Smorgasbord Poetry – Guest Writer – The Land of the Dead by Balroop Singh

Posted on October 16, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

My guest writer today is author and poet Balroop Singh, with what I think is a very relevant poem. We should all rise up and listen to the call….

The Land of the Dead

They lived in the land of the dead
Nodding to whatever was said
Muttering to themselves…
‘His word is law…he is the lord
A God sent messiah…
He has given us all’.

Content with their muted state
Always ready to bite the bait.
They crept into their graves
And the institution thrived.
The devil exulted at his success
The dead never speak, he surmised.

Someone entered the land of the dead
Dragged life along ahead
Stirred them out of their slumber
But before muffled voices
Could be heard, he was yelled at
Cursed, chastised, forced to quit

Could anyone force out fortitude?
Could he ever be booed?
When people learn to understand
Submission to injustice
Is akin to living
In self-created graves…

They wake up before it is too late
Speak out their mind with berate
Break the fetters of intimidation
Rise from the graves and look around
The sun is shining splendidly
And they are still alive!

© Balroop Singh
All rights reserved.

Here is Balroop’s latest release Timeless Echoes, Poetry for young adults and teens.

About Timeless Echoes

Certain desires and thoughts remain within our heart, we can’t express them, we wait for the right time, which never comes till they make inroads out of our most guarded fortresses to spill on to the pages of our choice. This collection is an echo of that love, which remained obscure, those yearnings that were suppressed, the regrets that we refuse to acknowledge. Many poems seem personal because they are written in first person but they have been inspired from the people around me – friends and acquaintances who shared their stories with me.

Some secrets have to remain buried because they are ours
We do share them but only with the stars
The tears that guarded them were as precious as flowers
Soothing like balm on festering scars.

While there are no boxes for grief and joy, some persons in our life are more closely associated with these emotions. Their separation shatters us, their memories echo, we grieve but life does not stagnate for anyone…it is more like a river that flows despite the boulders. When imagination and inspiration try to offer solace, poetry that you are about to read springs forth.

An extract from one of the reviews for the collection from Goodreads

Aug 21, 2018 Lisa Thomson rated it Five Stars.

I absolutely love to disappear into a delectable poem and Balroop’s book was a delightful treat. From light to dark, moody to loving—you can find quite the variety of emotions in Timeless Echoes. Although it’s hard to pick just one, my favorite in the collection is “Did I Lie?”

Balroop Singh is a talented author and poet, and if you crave an emotional fusion of words that linger long after your eyes have left the page, you’ll want to get your copy of Timeless Echoes. I’ll be revisiting this collection for years to come.

Head over and buy the collection: https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Echoes-Balroop-Singh-ebook/dp/B07F1VVJK7/

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Timeless-Echoes-Balroop-Singh-ebook/dp/B07F1VVJK7/

Also by Balroop Singh

Read the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Balroop-Singh/e/B00N5QLW8U

and Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Balroop-Singh/e/B00N5QLW8U

Read more reviews and follow Balroop on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7340810.Balroop_Singh

About Balroop Singh

Balroop Singh, a former teacher, an educationalist, a blogger, a poet and an author always had a passion for writing. The world of her imagination has a queer connection with realism. She could envision the images of her own poetry while teaching the poems. Her dreams saw the light of the day when she published her first book: ‘Sublime Shadows Of Life.’ She has always lived through her heart.

She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. She lives in Danville, California.

Connect to Balroop Singh.

Blog: http://balroop2013.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BalroopShado
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emotional-Shadows/151387075057971
Google: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+BalroopSinghsrao/posts
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/balroops/

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – St. Kitts, Mother Sauces, Family Drama, Music, Short Stories and Humout

Posted on October 14, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to the weekly round up and October has raced in with high winds and very high seas in the Irish Channel… Thankfully not bringing the devastation suffered by residents in Florida and along that coastline. But in Ireland the weather does not get us down for long and wellington boots are to be found in all our porches, and sometimes put into service around the house.

The nights are drawing in, and just as the sun goes down we are treated to a visit from hundreds of crows who gather on the electricity lines. We had to take out three 30 foot trees that were undermining the outside wall to the garden facing the road, with roots beginning to cause the pavement to crack. We think these trees might possibly have been a roost for many years for one of the murders of crows in the area and they still return to glare through the windows at us.

Unfortunately from a safety perspective we had no choice, and certainly after the hurricane last year when many trees like ours fell across roads and caused damage, it was necessary. However, they have got their own back by stomping around, cackling and picking the moss of the roof and throwing it all over the back yard at sunrise.. which in the summer is about 5.00 am. Here they are gathering at dusk. In the next week or so this patch of ground, will welcome a brand new lawn and the garden will be finished.

Anyway.. on with the posts from the week. And as always my thanks to the regular contributors and guest writers who have shared their talent. And to you for dropping in and supporting the guests and my posts. It is much appreciated.

Over the last few months the news that the 5.0 WordPress release would include the Gutenberg editing platform, has caused a lot of uncertainty with recommendations to upgrade to be able to install a plug-in so you could still use the Classic Editor etc. I asked for clarification this week and was delighted with the response.. including a screenshot, that for WordPress.com bloggers at least.. there will be the option to choose when adding a new post. Thank goodness for that..

Welcome to the October edition of the Travel Column with D.G. Kaye. This month we’re going to another small, beautiful and still developing Caribbean island – Saint Kitts.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/08/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-travel-column-with-d-g-kaye-welcome-to-saint-kitts-caribbean/

This week Carol Taylor takes us through the five basic or mother sauces that every cook will find useful.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/10/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-food-and-cookery-column-with-carol-taylor-the-5-mother-sauces/

Linda Bethea shares the lengths to which her two grandma’s would go to annoy each other…delighted that Linda will be sharing more about her family on a more regular basis.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/11/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-guest-writer-linda-bethea-it-was-a-wonder-to-see-my-two-grandmas-in-combat/

Getting to Know You Sunday Interview – Author Jaye Marie

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/14/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-sunday-interview-getting-to-know-author-jaye-marie

A lovely poem from Joy Lennick on the Third Season ( A Poem for Autumn)

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/10/smorgasbord-poetry-guest-poet-the-third-season-a-poem-for-autumn-by-joy-lennick/

Talent runs in the Lennick family, and Jason Lennick shares some entertaining recollections of life growing up.

Jason is halfbananas

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-guest-writer-life-with-the-lennicks-by-jason-lennick/

A short story with a very important message from author Andrew Joyce

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-guest-writer-andrew-joyce-short-story-one-word/

I am enjoying gathering my syllables and participating in Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 105.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/11/smorgasbord-poetry-colleen-chesebro-weekly-tuesday-poetry-challenge-number-105-haiku/

Smorgasbord Book Reviews

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/07/smorgasbord-book-reviews-the-glowing-pigs-snort-stories-of-atonement-tennessee-by-teagan-riordain-geneviene/

Smorgasbord Short Stories What’s in a Name? Volume II

Kenneth – A Love for Life

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/13/smorgasbord-short-stories-whats-in-a-name-kenneth-a-love-for-life-by-sally-cronin/

Lily – The Collector

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/14/smorgasbord-short-stories-whats-in-a-name-volume-ii-lily-the-collector-by-sally-cronin/

Houston and Chester 1986/1987 and Dirty Dancing… also requests from Robbie Cheadle and D.G. Kaye.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/the-music-column-houston-and-chester-1986-1987-dirty-dancing-hurricanes-requests-robbie-cheadle-and-d-g-kaye/

New book on the shelves

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/08/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-pre-order-price-she-who-comes-forth-by-audrey-driscoll/

Cafe updates

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/08/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-janice-spina-deanie-humphrys-dunne-and-john-quinn/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-judy-penz-sheluk-robbie-cheadle-and-elsie-hancy-eaton-billy-ray-chitwood-and-diana-j-febry/

Blogger Daily and Meet the #Reviewers

Jennie Fitzkee, Balroop Singh and Nicholas Rossis

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/08/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-monday-october-8th-2018-jennie-fitzkee-balroop-singh-and-nicholas-rossis/

D.G. Kaye, Carol Taylor, and Jane Bwye.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-meet-the-reviewers-d-g-kaye-carol-taylor-mac-and-cheese-and-jane-bwye-with-lucinda-e-clarketuesday-9th-october-2018/

Sue Vincent, Judith Barrow and Lizanne Lloyd.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/10/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-meet-the-reviewers-wednesday-10th-october-2018-sue-vincent-judith-barrow-and-lizanne-lloyd/

Jean Lee, Shehanne Moore, Beetley Pete and Nicholas Rossis.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/11/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-thursday-11th-october-2018-jean-lee-with-shehanne-moore-beetley-pete-and-hitchcock-nicholas-rossis-amazon-author-page/

Anne Copeland, Carol Taylor and Evie Gaughan

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-friday-12th-october-2018-anne-copeland-youthful-fashion-carol-taylor-chilli-evie-gaughan-with-review-types/

An immune boosting eating programme to help prevent and recover from the flu.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/smorgasbord-health-column-immune-boosting-diet-to-beat-the-flu/

One of the herbs that may help you ward off the flu and other infections is goldenseal.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/10/smorgasbord-health-column-influenza-the-herb-goldenseal/

Humour and afternoon video

Cat humour and a joke..Part One.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-funny-cats-and-a-joke/

Cat Humour and a joke Part Two.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/11/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-funny-cats-and-a-joke-part-two/

Smorgasbord Poetry – Colleen Chesebro Weekly Tuesday #Poetry Challenge Number 105 #Haiku

Posted on October 11, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

I am enjoying gathering my syllables and participating in Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 105. This week…“Color and Creepy” Synonyms only…

Something for Halloween.

WELCOME TO TANKA TUESDAY

Hi! I’m glad to see you here. Are you ready to write some syllabic poetry?

HERE’S THE CATCH: It’s the first of the month and poets get to choose their own words!

I hope you will support the other poets with visits to blogs and leaving comments. Sharing each other’s work on social media is always nice too.

PLEASE NOTE: This challenge is for Tanka, Haiku, Senryu, Haibun, and Cinquain poetry forms. Freestyle rhyming poetry is not part of this challenge. Thank you. ❤

Please note: We are all students of poetry. I have given you the instructions on how to write the different forms. Try your best to be as exact as you can. There are no tests, and I don’t grade your work. LOL!

The most meaningful change you will learn about is in writing a Haiku vs. a Senryu. Also, remember, pronunciation in various parts of the world will affect your syllable count. Go with your gut on deciding the syllable count. You are the poet and the creator of your work.

I sponsor this challenge to help poets learn how to write various forms of poetry. Remember, if you are sending your poetry for publication in literary journals, contests, or self-publishing, you should know the correct forms and use them.

For Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge, you can write your poem in one of the forms defined below. Click on the links to learn about each form:

HAIKU IN ENGLISH 5/7/5 syllable structure. A Haiku is written about seasonal changes, nature, and change in general.

TANKA IN ENGLISH 5/7/5/7/7 syllable structure. Your Tanka will consist of five lines written in the first-person point of view. This is important because the poem should be written from the perspective of the poet.

HAIBUN IN ENGLISH Every Haibun must begin with a title. Haibun prose is composed of short, descriptive paragraphs, written in the first-person singular.

Find out more about how to respond to this challenge: Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 105

Thank you for dropping and I hope you will have as much fun as I have participating. Thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Poetry – Guest Poet – The Third Season ( A poem for Autumn) by Joy Lennick

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Delighted to welcome author and poet Joy Lennick as a guest today with a poem in celebration of autumn. Joy was born in Wales and now lives in the warmer climes of Spain, she is the author of a number of fiction books and a poetry collection; more about those later.

THE THIRD SEASON (A poem for autumn) by Joy Lennick

Nature in her wisdom
makes way for another season;
Summer acquiesces –
makes us muse upon the reason.

Now Autumn’s inspired paint-brush
has burnished Summer’s trees,
has stippled,veined and spotted
and prettied up her leaves.

Amber, scarlet, ochre leaves
drift down as light as whispers,
to kiss this mother earth of ours
like hushed and soft-sung vespers.

The light is muted, delicate –
sky quilted grey and blue –
as Zephyr’s cheeks, extended, blow
awry the multi-coloured carpoet,
oh so new.

©Joy Lennick

About Joy Lennick

Having worn several hats in my life: wife, mum, secretary, shop-keeper, hotelier; my favourite is the multi-coloured author’s creation. I am an eclectic writer: diary, articles, poetry, short stories and five books. Two books were factual, the third as biographer: HURRICANE HALSEY (a true sea adventure), fourth my Memoir MY GENTLE WAR and my current faction novel is THE CATALYST. Plenty more simmering…

A selection of books by Joy Lennick

One of the reviews for My Gentle War

May 23, 2014 Pat Mcdonald rated it really liked it

Aptly titled, this is a delightful little book, that tells the story of one child’s experience of war and evacuation. It brought back so many memories for me, not of that time period, but of my childhood. So many wonderful similarities around the characters – e.g my grandmother cut and buttered bread in the same fashion. I found myself enchanted by this period in history and descriptions of the blitz and how people survived it in a compelling an human way. Loved it!

Read the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joy-Lennick/e/B00J05CJLY/

And on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Lennick/e/B00J05CJLY

Find all the books, read other reviews and follow Joy on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3124773.Joy_Lennick

Connect to Joy

Blog: https://joylennick.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.lennick

My thanks to Joy for sharing this lovely poem with us today and there will be more I am sure in the future.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – Book Launch, Birch Maidens, Sausages and Spies by the Sea..

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to the weekly round up and for me it has been an exciting week with the launch of my latest book. And also from a renovation perspective…the weather stayed dry enough for David to paint the outside wall of our garden facing the road. The lawn goes down this week and work will begin on the back patio… it has been two and a half years, so you can see why this is a watershed moment.

I know we are only just into October but I have been making plans for the Christmas promotions starting November 12th.. Primarily to make sure that every author in the Cafe and Bookstore is included, and to that end if you are not in the Cafe and Bookstore yet… here is a post to get you started. Also if you are in the Cafe already, please let me know if you have a book out in the next few weeks so I can set up your New on the Shelves promotion.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/05/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-free-book-promotion-have-you-a-new-book-available-before-christmas/

As always I am very grateful for the amazing contributions of talented writers who spend time and a great deal of effort to put together posts for us.

Paul Andruss is on a sabbatical at the moment so I am sharing some of his earlier posts from 2017 for you to enjoy. The Birch Maiden is a wonderful legend, and in this post she is brought alive by the illustration by Donata Zawadzka who is the illustrator for my latest book.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/05/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-rewind-writer-in-residence-the-birch-maiden-by-paul-andruss/

Last week Carol Taylor identified some of the unexpected ingredients to be found in some brands off hotdogs. So that you don’t go off the delights of sausages totally, this week she gives us the recipe and spices to make our own.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/03/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-food-and-cookery-column-with-carol-taylor-homemade-sausages-and-spice-mixes/

Delighted that Jessica Norrie is back with us after the summer break with a post on novels from 1903 to the present day, which feature spies and criminals in a coastal setting. Some classics from authors such as Agatha Christie, Erskine Childers, Graham Greene and in a modern vein…Ian McQuire.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/06/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-literary-column-with-jessica-norrie-coasting-with-spies-and-criminals-1903-2018/

Linda Bethea shares the last of her Mixed Nuts family stories… and the good news is that we will see Linda here on a more regular basis as a guest writer.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-mixed-nuts-part-3-by-linda-bethea/

Esme gave us her predictions for the coming month….

Hi everyone and I hope you are looking forward to the month ahead. One of the main events, is that Venus is retrograde from this week until mid-November. People assume this means that love is going to fly out of the window… but in fact, what it does, is highlight areas of your relationships that could use some TLC.

October for me is an interesting month, in that I find it a ‘buffer’ month, between late summer, early autumn and winter in the Northern Hemisphere and spring and early summer for the heat of high Summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-esmes-predictions-for-october-2018/

This week – what I was up to in 1985, music from Foreigner... and a request from Darlene Foster. This week 1986 and more requests.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-music-column-the-charts-1985-and-darlene-fosters-request/

A highlight for me….

This week was very special for me and my latest book was launched with some beautiful illustrations from Donata Zawadzka. I am very grateful to everyone for liking, reblogging and sharing across their social media. It was amazing and I cannot tell you how delighted I am by the response. I was also thrilled to find my first review for the book and that was wonderful. My thanks to Paul Andruss for creating a gif with the new cover and a selection of my other books which I share with you here and it includes some of the illustrations.

And the book’s first review

Appreciative reader Escape from the real world

Fairy Queen Filigree moves her court from the dry Spanish plains to the Emerald Isle, where she and her courtiers soon need warm tweed clothing and fortifying amber nectar. But romance is on the cards to warm things up too. If you want a gently paced read full of enchanting detail, soothe yourself in the author’s carefully imagined world of fairy feasts, storytellers and ever so slightly petulant princesses. Like going back to childhood… This isn’t my usual thing but made a welcome change from real life – and there are some beautiful illustrations too.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/03/booklaunch-tales-from-the-irish-garden-by-sally-cronin/

Other personal ‘stuff’

I responded to Colleen Chesebro’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge with a haiku.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/04/smorgasbord-poetry-haiku-colleen-chesebro-tuesday-poetry-challenge-rose-hips/

This weekend’s short stories from What’s in a Name – meet Jane and Jack.

Jane – The Surprise

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/06/smorgasbord-short-stories-whats-in-a-name-jane-the-surprise-by-sally-cronin/

Jack – A VIP Visitor

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/07/smorgasbord-short-stories-whats-in-a-name-jack-a-vip-visitor-by-sally-cronin/

I am catching up with my reviews on the books that I have read over the summer… slowly but surely

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/06/smorgasbord-book-reviews-psychological-thriller-lies-by-t-m-logan/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/07/smorgasbord-book-reviews-the-glowing-pigs-snort-stories-of-atonement-tennessee-by-teagan-riordain-geneviene/

Part two of my interview with author Leslie Tate… childhood memories of jungles and monkey poop…

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/03/smorgasbord-magazine-reblog-part-two-of-my-interview-with-leslie-tate/

New books on the shelves this week.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/03/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-pre-order-offer-son-of-the-serpent-fantasy-angels-series-by-vashti-quiroz-vega/

Cafe Update – Reviews and News.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-colleen-chesebro-jacqui-murray-and-sacha-black/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/05/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-covers-and-reviews-shehanne-moore-janet-gogerty-and-c-s-boyack/

If you are a regular visitor you will know that I consider Vitamin D to be one of the most essential nutrients for our health. More and more research is identifying new health conditions that improve with an increase in Vitamin D through absorption of our skin (Sunshine Vitamin) or in diet in combination with supplementation.

This article appeared last week which would suggest that migraine sufferers could decrease the number of attacks by supplementing with the vitamin.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/smorgasbord-health-column-nutrient-in-the-news-vitamin-d-could-reduce-number-of-migraine-attacks/

Starting to appear in the headlines across the media is news that following last year’s high death rates from the flu, and the ineffectiveness of the 2017 vaccine, a new maxi-strain format is going to be available this year.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/04/smorgasbord-health-health-in-the-news-flu-season-vaccination-alert-new-mega-vaccine-available-in-uk-and-boost-your-immune-system/

Humour and afternoon Videos

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-a-few-funnies-and-a-joke-or-two-its-a-dogs-life/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/04/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-its-a-dogs-life-funnies-and-a-joke/

A selection of blog posts each day that I have read and enjoyed. Sorry not to mention all that I have visited but I hope I have shared most on social media.

Debby Gies, Leslie Tate, Carol Taylor and Teagan Geneviene

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-meet-the-reviewers-monday-october-1st-2018-d-g-kaye-reviews-leslie-tate-carol-taylor-exposes-hot-dogs-and-teagan-geneviene-illuminates-the-1920s/

The Story Reading Ape, Claire Fullerton, Christy Birmingham and Jennie Fitzkee

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-tuesday-october-2nd-2018-the-story-reading-ape-with-claire-fullerton-christy-birmingham-40shealth-and-jennie-fitzkee-reading-preschool/

Sue Vincent, D.G. Kaye and Annette Rochelle Aben

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/03/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-wednesday-october-3rd-2018-sue-vincent-d-g-kaye-and-annette-rochelle-aben/

Charles E. Yallowitz, John W.Howell, Teri Polen, Mae Clair and Beaton Mabaso.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/04/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-thursday-september-4th-2018-charles-e-yallowitz-with-john-w-howell-teri-polen-with-mae-clair-and-beaton-mabaso-on-websites/

Jenny in Neverland, Pamela Wight and Noelle Granger.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/10/05/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-meet-the-reviewers-friday-october-5th-2018-jenny-in-neverland-onlinefriends-pamela-wight-shortstory-and-n-a-granger-review/

Thank you again for dropping in and your ongoing support… it is much appreciated.. Sally.

Smorgasbord Poetry – #Haiku – Colleen Chesebro Tuesday #Poetry Challenge – Rose Hips

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

I am flexing my poetry muscles and taking advantage of Colleen Chesebro Tuesday Poetry Challenge expertise to practice. This week… Colleen has not given us any prompt words and given us the freedom to express our own words.

Here is my effort…

WELCOME TO TANKA TUESDAY

Hi! I’m glad to see you here. Are you ready to write some syllabic poetry?

HERE’S THE CATCH: It’s the first of the month and poets get to choose their own words!

I hope you will support the other poets with visits to blogs and leaving comments. Sharing each other’s work on social media is always nice too.

PLEASE NOTE: This challenge is for Tanka, Haiku, Senryu, Haibun, and Cinquain poetry forms. Freestyle rhyming poetry is not part of this challenge. Thank you. ❤

For Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge, you can write your poem in one of the forms defined below. Click on the links to learn about each form:

HAIKU IN ENGLISH 5/7/5 syllable structure. A Haiku is written about seasonal changes, nature, and change in general.

HAIBUN IN ENGLISH Every Haibun must begin with a title. Haibun prose is composed of short, descriptive paragraphs, written in the first-person singular.

If you would like to participate then please head over to find out more: Colleen Chesebro Tuesday Poetry Challenge

Thanks for visiting and I hope you will participate in the this fun and interesting challenge.. Sally

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – New Look – Amazon Shenanigans and Great Guest Writers and Authors

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to the weekly round up as the blog moves into its new look and also autumn posts. It has been a busy week for me as my latest book went through its final phases and those little snags appeared out of the woodwork… just in time before the official release next week.

Amazon has decided to throw a curve ball to authors in Ireland with regard to their print books. There is no separate site for Southern Ireland and it comes under the UK. Despite only ebooks and not print books being liable for VAT, Amazon have blocked Irish authors from selling unless they register for VAT. And that stock must be held in the UK to satisfy their delivery requirements of 3-5 days promise to the customer. Obviously, if we post a book from Ireland to the UK there might be a slightly longer delay, although most of mine arrive within 3 days.

The VAT threshold (compulsory VAT registration)

“A business must register for VAT if its taxable turnover for any consecutive 12-month period exceeds the VAT registration threshold. The current VAT registration threshold (from 1 April 2017) is £85,000 but this tends to increase every year” https://startups.co.uk/when-do-you-need-to-register-for-vat/

I wish I was eligible.

There are benefits to being registered in that you can claim back VAT on services and products you have bought to produce your own product or service, but in the case of an author like myself…. that is a moot point.

So our seller account for books was blocked for print sales until we registered for VAT by Amazon. eBooks are not impacted because they already have VAT added and it is deducted at source. Crazy!!!

To be honest with post and packaging and the preference for eBooks when selling internationally, it was not worth the hassle. I sell more print copies face to face and events and also by direct one to one contact. I am set up for most books on our publishing site direct to Paypal as well.

So I have taken my print books off Amazon and will focus on eBooks and doing more book events to sell hard copies.

It strikes me that this is yet another attempt to discourage the small traders and it is not just authors, it is also those who buy and sell other products and services on Amazon from countries such as Ireland.

I am sharing this so that anyone else who might be faced with the same issue is forewarned. We are not the only ones facing the problem as the forums are filled with others in the same position.

Getting to Know You Sunday Interview.

I have one or two posts scheduled between now and Christmas, but it would be lovely to have more of you participate, as it is a great way to get your blog or books noticed. I will be starting a new themed interview series in the New Year.. but in the meantime it will be soon prime selling season for books and other creative work. Here are the details and also those who have already taken part, to give you an idea of how they look and the response they get.

Look forward to hearing from you: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/getting-to-know-you-sunday-interview-2018/

Anyway time to get on with this week’s posts that you might have missed.

The Music Column

A few changes to the line up whilst William Price King is making some changes to his computer system and schedule. This week I pick up my playlist in 1984 with music from Phil Collins and Queen.. along with my adventures that year.. I am looking for requests to add to the post each week so bring on the music you love.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/25/smorgasbord-music-column-new-features-for-autumn-request-show-and-sallys-playlist/

The Food and Cookery Column with Carol Taylor – Christmas Cakes and Puddings.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/26/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-food-and-cookery-column-with-carol-taylor-christmas-cakes-and-puddings/

Posts from Your Archives – Linda Bethea with Part Two of her Mixed Nuts family stories.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-mixed-nuts-part-2-by-linda-bethea/

Guest Writer – Rationing in World War II by Robbie Cheadle

Author Robbie Cheadle shares some of the hardships endured by the British people during World War II. Food was rationed but in fairness it did produce a generation of very creative cooks. You can find out more and enjoy some recipes from that era when you buy While the Bombs Fell which is written by Robbie Cheadle and her mother Elsie Hancy Eaton.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/27/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-guest-post-rationing-during-world-war-ii-by-robbie-cheadle/

Smorgasbord Health Column – Guest Writer

My guest this week writing for the health column is D.G. Kaye… Debby Gies. Debby has suffered from chronic intestinal disease for many years and has researched and devised a way to keep herself healthy without medication. It is all about the diet….

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/27/smorgasbord-health-column-guest-d-g-kaye-dietary-restrictions-consequences-and-the-eye-rollers/

Smorgasbord Short Stories – What’s in a Name?

Villagers are preparing for Halloween, but some are devastated by the loss of their cats. One villager decided to investigate. Meet Isobel… Hiding in Plain Sight.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/29/smorgasbord-short-stories-whats-in-a-name-isobel-hiding-in-plain-sight-by-sally-cronin/

A young boy is taught valuable life lessons by his grandmother.. meet Ifan and the Black Sheep.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/30/smorgasbord-short-stories-whats-in-a-name-ifan-and-the-black-sheep-by-sally-cronin/

Smorgasbord Poetry – Haiku in response to Colleen Chesebro’s Poetry Challenge

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/25/smorgasbord-poetry-haiku-in-response-to-this-weeks-colleen-chesebro-poetry-challenge/

Smorgasbord Reblog

Allan Hudson shares his pick of six authors and their books and was thrilled to find What’s in a Name on the list..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/28/smorgasbord-reblog-six-great-authors-six-great-books-by-allan-hudson/

And another post from Debby Gies who wrote a compelling article on the history and purpose behind the #MeToo movement.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/29/smorgasbord-reblog-metoo-the-right-to-be-heard-on-sexual-abuse-by-d-g-kaye/

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – New Book on the Shelves

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/25/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-dog-health-care-7-simple-ways-to-keep-your-dog-healthy-by-rachele-baker-dvm/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/26/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-shadowed-by-death-an-oliver-wright-ww-ii-mystery-oliver-wright-ww-ii-mystery-book-2-by-mary-adler/

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Author Updates.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-for-d-g-kaye-sally-cronin-and-don-massenzio/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/28/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-for-jacquie-biggar-paulette-mahurin-and-marina-osipova/

Smorgasbord Blogger Daily and Meet the #reviewers

Leslie Tate with me, Olga Nunez Miret, Sue Vincent with Sarah Brentyn

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-meet-the-reviewers-monday-24th-september-2018-leslie-tate-olga-nunez-miret-and-sue-vincent-with-sarah-brentyn/

Debby Gies, Robbie Cheadle and Frank Parker

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/25/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-meet-the-reviewers-tuesday-september-25th-2018-d-g-kaye-robbie-cheadle-and-frank-parker/

Geoff Le Pard, Chris Mullen and Cathy Ryan

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/26/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-wednesday-september-26th-2018-geoff-le-pard-chris-mullen-and-cathy-ryan/

Jina Bazzar for D. Wallace Peach, Darlene Foster for Mary Smith and Publishing with Audrey Driscoll.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/27/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-meet-the-reviewers-thursday-september-27th-2018-jina-bazzar-for-d-wallace-peach-darlene-foster-for-mary-smith-and-publishing-with-audrey-driscoll/

Humour – Laughter Lines

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/25/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-random-funnies-and-a-joke/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/09/27/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-pharmacy-funnies-and-a-joke-or-two-for-your-health/

Smorgasbord Poetry – #haiku – Autumn Reflected by Sally Cronin

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Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – Roberta Flack, Roses, Bacon, Cruise Ship Tips, Jersey and a whole bunch of other stuff!!

Posted on July 8, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

The Music Column with William Price King – Roberta Flack – Part Two.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-music-column-william-price-king-summer-jazz-roberta-flack-part-two/

The Gardening Column with Paul Andruss

This month a look at the history, myths and truths behind one of the most popular flowers in the world. The Rose.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/06/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-garden-column-with-paul-andruss-only-a-rose/

The Food and Cookery Column with Carol Taylor

There are not many of us who don’t love a piece of crispy bacon or tender boiled ham, and this week Carol shows us how to cure our own bacon and prepare ham for our summer salads.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/04/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-cookery-and-food-column-with-carol-taylor-home-cured-ham-and-bacon/

The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Cruise Ships – Part Two – Ship Tips

This week Debby shares her insider knowledge about dining, tipping, excursions and shopping. Invaluable advice before you take that cruise.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/02/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-travel-column-with-d-g-kaye-cruises-part-two-ship-tips/

Getting to Know You – Sunday Interview with Darlene Foster.

Darlene shares a favourite childhood song, an action hero she would like to be, something that she could never learn….you will be surprised considering the number of books that she writes! And the animal she would like to have a conversation with..

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/08/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-sunday-interview-getting-to-know-you-with-darlene-foster/

Travel Posts from Your Archives – Sherri Matthews – A Tour of Jersey and the history of the island during World War Two.

Corbiere Lighthouse, Jersey (c) Sherri Matthews 2015

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/05/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-travel-jersey-occupation-liberation-celebration-by-sherri-matthews/

Personal Stuff

Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story Serialisation

Chapter Seven – Snow and Favourite Things.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/07/smorgasbord-sam-a-shaggy-dog-story-chapter-seven-snow-and-favourite-things/

Chapter Eight – Language

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/08/smorgasbord-sam-a-shaggy-dog-story-chapter-eight-language/

Odd Jobs and Characters – Department manager for a store leads to crime solving!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/06/smorgasbord-posts-from-my-archives-odd-jobs-and-characters-fashion-department-manager-and-shop-lifters-by-sally-cronin/

Letters from America – 1985- 1987 – Hawaii

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/05/smorgasbord-letters-from-america-1985-1987-hawaii-part-two-molakai-mules-hanauma-bay-and-knitted-bathing-suits/

Poetry and Haiku

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/07/smorgasbord-poetry-haiku-tree-stumps/

Sally’s Drive Time and Playlist

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/06/sallys-drive-time-play-list-music-to-get-the-weekend-started-1977-kenny-rogers-and-status-quo/

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – New on the Shelves

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/02/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-timeless-echoes-poetry-by-balroop-singh/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/04/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-bubbas-tails-by-patty-l-fletcher-and-king-campbell/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-the-ghost-in-the-gardens-a-flower-girl-mystery-by-hl-carpenter/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/05/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-family-drama-gold-plated-by-christine-campbell/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/07/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-family-drama-a-marriage-of-convenience-by-stevie-turner/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/08/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-quest-of-the-brokenhearted-by-charles-e-yallowitz/

Author updated reviews

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/02/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-reviews-c-s-boyack-karen-ingalls-and-sally-cronin/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/06/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-author-update-claire-fullerton-judy-penz-sheluk-and-darlene-foster/

The Blogger Daily and Meet the Reviewers.

Cathy Ryan

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/02/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-and-meet-the-reviewers-cathy-ryan-sue-coletta-and-iona-jenkins/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-and-meet-the-reviewers-georgia-rose-cheche-winnie-and-jenny-fitzkee/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/04/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-and-meet-the-reviewers-july-4th-2018-pen-paws-and-claws-the-story-reading-ape-and-jill-dennison/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/05/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-and-meet-the-reviewersolga-nunez-miret-darlene-foster-and-thom-hickey/

Health Column

Magnesium is one of the minerals that is likely to be deficient with a resulting long list of health problems.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/04/smorgasbord-health-column-nutrients-the-body-needs-magnesium-deficiency-alert/

Often mis-diagnosed Interstitial cystitis is difficult to treat.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/smorgasbord-health-column-the-kidneys-and-urinary-tract-bacterial-and-interstitial-cystitis/

Humour

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/02/smorgasbord-afternoon-video-animals-at-play-cats-and-bowling-and-high-jump/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-some-things-are-not-as-they-seem-jokes/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/04/smorgasbord-afternoon-video-animals-at-play-cows-let-out-at-the-end-of-winter/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/05/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-guest-comedian-and-egyptian-mummies-vaseline-and-engineers/

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/07/06/smorgasbord-afternoon-video-animals-at-play-cats-and-video-games/

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – #Music, Nessie, #Thai Curry Pastes, New Books, #Reviews, #Health and #Humour

Posted on June 17, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to the round up of the week’s posts. It only seems a couple of days since I posted the last one! However, we have had a busy week with plenty going on off screen including the renovation of the front garden. All the tree stumps are now all dug up and David survived the process. I have been supervising…. and providing sustenance of course in a timely fashion. He has also dug over all the ground, removed smaller roots and raked it over.

Hopefully the lawn man who promised to come in a couple of weeks a month ago will appreciate that 75% of the job he quoted for is now done and he only has to lay the lawn.

We are also waiting on the guy to come and fix our electronic gate.. He said Wednesday but neglected to tell us which Wednesday. It is frustrating when people say that they will turn up and then do not bother. We have stayed in three times now in the last couple of weeks in anticipation and it is disappointing and frankly unprofessional. The papers are full of how business is not as good as it should be…. I wonder why!

Anyway.. sorry for the little rant! One thing I can never complain about, is the consistency and commitment by those who contribute to the blog each week with columns and to those of you who tune in regularly to like, comment and share. I really am very grateful.

Time to share the posts from the week that you might have missed…..

The Music Column with William Price King – Josh Groban Part Four.

More hits from this exceptional artist with some of his most recognisable hits that William has provided background to.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-music-column-with-william-price-king-josh-groban-part-four/

Paul Andruss – Writer in Residence.

No post from Paul this week but I always like to reblog from his own site as it is always interesting.. this week.. Nessie… the Loch Ness Monster has been the subject of many scientific studies.. but it is it a myth or a reality?

From the film ‘The Water Horse- Legend of the Deep’

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/15/smorgasbord-reblog-fantastic-beasts-where-to-5-nessie-by-paul-andruss/

The Cookery and Food Column with Carol Taylor – Thai curry pastes from scratch.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-cookery-and-food-column-with-carol-taylor-thai-curry-pastes-and-recipes/

The Literary Column with Jessica Norrie – Blast Off! – Memorable first lines of books.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/16/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-the-literary-column-blast-off-opening-lines-by-jessica-norrie/

Getting to Know You Sunday Interview with Annette Rochelle Aben

Welcome to Getting to Know You where guests pick five questions that reveal a little more about their personality and background. This week my guest is Miss Personality as far as I am concerned. You don’t have to be in the same room with Annette Rochelle Aben to know that she is funny, compassionate, empathetic and generous. That all shines through in her blog posts, social media comments and radio podcasts. And as you will find out… it also shines bright as day in her interview.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/17/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-getting-to-know-you-with-annette-rochelle-aben/

Personal Stuff – Odd Jobs and Characters

I leave my job as housekeeper/cook of the boarding school and hop a train all the way to North Wales where I start a new position at a swanky hotel. Arriving late at night at this gothic mansion was not the best start to a new job I have had!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/14/smorgasbord-posts-from-my-archives-odd-jobs-and-characters-hotel-senior-receptionist-ghostly-arrival-and-a-quick-promotion/

Letters from America – 100 degrees, Key Lime Pie and Adverts

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/14/smorgasbord-letters-from-america-texas-1985-1987-100-degrees-key-lime-pie-and-adverts/

Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story – Serialisation

Chapter One – In the Beginning

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/16/sam-a-shaggy-dog-story-chapter-one-in-the-beginning-by-sally-cronin/

Chapter Two – My New Home.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/06/17/sam-a-shaggy-dog-story-chapter-two-my-new-home-by-sally-cronin/

A new story written as a guest post for Noelle Granger’s blog – Charlie the Junkyard Dog.

Charlie was a junkyard dog and had the scars to prove it. He was head of security of this fenced off mass of scrap metal, dotted with mounds of old tyres he called home, and he took his job very seriously. During the day, he was chained up next to the beat-up old trailer, where his human would shout loudly at other humans; sometimes throwing things at the thin metal walls. In bad weather Charlie would retreat into a rough scrap wood shelter; resting his bony body on a ragged old corn sack on the hard concrete floor as the water dripped in through the roof.

https://saylingaway.wordpress.com/2018/06/12/charlie-the-junkyard-dog-by-sally-cronin/

Poetry – Haiku