgasbord-letters-from-america-1985-1987-june-1986-kittens-sit-ups-and-water-volley-ball/

My response to this week’s Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 132  and the prompt words ‘Influence and Perception’ and I have chosen ‘ Mould and Sense’ for my Haibun and I have had a little fun with this one….Life’s Lessons #Haibun

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/smorgasbord-poetry-colleen-chesebros-weekly-tanka-poerty-challenge-haibun-life-lessons-by-sally-cronin/

Sherri Matthews takes us on a holiday to the Norfolk Broads, a fabulous boating holiday, and an introduction to the more ghostly side of this idyllic part of the country. Holiday Reading, Ghosts And The Norfolk Broads

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/20/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-guest-writer-sherri-matthews-memoir-holiday-reading-ghosts-and-the-norfolk-broads/

This is the third post from  mother and daughter writing team HL Carpenter (Helen and Lorri). This post is a an interesting look at Blog Hops for book marketing and some key elements that I agree with wholeheartedly. Top Drawer News — Blog Hops and Movie Stars

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-top-drawer-news-blog-hops-and-movie-stars-by-hl-carpenter/

John Rieber shares the most expensive burger in the world in 2012.. it was for charity… certainly comes with some interesting accessories. Burger (2012) $295 – The World’s Most Expensive Burger Unveiled!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-burger-2012-295-the-worlds-most-expensive-burger-unveiled-by-john-rieber/

In June 2017, Frank Prem posted a poem a day.. and so I have chosen the poems he posted on this day and then the subsequent poems that correspond to his posts here…

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-poetry-long-night-moon-by-frank-prem/

Marian Wood with a short story….. We have all had one of those days…..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archive-potluck-short-story-just-one-of-those-days-by-marian-wood/

I have selected this post, because I am sure that if you are around the same vintage (66) you to will have memories of before and after the Internet. Research Before The Internet by Tasker Dunham

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-memoir-research-before-the-internet-by-tasker-dunham/

Lorinda J. Taylor with some of the libraries that Lorinda values…The original Coburn Library became the Tutt Library in 1962. Reminiscences about Old Libraries from an Old Librarian, Part 1 by Lorinda J. Taylor

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-reminiscences-about-old-libraries-from-an-old-librarian-part-1-by-lorinda-j-taylor/

Jennie Fitzkee shares her analogy for teaching…Teaching: it’s The Cake and the Frosting

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/20/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-teaching-its-the-cake-and-the-frosting-by-jennie-fitzkee/

This week I selected one of the hundreds of book reviews that Olga Nunez Miret shares with her.. all very thoughtfully crafted. This review was for an author that I enjoy reading too. Terry Tyler for her book Legacy, Project Renova 4.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/20/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-bookreview-legacy-project-renova-4-by-terry-tyler-terrytyler4-by-olga-nunez-miret/

This is the final post in the series from Fraggle Photography…in this  post I am sharing another day out with Fraggle’s grandson Cal to the Zoo…and it seems there is another photographer in the family. Cal & Frag’s Excellent Adventure – Fraggle Photography 2015

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/21/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-cal-frags-excellent-adventure-fraggle-photography/

This is Elizabeth Slaughter’s final post from the archives and Elizabeth looks at some of the exercise equipment that has been trendy over the years.. “Jumping for Joy”

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/21/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-exercise-jumping-for-joy-by-elizabeth-slaughter/

This is the final post from Kim from By Hook or by Book  and whilst browsing through her archives, I spotted that she had reviewed one of the authors in the Cafe and Bookstore… . Broken Heart Attack (Braxton Campus Mysteries #2), by James J. Cudney ~ 5.0 Stars

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/22/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-broken-heart-attack-braxton-campus-mysteries-2-by-james-j-cudney-5-0-stars-by-kim-of-by-hook-or-by-book/

The final post from Gibson Square The Cabbie Blog and this week a post from the Urban View series which looks at buildings or locations in London that have a hidden history..and as I have worked with a lot of herbal therapies over the years, this one caught my eye…Down Your Alley- Herbal Hill

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/22/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-down-your-alley-herbal-hill-by-gibson-square-the-cabbie-blog/

This is the fourth post from the archives of Susanne Swanson that I have chosen.. you will find plenty to browse if you head over.  Cats in particular are the muses in her household and they have some wonderful adventures. And today finally.. we have her lovely cats….

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/23/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-cats-seeking-shelter-in-the-rainy-northwest-and-baseball-by-susanne-swanson/

Poet and author Balroop Singh is always a welcome guest here on Smorgasbord and has shared many posts in the past. This time I get to choose the posts from Balroop’s archives and for her final post in this series, I have chosen another poem which brought to mind some I have known…… A Social Butterfly by Balroop Singh

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/23/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-poetry-a-social-butterfly-by-balroop-singh/

New Book on the Shelves

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/22/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-dead-white-and-blue-the-juniper-junction-holiday-mystery-series-by-amy-m-reade/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/23/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-a-braxton-campus-mysteries-book-4-mistaken-identity-crisis-by-james-j-cudney/

Author Update #Reviews

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-frank-prem-c-s-boyack-stevie-turner-and-judith-barrow/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/21/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-j-e-pinto-charles-e-yallowitz-pamela-wight-fiona-tarr/

Last week I covered the dangers of salmonella, despite the government and food safety experts telling us that it is now safe to eat under cooked eggs: Preparing Eggs Safely Food Safety – #Lysteria – You cannot see it but it sees you..the perfect host!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/smorgasbord-health-column-food-safety-lysteria-you-cannot-see-it-but-it-sees-you-the-perfect-host-sally-cronin/

The heart is obviously an essential organ of the body, but it can be a case of out of sight out of mind.. Understanding how it works can bring it back into focus.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/smorgasbord-health-column-major-organs-and-systems-of-the-body-the-heart-and-how-it-works-sally-cronin/

 A new series on our cravings and why they are not always as they seem.. but first one of the prime suspects is dehydration...

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/smorgasbord-health-column-new-series-what-causes-your-cravings-part-one-dehydration/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-guest-comedian-d-g-kaye-and-a-joke-from-sallys-archives-8/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/20/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-guest-comedian-d-g-kaye-and-a-joke-from-sallys-archives-9/

Smorgasbord Music Column – One Hit Wonders – ‘All Right Now’ by Free – Sally Cronin

Despite the band ‘Free’ being only relatively short lived as recording artists their hit song ‘All Right Now’ was a popular hit in the 1970s and I can vividly remember dancing to the track at the twice a week club I used to frequent, and even requesting it to be played. It is still on my playlist today and I love it and put Free up there with The Rolling Stones any day of the week.

The band was formed in 1968 with very young 15 year old bass player Andy Fraser, lead guitar Paul Kossoff at 17 and lead singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke both 18. Despite their comparative youth, they had all been playing in other bands on the circuit at the time and in fact Andy Fraser had been playing with John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers

They recorded their first album ‘Tons of Sobs’ with Island Records and it documented their first six months together, and judging by the title, it was clearly not all plain sailing. This gave them an in to the industry and they opened for The Who at the end of 1968.

Their second album ‘Free’ was not a chart topper but it all changed in 1970 with ‘Fire and Water’ and the track ‘All Right Now’ which reached #1 on the UK rock music charts, #2 on the UK Singles Chart and #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It went on to be #1 in over 20 countries. The Album reached #2 in the UK and #17 in the US.

Unfortunately their next album in the September 1970 failed to follow up on their success and only reached #41 in the UK and #190 in the USA.

There were problems within in the band and they split up for a year but reformed in 1972 to release two albums that failed to ignite the fans. Andy Fraser left the band in 1972 and two new members were recruited Tetsu Yamauchi and keyboardist John Bundrick. The band’s final album was ‘Heartbreaker’ but following a USA tour in 1973, the Free was disbanded for good.

Paul Kossoff had an ongoing drug addition problem and died on a flight from Los Angeles to New York in 1976 aged just 25. Andy Fraser died in 2015.

Lead Singer Paul Rodgers went on to enjoy a solo career and in the bands The Firm and The Law and went on to join with Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen and they released ‘The Cosmos Rocks’ in September 2008.

Paul Rodgers embarked on a Free Spirit UK Tour in May 2017 to celebrate the music of Free by performing songs strictly from the Free catalogue

Their music however does continue to be played and despite only the one #1 hit the band produced some great music.

Buy All Right Now: https://www.amazon.com/All-Right-Now-Free/dp/B00002MHPX

The music of Free: https://www.amazon.com/Free/e/B000APZ0TQ

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Right_Now
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_%28band%29

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope that you have enjoyed taking a step back in time over 50 years….

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – Solar Minimum, Jazz Guitar, Vitamin Deficiency, Italian Cookery and Mischief in the court of Charles II

Welcome to the round up of posts that you might have missed on Smorgasbord during the week..

We are still waiting for summer with four times the annual monthly rainfall already in June. Not good news for the farmers and their crops… We also have a northerly air flow across Europe which means that even Madrid where we used experience temperatures in the late 20s and early 30s at this time of year, is only getting 16 to 20 degrees.

There is no doubt that there is climate change, but it is hard to put much stock in the warming that is threatened when the central heating is still on in June. There is no doubt that mankind is damaging our planet to a great degree but we have been also experiencing a reduction in solar activity in the last few years and are now in what is called Solar Minimum. This actually could put climate warming on the back burner for the next 50 years with extensive cooling and longer and colder winters for us all.. You might find these posts interesting   especially as we had 16 days of solar inactivity in the last month.

The Climate Depot: https://www.climatedepot.com/2018/02/08/solar-minimum-may-bring-50-years-of-global-cooling/

Astronomy Now: https://astronomynow.com/2015/07/17/diminishing-solar-activity-may-bring-new-ice-age-by-2030/

On a more cheerful note…..I have received some wonderful submissions for the new Sunday Interview beginning at the end of the month, and I will be scheduling posts in the next week. I would love to hear from you, with your perspective on the human senses.. and sixth sense, along with the opportunity to promote your blog and books if you are an author..

Here are the details: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/23/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-new-sunday-interview-series-human-in-every-sense-of-the-word-starting-sunday-june-30th-2019/

Looking forward to hearing from you…

Here are the posts from the week that you might have missed….

As always I am very grateful for the contributions from the regular guests and also to everyone who drops in during the week to like, comment and share.. the blog would not be the same without you.

This week William Price King shares the music of Grammy Award winning American Guitarist Pat Metheny

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-music-column-with-william-price-king-pat-metheny-guitarist/

Part two of the story of Barbara Villiers, mistress of Charles II by Paul Andruss

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/14/smorgasbord-posts-from-my-archives-barbara-villiers-part-2-uncrowned-queen-by-paul-andruss/

Carol Taylor and I team up to share the deficiency of nutrients that are likely with a poor diet, the foods that contain this week Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E.. which helps B12 be absorbed.. and some recipes that contain healthy amounts of both..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/12/smorgasbord-health-column-cook-from-scratch-to-prevent-nutritional-deficiencies-with-sally-cronin-and-carol-taylor-vitamin-b12-cyanocolbalamin-combined-with-vitamin-e/

This month Silvia Todesco begins a series of summer themed recipes, beginning with the classic rice salad…Classic Rice Salad (Insalata de Riso)

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-italiancookery-with-silvia-todesco-summer-classic-rice-salad-insalata-de-riso/

The story continues with Winter: Chapter Four – The Flight to the New Land and the court must pack up and leave the palace under the magnolia tree in Spain and head off on the backs of the Goose Express to The Emerald Island to face an unknown future.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/15/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-winter-chapter-four-the-flight-to-the-new-land-sally-cronin/

The next episode this weekend is Winter: Chapter Five – The Dapperman..unable to bring all the clothes from the queen’s wardrobe of of her courtiers, the services of the local fashion designer is sought.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/16/tales-from-the-irish-garden-serialisation-winter-chapter-five-the-dapper-man-sally-cronin/

Lovely to welcome back Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 131 following her relocation and settling into her new home. This week she set us the challenge to find synonyms for her prompt words ‘Beginning and Consume’… here is my response.. Old Soldiers.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/12/smorgasbord-poetry-colleens-tuesday-poetry-challenge-131-double-etheree-old-soldiers-by-sally-cronin/

That time of the week when I participate in the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills the prompt is ‘Many Hands’ and here is my piece of flash of 99 words, no more, no less.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/15/smorgasbord-short-story-carrot-ranch-flash-fiction-many-hands-by-sally-cronin/

This week Sherri Matthews shares her father’s story, which was complicated. It is a frank look at his life and also acknowledgement of how much he is loved. This was first posted in 2013. Sherri’s father sadly passed away in 2016, but she had dedicated her blog to him with a lovely tribute..About Sherri Matthews

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-guest-writer-sherri-matthews-memoir-my-dad-the-great-train-robbery-and-a-game-of-cricket/

Time to welcome another regular contributor to the Archive series John Rieber.. this time I am going to be selecting the posts from his extensive archive..This week a restaurant with a difference.. and if you remember your grandmother’s cooking.. you will want to eat at this restaurant. A Staten Island Restaurant Hires Unique Cooks – The World’s Nonnas!

Image CBS New York

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/10/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-recipes-grandmas-cooking-in-the-kitchen-a-staten-island-restaurant-hires-unique-cooks-the-worlds-nonnas-by-john-rieber/

This is the second post from  mother and daughter writing team HL Carpenter (Helen and Lorri). Here is a short story… keeping the fairy tale alive.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/10/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-fiction-the-truth-about-fairy-tales-by-hl-carpenter/

Today I am sharing the second post from the archives of Marian Wood and her blog Just Muddling Through Life Marian has been blogging since October 2018 and posts about family life, writing, fiction and poetry…for her second post I have chosen a short story…..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-short-story-money-a-row-a-walk-and-a-tight-situation-by-marian-wood/

In June 2017, Frank Prem posted a poem a day.. and so I have chosen the poems he posted on this day and then the subsequent poems that correspond to his posts here…this based on his experience as a psychiatry nurse.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-psychiatry-4-acute-observations-the-futility-of-triple-words-by-frank-prem/

This is the second post from the archives of Tasker Dunham. I have selected this post as I remember my father building a replica biplane for my brother when he was four, along with a headset borrowed from the station we were based on.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/12/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-memoir-grandad-dunhams-flight-simulator-by-tasker-dunham/

This is the second post from the archives of fantasy author Lorinda J. Taylor and in this week’s post she explores some of the grammatical changes over time and some E-Book formatting tips..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/12/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-ye-olde-grammarian-no-6-a-hodgepodge-plus-some-e-book-formatting-tips-from-lorinda-j-taylor/

Olga Nunez Miret writes detailed and thought provoking book reviews and here is one that caught my eye..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-bookreview-fallen-idols-a-century-of-screen-sex-scandals-images-of-the-past-by-nigel-blundell-penswordbooks-by-olga-nunez-miret/

Pre-school teacher of over 30 years, Jennie Fitzkee, has been a welcome guest here many times but this time, Jennie has let me loose in her archives… this will be fun.  In this post Jennie compares childhood and summer.. then and now.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-childhood-and-summer-then-and-now-by-jennie-fitzkee/

This week London  Cabbie writing as Gibson Square shares a post from the Urban View series which looks at buildings or locations in London that have a hidden history..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-an-urban-view-223-bow-road-by-gibson-square-the-cabbie-blog/

This is Elizabeth Slaughter’s third post from the archives and I remember watching black and white movies at the cinema as a child and then on our television that was not colour until well into the 1960s.. Elizabeth shares her love of the big screen.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/14/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-movies-in-colour-by-elizabeth-slaughter/

Time for another post from Kim of By Hook or by Book and  I have selected one from her Whimsical Wednesday Series – Mr. Rogers Edition

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/15/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-whimsical-wednesday-mr-rogers-edition-by-kim-of-by-hook-or-by-book/

This week’s post from Susanne Swanson is a post which mirrors my sentiments about team building exercises in general.  And it is something to think about in relation to how we all react when we here the words ‘Think outside the Box’

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/16/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-thinking-outside-the-box-puzzle-by-susanne-swanson/

And for her final posts…appropriately by Balroop Singh... I have shared an ode to Poetry.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/16/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-ode-to-poetry-by-balroop-singh/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/10/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-bette-a-stevens-andrew-joyce-and-marina-osipova/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/14/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-sue-vincent-janice-spina-christoph-fischer-and-teri-polen/

Eggs are highly nutritious and have been much maligned over the years. But they do need to be prepared carefully.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/10/smorgasbord-health-column-food-safety-eggs-are-wonderfully-nutritious-but-should-be-prepared-carefully-by-sally-cronin/

This week I share the shopping list of foods that may help you ward of dementia… but also some things to look out for in elderly relatives if you are caring for them.. Sometimes dementia symptoms can be down to interaction with other drugs or a urinary tract infection.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/smorgasbord-health-column-the-brain-shopping-list-for-the-brain-and-its-support-systems-by-sally-cronin/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-guest-comedian-d-g-kaye-and-a-joke-from-sallys-archives-7/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-random-thoughts-and-a-joke-from-the-archives/

 

Thank you very much for dropping in today and for all your support… look forward to seeing you again soon.. Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Music Column with William Price King – American Guitarist Pat Metheny

This week William shares the music of Grammy Award winning American Guitarist Pat Metheny

Image: Pat Metheny Bio

Pat Metheny was born in Kansas City on August 12, 1954 into a musical family. Starting on trumpet at the age of 8, Metheny switched to guitar at age 12. By the age of 15, he was working regularly with the best jazz musicians in Kansas City, receiving valuable on-the-bandstand experience at an unusually young age. Metheny first burst onto the international jazz scene in 1974. Over the course of his three-year stint with vibraphone great Gary Burton, the young Missouri native already displayed his soon-to-become trademarked playing style, which blended the loose and flexible articulation customarily reserved for horn players with an advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility – a way of playing and improvising that was modern in conception but grounded deeply in the jazz tradition of melody, swing, and the blues. With the release of his first album, Bright Size Life (1975), he reinvented the traditional “jazz guitar” sound for a new generation of players.

Throughout his career, Pat Metheny has continued to re-define the genre by utilizing new technology and constantly working to evolve the improvisational and sonic potential of his instrument. METHENY’S versatility is almost nearly without peer on any instrument. Over the years, he has performed with artists as diverse as Steve Reich to Ornette Coleman to Herbie Hancock to Jim Hall to Milton Nascimento to David Bowie. Metheny’s body of work includes compositions for solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments, large orchestras, and ballet pieces, with settings ranging from modern jazz to rock to classical.

You can read Pat Metheny’s full bio: http://www.patmetheny.com/bio/

Now some examples of this talented artist’s music

“And I Love Her” was written by Paul McCartney and first recorded by The Beatles. Metheny got his inspiration to play guitar from the Beatles when he was a child and offers us a beautiful, bossa-styled version of this song, taken from the album “What’s It All About” released on Nonesuch Records in 2011. Metheny’s guitar playing is light, aesthetic, and nuanced as he masterfully interprets this gorgeous melody. In 2012, the album “What’s It All About” won a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album.

“As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls” is a duet album Metheny recorded with keyboardist Lyle Mays in 1981. The title of this song makes reference to Witchita, Kansas and Wichita Falls, Texas. On this album Metheny plays both the lead and accompanying guitar, as well as the bass. This 20 minute tune is moody and enigmatic with assorted African, Indian, and Latin American percussions played by Nana Vasconcelos. Metheny and Mays’ performance comes across as serene and melancholic. As the full version cannot be played due to performance rights.. here is September Fifteenth from the album. Courtesy of troubleclef

“Are You Going With Me” was composed by Metheny and keyboardist Lyle Mays for the third Pat Metheny Group album “Offramp”, released in 1982. This piece has a Latin inflection with a bass vamp featuring two solos, one by Mays – a synthed-harmonica melody, and the second by Metheny which he played on his Roland GR-300.* The sound coming from the Roland has been compared to wind instruments and the trumpet. “Are You Going With Me” was nominated for Best Instrumental Composition at the 1983 Grammy Awards and the Boston Globe chose it as the “best fusion ballad of the year”. The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music said it was “wonderfully contagious and arresting.” The album “Offramp” won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance as well as the Playboy Readers Poll for Best Jazz Album in 1982.

• The Roland GR-300 is a guitar synthesizer manufactured by the Roland Corporation.

“The Sound of Water”, from the album “Metheny Mehldau Quartet” with Brad Mehldau on piano, Larry Grenadier on double bass and Jeff Ballard on drums was released in 2007 on Nonesuch Records. Here, Metheny showcases his harp guitar,* called the “Pikasso” (designed for him by Linda Manzer in 1984), which resembles a Cubist portrait of the guitar. On “The Sound of Water”, with its pastoral theme, Metheny demonstrates his proficiency with his Pikasso while Mehldau blends in with a staggering piano counterpoint. These two musicians communicate beautifully together and the result is elegant and fascinating.

• Harp guitar – a guitar-based stringed instrument generally defined as a guitar, in any of its accepted forms, with any number of additional unstopped strings that can accommodate individual plucking. The word “harp” is used in reference to its harp-like unstopped open strings. A harp guitar must have at least one unfretted string lying off the main fretboard, typically played as an open string.

Buy the music of Pat Metheny: https://www.amazon.com/Pat-Metheny

Youtube Pat Metheny: https://www.youtube.com/user/patmethenymedia
Website for upcoming performance Dates: http://www.patmetheny.com/schedule/

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.

His debut jazz album was entitled “Home,” and was a collection of contemporary compositions he composed, with lyrics written by his wife Jeanne King. His second album was a Duo (Voice and Guitar) with Eric Sempé on the guitar. This album included original songs as well as well known standards from contemporary jazz and pop artists. The “King-Sempé” duo toured France and thrilled audiences for more than three years before going their separate ways. King has formed a new duo with French/Greek guitarist Manolis, and is now exploring new ideas, in a smooth jazz/soul/folk direction.

In addition to singing and composing, King has been collaborating with author Sally Cronin over the past few years on her blog “Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life,” with the series “A Man And His Music – Jazz, Contemporary, Classical, and Legends” and now, the “William Price King Music Column.” Working with author Sally Cronin has been an exhilarating experience in many ways and has brought a new dimension to King’s creative life. King has also created a micro blog, “Improvisation,” which features and introduces mostly jazz artists from across the jazz spectrum who have made considerable contributions in the world of jazz; and also artwork from painters who have made their mark in the world of art. This micro blog can be found on Tumblr.

His vocal mentors are two of the greatest giants in jazz, Nat King Cole and Mel Tormé. King has a distinctive wide-ranging voice which displays a remarkable technical facility and emotional depth.

William Price King on Tumblr – IMPROVISATION – https://williampriceking.tumblr.com

Buy William’s music ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/william-price-king/id788678484

Connect with William

Website – http://www.williampriceking.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WilliamPriceKing
Twitter – https://twitter.com/wpkofficial
Regular Venue – http://cave-wilson.com/ 

You can find all of the Music Column series in this directory: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/william-price-king-music-column/

As always we would love to receive your feedback.. thanks Sally and William

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Music Column with William Price King – Hiromi Uehara Jazz composer and pianist.

 

Hiromi Uehara was born in Hamamatsu, Japan in 1979 and is a Jazz composer and pianist. She is known for her technique, energetic live performance and blend of musical genres such as progressive rock, classical and fusion.

Hiromi began learning classical piano at the age of six and was later introduced to Jazz by her teacher Noriko Hikida. She was only 14 years old when she played with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and at 17 she met Chick Corea who we featured a few weeks ago, and she was invited to play at his concert in Tokyo.

She spent several years as an advertising jingle writer for major companies such as Nissan and then enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston. She was mentored by Ahmad Jamal jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator, and she was signed with the Telarc label before graduation.

Since 2003, Hiromi has toured the world and appeared at many jazz festivals including the Newport Jazz Festival in 2009 and the Paris Olympia in 2010.

Her most recent tour in 2015 featured bassist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Philips and her 2016 album Spark reached #1 on the US Billboard Jazz albums chart. There is a link to her 2019 tour dates at the end of the post.

“I don’t want to put a name on my music. Other people can put a name on what I do. It’s just the union of what I’ve been listening to and what I’ve been learning. It has some elements of classical music, it has some rock, it has some jazz, but I don’t want to give it a name.”
– Hiromi

Time to listen to some of the music from this talented performer.

“Spiral”, somewhat classical, somewhat jazz fusion, is the title of Hiromi Uehara’s third album featuring her trio with Tony Grey on bass and Martin Valihora on drums. The trio merges jazz improvisation with rock, and a blues thread runs basically through every piece. Her suite-like compositions have shifting moods that drive with intensity one moment and relax quietly the next, and spotlights her formidable technique and impressive compositional skills. The end result is a strong musical statement that brings new and exciting forces into her mainstream jazz program.

“Place To Be” recorded in 2009, is Hiromi’s post-bop, unaccompanied solo-piano album, on the Telarc Jazz Japanese label. This format gave her plenty of room to explore her creative impulses. Her performance is playful at times and sometimes it’s exuberant. Some may even say that she was self-indulgent, but if so, certainly not in a bad way. She incorporates in her style elements from classical music and ragtime, confirming her audacious self assurance and technical prowess. She composed all of the tracks on the album except “Berne, Baby, Berne”, and “Pachelbel’s Canon”.

“Voice” is Hiromi’s seventh studio album, released in 2011 by Telarc Records. This rock influenced album is another post-bop effort by Hiromi. Her improvisation throughout the album comes from varied sources, creating a fusion of many different styles. Her solos come across as an impromptu conversation as she guides us along with technical proficiency but never compromising the emotion that shapes the foundation of the album. She is accompanied by Anthony Jackson on electric bass and Simon Phillips on drums. All of the tracks from the album were composed by Hiromi except “Beethoven’s Piano Sonata #8 – Pathétique”. Hiromi explains why she called this album “Voice”.

“I called this album Voice because I believe that people’s real voices are expressed in their emotions. It’s not something that you really say. It’s more something that you have in your heart. Maybe it’s something you haven’t said yet. Maybe you’re never going to say it. But it’s your true voice. Instrumental music is very similar. We don’t have any words or any lyrics to go with it. It’s the true voice that we don’t really put into words, but we feel it when it’s real.”

“Spark” was recorded in October 2015, featuring bassist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips and was Hiromi’s fourth studio album. Hiromi continues to converse with her musicians in constantly evolving themes that cover everything from post-bop to rock, funk, and soulful jazz. Hiromi fancies playing in a bluesy-tinged style with hints of boogie-woogie and this lightens the group’s fundamental jagged jazz fusion. This album is sophisticated, spontaneous, and experimental. Hiromi is known for taking traditional art forms and transforming them into her own emotional style and this album highlights that. Her trio is as confident as it is relaxed, changing rhythms and tempos with ease, passion, and feeling. “Spark” reached the #1 position on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart in April, 2016.

Buy music by Hiromi : https://www.amazon.com/Hiromi/e/B000ARBHSW

Additional sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiromi_Uehara
Find out more about Hiromi: Hiromi Profile
The 2019 Tour Dates: 2019 tour

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.

His debut jazz album was entitled “Home,” and was a collection of contemporary compositions he composed, with lyrics written by his wife Jeanne King. His second album was a Duo (Voice and Guitar) with Eric Sempé on the guitar. This album included original songs as well as well known standards from contemporary jazz and pop artists. The “King-Sempé” duo toured France and thrilled audiences for more than three years before going their separate ways. King has formed a new duo with French/Greek guitarist Manolis, and is now exploring new ideas, in a smooth jazz/soul/folk direction.

In addition to singing and composing, King has been collaborating with author Sally Cronin over the past few years on her blog “Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life,” with the series “A Man And His Music – Jazz, Contemporary, Classical, and Legends” and now, the “William Price King Music Column.” Working with author Sally Cronin has been an exhilarating experience in many ways and has brought a new dimension to King’s creative life. King has also created a micro blog, “Improvisation,” which features and introduces mostly jazz artists from across the jazz spectrum who have made considerable contributions in the world of jazz; and also artwork from painters who have made their mark in the world of art. This micro blog can be found on Tumblr.

His vocal mentors are two of the greatest giants in jazz, Nat King Cole and Mel Tormé. King has a distinctive wide-ranging voice which displays a remarkable technical facility and emotional depth.

William Price King on Tumblr – IMPROVISATION – https://williampriceking.tumblr.com

Buy William’s music ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/william-price-king/id788678484

Connect with William

Website – http://www.williampriceking.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WilliamPriceKing
Twitter – https://twitter.com/wpkofficial
Regular Venue – http://cave-wilson.com/ 

You can find all of the Music Column series in this directory: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/william-price-king-music-column/

As always we would love to receive your feedback.. thanks Sally and William

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up -Herbie Hancock, Gems from Your Archives and Talkative Parrots.

Welcome to the round up of posts on the blog you might have missed this week.

We currently have a digger in the back garden, a cement filled trench awaiting blocks for a retaining wall and mounds of earth, that I am sure will be turned into a wonderfully landscaped vista by the end of the week.. that’s the plan anyway.

I had to do a complete replant of my pots this week as the ones I bought from a supermarket as good value, turned out to be duds.. I did think when I put them in that they were too dry and watered them and gave them some feed but after two weeks of TLC… most had died. Anyway… I went to my usual garden centre and paid a bit more and they are all thriving. Just goes to show sometimes bargains do not work out. It is the first year out of about 50.. that it has happened so I should count myself lucky.. All the pots are round the side of the house at the moment with equipment coming in and out and I will have fun putting them back later in the week.

We have old friends arriving Tuesday for two days. They are currently touring south and west Ireland finishing in Dublin over the weekend before coming down to us.. we are only an hour from their return ferry so handy… This is their first time in Ireland and I am looking forward to hearing how they got on..

The Posts from Your Archives is going well. I am so enjoying browsing and reading everyone’s posts to select the four I am going to publish… I feel I am getting to know people a little better and I am discovering some hidden gems to share as you will see later in the post. If you are on the list and have not heard from me… I am just about to begin scheduling the June spots and will get in touch with dates shortly.. It looks like this series is going to run into July which is terrific.

Time to get on with the round up and as always I am very grateful for all the contributions, shares, likes and comments..

William Price King shares the music of American Jazz Pianist, Keyboardist, Composer, Band Leader and Actor Herbie Hancock.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-music-column-with-william-price-king-american-jazz-pianist-keyboardist-composer-band-leader-and-actor-herbie-hancock/

Another two part series from Paul Andruss on Poetry… with some iconic examples from the masters.. According to the Muse….

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/18/smorgasbord-posts-from-my-archives-according-to-the-muse-a-dialogue-in-2-halves-part-1-what-is-poetry-paul-andruss/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/19/smorgasbord-posts-from-my-archives-according-to-the-muse-a-monologue-in-2-parts-part-two-born-to-die-by-paul-andruss/

This week I reviewed Devil in the Wind: Voices from the 2009 Black Saturday Bush Fires by Frank Prem.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/18/smorgasbord-book-reviews-devil-in-the-wind-voices-from-the-2009-black-saturday-bushfires-by-frank-prem/

This week in early June 1986 we drove the 7 hours to reach South Padre Island on the Gulf of Mexico.. fabulous place (those shrimp were to die for) and also I up my exercise routine (makes my knees ache just reading about it!)

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/16/smorgasbord-letters-from-america-june-1986-south-padre-island-and-getting-fit-sally-cronin/

Delighted to welcome guest writer, singer/songwriter guitarist Michelle Monet to the blog today who explores the concept of fame and the inclusion of ‘big names’ in memoirs to catch the public’s eye.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-guest-writer-michelle-monet-memoirs-i-was-told-that-my-memoir-could-be-a-huge-bestseller-if-i-do-more-celebrity-name-dropping-huh/

Robbie Cheadle with a short story in response to one of Sue Vincent’s Photo Prompt Challenges  Memorandum left by Dr Thompson

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-short-story-memorandum-left-by-dr-thompson-by-robbie-cheadle/

Jacquie Biggar with a delicious recipe for soup that can be adapted for everyone’s tastes and would make a great starter or main course.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-sunday-potatosoup-cooking-up-memories-by-jacquie-biggar/

This week D.Wallace Peach back to nature, and if you think you have bats in your belfry… you might not be crazy.

photo by John Pearce via Flickr

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-bats-in-the-writers-belfry-by-d-wallace-peach/

Finance expert Sharon Marchisello shares some of the ways you can pay off your mortgage early.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-finance-paying-off-your-mortgage-by-sharon-marchisello/

Our resident foodie, Carol Taylor, shares the stray dog and welfare issues in Thailand and how one mum and her pups enters their lives

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-properly-trained-man-can-be-a-dogs-best-friend-by-carol-taylor/

Miriam Hurdle takes us on a trip to Yellowstone National Park and Alaska with some amazing photography.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-a-trip-to-yellowstone-park-and-alaska-by-miriam-hurdle/

Pete Johnson, Beetley Pete, takes us on a ride in his time machine to ancient Rome.. where would you like to travel to.. the past or the future..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-my-time-machine-by-beetley-pete/

D. G. Kaye – Debby Gies has a wonderful book review feature every Sunday and here is an example where she reviews Midlife Cabernet by Elaine Ambrose.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/16/smorgasbord-post-from-your-arcives-potluck-d-g-kaye-sunday-book-review-midlife-cabernet-by-elaine-ambrose/

This week I am sharing a guest post by author A.C. Flory from the archives of Chris Graham, The Story Reading Ape.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/16/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-the-story-reading-and-his-guest-author-a-c-flory/

A heartwarming and poignant short story from Darlene Foster…The Special Date.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/17/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-shortstory-the-special-date-by-darlene-foster/

Author Christine Campbell shares the first part of a tour of Scotland when she and family drove whilst her husband cycled from John O’Groats to Embo..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/17/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-cycling-days-1-to-3john-ogroats-to-embo-by-christine-campbell/

Another wonderful episode in the linked flash fiction family saga.. The Fold by D. Avery

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/18/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-arcives-potluck-the-fold-part-three-by-d-avery/

Charles Yallowitz takes a look at the art of ‘Banter’ the exchange between two people… usually comedic. The Art of Bantering: Not as Easy as You Think

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/18/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-the-art-of-bantering-not-as-easy-as-you-think-by-charles-e-yallowitz/

This is the third post from author Jane Risdon and since you enjoyed the audition posts last week.. here is part two…The Auditions Part Two: Let’s Play Rock ‘n’ Roll by Zeppelin

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/19/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-the-auditions-part-two-lets-play-rock-n-roll-by-zeppelin-by-jane-risdon/

This post by Mary Smith, illustrates that sometimes the hardest part of caring for a person who has dementia can be leaving them to have some much needed respite… even when they are never far from your thoughts.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/19/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-potluck-my-dads-a-goldfish-downhill-slide-by-mary-smith/

New Book on the Shelves

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-undercover-crime-shorts-by-jane-risdon/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-mystery-fire-in-the-vineyard-by-christa-polkinhorn/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/16/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-children-davey-derek-junior-detectives-series-the-case-of-the-mystery-of-the-bells-by-janice-spina/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/17/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-ghost-horror-haverscroft-by-s-a-harris/

Author update #reviews

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-update-reviews-hugh-w-roberts-don-massenzio-and-nicholas-c-rossis/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/17/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-victoria-zigler-sue-coletta-and-amy-reade/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-guest-comedian-d-g-kaye-and-jokes-from-sallys-archives-episode-10/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/16/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-guest-comedian-d-g-kaye-and-some-snippets-from-sallys-archives-episode-11/