Welcome to the weekly round up of posts that you might have missed here on Smorgasbord.
I hope you are all well and thank you for dropping in to see me this week, and as always it is much appreciated. Nothing much to report on a personal level as the week has flown by and the weather has not been very conducive to being out in the garden.
There are however some upcoming events on the blog. Next Sunday 18th August I will be posting about the new Sunday author interview. This time it is specifically for the authors in the Cafe and Bookstore, as my intention over the next few months is to ramp up the book promotions. The Cafe and Bookstore has around 150 authors at any given time whose books are receiving reviews or they have a new release in the last six months.
I would like to give those authors another opportunity for promotion with an interview – answering five questions from a selection of twenty.. and excerpt from the book they wish to promote. Please drop in next Sunday to find out all the details.
I am also putting together the next Archive post series. This time it will be for authors who have only been blogging in the last 12 months. An opportunity to give new bloggers a boost and to welcome them to our community. It can be tough going those first few months and I would love to share the amazing posts that should have a wider audience.
This week sees the end of the serialisation of Tales from the Irish Garden and I am delighted at the lovely comments it has received. Next week I am starting a new book that has not been shared since 2016. Just an Odd Job Girl.. I know that many of you read the first time around, but I am hoping that new readers of the blog will enjoy.
Time to get on with the posts from the week… and as always my thanks to the contributors who spend time and effort to write such interesting and informative post.
D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies reminds us that preparation is key if you want to have a safe and secure holiday.
Those of us who have books available on Amazon and other online book sites, particularly ebooks are also vulnerable to pirates, and Debby Gies, D.G. Kaye, shares an interesting possible action we are taking to enable this. Felony or Flattery? #Copyright Infringement and Content Scraping by D.G. Kaye
Some rock ‘n’ roll this week to get your feet tapping. Status Quo, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner and Eric Clapton and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
This week in Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 139 being the first challenge of the month, is for the poet to choose their own words. I hope you will enjoy my double etheree…A Dog’s Life.
The last two chapters for Tales from the Irish Garden this weekend… Queen Filigree is delighted to announce the betrothals of both her daughters and accept the gifts that are offered by their future husbands… Plus concerns about her health are getting the court into a bit of a lather.
This is the second post from Marsi, who with her husband Robert, embarked on a four month journey west. I will be sharing posts from their trip in addition to other posts in their archives. Due to the number of photographs I suggest that you head over to the blog to view them all.. Olympic National Park
This is the second post from the archives of Claire Fullerton, and this week a birthday celebration for renowned author Pat Conroy. An event over several days that clearly was a highlight for Claire. Notes on Pat Conroy’s 70th Birthday Celebration in Beaufort, South Carolina (2015)
This is the second post from the archives of Smitha Vishwanath who shares poetry, wonderful travel posts and life experiences on her blog. I have selected this poem as it brought back memories of all the times I have stood behind a podium to give a presentation or speech…The Speaker’s Ordeal…by Smitha Vishwanath
This is the second post from author K.D.(Karen DeMers) Dowdall’sarchives and she also has some news, with The Captain’s Witch, her latest book being released on September 1st…A short story, that might have its roots in truth… anyone’s worst nightmare when walking in the woods. Fire in the Sky or The Black Bear and Me (2017) by Karen DeMers Dowdall
This is the third post from the wonderfully varied archives of poet and authorRitu Bhathal. Today the joys of being a kindergarten teacher…. things I am sure they don’t share during the career advisory days at secondary school when you are faced with so many options! Kindergarten Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! 2015 by Ritu Bhathal
This is the third post from the archives of author Elizabeth Gauffreauwho has some wonderful posts, including an interesting look at her genealogy journey, seeking out her family history. This week a post by William Wordsworth, which reminds us of those moments when life or nature takes us by delightful surprise. Poetry – Surprised by Joy”
This is the third post from retired librarian and author Cathy Cade, who has been blogging since early 2018. This week a poem about a much loved old friend. Fred’s Legacy by Cathy Cade.
This is the third post for author Chuck Jackson and this week I have selected a post that Chuck wrote about editing software that I am sure you will find helpful if you are looking to buy a package. Do you use Editing Software
This is the third of the posts from the archives of author and poet Joy Lennick, although certainly not the first post that we have enjoyed here on Smorgasbord from this entertaining writer. This week a post from 2017 on the subject of fascinating and mostly long forgotten words… some I must really work into both conversation and story..thanks Joy. The Phrontistery revisited (2017) by Joy Lennick
Linda Bethea is a regular contributor here on Smorgasbord, but this time I get to select the posts from her archives to share with you… I am sure you will enjoy her stories as always. This is the third post and I have selected and it was one that Linda posted about a patient of hers, who inspired her as a nurse. Lessons from MIchael 2014
The liver is the largest waste organ inside the body (the skin being the largest overall). This week, a look at the role it plays in keeping us healthy and alive.
Welcome to the weekly round up of posts that you might have missed on Smorgasbord.
Thanks for dropping in today, and I wanted to share some news on the current series. The posts from the archives has been a wonderful series with 70authors trusting me to delve into their archives and select four posts to share with you.. That is 280 posts reaching new readers. The series is not over yet, but I have scheduled the dates for those remaining on the list through to the end of September which is another 48 posts for you to look forward to. If you have not seen your posts yet, don’t worry if you asked to go on the list you will be featured.
However, a new series begins in October – This time with the choice of the four posts to be shared, down to you. I will do a formal post nearer to October, but in the meantime you might be browsing your archives to find the ones that you feel deserve another airing and a fresh audience. As of this week, that audience across the blog and social media is 45,000.
Please don’t send any links right now, but I will do a specific post in September giving you the guidelines.
The summer Sunday Interview Series – Human in Every Sense of the Word will be finished next week and the following Sunday I will do a post about the next series which will be author interviews of those on the shelves of the Cafe and Bookstore.
I want to develop the promotions for the authors on the shelves and this is just one new series that will accomplish that so stay tuned.
Time to get on with the posts from the week….thank you again for your support, it means a great deal to me.
My thanks also to those who contribute to the blog on a regular basis, such as Annette Rochelle Aben and Jessica Norrie this week.
Gotta love August! Well, may be not but it sounds so regal, doesn’t it? Guess it depends on the way one pronounces the word, August.
Okay, August rocks because being the eighth month of the year, it is packed with energy. Not only the energy of the season but the Numerology Energy of the 8 as well. 8 calls to us to go for the gold, reach for all the brass rings and keep looking to and for the next opportunity. As this is the Personal Energy of this month, it holds a lot of weight regardless of where you are with Universal Energy or Personal Energy.
Jessica Norrie explores Loneliness in fiction and also in recently published articles on the subject in leading business and science journals. When you have read the article, Jessica would love to have your views on the subject. O is for Loneliness
Today my guest is Mary Hiland author of a book that everyone who has cared for or will care for elderly parents in the future would benefit from reading. Find out more about The Bumpy Road to Assisted Living: A Daughter’s Memoir and read a review later in the post.
Mary shares a memory of a wonderful summer day when despite being sight impaired, she enjoyed the freedom and fun of being a teenager aged 14. A Whiff of Chlorine on a Happy Summer Day by Mary Hiland
My response to Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 138 The two prompt words this week were ‘Clear and Nature’ and I have selected the synonyms ‘Unclouded and Character’
This is the first post from Marsi,who with her husbandRobert,embarked on a four month journey west. Days 11 to 13 (August 9-11) Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado.
This is the first post from the archives of author Claire Fullerton whose book Dancing to an Irish Reel is set in Ireland, where she has family links. On an Irish Bus (2015)
This is the first post from authorK.D.(Karen DeMers) Dowdall’s archives and she also has some news, with The Captain’s Witch, her latest book being released on September 1st…For Karen’s first post I have chosen a poem…which I am sure you will relate to. Beyond Tomorrow (2016) by Karen DeMers Dowdall
This is the first post from the archives of Smitha Vishwanath who shares poetry, wonderful travel posts and life experiences on her blog. This week I have selected a travel post from 2016 to share with you and the wonderful Kerala Temples. Kerala Temples (2016) by Smitha Vishwanath
This is the second post from the archives of author Elizabeth Gauffreau who has some wonderful posts, including an interesting look at her genealogy journey, seeking out her family history. This week a post on the art of writing a short story that is believable but does not come across as a documentary. The Chet Arthur Five Play Jeffersonville: Some Thoughts on Verisimilitude 2017
This is the second post for author Chuck Jackson and he shares his journey of discovery of his heritage having been adopted at a young age. My Heritage by Chuck Jackson
This is the second post from retired librarian and author Cathy Cade, who has been blogging since early 2018. She shares posts on a variety of topics, including some excellent grammar tutorials. This week I have selected a post that is close to my own heart. Distractions….I love Codewords….and also online solitaire, which I have been playing for over 20 years. Puzzling It Out 2018 by Cathy Cade.
This is the second of the posts from the archives of author and poet Joy Lennick, although certainly not the first post that we have enjoyed here on Smorgasbord from this entertaining writer. Carrying on from Last week Joy and Eric face challenges as does Joy in her jobs! Thumbnail sketches – 1950: Hebrew, motzas and ‘Brown Boots’ (2014) by Joy Lennick
Linda Bethea is a regular contributor here on Smorgasbord, but this time I get to select the posts from her archives to share with you… I am sure you will enjoy her stories as always. Here is another of her fabulous family stories. Cousin Barbie Gets Married by Linda Bethea
The Digestive System Part Two – The Oesophagus, Acid Reflux and Stomach We continue the journey through the digestive system – not as exotic as an ocean cruise but far more critical to your health.
Welcome to the weekly round up of posts on Smorgasbord that you might have missed.
Short and sweet this week.. well my introduction to the post anyway.. I know for many of you the school holidays have just begun and you may be already on your way to a vacation and just hope your transition by road, rail and air is smoother than it has been for those leaving the UK in the last few days.
My thanks to all those who have contributed this week.. and every week… also to everyone who has liked a post. I still have that button and when people are busy and cannot comment on all the post that they read, it is a sign of appreciation. Please don’t get rid of the like button on your blog.. it is there for a reason.
Reblogging has become a two step process since the last upgrade, so thank you to those who have gone the extra mile… if you find you cannot reblog a post here or on anybody else’s blog.. refresh the page. I have a sneak suspicion that WordPress are trying to cut down on traffic, and hoping that most people will give up when the reblog button does not work.
Press This.. is a very useful way to share a post. You can add your own introduction and cut and paste an extract from the post as well as schedule for a time ahead. This is a great way to schedule content for overnight to reach an audience in other time zones, without having to write a post yourself. This is useful if you are too busy that day or week and also promotes another blogger at the same time.
Time to get on with the posts you might have missed this week….
More wonderful recipes from Carol Taylor.. including Chinese Chicken or Pork with Water Chestnuts.. and if you have a glut of cucumbers.. get pickling..
Patty Fletcher shares her experience of the bond between her Seeing Eye Dog Campbell and herself, including when there is something wrong that he cannot communicate.
Time of the week to respond to Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 137 and this week the prompt words were ‘Kind and Shift‘ and I have selected the synonyms ‘Genial and Change’
Another wonderful prompt and post from Charli Mills for this week’s carrot ranch flash fiction challenge And I do suggest you head over to read about a loon chick who lost its way and the kindness of human strangers determined that it should have a chance to survive. The prompt this week was ‘For One Day’
This week I have chosen a post by Sherrey Meyer, that I am sure all of us who miss their fathers will relate to.. This was for Father’s Day June 16th 2013 so I am not too far out date wise. Memoir – Remembering Dad 2013 by Sherrey Meyer
This is the final post that I have selected from the archives of author Janet Gogerty. In the last few weeks Europe and the UK has been hit by the very hot weather courtesy of North African prevailing winds, and this was last year. Australia Some Like It Hot 2018 by Janet Gogerty
This is the final post from the archives of author Stevie Turner who has an extensive and eclectic archives and it is easy to get yourself lost in there for an hour or so. I have selected this post as it is that time again….school summer holidays…..
This is the final post from the archives of Laura M. Baileywho blogs on a number of subjects including history, family, horses, Southern lifestyle and cookery. With the tinder dry grass that these long hot summers are producing, there is always a risk of a bush or wildfire. Laura shares the terrifying moment she saw a wall of fire heading for their homestead and livestock.
This is the final post from the archives of children’s author Annabelle Franklin who lives in a lovely part of South Wales. She blogs from the Literate Lurcher..or should I say Millie and Pearldo….Millie has sadly passed away now but lives on in the hearts and minds of her pack. Millie goes to Uni 2017 by Annabelle Franklin
This is the final post in this series from the archives of Dolly Aizenman, who not only shares amazing recipes from around the world, but also shares the history behind them. I use a lot of herbs in my cooking and I love animals and the people who rescue and keep them safe….Saving Animals and Herbs by Dolly Aizenman
Ritu Bhathal has an eclectic range of subjects on her blog, and I am going to share a poem that I think will resonate with anyone with teenage children. Of Teen and Tweenage Angst 2018 by Ritu Bhathal
This is the first post from the archives of author Elizabeth Gauffreau who has some wonderful posts, including an interesting look at her genealogy journey, seeking out her family history. This post will strike a chord with many who have, like me got a drawer where previous creative ideas lie waiting for rejuvenation…
This is the first post from retired librarian and author Cathy Cade, who has been blogging since early 2018. She shares posts on a variety of topics, including some excellent grammar tutorials, but this week I have selected an early post about her writing journey. We often seek other’s opinions on our writing but it can be very daunting putting it out there on a site and invite criticism. Swimming with Sharks by Cathy Cade
This is the first post for author Chuck Jacksonand I have selected a post from last year that I enjoyed very much at the time… Working in a funeral home…A True Story From my Past by Chuck Jackson
This is the first of the posts from the archives of author and poet Joy Lennick, although certainly not the first post that we have enjoyed here on Smorgasbord from this entertaining writer. This week Joy shares the wonderful moment she met her husband Eric, who sounds, in her recent posts, not to have lost an ounce of his charm or humour. Thumbnail sketches of the past – 1949 (2014) by Joy Lennick
Linda Betheais a regular contributor here on Smorgasbord, but this time I get to select the posts from her archives to share with you… I am sure you will enjoy her stories as always. For her post I am going back to 2014 and Linda’s recollections of bringing her new baby home and the ensuing mayhem.. I am sure that many of you can relate! Baby Blues
Welcome to this week’s round up of posts you might have missed on Smorgasbord this week.
I hope that for those of you in North America are getting some respite from the searing heat of the last few days. The weather is certainly unpredictable at the moment although here in Ireland it is usually more so… in fact there is this which sums it up.
Before we get into the posts this week I just want to remind anyone who has a date for when their book is available either on pre-order or recently released, to let me know. There is still room for more books on the shelves of the Cafe and Bookstore, either from existing authors or new to the promotions.
New Book Promotions in the Cafe and Bookstore
I began helping authors market their books back in 2001 when I was an agent (unpaid but loved the job) for a Canadian self-publisher with offices in Ireland. As I was in Spain at the time, and living between Madrid and Marbella, I was tasked to find new authors amongst the expat community in the south. We got to meet some fantastic writers and help them get their books published. That is when David, who had already formatted two of my books, began helping other authors who were unfamiliar with the software, and long before Amazon offered Kindle or there were other ebook formats available.
In those days with only print copies to market, it was very much more a localised affair, with a great deal of money being spent to put on a physical launch, get the press interested and present, to get follow up pieces published. As with Amazon, print copies could be bought from the self-publishing company at a discount, and they would also have on their website with commission paid to the author.
One author Lucy Wright, published a novel about criminal gang on the Costa del Sol, and we held a book launch in a night club in Puerto Banus. There were a number of ex-cons on the guest list who had offered insights! And with an Elvis impersonator to entertain the crowd, and spicy Indian tapas to eat, we had a riot of an evening. This is me on the left as you look at the photo and Lucy Wright author of Coke on the Rocks.
Here is Lucy with a happy book buyer and Elvis in the background…
We held another book launch in Madrid for a book that David had formatted and designed where the main character of the book was present, including at the dinner after the launch.. on a perch at the end of the table. Carefully watching every mouthful of lamb consumed!
Today things are very different, with print, ebooks and audio available, and there is no doubt that Amazon has now cornered the market in publishing and selling books….however, like most self-publishers they do not market the books for you. In fact some of their practices, such as the removal of perfectly legitimate reviews are anti-marketing.
As an Indie author It is down to you to do the marketing for your book, and I can tell you that there are many authors who are being mainstream published, who are also being told to do their own marketing!
There are a large number of companies and individuals online, who will offer to market your books to a wide audience, anything from a few thousand potential readers to 150,000 or more according to my research. The charges tend to be range from an average of $5 to $50 a day per book, with multiple mentions on social media, allegedly reaching their thousands of followers.
Only the majority of those that I checked had only a much small percentage of claimed followers. They are using accumulative numbers based on retweets or shares, to entice you to part with your money.
5000 followers – 10% retweeting – 500 to their 5000 followers etc, etc.
Buyer beware – double check their figures and only go with a recommended firm that others you know can verify. If in doubt ask them for a trial run of one day for one of your books and if successful you will buy another day! If they won’t play ball then ask them to give you the names of happy customers that you can ask?
In the meantime…..It might not be as glitzy as a bar in Marbella…..but it will actually reach a great deal more people, around the world, more effectively.
You can be promoted FREE here on Smorgasbord in the Cafe and Bookstore – and all the details are in the post – I do ask that you have a few essential elements in place.. and that you participate.
In 2017 I did a series on media training and marketing for authors based on my experience over the last 18 years, and I will be repeating that throughout August as a reminder of how you can establish yourself online to market your books effectively.
Now time to get on with the round up of this week’s posts.
A rewind of the Literary Column with Jessica Norrie, and in the first post, a reminder of the wonderful books of childhood.
Today RobbieCheadle shares every mother’s nightmare, when your child is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and you have to put your trust and their lives in the hands of someone else.
This is the third post from the archives of writer Sherrey Meyer whose blog is titled Life in the Slow Lane. This week I have chosen a post about the preservation of family history, much of which is divulged in conversations with elderly members of the family. It is so important to discover and save this living hisory. Nonfiction Essay with Bonus | 7 Tips for Preserving Family Memories 2014 by Sherrey Meyer
This is the third of the posts that I have selected from the archives of author Janet Gogerty. This week I have chosen a short story by Janet, which will give you an idea of what you might expect from her collections that are available on Amazon. Friday Flash Fiction 500 – Biodegradable by Janet Gogerty
This is the third post from the archives of author Stevie Turner who has an extensive and eclectic archives and it is easy to get yourself lost in there for an hour or so. I chose this post because this is where our Brexit journey began. Elections – Casting a Vote 2016 by Stevie Turner
This is the third post from the archives of Laura M. Bailey .This story is a testament to Laura’s fortitude, warrior spirit and her faith… a long road back from this accident. Major Accident – The #Horse Came Back Alone… by Laura M. Bailey
This is the third post in this series from the archives of Dolly Aizenman, who not only shares amazing recipes from around the world, but also shares the history behind them. We recently had some amazingly sweet and juicy peaches… and so this dessert immediately caught my attention…Dessert – Kind of Purple Peach Upside Down Cake by Dolly Aizenman
This is the third post from the archives of children’s author Annabelle Franklin who lives in a lovely part of South Wales. In this post Annabelle pays tribute to the dogs who accompany soldiers into war and offer so much more than essential companionship. Mercy Dogs 2014 by Annabelle Franklin
This is the final post from author Christa Polkinhorn who has been blogging since 2010.. This gave me access to her extensive archives. For this final post I am sharing Christa’s visit to Costa Rica in 2018 and if you explore her archives from May 2018 onwards you will find the other posts in the series on her blog Costa Rica, May 2018, Part 1 by Christa Polkinhorn
This is the final post from the archives of poet Dorinda Duclos… and although there is a month or so to go… this is one of my favourite times of year.. celebrated with a poem, Her Signal.
This is the final post from author Marjorie Mallon (M.J Mallon) and this week a post from 2016 and a visit to Glasgow… Glasgow University, Hogwarts and Kelvingrove Park by M. J. Mallon
This is the final post from the archives of Sue Vincent who wanders the land..in search of the ancient and modern to share with us. Sue always welcomes guest writers with open arms and here is one from 2018 from another popular blogger and author, Robbie Cheadle. Living Lore: A nursery rhyme with an interesting history
This is the final post by Bill Hayes who blogs at Matterings of Mind and there is definitely a treasure trove of posts to be found covering many subjects. This week a more recent post and a lovely look back at Miami Beach in 1988 Miami Beach Where Neon Goes to Die 2019 by Bill Hayes
This is the final post from Donna W. Hill who has let me loose in her archives and I am sharing Donna’s post from 2015 on the Equal Rights for Blind Americans, and I would be interested to find out how much progress has been made in the last four years. Equal Rights for Blind Americans? Author Says We’re not There Yet 2015 by Donna W. Hill
This is the final post from Amanda Reilly Sayer and there is plenty to share in poetry, prose and wonderful artwork. I am sure you are going to enjoy. This was Amanda’s first post on her blog, and I thought it a great reminder to everyone who is creative about the importance of sharing your work. Why Share Creative Work? by Amanda Reilly Sayer
Last week I looked at the impact on the heart of acute and chronic stress, and some strategies to combat the effects including a link to my breathing exercises.: Heart and Stress Connection
This week I am looking at how including certain nutrients in your diet can support the body and the brain during stressful events.
Thank you again for all your wonderful support…I hope you have enjoyed this week’s round up and look forward to seeing you again next week.. Thanks Sally.
Welcome to this week’s round up of posts you might have missed here on Smorgasbord.
Image Pixabay.com
Summer arrived finally, and for nearly a week the farming activity has been in overdrive. After the drought and poor harvest last year, the farmers are naturally very keen to get their hay made while the sun shines… This means that getting to town has been a bit slower behind tractors and other harvesting equipment, but nobody really cares as it gives us all a chance to enjoy the scenery.
I have spent my week pleasurably reading through the blogger’s archives who have kindly granted me permission to share their posts. This was an overdue attempt to get to know more about the people who support this blog and to promote them and their blogs. I had no idea that it would create such a wonderful windfall of interesting and entertaining posts. Normally when I issue an invitation to submit posts from the archives I might get 10 to 15 responses.. So far I have 65 bloggers on the list and I am half way through showcasing their posts.
This had me wondering what the difference was between the response. And the answer I believe is natural reticence. It is one thing to put yourself forward and perhaps wonder if your posts are acceptable, and another when someone actually selects posts to share. Whatever the reason, I am grateful, as I have discovered some wonderful posts and in fact am hard pushed to share just four.
It will depend very much on the reason why you write a blog, but one thing I am absolutely sure about is that there those who write blogs should promote themselves far more than they do. Also I do recommend that you open your doors to guests in every form including articles and interviews, as not only does it promote them, but it brings you readers for your own work.
On that subject, and something that I often repeat. For the majority of us our blogs are a full-time or part-time job, even if it is not monetised. If you add up the hours per week or month that you spend writing posts, and sharing them on social media, you will find how they add up.
I have been promoting authors and bloggers now for seven years and whilst delighted to share here and on social media, I do have some tips for those who are guests so that they get the most from the experience.
Answer all comments individually. If people have taken the time to respond to the post then it is only courtesy to respond.
If you are tagged on social media such as Twitter and Facebook with the name of the person who has shared from the post, then it is a good idea to respond and follow that person if you do not already do so.
After a few days, reblog your guest post to your own site, just in case your own readers missed.
Check on the post for a week at least every couple of days if you have not clicked the button that informs you of new comments.
Go through your earlier posts and share again on your own blog. Like me I am sure you will find that your readership has grown year after year, and you have a completely new audience for your work.
And when someone offers you the opportunity to share your work on their site, take them up on it. With me it is just a link needed, but you can also sent complete posts to anyone requesting guests and reach their audience. Great sites that are looking for guests are massive promoters of authors and bloggers – Christopher Graham, The Story Reading Ape, such as this post from Traci Kenworth – https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2019/07/02/writing-for-yourself-guest-post-by-traci-kenworth/ or Sue Vincent who has a wonderful collection of guest posts: https://scvincent.com/guest-posts/
As an example of how enjoyable an experience it can be as a guest of another blogger…
This week I was the first guest of Patty Fletcher for her new series Author of the Week.. I hope you will head over to read.. and also to sign up to be interviewed.. either answering the questions individually or in essay format.
Lecture over… time to share some of the posts you might have missed this week. As always huge thanks to regular contributors who provide such informative and helpful content… and to all of you who have taken the time to visit, like, comment and share.
It is over a year since D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies began writing a Travel Column for Smorgasbord, and as she is up to her hollyhocks in work projects at the moment, I am repeating her first two posts on Cruise ships with part two tomorrow.
This week my guest is author and poet Joy Lennick. Joy has often entertained us with her tales of her long and very interesting life. Now in her young 80s, she lives with her husband Eric in the warmth of the Spanish sunshine.
Over the next nine weeks I am going to be sharing a range of music for jazz, pop, rock, country and classical fans. Unlike most music festivals, the sun will always shine, there is not camping or glamping…this week three summer favourites, including this one.
Time for this week’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills and this week being July 4th, it is in celebration of Charli’s part of Michigan, and its history. She asked us to check out the micro history of the Keweenaw National Historic Park from the 1840s and write 99 words no more no less about an aspect of that history.
The queen and her new husband are honeymooning for a month, having left her two daughters under the surveillance of the Storyteller.. however, when there is a music festival in town, girls with be girls, even when they are princesses.
This is the first post from the archives of writer Sherrey Meyer whose blog is titled Life in the Slow Lane. If you are planning on tracing your family history or bringing together research for a memoir, I am sure you will find this post very helpful. Family History – 5 Ways to Excavate Memories 2015 by Sherrey Meyer
This is the first of the four posts that I have selected from the archives of author Janet Gogerty about keeping a journal, and the value to us as writers and as we get older.
This is the first post from the archives of author Stevie Turner who has an extensive and eclectic archives and it is easy to get yourself lost in there for an hour or so…Last week Stevie posted a wonderfully entertaining visit to the Download Festival in 2010 Camping Under the Stars and so I decided to share one of Stevie’s early posts from 2014 about another music festival….Stevie and Sam go to Sonisphere 2014 by Stevie Turner
This is the first post from the archives of Laura M. Bailey who blogs on a number of subjects including history, family, horses, Southern lifestyle and cookery. This post caught my eye as I have been sharing our stories of South Padre Island in Texas in my series set in 1986. 1919: Lost In The Storm (2018) by Laura M. Bailey
This is the first post from the archives of children’s author Annabelle Franklin who lives in a lovely part of South Wales. She blogs from the Literate Lurcher..or should I say Millie and Pearl do….Millie has sadly passed away now, but in this post from January 2019 it is clear that she is still very much in the hearts and minds of those she left behind.
This is the first post in this series from the archives of Dolly Aizenman, who not only shares amazing recipes from around the world, but also shares the history behind them. July 4th – Fireworks on the Beach 2016 by Dolly Aizenman
This is the second post from author Christa Polkinhorn who has been blogging since 2010.. This gave me access to her extensive archives. This post from 2013 is about the research into wine making for Christa’s series set in a vineyard. The Art of Winemaking and Writing by Christa Polkinhorn
This is the second post from the archives of poet Dorinda Duclos…and another poem that made me smile… having met and married in six weeks… we heard the same phrase.. ‘It will never last’… Dorinda celebrates 30 years of marriage in 2015.
In this post Sue Vincent reminds us how we tend to breeze through much of our life on auto pilot, missing a great deal of wonderful sights and events in the process.
This is the second post from author Marjorie Mallon (M.J Mallon) and this week I have selected a wonderful short story that Marjorie wrote in response to one of D.Wallace Peach’s monthly speculative fiction prompts which I enjoy participating in too. The Old Man of Snow and The Snow Snake by M. J. Mallon
This is the second post from Donna W. Hillwho has let me loose in her archives. I would say it is a fair bet that you are a writer if you are reading this post. In 2015 Donna explored this form of expression and communication that we have chosen to make such a key part of our lives. Writing: the What & Why of It 2015 by Donna W. Hill
This is the second post by Bill Hayes who blogs at Matterings of Mind and there is definitely a treasure trove of posts to be found covering many subjects. This week the subject is photography and an exploration of the ‘selfie’. From O’Connell Street to Instagram 2014 by Bill Hayes
This is the second post from Amanda Reilly Sayer and because Amanda has only begun blogging recently, the posts are from 2019. There is plenty to share in poetry, prose and wonderful artwork. I am sure you are going to enjoy. This week Amanda shares her move into working with acrylics for her art.A shifting definition of good work by Amanda Reilly Sayer
Each of our major organs has its own requirement for nutrients, and you need a varied diet to keep all of them happy. This is true for the heart as well.. and here is a recipe packed with heart healthy ingredients.
Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 (E.Coli) – Strong toxin in raw meat and uncooked food
Escherichia Coli is a group of bacteria that normally live in healthy humans and animals. Like any population there are dissidents and in the E.Coli family this particular strain produces a very powerful toxin that leads to severe gastric illness and in some cases has proved fatal. The numbers 0157:H7 distinguish this strain from the other E. Coli bacteria and refer to specific markers on its surface. As this June 2019 report from CNN shows, there are over 95,000 E.Coli 0157:H7 infections reported annually.
Welcome to this week’s round up of post you might have missed on Smorgasbord.
It has been a good week for works in the garden with two days in a row of dry weather to do the final cement pour. This coincided with a visit from an old friend from Hampshire for a couple of nights, ending with a lovely dinner out last night.
There is still work to be done over the next few weeks but we will see about getting the house on the market earlier than anticipated whilst the paint is still fresh.
Today is the first of the Human in every Sense of the Word and my first guest is author Paulette Mahurin who shares a poignant and thought provoking memory that involved the senses…I hope you will join us.
William Price King is taking his usual summer break and will be spending time with his grandchildren in the mountains, hopefully a bit cooler than the rest of France and Europe is at the moment. Since this is the season of music festivals, I will be taking the opportunity to share some of the music William has posted over the last four years in a summer music festival.. In William’s last post before his break he shares the music of Arturo O’Farrill
Thank you for all the support this week and you lovely comments. Always love waking up in the morning and logging in to read and respond to them. Summer tends to be a little quieter as children go on holiday and vacations are taken, but always grateful to see you when you drop in.
Better get on with more posts from the week…..
Vitamin C is necessary for so many functions of the body that it is one of the key nutrients, along with Vitamin D that should be made a priority in food and sometimes in supplemental form. Vitamin C is not stored in the body, so if you do not eat regularly in your diet you can become deficient. Carol Taylor and I share the benefits, key food sources and recipes to ensure you are getting sufficient.
This week, not only do we find out what our universal energy is going to be gifting us in July, but also I am showcasing Annette Rochelle Aben’slatest poetry collection, hot off the press this week.
Two more chapters from Tales from the Irish Garden.. the first Spring: Chapter Eight. The royal banquet with a magnificent menu created by Chef Marcel and wine and champagne contributed by the Storyteller.
My response to Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 133 and this week the prompt words were ‘Plan and Spend’ and I have chosen ‘Intent and Squander’ as my synonyms. The Magpie’s Prize.. a double Etheree.
In this week’s letter to my parents in July 1986, I share our weekend away with our friends from the complex to San Antonio, river rafting and battling Mariachi bands..
Author Linda Bradley takes us to Montana and share the research for her series Montana bound..saddle up… and there is also a FREE book offer for Maggie’s Way until July 2nd on Bookbub..
Authors Helen and Lorri Carpenter explore the ability of the birds in their garden to predict weather.. we have sparrows who will feed differently when bad weather is coming in.. as if they know to stock up before the storm hits.. have you noticed this in your garden?
John Rieber loves books and this is one of his very first blog posts from 2011… I am sure having looked as his recommendations that these are as valid now as they were then.…. 7 Great Books For Gifts!
This is the final post from the archives of Frank Prem for this series. In this poem he lays bare the wonderful wood that lies beneath layers of paint..
Tasker Dunhamwith his last post in this series. I have selected a post about an eccentric but forgiving neighbour (when there are three young boys either side of your garden) who became an adopted grandmother.
This is the first post from author Christa Polkinhorn and she shares her thoughts on book reviews.. great for novice reviewers and those of us who may need a refresher..
The first of the posts from fantasy author Marjorie Mallon who shares her experience of her gallbladder operation, which I am sure will be very reassuring to anyone facing this procedure.
A new contributor to the series with his first post, Bill Hayes.. I know the Wembury and Plymouth area reasonably well and this post caught my attention.
Toxoplasma Gondii – Pets are a joy but they also harbour unwanted visitors
Handling food safely is of vital importance to our health. As children it is instilled in us that we must wash our hands after going to the toilet, and also before eating, but it is one of those rules that every generation learns, but is seldom explained in detail.
Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed on Smorgasbord this week…
I know that at the moment the round ups are slightly longer than usual (that is saying something for me!) due to the number of posts from your archives. Right now I am reading through over 55 bloggers archives, and that is an perfect antidote to the weather.. Two days of sunshine (not necessarily in the same week), and rainy days. We are hopeful that July will be better, but as yet, I have not put any of my winter clothes away, and I have not got my sandals out either.
Anyway.. I can tell from the comments that you are enjoying the posts from other blogger’s archives and I am learning more about the people who support me here and also getting a great insight into all kinds of topics. I have enough posts to take us through to September and more coming in every day. The aim was to get as many people chatting to each other and following new blogs, and so pleased with the outcome. Thank you for keeping it all going with your likes, comments and shares.
Next Sunday the new Sunday Interview begins and I am now booking for mid-August onwards. I know that some of you are planning to participate and may be waiting until you see the first couple and their format… don’t wait too long will you.
Without further ado….here are the posts that you might have missed this week.
Another post from the archives of Paul Andrusshere on Smorgasbord… and this week he leaves us with some questions… about the financial aspects of our writing, professional and peer group opinions of our writing, and where our efforts place us in terms of writer vs. author status. Something to think about………Three Minutes Forty-nine
Although the band Free were only together a few years they left a legacy behind and influenced many artists. Only one number hit.. but one that I still play today.
The last post of the week is in response to Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills and the prompt this week is ‘Waiting’. This week in her post Charli Mills talks about the challenges they face with completing on their house with VA loans dependent on certain work being carried out and an inspection to check compliance. Added into the mix is a starling intent on building a nest in the most inconvenient place. Waiting for the Bus
My response to this week’s Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 132 and the prompt words ‘Influence and Perception’ and I have chosen ‘ Mould and Sense’ for my Haibun and I have had a little fun with this one….Life’s Lessons #Haibun
Sherri Matthewstakes us on a holiday to the Norfolk Broads, a fabulous boating holiday, and an introduction to the more ghostly side of this idyllic part of the country. Holiday Reading, Ghosts And The Norfolk Broads
This is the third post from mother and daughter writing team HL Carpenter (Helen and Lorri). This post is a an interesting look at Blog Hops for book marketing and some key elements that I agree with wholeheartedly. Top Drawer News — Blog Hops and Movie Stars
John Rieber shares the most expensive burger in the world in 2012.. it was for charity… certainly comes with some interesting accessories. Burger (2012) $295 – The World’s Most Expensive Burger Unveiled!
In June 2017, Frank Prem posted a poem a day.. and so I have chosen the poems he posted on this day and then the subsequent poems that correspond to his posts here…
I have selected this post, because I am sure that if you are around the same vintage (66) you to will have memories of before and after the Internet. Research Before The Internet by Tasker Dunham
Lorinda J. Taylorwith some of the libraries that Lorinda values…The original Coburn Library became the Tutt Library in 1962. Reminiscences about Old Libraries from an Old Librarian, Part 1 by Lorinda J. Taylor
This week I selected one of the hundreds of book reviews that Olga Nunez Miret shares with her.. all very thoughtfully crafted. This review was for an author that I enjoy reading too. Terry Tyler for her book Legacy, Project Renova 4.
This is the final post in the series from Fraggle Photography…in this post I am sharing another day out with Fraggle’s grandson Cal to the Zoo…and it seems there is another photographer in the family.Cal & Frag’s Excellent Adventure – Fraggle Photography 2015
This is Elizabeth Slaughter’s final post from the archives and Elizabeth looks at some of the exercise equipment that has been trendy over the years.. “Jumping for Joy”
This is the final post from Kim from By Hook or by Book and whilst browsing through her archives, I spotted that she had reviewed one of the authors in the Cafe and Bookstore… . Broken Heart Attack (Braxton Campus Mysteries #2), by James J. Cudney ~ 5.0 Stars
The final post from Gibson Square The Cabbie Blog and this week a post from the Urban View series which looks at buildings or locations in London that have a hidden history..and as I have worked with a lot of herbal therapies over the years, this one caught my eye…Down Your Alley- Herbal Hill
This is the fourth post from the archives of Susanne Swansonthat I have chosen.. you will find plenty to browse if you head over. Cats in particular are the muses in her household and they have some wonderful adventures. And today finally.. we have her lovely cats….
Poet and author Balroop Singh is always a welcome guest here on Smorgasbord and has shared many posts in the past. This time I get to choose the posts from Balroop’s archives and for her final post in this series, I have chosen another poem which brought to mind some I have known…… A Social Butterfly by Balroop Singh
Last week I covered the dangers of salmonella, despite the government and food safety experts telling us that it is now safe to eat under cooked eggs: Preparing Eggs Safely Food Safety – #Lysteria – You cannot see it but it sees you..the perfect host!
The heart is obviously an essential organ of the body, but it can be a case of out of sight out of mind.. Understanding how it works can bring it back into focus.
Welcome to the round up of posts that you might have missed on Smorgasbord during the week..
We are still waiting for summer with four times the annual monthly rainfall already in June. Not good news for the farmers and their crops… We also have a northerly air flow across Europe which means that even Madrid where we used experience temperatures in the late 20s and early 30s at this time of year, is only getting 16 to 20 degrees.
There is no doubt that there is climate change, but it is hard to put much stock in the warming that is threatened when the central heating is still on in June. There is no doubt that mankind is damaging our planet to a great degree but we have been also experiencing a reduction in solar activity in the last few years and are now in what is called Solar Minimum. This actually could put climate warming on the back burner for the next 50 years with extensive cooling and longer and colder winters for us all.. You might find these posts interesting especially as we had 16 days of solar inactivity in the last month.
On a more cheerful note…..I have received some wonderful submissions for the new Sunday Interview beginning at the end of the month, and I will be scheduling posts in the next week. I would love to hear from you, with your perspective on the human senses.. and sixth sense, along with the opportunity to promote your blog and books if you are an author..
Here are the posts from the week that you might have missed….
As always I am very grateful for the contributions from the regular guests and also to everyone who drops in during the week to like, comment and share.. the blog would not be the same without you.
This week William Price King shares the music of Grammy Award winning American Guitarist Pat Metheny
Carol Taylor and I team up to share the deficiency of nutrients that are likely with a poor diet, the foods that contain this week Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E.. which helps B12 be absorbed.. and some recipes that contain healthy amounts of both..
The story continues with Winter: Chapter Four – The Flight to the New Land and the court must pack up and leave the palace under the magnolia tree in Spain and head off on the backs of the Goose Express to The Emerald Island to face an unknown future.
The next episode this weekend is Winter: Chapter Five – The Dapperman..unable to bring all the clothes from the queen’s wardrobe of of her courtiers, the services of the local fashion designer is sought.
Lovely to welcome back Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 131 following her relocation and settling into her new home. This week she set us the challenge to find synonyms for her prompt words ‘Beginning and Consume’… here is my response.. Old Soldiers.
This week Sherri Matthewsshares her father’s story, which was complicated. It is a frank look at his life and also acknowledgement of how much he is loved. This was first posted in 2013. Sherri’s father sadly passed away in 2016, but she had dedicated her blog to him with a lovely tribute..About Sherri Matthews
Time to welcome another regular contributor to the Archive series John Rieber.. this time I am going to be selecting the posts from his extensive archive..This week a restaurant with a difference.. and if you remember your grandmother’s cooking.. you will want to eat at this restaurant. A Staten Island Restaurant Hires Unique Cooks – The World’s Nonnas!
Today I am sharing the second post from the archives of MarianWood and her blog Just Muddling Through Life Marian has been blogging since October 2018 and posts about family life, writing, fiction and poetry…for her second post I have chosen a short story…..
In June 2017, Frank Premposted a poem a day.. and so I have chosen the poems he posted on this day and then the subsequent poems that correspond to his posts here…this based on his experience as a psychiatry nurse.
This is the second post from the archives of Tasker Dunham. I have selected this post as I remember my father building a replica biplane for my brother when he was four, along with a headset borrowed from the station we were based on.
This is the second post from the archives of fantasy author Lorinda J. Taylor and in this week’s post she explores some of the grammatical changes over time and some E-Book formatting tips..
Pre-school teacher of over 30 years, Jennie Fitzkee, has been a welcome guest here many times but this time, Jennie has let me loose in her archives… this will be fun. In this post Jennie compares childhood and summer.. then and now.
This week London Cabbie writing as Gibson Square shares a post from the Urban View series which looks at buildings or locations in London that have a hidden history..
This is Elizabeth Slaughter’s third post from the archives and I remember watching black and white movies at the cinema as a child and then on our television that was not colour until well into the 1960s.. Elizabeth shares her love of the big screen.
This week’s post from Susanne Swansonis a post which mirrors my sentiments about team building exercises in general. And it is something to think about in relation to how we all react when we here the words ‘Think outside the Box’
This week I share the shopping list of foods that may help you ward of dementia… but also some things to look out for in elderly relatives if you are caring for them.. Sometimes dementia symptoms can be down to interaction with other drugs or a urinary tract infection.
Welcome to this week’s round up where I share the posts you might of missed, and thank you for taking the time to drop in.
It has been a busy week from a blogging perspective as the new series of Posts from Your Archives gets under way. I did wonder if the previous series which usually featured 12 or so bloggers was restricted due to natural reticence. I have noticed before that you are a shy in coming forward which is why I changed the concept this time so that I went into your archives to select four posts to share.
Boy, did that turn things on its head.. there are now 45 bloggers on the list and I am having the time of my life delving into all the archives to select posts to share. And I am finding some gems that I delighted with.. such as poetry hidden away, wonderful personal stories, travel experiences, family sagas and it just goes to show what a thoroughly talented bunch you are. It has also been great to see lots of discussions going on between everyone about the subject of the posts… loving it.
Clearly it is going to take me a little while to get through all the archives and they will appear over the next three months.. I will try to let you know dates in advance of that, but I am totally privileged to be allowed to access your archives and thank you for trusting me with that. This week’s archives coming up later in the post.
Facebook
After several attempts to delete my account (following weeks of blocked posts and nasty messages), and then receiving emails welcoming me back to Facebook…..(I do not understand the inner workings of FB Bots!) Anyway I have been back tentatively for the last month, keeping in touch with friends and sharing their posts internally, and so far so good. I am hugely grateful to those of you who have manually shared posts using the URL.. and that has worked thank you.
I am now re-installing my Facebook share button and I would be grateful if you would let me know if you get any messages if you share a post. I know that a lot of other bloggers such as The Story Reading Ape, Debby Gies and Ellen Best to name a few had exactly the same problem, and there is apparently a reason for it.. Facebook does not want their members to leave the site to go off to visit another, particularly if that site is selling stuff they are not getting a cut of!
Since Smorgasbord is not monetized in any way.. I am hoping that things are now back to normal.
It looks like we will be getting the contractors in to do the back garden this week… fingers crossed.. and we are then 95% finished on our project that began 3 years ago on this house. When I look at the before and after pictures the thought runs through my mind “What were we thinking”…..but it is now a lovely family home that we hope to hand over to someone with lots of kids who will enjoy for many years. Our original plan was to put it on the market next spring but now we will probably go ahead as soon as it is finished.
Anyway… time to get on with the posts from the week that you might have missed… thanks as always to contributors and guests who give so much time and effort to providing amazing posts.
D.G.Kaye.. Debby Gies, gives us the low down on the popular holiday destination of Puerto Rico…essential reading if you are planning to travel there.
This month Siliva Todescoserves up a quick and simple classic that is hard to resist for pasta lovers…and I am sure your families… Garlic, Olive Oil and Red Pepper spaghetti.
Two stories from me this week.. one in response to Diana Peach’sSpeculative Fiction Prompt I went a bit outside my comfort zone and went forward in time….with The Enhancement Project..
Weight loss and sleep are connected, and if you are not getting enough sleep your body will not get sufficient time to repair, regenerate and restore balance…The sleep process and the benefits of a good night’s rest.
Debby Gieswas back on Wednesday with a guest post about a topic we are reluctant to talk about… with doctors included.. our inner workings and colonoscopies. Debby shares here experiences to demystify the process and stress the need to get checked.
I look at the myths surrounding cholesteroland the importance of eating good fats from grass fed animals, including dairy to obtain sufficient Vitamin K2
And a reminder about the dangers of Carbon Monoxidepoisoning, a silent killer that almost ended my life. The statistics in the USA and the UK are not improving fast enough.
Each year, approximately20,000 peoplein the United States visit the emergency room because of carbon monoxide poisoning. While many of those people are treated and released, on average, 400 people will die from carbon monoxide poisoning in a given year.
Jacquie Biggar shares her first camping experience which seems to have been one shared by many….would have loved to have been a fly on the wall of the tent!
In Miriam Hurdle’s first post I shared her responses to a challenge that asked specific questions about life… such as ‘A piece of clothing from your younger childhood you still remember?’
Beetley Pete.. Pete Johnson with a thought provoking memory of meeting a man blind from birth who explained how he perceived images we take so much for granted.
Debby Gies shares the stunning photos of her grandmother who competed in the Miss Toronto 1926 pageant, and also other photos that show that the good looks run in the family.
The Story Reading Ape.. Chris Graham is well known for his guest posts and in this series I am sharing four from his archives.. this week his guest is Michelle Clements James who puts forward the perspective of a reader.. important for all writers to understand.. after all, readers are our customers.
Fantasy author Charles E. Yallowitz on the subject of standing out from the crowd.. and being labeled ‘odd’.. and why there is no ‘normal’ to be judged by. Something to think about…
Jane Risdon who has been in the music industry for many years, shares an audition in Hollywood that had its moments!! Part one here with more to follow.
Welcome to the round up of posts on Smorgasbord this week of posts that you might have missed.
One thing that you probably have not missed, since Easter Eggs have been in the stores since January is that next weekend is the religious festival and also a time for families to get together and celebrate the extended holiday weekend.
As you know I do like to throw a party occasionally and this Easter I have decided to hold a traditional parade.. well two to be exact as they will be posted on Saturday and Monday. To be in the parade you need to send me a photo… several already have so I only have a handful of places left on the floats...All the details are in the post and it is easy to enter…..
The time for the Blogger’s Bash in June has come around very quickly and as part of the event is the annual blog awards. There are some amazing bloggers included in the categories as there are every year. Very honoured to have been nominated along with so many from our community. Now it is your opportunity to vote for your favourites.
As always I am very grateful for your support and delighted to hear from you every week. Also my thanks to Paul Andruss and Carol Taylor this week for their input which is appreciated…
And here are the posts from the week….
With Easter next week I thought that you would enjoy this five part short story over the two weekends from Paul Andruss, first published in January 2018… Set in Ireland in the 1930s it follows the life of a young man with a mysterious past who lives in The House by the Sea.
Colleen Chesebro is on hiatus as she house hunts but she asked that we continued to share our poetry.. Here is my weekly contribution… and etheree ‘Age Defying’
This week L.T. Garvin shares her memories of her best friend in Junior High School and their aspirations to enter the talent contest with the classic Proud Mary by Ike and Tina Turner….keep on rolling and enjoy.
Welcome to the third post from the archives of Donna W. Hill and this week Donna shares the workings of a canal and the period of transition between water levels as an analogy for the times in our life when we are in limbo between events. In this case the treatment for her guide dog’s chronic disease.
The last in the present series from the archives of Norah Colvin which is actually reflections on learning by her daughter Bec, and written when she was 26 in 2013
Author Stevie Turner asked 18 authors questions about significant life events that would inform and inspire… and over the week or so I will be featuring the contributors. The anthology’s proceeds are being donated to Cancer Research, and at 99p/99c it is very good value.
Living in Thurso. Doing stuff. - a personal blog with photographs and insights of Thurso, the most northerly town in Scotland and major stop on the North Coast 500
Welcome to this week’s round up of posts you might have missed here on Smorgasbord.
