Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up- 30th January – 5th February 2023 – Birthdays, Big Band, Food A-Z, Podcast, PR for Authors, Reviews, Bloggers and Funnies

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

I hope your week has gone well. January went very quickly and cannot believe we are in February already.

The three of us with my mother in 2000 on their first visit to our home in Madrid.

It is a busy month in our family, as we three sisters all have our birthdays. My brother slipped into March and was a bit of a surprise as my mother was 40. She was always a good sailor but on our trip home from two years Sri Lanka, which was extended because of the Suez Canal crisis, she felt unwell. She went to the doctor on arriving home to the village where we had our home and he diagosed dispepsia!  A month later she rang him and said dispepsia just kicked me.

I was four at the time and since my mother wanted a home birth I was packed off to Northampton with my aunt who travelled down to pick me up and take me back on a coach. I was a little brat and despite her best efforts and that of my cousin Roger then a teenager of 15, she had to return with me after only two days, as I was determined not to be left out of this massive event. My brother was born that night but I slept through it all, exhausted by my machinations!  I was allowed in to meet him first thing the next morning and I don’t think that was the first time my mother said to me ‘You little monkey!’ lol.

My brother and I  making a getaway…

Anyway here I am almost 70 and still getting up to mischief…

I was delighted to be the guest at Lisette Brodey’s Writer’s Chateau this week chatting about books, publishing, my amazing contributors and living in Ireland.. If you have not visited the interview then it would be great if you popped over. Lisette Brodey’s Writer’s Chateau Interview Sally Cronin

Part five of this series has gone out this week but I have made a pdf of the complete series and if anyone would like a copy email me on sally.cronin@moyhill.com

As always my thanks to my friends who contribute to the blog…

William Price King joined me this week for the Big Band Era with Fred Astaire and Leo Reisman, Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields and an example of The Black Bottom dance. Also the final post on the life and music of Sir George Shearing with a new series on the incredible Quincy Jones You can also find William – Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr

Debby Gies​ On Monday I shared one of her early guest posts here on an entertaining travel adventure and Debby has left some funnies for us during the week. Despite being on holiday she is still visiting posts and commenting, not just here but around the writing community. Follow the link to Debby’s blog to browse her archives …D.G. Kaye

Carol Taylor was here on Wednesday with her A-Z of food and the letter ‘P’. In Carol’s Monday Musings she explores Trans Fats, Battery Storage, Killer Fungi and a Natural Antibiotic…The Chilli Pepper and on Thursday Groundhog Day, Chinese Steamed Cakes, Knish, Cootie Catcher plus the 1st public Conviences…Catch up on all Carol’s posts: CarolCooks2 weekly roundup…29th January-4th February 2023-

Thank you very much for your visits, comments and shares to social media, as always it is appreciated ♥

On with the show…..

The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin 1930 – Fred Astaire and Leo Reisman, Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields, The Blackbottom

William Price King Meets Music Legends – #Jazz – Sir George Shearing – The 1980s and Beyond

Smorgasbord Public Relations for Authors Recycled – Part Five – Who else might your Public Image impress?

#Poetry #Flash Fiction – Lullaby and The Charm Bracelet by Sally Cronin

Carol Taylor’s – Culinary A – Z Rewind – P’ for Pancakes, Paella, Pomelo, Pate, Pease Pudding and A Poke Bowl.

The Body our Greatest Asset – The Brain – Keeping the pathways clear of debris and staying mentally stimulated

A Funny Thing Happened, #Relationships D.G. Kaye

Growing Bookworms – The importance of colour when illustrating children’s books #childrensfiction #readingcommunity by Robbie Cheadle

#AuthorPromotions #GuestPosts – Christine Robinson – Hosted by The Story Reading Ape

New on the Shelves – #BoxSet – Foxy Mysteries Complete Collection 1 – 5: A Romanic Suspense Crime Adventure Series by Fiona Tarr

Book Review – #Parents #Grief – Ok, Little Bird by Deena Goldstein

Book Review Round Up January 2023 – #Montana Linda Bradley, #Romance Jill Weatherholt, #Family Judith Barrow, #Romance Staci Troilo, #poetry #loss Harmony Kent

Previous Reviews from 2022 – #Shortstory – #Supernatural – Breathless by Yvette Calleiro

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight February 1st 2023 – #Reviews Judith Barrow, Jacquie Biggar, Toni Pike, #Burnsnight Noelle Granger, #Monsters C.S. Boyack, #Mexico D.G. Kaye, #Genres Traci Kenworth,#Interview Lisette Brodey

January 2023 – Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Speeding Ticket and Three Wishes

February 2023 – Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Tattoos and Seven Cats

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will join me again next week. Sally.

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight February 1st 2023 – #Reviews Judith Barrow, Jacquie Biggar, Toni Pike, #Burnsnight Noelle Granger, #Monsters C.S. Boyack, #Mexico D.G. Kaye, #Genres Traci Kenworth,#Interview Lisette Brodey

Welcome to a small selection of posts I have enjoyed this week.. and an outing and I hope you will head over to enjoy the posts in full.

Judith Barrow shares her review for the crime novel Remember No More by Jan Newton which has just been released on audio. It looks like a riveting read.

Head over to read Judith’s review: Judith Barrow – Audio Book Launch and review

Traci Kenworth generously shares the links of other bloggers posts and this week she also shares her thoughts on genres in writing as well as her increasing concerns about her mobility.

Head over to check out the links:The Design of Genres by Traci Kenworth

Jacquie Biggar share three reviews for recommended books and delighted to be included with two fabulous authors Kristin Hannah and Jill Shalvis..also when out and about Jacquie encountered a flock of inquisitive water birds,.

Head over to check out Jacquie’s reviews: Reviews for Sally Jill Shalvis and Kristin Hannah

Craig Boyack has begun a new series of posts on Story Empire with some monster ideas. Great for anyone who writes fantasy and it has given me a few ideas for future stories.

Head over to discover how to create a monster with Craig Boyack: Story Empire – Creature Feature

Toni Pike shares her reviews for three wonderful books from Patricia Furstenberg, Annette Rochelle Aben and Jacquie Biggar.. I can add my recommendations to them too.

Head over to enjoy the reviews: Toni’s reviews for Patricia Furstenberg, Jacquie Biggar and Annette Rochelle Aben

Debby Gies shares the background to one of the safest places in Mexico despite the new headlines filled with cartel activities it is a large place and certain tourist destinations are well known for their welcome and safety. Puerta Vallarta is Debby’s home for a couple of months a year so we won’t see her everyday.. but she has promised to pop in from time to time between margharitas.. or even with one to check up on us.. If you are thinking about holiday in the sun over the winter months you will find a lot of information in the post you will find useful.

Head over to get the information about Puerta Vallarta and vacationing in Mexico: Geography, Why Mexico and Blogging Break

Noelle Granger belongs to the Scot Society and every year they celebrate the birthday of poet Robert Burns with a dinner and musical evening. Noelle shares the history of Robbie Burns and the food and music on offer.

 

Head over to join in with the celebration: Noelle Granger and Robbie Burns Night

On Monday I went out and about to the lovely Lisette Brodey’s blog for an interview where chatted aboutabout books, publishing, blogging, contibutors and life in Ireland.

Please head over to join us: An interview with Lisette Brodey

 

Thanks for dropping in and enjoy the rest of the day.. Sally

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round up – 23rd – 29th January 2023 – Technology, Big Bands, Sir George Shearing, Podcast, PR for authors, Book Reviews, New Releases, The Brain, Funnies

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

I hope you have all had a good week. Nothing earth shattering to report from here but when I read the world headlines, I am very happy to be living in a quiet rural area away from it all. I know I used to be so much more adventurous, but even my upcoming trip to see my sisters requires planning and preparations for just a few days away. The days of flinging some clothes into a bag, grabbing a passport and whizzing through an airport to catch a flight to the other side of the world are long over.

Even technology is going to become interesting during 2023 as mobile phones that are programmed for 3G become obsolete in the UK and Ireland, making way for the new 4G voice technology. This means new phones for the majority of us, and whilst there are only a couple of places in the UK at the moment that have scrapped 3G, they and Ireland intend to move to 4G by the end of the year. Considering I used to drive hundreds of miles on my own without a mobile phone I am almost ashamed I am not brave enough to drive the 7k to Tesco without one!

As always my thanks to my friends who contribute to the blog…

William Price King joined me this week for the Big Band Era with Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson and The Charleston. Also the next post on the life and music of Sir George Shearing with the last episode on this coming Friday.The following week a new series on the incredible Quincy Jones You can also find William – Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr

Debby Gies​ has arrived safely in Mexico after a gruelling journey with snow blizzards, delays due to iced wings. During her time away I will be sharing some posts from the archives on Smorgasbord and her own blog. Tomorrow morning… one of her early guest posts here on an entertaining travel adventure. There will also be some funnies along the way. Debby did a Bon Voyage post on her blog with some interesting geographical, political and safety information on Puerta Vallarta and if you are planning a winter break you will find very helpful. Follow the link to Debby’s blog …D.G. Kaye

Carol Taylor will be here on Wednesday with her A-Z of food and the letter ‘P’. Congratulations to Carol on becoming a great grandmother to Bonnie born on January 25th, a beautiful picture in her round up. On Monday Carol looked at the alternative options to antibiotics in the form of Echinacea, a better way to grow rice for the environment, a report on Trans Fats, a fitness update and a toadzilla found that would make anyone jump. Carol explores the cuisine of Fiji… very exotic locally sourced delicacies. Catch up on all Carol’s posts: Carol Taylor’s weekly round up 22nd to 28th January

Thank you very much for your visits, comments and shares to social media, as always it is appreciated ♥

On with the show…..

The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin 1930s – Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson and The Charleston

William Price King Meets Music Legends – #Jazz – Sir George Shearing – 1970s and Latin and Classical Styles

Podcast #Poetry #Flash Fiction – Light Lingers and Poisoned Apples by Sally Cronin

The Body our Greatest Asset – The Brain – Shopping list for the Brain and its support systems by Sally Cronin

Public Relations for Authors Recycled- Part Four – Social Media – The Pros and the Cons as an Author by Sally Cronin

Book Review – #Poetry – Sorrowful Soul (Book 3 in the Soul Poetry series) by Harmony Kent

#Reviews D.L. Finn, #Reading Robbie Cheadle, #Writinglinks D.G. Kaye, #Diary Yvette Calliero, #Interview Judith Barrow, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Powercut Cheryl Oreglia

#Parents #Grief – Ok, Little Bird by Deena Goldstein

#Poetry #FreeVerse – Ida: Searching for The Jazz Baby – From Volyn to Kherson: Interpretations of the war in Ukraine by Frank Prem

#Romance – #Preorder – Reunion (Montana Bred Series 2) by Linda Bradley

#mystery #suspense – The Fathers, the Sons and the Anxious Ghost by Jamie Adams

#Pets on My Travels by Darlene Foster

#PotLuck – Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Men Only Weekend Trip by John W. Howell.

January 2023 – Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Margaritas and Regrets

January 2023 – Another Open Mic Night with author Daniel Kemp – #Marriage and #Fottles

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will join me again next week… stay safe.. Sally.

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight January 23rd 2023 – #Reviews D.L. Finn, #Reading Robbie Cheadle, #Writinglinks D.G. Kaye, #Diary Yvette Calliero, #Interview Judith Barrow, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Powercut Cheryl Oreglia

A small selection of the posts I have enjoyed this week and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full. Thanks Sally.

Denise Finn shares three of her reviews from the first part of January for Harmony Kent, Elizabeth Gauffreau and Alex Craigie. Amazing books and I can highly recommend too.

Head over to read Denise’s reviews for these wonderful books: Denise Finn January Book Reviews

Robbie Cheadle explores the best way to teaching our children about the natural environment and conservation as it is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. She shares some excellent ways of making sharing about nature and conservation with children both educational and fun on Writing to be Read.

Head over to read this interesting post from Robbie: Growing Bookworms – Teaching Children about Nature and Conservation

Debby Gies shares her monthly compilation of helpful writer’s tips including Anne R. Allen Ruth Harris, Diana Peach Diana Urban, Jessica Bell, and Hugh Roberts..

Head over to take advantage of Debby’s foraging for great writer’s tips: January Writing and Blogging Tips from D.G. Kaye

Yvette Calliero has been participating in the RRBC 30-Day #Blogging Challenge #GetToKnowMe with a blog post a day. One of the interesting by products is, having read this post is just how much we cram into our days in one way or another. Another reason for finding ways to relax and unwind from time to time. Lovely way to get to know our fellow bloggers.

Head over to enjoy sharing a day with Yvette: A Day in My Life with Yvette

Judith Barrow shares another her Places in our Memories with guest Kathy Miles… lovely recollections of Liverpool and Wales.

Head over to meet Kathy and enjoy her memories: Places in our Memories with poet Kathy Miles

As always Chris the Story Reading Ape manages to find the funniest characters online including this couple… some of the gags are a little close to home.

Head over for some laughter: The Story Reading Ape – Monday Funnies

Cheryl Oreglia had a three day powercut so went on a road trip which highlighted the devastation of the storm front on the Californian coast..It was quite the adventure and in typical Cheryl style, was infused with good humour.

Head over to share the adventure with Cheryl: We are still in the Dark

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to enjoy these posts in full..  Sally.

 

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – 16th – 22nd January 2023 – George Shearing, Big Band Era, Intuition, Culinary ‘O’ foods and terms, New Releases, Book Reviews, The Brain, Bloggers Spotlight and Funnies

Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed in the last week here on Smorgasbord.

Not a great deal to report this week that is newsworthy but thank goodness for the blog which has kept me out of mischief… well almost! The weaher has turned a little warmer the last couple of days and I notice the first signs of the primroses under the hedge poking their heads about ground. I hope they are not being overly keen and I am sure some more frosts to come.

On the blog front.. delighted to say that quite a few bloggers have signed up for the new series of post from the archives and you will begin to see those posts beginning Tuesday. So if you would like me to share two posts from your archives from July- December 2022 then here are the details. #NewSeries January 2023- ‘Lucky Dip’ and Do You Trust Me??

Don’t forget to email me if you have a new release in the next few weeks so I can help spread the news. sally.cronin@moyhill.com. If you are new to the blog then I will let you know what I need… if you have been featured before I just need the Amazon link.

As always my thanks to my friends who contribute to the blog…

William Price King joined me this week to celebrate the Big Band Era Ethel Waters, Duke Ellington and the Jitterbug. Also the next post on Friday with the life and music of Sir George Shearing.  You can also find William – Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr

Debby Gies​ was here on Monday with an exploration of Intuition… and during this past week joined me for a laughter post.  On her own blog you will find her Sunday Book Review for Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons by therapist Becky Aud-Jennison.  Also a link to Debby’s two latest podcast.

Debby is heading off to Mexico for two months on her annual migration to warmer climes but I will be sharing some posts from her archives on her Monday slot in the meantime. She will be back in April with more of her Spiritual Awareness posts. Follow the link to Debby’s posts …D.G. Kaye

Carol Taylor was here on Wednesday with her A-Z of food and the letter ‘O’. Over on her own blog you will find Monday Musings on Rhinos and natural antibiotics, On Thursday thoughts you can discover some interesting facts such as the first hot air balloon flight in the 18th century.  You can catch up with the news: Carol Taylor’s Weekly Round Up 21st January

Thank you very much for your visits, comments and shares to social media, as always it is appreciated ♥

On with the show…..

The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin 1930s – Ethel Waters, Duke Ellington and The Jitterbug

William Price King Meets Music Legends – #Jazz – Sir George Shearing – The Collaborations

Spiritual Awareness – Learning to Trust Your #Intuition by D. G. Kaye

Carol Taylor’s – Culinary A – Z Rewind – ‘O’ for Oats, Offal, Octopus, Oranges and Oysters.

Podcast #Poetry #Flash Fiction – Waiting for Spring and Good Morning Your Eminence by Sally Cronin

Smorgasbord Public Relations for Authors Recycled – Part Three – Hitting the Red Carpet

The Body our Greatest Asset – The Brain – Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease by Sally Cronin

#Review – #Romance #Novella – Pour It On ( Keystone Couples) by Staci Troilo

#Forgottenwords Marcia Meara, #Booktitles Pamela Wight, #Reviews Diana Peach, #2022reads D.L. Finn, #Salad New Vintage Kitchen, #Frost John Howell.

#Suspense #Romance Tall Pines Sanctuary by Sharon K. Connell

#Contemporary #Suspense #Loss #Love – All That Was Taken by Lisette Brodey

#YA #Fantasy – Dream Walker: Book 5 in ‘The Council of Twelve’ Series A.J. Alexander

#Techno #Thriller What Comes Before (Heirs And Descendants Book 3) by Daniel Kemp

Host Malcolm Allen – January 2023 – Bird Power and Weighing Scales

Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Notes to Self and Definitions

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will join me again next week… be safe… Sally

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight – 16th January 2023 – #Forgottenwords Marcia Meara, #Booktitles Pamela Wight, #Reviews Diana Peach, #2022reads D.L. Finn, #Salad New Vintage Kitchen, #Frost John Howell.

Just a small selection of posts I have enjoyed in the last week and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.. thanks Sally.

Marcia Meara has a new series running.. Forgotten Words and this week the word was Crinolines… and there is the question part.. and then the post with the answer…going to be a fascinating series.

Part One: Forgotten Words – Crinoline

Part Two: Answer of the day – Crinolines

Pamela Wight has a very creative way of supporting writers by including their book titles in her short story…some names you will definitely recognise…

Head over to enjoy this creative way to support authors: A walk in the Woods book by book

Diana Peach shares the second part of her book reviews for December including reviews for Debby Gies Gwendolyn Plano and Jane Risdon plus a montage of all her reviews for 2022… amazing support for authors.

Head over to enjoy Diana’s recommendations: Myths of the Mirror December Reviews Part Two

D.L. Finn shares her round up of 2022 reads… 109 books which is an amazing number of reviews and a great many supported authors, delighted to be included.. Head over and discover some new books to add to your TBR…

Head over to discover Denise’s recommended reads of 2022: Reviews on Goodreads 2022

I am sure like me after the holidays you enjoy eating something a little lighter and fresher… Dorothy of the New Vintage Kitchen shares a wonderful and colourful recipe for radish and sesame winter salad. Great on its own or as a side dish.

Head over to discover how to make this delicious looking salad: Radish and Sesame Winter Salad New Vintage Kitchen

Having lived in Texas, I know it is unusual to have frost and even snow although in recent years there has been quite a bit of both in North Texas. John Howell shares the lengths the residents of his neighbourhood went to after a frost warning went out… plus some warming food and great music.

Head over to enjoy the tour: Tour of the Neighbourhood – Frost Warnings

 

Thanks for dropping in and I hope you will enjoy reading these posts in full.. Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – January 9th – 15th 2023 – Wind, Big Band Era, Podcast,The Brain, PR for Authors, New books, Reviews, Funnies

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

Greetings from wild and windy Ireland, and considering around 23% of Ireland’s electricity comes from wind power, I should say this week they have more than enough to spare! Ice is coming in for the next two to three days and being rural the roads tend to stay frosty until enough traffic has passed over them. So I am off to do the shopping this morning and get it out of the way. I know there are many others knee deep in snow at the moment and we get off lightly, particularly here on the east coast so no complaints just an extra layer of thermals.

As always my thanks to my friends who contribute to the blog…

William Price King joined me this week to celebrate the Big Band Era with Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra and one of the dance crazes of the age The Cakewalk. Also the second post on Friday with the life and music of Sir George Shearing.  You can also find William – Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr

Debby Gies​ will be here on Monday with an exploration of Intuition… and during this past week joined me for two laughter posts. Over on her own blog you will find her review for the fantastic upcoming release Sisters by Judith Barrow and a bumper monthly writer’s links . Follow the link to Debby’s posts …D.G. Kaye

Carol Taylor will be here on Wednesday with her A-Z of food and the letter ‘O’. Over on her own blog you will find Monday Musings on Chocolate and Jogging, in the Green Kitchen a fascinating visit to a local organic farm and ways to use stale bread and Thursday Thoughts with a fantastic soup recipe and an interesting piece about lithium battery alternatives.  You can catch up with the news: CarolCooks2 weekly roundup…8th-14th January 2023

Thank you very much for your visits, comments and shares to social media, as always it is appreciated ♥

On with the show…..

– The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin 1930s – Duke Ellington and Leo Reisman with Frank Sinatra

William Price King Meets Music Legends – #Jazz – Sir George Shearing – Into the 1940s

#Poetry #Flash Fiction – New Year’s Resolutions and Fire

Since this series began in January 2018 there have been over 1250 Posts from Your Archives where bloggers have taken the opportunity to share posts to a new audience… mine.

The topics have ranged from travel, childhood, recipes, history, family and the most recent series was #PotLuck where I shared a random selection of different topics. This series is along the same lines… but is a ‘Lucky Dip’

In this series I will be sharing posts from the last six months of 2022

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives -#NewSeries January 2023- ‘Lucky Dip’ and Do You Trust Me??

The Body our Greatest Asset – The Brain – Development from conception to old age by Sally Cronin

Public Relations for Authors Recycled- Part Two – Author Biographies -Tips and Translations

#FamilySaga – Sisters by Judith Barrow

Book Review – #Romance #Family – Searching for Home by Jill Weatherholt

Previous Reviews from 2022 – #Children’s – Amazing Matilda: A Monarch’s Tale by Bette A. Stevens

New Book on the Shelves – #YA #History #Timetravel – Patches through Time by Sian Turner

Menagerie: A Collection of Thirteen #Mystery, #Suspense, and Contemporary Short Stories by Joan Hall

New Book on the Shelves – #Fantasy – Mystical Greenwood (One with Nature Book 1) by Andrew McDowell

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight 2023 – #Sisters Judith Barrow, #Health D.G. Kaye, #Reviews Jacquie Biggar, #Peace Rebecca Budd, #NewYear Liz Gauffreau, #OddBirds Cindy Knoke

Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Healthy Eating and Alternative Book Titles

Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Biker’s arms and Interpretive dancing

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and I hope you will join me again next week.. be safe… Sally.

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight 2023 – #Sisters Judith Barrow, #Health D.G. Kaye, #Reviews Jacquie Biggar, #Peace Rebecca Budd, #NewYear Liz Gauffreau, #OddBirds Cindy Knoke

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed recently and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.

Judith Barrow shares the fascinating and often tragic lives of three sisters, two of whom were also incredibly talented Virginia Woolf and her sister, the artist, Vanessa Bell, the daughters of the historian Sir Leslie Stephen and Julia Prinsep Duckworth.

Head over discover the complex relationship and lives of these sisters:Judith Barrow – Virginia Woolf and her sister, the artist, Vanessa Bell,

Debby Gies with a reminder that we need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally and physically and it is a good idea to get even what you might consider small concerns checked out as soon as possible.

Head over to check out these tips to looking after yourself: Self – Taking Care of ourselves

Jacquie Biggar shares her 2022 Goodreads Challenge and she read an amazing 116 books supporting their authors in the best way possible with reviews. I was delighted to be the recipient and if you are looking for more great books to add to your overflowing TBRs this is the place to visit.

Head over to discover some great books to read:  Jacquie Biggar a year of reviews..

Rebecca Budd began her year with the background to the Universal Hour of Peace as the old year handed over to the new. A wonderful concept and badly needed to refocus our energies on the positive in our world.

Head over to find out more about the Universal Hour of Peace: The Clanmother

Another post with a New Year theme is from Liz Gauffreau. Liz reads a beautiful poem by Jane Hirshfield  Counting, This New Year’s Morning, What Powers Yet Remain To Me

Head over to enjoy Liz reading this lovely poem: New Year’s Morning

And to end this selection of posts from talented bloggers, something that made me smile.

As I contemplate turning 70 I remembered someone telling me when I turned 60 that I was a bit of an odd bird! I believe that I am even odder now and Cindy Knoke has photographed other odd birds that remind me slightly of my own reflection in the mirror these days lol.

Image Cindy Knoke 2023

Head over to enjoy some other odd birds:  Cindy Knoke Photography

 

Thanks for dropping by and I hope you will head over to enjoy these posts in full… thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight 2023 – #history Robbie Cheadle, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Opportunities Marcia Meara, #Review Olga Nunez Miret, #Priorities Pete Springer, #Connections Jennie Fitzkee

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed recently and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.

Robbie Cheadle with a post on Writing to be Read, shares the fascinating creation story of the Shona People in Zimbabwe, and it is amazing to read how many elements other creation stories across the cultures share in common.

Head over to discover more about the myths and legends of the Shona People: Robbie Cheadle – Shona – Zimbabwe

If you missed his Christmas Day funnies and love dogs and cats then head over to Christopher Graham for some home truths.

Head over to enjoy the words of wisdom and laughter: The Story Reading Ape Funny Signs.

Marcia Meara is inviting you to join her for her very popular 10 Things you may not know about me series or her Guest Post on Tuesdays. I have been at the receiving end of Marcia’s hospitality and it is always great fun and a wonderful place to be showcased.

Head over to check out these amazing opportunities: Marcia Meara author and bloggers promotions 2023

If you are looking for some dark humour and a different take on the world, then this book, reviewed by Olga Nunez Miret might be just up your street. Baking Bad: Notes from my Diary by John Dolan

Head over to read Olga’s review for this intriguing sounding book: Baking Bad: Notes from my Diary by John Dolan

Pete Springer shares his thoughts on the coming year in relation to blogging and his presence online. He has two children’s books he wants to focus on and so will be stepping back from blogging on a regular basis. Since I know that many of you are also reviewing your online presence as I am too, I am sure you will find an interesting read.

Head over to read what 2023 will hold for Pete’s writing and blog: Pete Springer’s priorities 2023

Jennie Fitzkee shares the amazing connections her family has with a movie of a true story of heroism in a time of war. Certainly a film I will look out for.

Head over to read this amazing story of connections over the decades: Devotion – The Personal Back story

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to read these posts in full.. Sally.