Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – March 29th – April 4th 2020 – Musique Mechanaique, Finger Limes, Letters from America and all that Jazz

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

I doubt that there are many of you who are not in some form of self-isolation at the moment and I hope that you have everything you need to keep your spirits up. It is saving our lives and I must admit that even going out once a week for my fresh vegetables and fruit does have me spooked as I try to avoid the invisible serial killer roaming the aisles. Thankfully, the majority of people here are very good about self-distancing and being respectful. Some are wearing masks or scarves as I do, and latex gloves.

The supermarkets are taped for distancing and the checkout staff are behind perspex. Everyone is doing their bit and again, they and the healthcare sector are heroes for turning up each day.

I thought you might like to share a special moment. For the last couple of years, my lucky black ceramic cat has sat next to the front door looking out on the world. One morning just after I placed it there, a black cat came to visit. He still does from time to time, but as you can see he is observing social distancing. I have no idea why he keeps coming back as he gets no response from our cat, but I guess he might be determined to do so one day.

Stay safe and as I have previously offered, if you are struggling and would like to chat online then please email me at sally.cronin@moyhill.com.

And in the spirit of getting together and having a little fun, despite the circumstances, there is a party going on over Easter weekend 11th and 12th April. There are still some spots available and I hope you will participate…

This Easter most of us will be in isolation from family and friends and I know how tough that can be. However, as planned the Easter Parade will go ahead and I hope that you will join me over the two days.

Apart from an opportunity to share your blog and books, it is also a chance to meet others who will be featured or who drop in.

There will be food provided as always and something to drink as well as a bit of music. Since the theme is ‘Flashback’ – the music will be from the 1960s – 1980s.  All I need from you is a photograph taken any time in that time period along with a favourite song of the era.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Easter Parade Blog Party April 11th/12th 2020 – #Flashback Photos, food and music

William Price King -Carla Bley – American jazz composer, pianist, organist and bandleader

Carol Taylor – A – Z of Food – ‘F’ for Figs, Finger limes, Flambe, Fenugreek, Fruit Pectin,Fugu

The two final stories of this collection.

Yves – Be careful what you wish for

Zoe – Looking into the future

FamilySaga – Under a Dark Cloud by Mary Crowley

I wrote this piece about the dreaded driving test that we had to take to enable us to buy a car and get insured. We both had full licences from the UK but had to give this up and obtain a Texas licence…

Letters from America 1985-1987 – Adventures in the USA – The Driving Test Texas Style

Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge – #ButterflyCinquain -The Air

Smorgasbord Health Column – Food Therapy – The Banana – Pre-Wrapped nutrient boost on the go

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore Special -Pre-order for May 5th – Anthology – The Road to Liberation – Trials and Triumphs of World War II

Shortstory Jonah: The hardest demons to face are internal by Jan Sikes

Mystery James J. Cudney, Family Mary Crowley, Cyberpunk C.S. Boyack

Poetry M.J. Mallon, #Mystery Sharon Marchisello, #Paranormal Marcia Meara

#Dystopian Teri Polen, #Poetry Frank Prem, #Horror Vashti Quiroz Vega

#Travel – Numedal Valley in #Norway – Amanda McLaughlin of Forestwood Folk Art

SoCS 2019.09.20 – Two Unwrapped Gifts by Miriam Hurdle

Melancholy – Confusion by Apple Gidley

Life 16 Things We Can Do in Our 50’s that We Couldn’t in Our 20’s by Cheryl Oreglia

Bookreview by Kevin Cooper – Fallout by Harmony Kent

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

More seclusion humour from the senior team

 

Thank you for taking the time to visit today and during the week. It means a great deal…stay safe and I hope you will join me again next week for more fun and games…Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – 22nd – 28th March 2020

How are you all doing? A tough week for every country as the virus takes its toll and family and friends around the world are being directly impacted.

We are officially on lock down here in Ireland from today until April 12th initially. No non-essential journeys unless to work, supermarket and medical appointments. All non-essential businesses such as hotels, cafes and restaurants, hair salons etc have been shut down for a couple of weeks now and I think that the current lock down has been timed over the Easter weekend to counteract any thoughts of heading off to the coast or other holiday destinations in the country. I went out early to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables and everyone was being very respectful of safe distances and I was in and out in 20 minutes, including waiting for the shop to open.

The shelves were all stocked including toilet paper, and it was good to see the check out staff behind perspex, so important to keep them safe. As much as I admire the health care staff, who are amazing, it is the men and women who are turning up to work in our essential services every day and putting themselves at risk that also should be shown absolute courtesy and gratitude.

Here we have around 4,500 living in the area during the off season, but from Easter through to September this usually swells by many thousands more staying in mobile homes along the coast. Unfortunately many of the small businesses rely on this summer trade and will no longer be viable after this virus has passed. When you look at issues such as this on this level it is easy to see how our world on a global scale is going to be changed, possibly for many years.

I do think that on the upside, the majority of people are going to be a lot more self-aware with regard to health, personal space and the way they travel going forward. Perhaps for some it will mean a completely different perspective on priorities and what they can live without.

Anyway I do hope you are staying safe and staying indoors and have access to all the food you need and support. And with that in mind, I have created a new theme for Posts from Your Archives, focused on the family and friends who play such an important role in our lives. I hope you will read the post below and participate.

There is no doubt that during this current health crisis that is on a global scale, with many of us in long term lock down, it is our family and friends that we will be turning to for support. Even if, as in my case, my family are hundreds of miles away in the UK and we are only in touch by email and Skype. The online connection we have with family and friends around the world is very important, and I would personally be lost without it. Social media is also key at this time for helping to maintain connection during the isolation, particularly for those living on their own.

In this new series, I would love you to share your posts from the archives about your family and friends, and that can of course include the very important fur and feather family that provide so much comfort.

It might be historical posts about your family who I am sure in the past have had to show their own fortitude during hard times and conflict. It could be a tribute to parents or grandparents or children or grandchildren. How a pet has brought you joy and connection. Stories of your life over the years and your friendships that have supported and motivated you. In prose or poetry.

Find out more: New Series – Posts from Your Archives April 2020 – #Family and #Friends

Now on with the other posts from the week, and as always, my thanks to all the guests who have contributed and regular contributors who add so much to the blog.

Another two stories from the collection.

Walter – Lost and Alone

Xenia – Beloved

Letters from America A Texas Menace and Realtors.

Doglovers – My Name is Danny – #Doglovers – Tales from Danny the Dog assisted by Andrew Joyce.

Double Etheree – The Night Sky

Double Etheree – The Night Sky

Smorgasbord Health Column – Food Therapy – The pungent defenders Onions and Garlic

Shall We Dance from The King and I

Romance – Sunset Beach (Blue Haven Book 2) by Jacquie Biggar

Sir Chocolate and the Ice cream Rainbow Fairies story and cookbook by Robbie and Michael Cheadle

#Thriller Booms and Busts by Geoff Le Pard

Fantasy The Man Who Found Birds among the Stars, Part Seven: Fifth Island in the River: A Biographical Fiction by Lorinda J. Taylor

Mystery Eloise de Sousa, Afghanistan Patricia Furstenberg, Thriller Daniel Kemp

Memoir D.G. Kaye, Paranormal Roberta Eaton Cheadle, Romance Jeanine Lunsford

Mystery Stevie Turner, Fantasy Fiona Tarr, Memoir Pete Springer

short story Footprints by Jemima Pett

50 Tree Stories by Miriam Hurdle

Recipe – Oven Sheet Pan Crepes by The Frugal Hausfrau

#Marriage – After You Say “I Do” by Cheryl Oreglia

Book Review by Kevin Cooper – Fawn by Nash Summers

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

Smorgasbord Laughter Lines Extra…Keep Dancing

Thank you very much for dropping in during the week and leaving your comments, they are much enjoyed. I hope you will join me and my guests again next week and that you stay safe and well… hugs Sally

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – 23rd to 29th February 2020 – Clothes made out of Tents – Foods beginning with ‘D’ and Younger than Springtime…am I…

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

Between the weather and the coronavirus epidemic…. and who is going to pay the millions of dollars security bill for Prince Harry and Meghan, the news has not been uplifting this week. However, there is one news network, determined to only share inspiring and motivational stories such as this one.

Eco-Activist Hits Fashion Week Catwalk With Clothing Made Out of Abandoned Tents Collected From Music Festivals

This eco-warrior entrepreneur is making clothes from abandoned tents collected from music festivals—and the line debuted this month on the London Fashion Week catwalk.

24-year-old James Marshall spent last summer scouring campsites and collecting abandoned tents following the Eden Festival in the Scottish Borders and Kendal Calling in the Lake District.

With the help of his friends and family, he amassed around 300 tents which were then turned into trendy bucket hats, bumbags, and jackets by fashion designer Imogen Evans.

Some of James Marshall’s designs at London Fashion Week. SWNS.

Read the rest of this story and discover more good news: Eco Activist makes fashion week clothing out of tents – The Good News Network

On that note… time to get on with the week’s posts, and as always my thanks to guests who make such an amazing contribution to the week.

Carol Taylor A-Z – Dates, Dragon Fruit, Durian and Dirty Rice

Frank Prem shares his twenty year journey to achieve his publishing dream

This week ‘Younger than Springtime’ from South Pacific…

South Pacific – Younger than Springtime and Bali Hai

Two more stories from the collection.

Owen – Face to Face

Patrick – Love in a Time of War

Love Poetry – Walk Away Silver Heart by Frank Prem

 Annika Perry with her review for the wonderful Elisabeth’s Lists by Lulah Ellender.

Book Review Elisabeth’s Lists by Annika Perry

Traffic incident with Marian Longenecker Beaman

Jennie Fitzkee with the wonderful true story of a little girl and her family.

The Story of Romana by Jennie Fitzkee

Author and finance expert Sharon Marchisello shares tips on how to make sure you get the best value for money when travelling.

Foreign Currency with Sharon Marchisello

One Writer’s Journey 1 Star Reviews by Judy Penz Sheluk

Grinders by C.S. Boyack

Magic – Mr. Sagittarius by M.J. Mallon

Poetry – Inner Rumblings by Joyce Murphy

Format Your Picture Book Paperback for Amazon by Jo Robinson

Supernatural Marcia Meara, Romance Teagan Geneviene, Post Apocalyptic Sandra J. Jackson

Poetry Miriam Hurdle, British History Mike Biles, Fantasy Vashti Quiroz Vega

Thriller Mark Bierman, Adventure Audrey Driscoll, Short Stories Anne Goodwin

Angels Jan Sikes, Review Olga Nunez Miret, Mystery Mae clair

Recycling Carol Taylor, Chocolate Eat Dessert First, Poetry Colleen Chesebro

Afghanistan Mary Smith, Legends Andrew Joyce, Patience Geoff Le Pard

Short Story Beetley Pete, Medieval History Nicholas Rossis, Author Promotion Susan Toy

A study into why the immune system of bats has caused such a rapid mutation, better breast screen monitoring and the long term side effects of the Keto diet.

Bats and Coronavirus, Breast Cancer, Keto Diet

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

Thank you for dropping in and I hope you will join me again next week … thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – 9th to 15th February 2020 – Food, Music, Guest, New book releases, Book Reviews and Laughter.

Welcome to the round up with some posts you might have missed here on Smorgasbord during the week.

I hope that those of you who celebrated Valentine’s Day had a wonderful time… we always enjoy even after 40 years, but this year we managed to both buy the same card for each other which we had a good laugh about… luckily there were a few others that were anonymous to make up for it!!

It was my 67th birthday on Thursday and rather than go out for a meal we decided to indulge in pizzas and ice cream. We don’t give birthday gifts anymore since I have more clothes, handbags and shoes than a department store, don’t have occasion to wear bling very much, and don’t need something else to dust. The most precious gift to me is that we are still going strong and able to eat pizza and laugh.  But I did have a few friends over for tea… virtually.

A wild and windy couple of weeks with the odd day of sunshine as one storm front drives through after another. We are not as badly off as many, especially those who live on the wild Atlantic coastline in the west of Ireland. Nor do we get the snowfalls that those in Britain can expect. And there are a number of storms brewing of a different kind around the world from more floods in Australia to the increasing momentum of the coronavirus.

Whilst naturally are very concerned about catching the virus there is already a fallout that is impacting millions. The travel industry is going to be badly affected as will the tourist industries of many countries around the world as airlines stop services in and out of China and people decide not to fly unless absolutely necessary.

I was looking at the images of the normally very busy Chinatown in the heart of London where we have spent many a lovely evening sampling crispy duck and dim sum. Completely deserted with businesses seriously threatened and the jobs of thousands at risk. Unfortunately it is not just businesses that are threatened but also individuals who are being targeted for the ethnicity.

We have little option but to wait it out and hope that the measures being put in place will turn the tide. Personally I will not be flying in the next few months, especially into major airports. I normally avoid crowded events and places anyway with shopping done early in the morning.

For the elderly, the young and those with a compromised immune system the dangers are very real and it is important to make sure that they are isolated as much as possible from infection. Tough to do but frequent hand washing does help and when my mother was alive she was disappointed that hugging and kissing were banned!

Even though I am a strong advocate for natural therapies, there is no magic potion that can protect you completely. I do use tea tree lotion with a touch of silver on my hands and I am making sure I am getting plenty of vitamin C and D in my diet. Getting out in the fresh air on a daily basis is also a good idea as our centrally heated homes are very attractive to both bacteria and virus opportunists.

I hope by the time I share next week’s round up there will be better news…

Now time for the posts from the week and as always my thanks to contributors and guests for their amazing posts.

The Letter C – Calabash, Cajun, Curry, Cloud Eggs, Chilli and Calamari

Editor Sarah Calfee with a step by step guide to creating the perfect romance plot

Guest Writer Editor Sarah Calfee – The Romance Plot Sequence

The Wind Beneath My Wings from Beaches

Another two stories from the collection

Jane – The Surprise

Kenneth – A Love of Life

This week on  Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday Poetry No 164 the prompts were very appropriate,’Love and Harmony’….. I have selected the synonyms ‘Passion and Rapport’

Etheree – Two Hearts

Shopping List by Nutrient – Part Six – Essential Fatty Acids

Trouble at Clenchers Mill by Diana J. Febry

Trillium by Margaret Lindsay Holton

Scifi Richard Dee, Romance Ritu Bhathal, Thriller Stevie Turner

Short Stories Karen Ingalls, Thriller Terry Tyler, Fantasy C.S. Boyack, Memoir D.G. Kaye

Afghanistan Patricia Furstenberg, Fantasy Kevin Cooper, Midlife Romance Sally Cronin

Reality informs Fiction – Trails in the Sand by P.C. Zick

FDR Barbara Ann Mojica meets Author Bret Baier

Haiku Dogs Released by Denis Young

Mystery Wish You Were Here by Janet Gogerty

Poetry – Who’s Worse by Stevie Turner

Interview Jill Weatherholt and John Howell, Delta Pearl Teagan Genviene, Roti Kool Kosher Kitchen

Valentine’s Day Amanda Cade, Valentine’s Dinner Carol Taylor, Mistaken Identity Anne R. Allen

Reading Robbie Cheadle, Books Teri Polen, Children’s books Jennie Fitzkee

Afghanistan Mary Smith, New Book Teagan Geneviene, Author Promotion Susan M. Toy

D. G. Kaye and her Guest Ann Patras

D.G. Kaye and her guest Ann Patras

Thank you for dropping in during the week and your support is very much appreciated.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – January 19th – 25th 2020 – Music, Food, Guests and Humour – Enjoy the Party.

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

I hope that everyone is doing well, the week has flown by as usual and suddenly, or so it seems to me, we are at the end of January. The good news is that spring is around the corner.

A couple of reminders.

If you have a new book release coming out in February please let me know. If you are already an author in the Cafe and Bookstore I just need the date.

If you are new to the Cafe.. then details are in this post. It is FREE: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore

The Cafe and Bookstore is in the process of a makeover with new links being added and shortcuts to buy links and blogs. Sorry for the mixed look at the moment but working through it over the next few weeks.

My thanks as always to my contributors and guests who bring such great content to the blog each week, and of course to you for dropping and supporting, by liking, commenting and sharing…

William Price King with Charles Mingus – 1922- 1979

Two more stories from the collection.

Grace – The Gift

Hannah – Finding a Way to Move Forward

This week in Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 161 we are treated to a photo prompt selected by Willow Willers which is stunning.

Mirror Cinquain Ritual of Mehndi by Sally Cronin

My review for A Sweet Smell of Strawberries by Mary Crowley

D.Wallace Peach treats us to a therapeutic shampoo with special powers…

Image Pixabay combo

Short Story Clarifying Shampoo by D.Wallace Peach

Jacqui Murray shares some strategies to survive the work in  progress.

12 Survival Tips for Writers by Jacqui Murray

Richard Dee does not just create other worlds in his scifi books, but also does some nifty creating in the kitchen… peanut cookies..

Author Richard Dee showcases his skill in the kitchen.

Short Story Ghosts in the attic by Darlene Foster

Is the editor you hired actually doing the editing by D.G. Kaye

Memoir – Into Africa with 3 kids, 13 crates and a husband by Ann Patras

Non-Fiction – Speak Flapper: Slang of the 1920s by Teagan Geneviene

Mystery – The Charli McClung Mysteries book 6 – How Deep in the Darkness

Short Story The Shirt by Richard Dee

Flash Sarah Brentyn, Family Claire Fullerton, 1920s Elizabeth Gauffreau

WritingProse Harmony Kent, Fantasy Jack Eason,Thriller Allan Hudson

Recycling Carol Taylor, Alien Beetley Pete, Q&A D.G. Kaye with Jane Sturgeon

Blog award Karen Ingalls, Bletchley Park Mike Biles, Author Spotlight James J. Cudney with Zach Abrams

Interviews Kellie Butler with Judith Barrow, Jo Lambert with Jane Risdon, Dogs by Debbie the Dog Lady

Interview Book Club Mom with Ritu Bhathal, Mae Clair with Victoria Zigler, Afghanistan with Mary Smith

Books for Life Patricia Furstenberg, Fantasy Free Aurora Jean Alexander, What does your ring finger length mean by Jim Borden

Research is indicating that as well as possible liver damage resulting from taking too many paracetamol, it might also be impacting the way we relate to others.

Concerns are raised regarding Paracetamol and mental wellbeing

This week’s shopping list by nutrient is part three with the minerals Calcium to Manganese

Grocery Shopping by Nutrient Part Three Calcium to Manganese

More funnies from Debby and new jokes from Sally

Debby Gies with more funnies and guest poet Ann Patras

Thank you very much for dropping in today and I hope you will join me again next week.. thanks Sally

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – January 12th- 18th 2020

Welcome to this week’s posts on Smorgasbord that you might have missed.

I hope you have had a good week… I am in housekeeping mode both on and offline. At the moment the Cafe and Bookstore is in the middle of a facelift with the addition of both UK and US Amazon selling pages, Goodreads where the author has a page, and their website or blog. It is a work in progress so don’t worry if your entry does not reflect this change yet, it will soon.

You can help me out if you are an author on the shelves by letting me know in advance that you have a new book being released. That helps me keep your entry up to date but also ensures that you receive a new book promotion when your book is available or is on pre-order offer.

I do go through every week to check for recent reviews but with 150 authors it is easy to miss one. To keep the cafe at a manageable size, authors listed have reviews within the last six months.

A few statistics about the Cafe and Bookstore.

• In 2019 there were 130 Cafe Updates including the summer features and Christmas book fair and 125 New book Promotions
• The top viewed (220) New Book on the Shelves was A Bit About Britain’s History by Mike Biles
• The average new book on the shelves promotion has over 100 views on the blog, multi-retweets on Twitter and shares on Facebook.
• It is a free book promotion and all it costs is a little bit of your time, letting me know and responding to comments. Judging from comments, I am confident that the posts do result, in not only effective exposure for your books but also sales and more reviews.

If you are not already an author in the Cafe and Bookstore you can find all the details at this link: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore FREE Author promotion

As to my offline decluttering… with the likelihood of a move and alleged downsizing this year, I am working through my depleted but still over subscribed clothes stash. Despite my continued weight loss, I doubt that the silver lame 1970s disco trousers that I have clung on to will see the light of day (or glitter ball) again… despite the pain it will cost me it is time to send to the charity shop and hope that some other young person might enjoy taking them for a twirl… along with the last of my stilettos….(I need a hoist to keep me upright).  Still I have my glory days to remember… and I still take to the kitchen floor when the mood takes me….

Anyway.. keep dancing

And as always my thanks to the wonderful team who keep coming up with amazing posts and to you for dropping in to read them.

A wonderful introduction to the new column from D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies who explores the Realms of Relationships. She will be on her winter retreat for February but will be back in March. In this column Debby explores our communication skills both verbal and behavioural and strategies for resolving conflict.

D. G. Kaye – Exploring the Realms of Relationships

Welcome to a new series from Carol Taylor, the wonderful A – Z of Food and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of wonderful ingredients across the food groups, spices and herbs.

Caroly Taylor’s A – Z of Food – Almonds, Arrowroot, Aubergines and Avocado

This week on the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills   the prompt was a husband carrying his wife…

Carrot Ranch – A Dream Home by Sally Cronin

Two more stories from this collection…

Francis – Forging New Bonds by Sally Cronin

George – Playing Away from Home

This week the prompt for Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 160 the prompt is ‘Calm and Present’… I have chosen the synonyms ‘Serene and Deliver’ for my Etheree.

Etheree – On the Wind by Sally Cronin

Movie Hits – Mrs Robinson – The Graduate by Simon & Garfunkel

My review for The Hat by C.S. Boyack

My thanks to Mark Bierman for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award

To start the new series, author Jacqui Murray who shares the wonderfully descriptive simile…very useful for all writers.

51 Great Similes to Spark Imagination from Jacqui Murray

#Canada, #Pottery and #Eagles by Darlene Foster

#Memoir Byte – Reminiscences of the 70s and 80s Fun and Fearless by D.G. Kaye

Scifi – The Magisters Book One by Jack Eason

Acts of Convenience by Alex Craigie

Vandana Bhasin, Smitha Vishwanath, Mae Clair, Miriam Hurdle

#Poetry Bette A. Stevens, #Fantasy Fiona Tarr, #Fantasy D.Wallace Peach

#SunshineBlogger Mark Bierman, #ReadingAloud Jennie Fitzkee, #IndieShowcase Richard Dee

#Karma D.G. Kaye, #Interview Patricia Furstenberg, #Afghanistan Mary Smith

#Guest Marcia Meara with Joan Hall, #Bookclub Amy Reade, #Q&A D.G. Kaye, #Review by Michelle Clements James

#Children’sfears Becky Ross Michael, #Nonverbal Communication Jim Borden, #Familyhistory Liz Gauffreau

#Publishing 2020 Nicholas Rossis, #Freebook Olga Nunez Miret, #Flash Charli Mills Carrot Ranch

In part two I share the best sources for vitamins C to K2 to ensure your shopping list reflects what your body needs to be healthy.

Shopping List by Nutrient part two Vitamin C to K2

More funnies from Debby and a joke from Sally’s Archives

Even more funnies from Debby Gies and Sally

Thank you for dropping in today and during the week. Your support is very much appreciated. I hope you have enjoyed the posts you might have missed and look forward to your feedback. See you next week.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up 29th December to 4th January 2020 –

Welcome to the first round up of 2020 with a posts that you might have missed during the week.

It was a quiet Christmas and New Year for us and we enjoyed taking it easy and watching favourite movies and series again. Including the Millennium Trilogy featuring the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in the first three books… in Swedish with sub-titles. Brilliant.

From January 13th we will be treated to the first of the new series by D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies on another of her areas of expertise… relationships. She is going to introduce the column and then she will begin the series in March on her return from her winter sunshine in Mexico. I am really looking forward to her insight and I am sure you will enjoy too.

 

Carol Taylor will also be changing her column from the 15th of January. There is one more cooking from scratch to prevent deficiency this coming week with Phosphorous as the nutrient in question… and then Carol will be featuring her A – Z of food every two weeks. She is going to be getting her cookbook and novel ready to be published this year (no pressure then Carol ♥) I think you will find you will be expanding your shopping list by the end of the year to include new and healthy foods to enjoy.

Silvia Todesco will also be continuing her column on Italian Cookery throughout the year and we will be starting the new series this coming Thursday with an essential ingredient to many pasta dishes and synonymous with Italian cookery… homemade pesto sauce.  Then a new dish every month for you to try and enjoy.

William Price King is of course going to be providing the music for the blog again this year with his extensive background in jazz, classical and contemporary music, we have been privileged to enjoy a masterclass every two weeks. I have always loved music and have discovered so many more artists to listen to and a better understanding of the different styles across the decades. William is back this coming Tuesday with the legendary Count Basie.

Time to catch up on the posts from the week.

My New Year’s Eve Post with special thanks to the contributors to the blog this year.

Happy New Year

A new series of Posts from Your Archives featuring two of your favourite posts from 2019.. full details in the post.

New series of Posts from Your Archives 2020

I continue with the stories from What’s in a Name during the week.

Celia – Crisis of Faith

Clive – The Debt

David – In Remembrance

Diana – Full of Grace

Elaine – A Shining Light

Time for the first Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills of the year and this week we are offered the chance to write about a hutch… either as a piece of furniture or an animal hutch.

The Rabbit Hutch

The final posts in this year’s Christmas book fair with more of my recommended reads for 2019.  Here are just a handful that I recommend..you can find the rest in the post.

More Recommended books by Sally

Author update.

Marcia Meara, Karen Ingalls, Lorinda J. Taylor

Robbie Cheadle, C.S. Boyack, Eloise de Sousa

Mary Adler, Jane Sturgeon, Sally Cronin

Charli Mills, John W. Howell, James J. Cudney

Over the last year I gave up sugar in most forms including alcohol and am now three stone lighter and considerably fitter. This post is how I achieved that.

My year without sugar and the results

More funnies from Debby and a joke from Sally’s Archives

Even more funnies from Debby Gies and Sally

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope to see you again next week…Sally

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – 22nd – 28th December – Christmas Music, Food, Short stories and Recommended Books 2019

Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed whilst enjoying your Christmas with family and friends.. a much more important priority than reading blog posts. I hope you had an amazing time and are now looking forward to New Year’s Eve and 2020.

According to some astrologists, 2020 is going to be a fabulous year so buckle up.

In the coming week although there will be more recommended books that I have read and reviewed.. A final post in the Cook from Scratch series on the subject of Phosphorus, and news of Carol Taylor’s upcoming series in 2020.

There will also be changes to Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore.. in the name to start with as it will now become Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore in line with the other series on the blog.

As always the aim is to support your own book marketing strategies, and for new authors who do not have a presence on a blog or any social media, I do have my FREE pdf which now includes setting up Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and also a blog for accessibility and readability. It does not have to be complex and have all the bells and whistles as Keeping it Simple is just as effective. Just email me on sally.cronin@moyhill.com for a copy.

There will be some Cafe updates during the week with recent reviews for authors on the shelves and here will also be a new series of Posts from Your Archives and more about that on New Year’s Day.. and more stories from What’s in a Name series every day.

As always my thanks to the regular contributors and this week William Price King and D.G.Kaye have done a wonderful joy in keeping us entertained. Also to those who have submitted festive stories and this week two more from Audrey Driscoll and Eric Lennick.

Now for the posts from this week you might have missed.

William Price King shares more Christmas Music with us…

Today Christ is Born and There is No Rose Behold the Star

The Christmas Day post with a video that should leave you smiling

Merry Christmas and Afternoon Video

I have read and reviewed 26 books in 2019 and wanted to share them with you.. Part two coming up this week with my recommended books from 2018/2017 since they are fabulous books that I hope you will enjoy reading.

My recommended books Part One – 2019

 

And my last review of 2019 Blackthorn by Terry Tyler.

My review for Blackthorn by Terry Tyler

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing the stories from A- Z from my collection What’s in a Name.

Alexander Defender of Men

Anne Favour and Grace

Beatrix – Behind the Mask

Brian the Birthright

Audrey Driscoll shares two festive excerpts from her action and adventure novel  Book 4 of the Herbert West Series – Hunting the Phoenix.

Winter Solstice in the House of the Phoenix by Audrey Driscoll

Eric Lennick, the other half of the writing Duo with his wife Joy Lennick shares a short story with a twist…

Jemima’s Christmas Stocking by Eric Lennick

New book on the shelves

Warning Signs, a novel about obsession by Carol Balawyder

Author updates with recent reviews.

#Doglovers Sue Vincent, #Fantasy Vashti Quiroz-Vega,#Novella Jan Sikes

#mystery James J. Cudney, #Memoir Brigid P. Gallagher, #Children’s Annika Perry, #Romance Harmony Kent

#Warromance Marina Osipova, #Poetry Frank Prem, Children’s Pamela S. Wight

#Interview D.G. Kaye and Darlene Foster, #Interview Richard Dee with Emily Moore #Scams by Dan Alatorre and Christoph Fischer.

More funnies from D.G. Kaye and a festive poem from Sally.

Even more funnies from Debby Gies and Sally

Thank you very much for dropping in during the week and today and wishing you Happy New Year.. hope to see you soon. Thanks Sally

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Christmas – The Weekly Round Up December 15th -21st

Cannot believe it is Christmas Day next Wednesday and the time has flown by since that first sight of Christmas decorations in the supermarket in the first week of September!!! Clearly all the government health advice, sugar tax (here in Ireland) has flown out of the window as you can get two tins of Quality street for a tenner.. and even cheaper elsewhere.. I will give them kudos for also dropping the cost of Brussel Sprouts, but for many that incentive is required.. who needs one to buy a tin of Quality Street!!! I don’t, as on my naughty list every year whatever the price!

Things will be a little quieter around here from Christmas day until Monday 30th as I have scheduled some reading time, but I will be in and out with a couple of posts and on FB and Twitter. I cannot go cold turkey (pardon the pun).

As it is over a year since I shared the stories from What’s in a Name Volumes 1 and 2, I will be repeating those from Christmas Day everyday and then at the weekends through January and February. I hope those of you who have not read the stories before will enjoy them.

I will also be sharing the most popular posts from the various categories throughout the year and some new series coming up in 2020 for both author and blog promotion. Stay tuned…

Anyway back to this week and a reminder of the posts that you might have missed since last Sunday…

It is getting close to that time when we revisit the last year and start to put plans in place for the next. So appropriate to also think of those who have supported and motivated you through the year.

I was thrilled to be nominated by author and blogger Stevie Turner for the Blogger Recognition Award and it has given me the perfect excuse to thank you to just a small selection of bloggers who are such a wonderful support for both the blog and my books.

The Blogger Recognition Award

It was also time for the Smorgasbord Christmas party with some lovely guests who sent in their wishes for the Fairy Godmother to make come true.. She did her best (having been testing the margarita mix for the last couple of days) and hopefully there was something special for everyone. There was also food, music and funnies… so I hope you will drop by and leave you wishes in the comments.

Happy Christmas and healthy, wealthy New Year everyone..

Smorgasbord Christmas Party – Just One Wish

Carol of the Bells and For Unto Us a Child is Born with William Price King

For this final Travel Column Debby is going to share three winter resorts that are popular during the ski season but also have activities for all the family, including someone like me who does not trust two short planks down a mountainside at 60 miles an hour… I prefer waiting at the other end of the slopes at the Gluhwein (hot red wine) stall…..And news of Debby’s new column for 2020.

Travel Column Winter Snow Vacations for all the family.

Carol Taylor shares a wonderful alternative to our traditional Christmas fare with a full Vegetarian Menu.

Carol Taylor with a sumptious Vegetarian Christmas Menu

Mike Biles with the last part of his The A-Z of Christmas in Britain –St. Boniface to ZZZZZ

A-Z of Christmas in Britain – St Boniface to ZZZZ

Until Christmas I am offering everyone a choice of one of my nine ebooks FREE and you can find details: FREE book by Sally Cronin

This week on Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 158 we have a photo prompt which was selected by last month’s winner Merrill D. Smith.. and a stunning one it is too.

Colleen’ Poetry Challenge 158 – Symbol of our Love – Butterfly Cinguain by Sally Cronin

New books on the shelves

Wake Robing Ridge Book 4: The Light by Marcia Meara

Thistledown Midsummer Bedlam by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Author updates

#Mystery Amy M. Reade, #Poetry Annette Rochelle Aben, #Mystery Barbara Silkstone, #Children’s Victoria Zigler

#Thriller Yigal Zur, #Children’s Barbara Ann Mojica, #YAfantasy M.J. Mallon, #Thriller Paulette Mahurin

#Contemporary Jeanine Lunsford, #Flash Geoff Le Pard, Western Fantasy Jean Lee #shorts Sally Cronin

#Romance Jacquie Biggar, #Stories Mary Smith, #Thriller Stevie Turner

Festive Story: Maybe you were Right by Richard Dee

One Dark Night by Felicity Sidnell

A tale of two trees by Barbara Ann Mojica

A Spoilt Princess and an Unprincipled Frog by Annabelle Franklin

Two White Mice by Jaye Marie

#healthcosts Beetley Pete, #Reblogging Richard Dee, #Tenthings John W. Howell.

#Afghanistan Mary Smith, #Advent Sue Vincent, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape

#’U’ D.G. Kaye, #Xmaslights Sherri Matthews, #Whimsy Carol Taylor

#Diet Dances with Fat, #Freebook C.S. Boyack, #Review Teri Polen

 

#Turkey Carol Taylor, #Breadstuffing Sheryl Lazarus, #dessert Silvia Todesco

More funnies from D.G. Kaye and a joke from Sally.

Even more funnies from Debby and Sally with some tongue twisters

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you have an amazing festive week… see you again soon.. Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up December 1st to 7th – Christmas Music, Festive Brussel Sprouts, Italian Biscotti, Winter Sun and plenty of other Shenanigans!

Welcome to the weekly round up of posts that you might have missed. Things are definitely getting festive around here and I hope that you will enjoy the fun.

It has been a busy week at the homestead with the new fence up and awaiting staining once the weather dries out a bit… excellent job by the workmen who stuck it out through wind, hail, pouring rain, up to the knees in mud… brilliant. Now we need to put tons of stones down for drainage all along the bottom covered by more tons of topsoil and new turf.. The last major job before we put the house on the market in the spring.

And.. I launched by new book…just in the nick of time….more details later in the post in the New Books on the Shelves..

As always a huge thank you to regular guests to the blog who have pulled out all the stops to inform and entertain us…and to you for dropping in and leaving comments and sharing the posts.

First a reminder of the Christmas short story series…

Last Sunday I posted a Christmas story from my collection Flights of Fancy – Father Christmas And I also extended an invitation to you, to share a fiction short story with a Christmas theme.

I would like to invite you to share your fiction here in December with one of your stories.

• I know how busy everyone is at this time of year, but perhaps you have a short story you have already published on your own blog and would like to share with another audience over here.
• I will leave the word count to you but as an approximation I would be happy with stories between 500 and 1,500 words…if longer then I am sure it will not be a problem.
• If you are an author I will also be delighted to share the link to buy your work on Amazon.
• Some of you are already in the Cafe and Bookstore and I have all your details, so no need to include again, but if you are new to the blog then I will need some information.

If you are already in the Cafe and Bookstore then please send the following to sally.cronin@moyhill.com:

1. The link to your short story if already on your blog
2. Or, your word document of your story.

If you are new to smorgasbord the please send the following to sally.cronin@moyhill.com:

1. The link to your short story if already on your blog
2. Or, your word document of your story
3. Your amazon author page link for your books (so I can find your bio and book covers)
4. Links to your blog and two other main social media links.

Look forward to hearing from you…

On with the other posts from the week.

Over the next four weeks, I am so pleased that William Price King will be a sharing a selection of Christmas music to get us into the festive spirit. The Lullay Song and What Child is This…

Christmas music with William Price King The Lullay Song

For any of us in the colder and wetter climates, a respite somewhere sunny is top of of most of our wish lists. Today three wonderful destinations where you will enjoy warm weather and an even warmer welcome from your hosts. I have selected islands where you can relax and even if it is for just two weeks, boost your tan and well-being before the real winter kicks in.

The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Three Winter Sun Destinations – Kauai, Hawaii, Malta and Martinique

It is that time of year when we bring out the decorations and over here – The Cook from Scratch Christmas recipes... I look at the health benefits of the food.. and my friend Carol Taylor turns them into something delicious the whole family will love.  This week the wonderful Brussel Sprouts.

Sally Cronin and Carol Taylor – Healthy and delicious Brussel Sprouts

If you are looking for a different kind of Christmas cookie this year then these Cantucci Biscotti from Silvia Todesco look amazing… and if memory serves me right, dipping them in your coffee or hot chocolate adds to their deliciousness…

Italian Cantucci Biscotti by Silvia Todesco

This week Mike Biles continues with his A-Z of Christmas starting with the Turkey through to Figgy Pudding.. more next week.

Mike Biles – A – Z of Christmas from Turkey dinner to Figgy Pudding

Delighted that Anne R. Allen accepted my invitation to be a guest during the run up to Christmas. As writers, we don’t always get the feedback we expect from family and friends, and Anne shares some of the ways it might sabotage our efforts.

Anne R. Allen explores how well intentioned loved ones can sabotage your writing career

Earlier in the year editor Sarah Calfee wrote a guest post on editing that I think is well worth sharing again as part of the Christmas Book Fair.

Demystifying the levels of Fiction Editing by Sarah Calfee

Being the first challenge of the month, Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 156 is left to our discretion as ‘Poet’s Choice’.  I have written a double etheree – Happy Christmas

Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 156 – Happy Christmas

My response to this weeks Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills  the prompt is ‘Key Lime Pie’.... and I hope you enjoy the ingredients in my story……

Flash Fiction – Key Lime Pie

New Releases for Christmas

Life’s Rich Tapestry: Woven in Words by Sally Cronin

Supernatural Thriller Eventide – A Hodes Hill Novel Book 3 by Mae Clair

Post Apocalyptic – Blackthorn by Terry Tyler

Thriller – At the Seaside Nobody Hears you Scream by Janet Gogerty

Author updates

#Saga Judith Barrow, #Poetry Vandan Bhasin and Smitha Vishwanath, #Crime Sue Coletta, #YARomance Angie Dokos

#Fantasy Julia Benally, #Drama Deborah A. Bowman, #Mystery Diana J. Febry, #Adventure Jacqui Murray

#Wardrama Marina Osipova, #Memoir Cynthia S. Reyes, #Thriller Gwen M Plano, #Poetry Frank Prem

#Romance Linda Bradley, #Drama Mary Crowley, #Adventure Audrey Driscoll, #Memoir Brigid Gallagher

#Thriller Anne Goodwin, #YA Donna W. Hill, #Childrens Deanie Humphrys-Dunne #Mystery Judy Penz Sheluk

#Review D.G. Kay, Olga Nunez and Interview Jane Risdon with Jennifer Ash

Robbie Cheadle with Frank Prem, #History Darlene Foster, #Chai and Chat Ritu Bhathal

#Spain Joy Lennick, USCitizen Liesbet Collaert, #Thistledown Teagan Geneviene

#Freebook James J. Cudney, #Reading Nicole Osmond, #Story Becky Ross Michael

#reading Nicholas Rossis #Afghanistan Mary Smith, #Writing Shelley Wilson and Owen Mullen

Laughter Lines with D.G. Kaye and Sally Cronin

Even more funnies from Debby Gies and Sally

Thank you so much for dropping in today and I hope you will join me again next week with more fun and games.. Sally.