S6 E13 Frances Remembering a One Room School House

Welcome to Tea Toast and Trivia!

Thank you for listening in.

I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

Welcome to this special episode of our podcast, where I share a heartfelt conversation with my 93-year-old mother. In this episode, we journey back to the 1930s, as she reminisces about her experiences attending a one-room schoolhouse on the prairies. Her vivid memories paint a picture of a simpler time, filled with laughter, learning, and the bonds of childhood friendships.

As we delve into her stories, we also reflect on the present moment, as my mother now receives 24/7 care. This conversation holds a special place in my heart, as it was one of the last meaningful exchanges we had before she transitioned into this new phase of her life. Despite the challenges she faces, her spirit remains unbroken, and she continues to express her gratitude for each day that unfolds.

Join me as we celebrate my mother’s incredible journey and the wisdom she has gained over the years. Her stories are not just a glimpse into the past; they are a testament to resilience, love, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Tune in to hear her voice and the lessons that resonate through generations.

Until next time we meet, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you.

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

"Lots of Love, Judy" by David Celeste

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/0vjuoCfgAn/

S6 E12: Misty the Cat . . . Unleashed: The Spirited Adventures and Amusing Antics of an Asthmatic Feline on the Loose

“A little voice inside my head tells me that I’m joking too much and should get more serious for at least one chapter. Okay.

Sometimes, I let out a small moan when walking around the apartment. I’m not unhappy – I’m loved, well-fed, and sheltered – but there are still things a cat thinks about.

Such as, who were my mom and dad? Where are they? Are they still alive? Do I have siblings somewhere? Why am I an “only cat”? Chapter 27 “I Get Serious, Not Sirius Radio” Misty the Cat…Unleashed” by Misty and Dave Astor

Welcome to Tea Toast and Trivia!Thank you for listening in.I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

Today, we are on an extraordinary virtual journey, bridging the 3,923 kilometers between Montclair, New Jersey, and Vancouver, British Columbia, to meet up with Dave Astor and our special guest, Misty. Misty has just published his first book, which I believe has the potential to evolve into a stimulating series of adventures co-authored with his companion (aka servant), Dave Astor. I have waited over a year for this conversation to happen. It has been worth the wait.

It is time to put the kettle on and join in as we delve into Misty’s world of thrilling tales and embark on an unforgettable literary expedition. I am pleased that Dave has graciously agreed to act as translator during our conversation. I have not had the opportunity to learn “meow” or feline language, but thankfully, Dave is an expert.

Thank you, Misty and Dave, for this remarkable conversation. Misty – your book is brilliant. I appreciated your discussions on the intricacies of furballs, rubbing up against legs, and why cats make the best pets!

Dave, thank you for the 2024 feline memoir “Misty the Cat…Unleashed.” Your friendship with Misty inspires us. I love tagging along with you and Misty on your daily walks – and now I have experienced Misty’s blockbuster adventure.

Listeners – Thank you for joining Misty, Dave and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. Dave Astor is the author of the 2017 literary-trivia book “Fascinating Facts About Famous Fiction Authors and the Greatest Novels of All Time,” and the 2012 memoir “Comic (and Column) Confessional.”

You can connect with Dave on Amazon and his blog, Dave Astor On Literature, his YouTube Channel, and read his award-winning weekly Montclairvoyant humor column for Montclair Local. He was a longtime National Society of Newspaper Columnists board member who still copy-edits the organization’s newsletter. Dave is a former magazine writer/editor, newspaper reporter, and freelance cartoonist; a graduate of Rutgers and Northwestern universities; the husband of French professor Laurel Cummins; the father of Maggie and Maria; and (happily) the servant of Misty the Cat.

Music by Epidemic Sound

"Careful Now" By Arthur Benson https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/g0TQCCspnE/

"No One but Yourself" By Claude Signet https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/l89C9VoigE/

"Sneaky Fingers" By T. Morri https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/8sZv9s0Kgi/

S6 E11: John Quinn on the Play, “O Halflins an Hecklers an Weavers an Weemin’”

“To my Scots and Irish forebears who came to the Tay and the Jute and whose endurance and sacrifice bequeathed the precious gift of an education. To my family for copious love and laughter down the years and especially to my wife Marion, a Dundee girl, and as goes with the territory, a dancer in the rain.” John Quinn, Poet, Writer, Playwright

Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

What does “O Halflins an Hecklers an Weavers an Weemin’ mean, you may ask? Come travel virtually with me to Dundee Scotland to meet up with John Quinn who wrote and produced the play that we will be discussing on this episode of Tea Toast and Trivia.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting dialogue!

‘One of the things that I think a lot of people overlook is that the story of Dundee and jute is actually a worldwide story… Although it’s a story about Dundee, it’s also a story about the wider world.’ John Quinn, Poet, Writer, Playwright

Listeners, thank you for joining John and me on Tea Toast and Trivia. You can find information on John’s work with the Dundee Heritage Trust in a recent ⁠interview⁠.

A very special thank you, John for sharing your insights and your commitment to the city of Dundee and the memory of all those who came to the Tay and the Jute.

Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you!

Music by Epidemic Sound

Old Scottish Town by Trabant 33 https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/POZUIxpxOG/

Fountain of Miracles by Trabant 33 https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hBLXkhqXiS/

S6 E10: Cheryl Jamieson, Fused Glass Artist

Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

I am travelling virtually 6,700 kilometers to Unst, Shetland, to meet up with artist Cheryl Jamieson, whose expertise lies in the intricate art of fused glass. Cheryl’s deep-rooted pride in her Shetland heritage resonates through her remarkable artwork, which draws inspiration from the dramatic landscapes of Shetland. Her fused glass pieces exquisitely depict the stunning scenery, from the lively ponies gracing the hills to the diverse birdlife flourishing on the rugged cliffs.

Cheryl’s creativity is profoundly influenced by the rich Viking heritage evident in the renowned Up Helly Aa events and the numerous archaeological sites scattered across Shetland. It’s truly an honour to delve into Cheryl Jamieson’s world of fused glass art, intricately woven with the essence of Shetland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting dialogue on Tea Toast & Trivia.

A very special thank you, Cheryl, for sharing your creative journey with us. We connected when the wind was high in Unst, but the internet connection held strong and our tea kept us warm.

Music by Epidemic Sound

Claude Signet “Together is Better” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/gPLIAeQ0Cj/

S6 E9: Emily Carter on Nature and Wildlife Photograph

“Nature as Art is something that is felt deep within one’s spirit. Hard to express in words, the connection felt when observing and being part of nature brings unity and a sense of peacefulness in this world of chaos. It is this connection that as a nature and wildlife photographer that I am in continuous search for. Capturing wildlife and nature in its natural state is a challenging task. As a photographer, I recognize that I am an intruder, and as such I must show respect as they have allowed me into their world.” Emily Carter, Artist Statement

Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

I am you host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

I am delighted that I am travelling virtually to Annapolis, Maryland, to meet up with Emily Carter, an award-winning nature and wildlife photographer. Emily believes that art is found in nature through careful observation of the scenery, lighting, and the subject. Through photography, she captures the emotion felt when experiencing a fleeting moment.

Emily and I have known each other ever since she welcomed me to an on-line photography group. I confess being intimidated by the calibre of photographers, but soon felt a kinship and camaraderie within this group. Emily has a passion for nature and her enthusiasm inspired me to take a leap of faith into the world of photography.

How can photography be a way to engage with nature and the environment? How can we preserve, through photography, what was once, but is no more? How can nature photography bring a sense of calm and wellness to our lives? These are the questions that will be discussed today.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting dialogue !

Thank you, Emily, for sharing your knowledge, experience, and insights. You have been a source of encouragement to me over the years. You remind me that photography is personal because it tells our story and documents, along with all the other photos that circulate in our virtual world, the greater narrative of our generation.

Listeners, I invite you to connect with Emily on her website, Nature is Art, Flickr, Instagram and Facebook. You are only an internet click away from experiencing the beauty of Nature captured within photography.

Until next time we meet dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you.Music by Epidemic Sound

Gavin Luke "Dream Corridor" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eZm5S0GHOe/ Jon Björk "Between the Willows" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/kx4H30KIkZ/

Season 6 Episode 8: Lauren Scott on A Poet’s Voice

“rocks and shiny shells
in all shapes and colors make
young hearts sing and dance
precious works of art
remain forever priceless
time irrelevant
sandy shore offers
troves of tiny treasures for
imaginations
fingers hold paintbrush
brows furrow, fully focused
masterpiece crafted”

“Tiny Treasures” from Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems by Lauren Scott

Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

I am traveling virtually to Northern California to meet writer and poet, Lauren Scott. Lauren enjoys the tranquil pleasures of small-town living alongside her supportive husband, Matthew, and their beloved lab, Copper. As a dedicated wordsmith, Lauren has explored both fiction and reflections of her own life through her compelling poetry and short stories. Lauren released her latest poetry collection, “Ever So Gently,” in July of 2023. This enchanting anthology artfully communicates the nuances of life, love, and the human spirit.

Today, I am delighted that Lauren Scott has joined me to give voice to her poetry. Welcome to the podcast series, “A Poet’s Voice”, which brings words of poetry from across the world to your home.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for joining Lauren and me on Tea Toast & Trivia to reflect on the beauty of poetic words.

Thank you, Lauren for sharing your insights on how poetry allows us to describe the world around us in unexpected ways. This has been a wonderful conversation.

Listeners you can meet up with Lauren on her website, Baydreamer, (BaydreamerWrites.com) and Amazon. You are only an internet click away from journeys that enrich the soul.

Until next time we meet, dear friends, keep reading and reciting poetry. Safe travels wherever your adventures lead you.

Music by Epidemic Sound

Gavin Luke "Sentient" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/BZeZdCNhcw/

David Celeste "Under Your Wings" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/j3C38gUeUu/

Max Anson "Break of Day" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ygrq37w0oz/

David Celeste "Eternally Yours" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/K8gUW0Gb5B/

David Celeste "Catharsis" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/7Y8Il1GyZs/

S6 E7: Mandy Henderson on the Poetry of Katherine Mansfield

The pleasure of all reading is doubled when one lives with another who shares the same books.”

Katherine Mansfield

Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you.

Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923) was a highly acclaimed New Zealand writer and poet. Born in Wellington, New Zealand October 14, 1888, she is regarded as one of the most influential modernist short story writers of her time. Mansfield’s poetic sensibility and expert craftsmanship have secured her a lasting place in literary history.

Katherine’s writings are known for their vivid imagery, introspective themes, and exploration of the complexities of human emotions. Her remarkable ability to capture the subtle nuances of everyday life and convey them through delicate and lyrical language sets her apart. Despite her untimely death at the age of 34, Mansfield’s legacy as a pioneering writer continues to resonate in the literary world.

Today, I am traveling to New Zealand to meet up with my blogger friend, Mandy Henderson to discuss the remarkable life and work of Katherine Mansfield.

I invite you to put the kettle on and join the conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you, Mandy, for sharing the life and poetry of Katherine Mansfield.

As Katherine wrote many years ago, “The pleasure of all reading is doubled when one lives with another who shares the same books.”

Today we have shared the pleasure of reading her poetry, together.

Dear listeners, thank you for joining Mandy and me on Tea Toast & Trivia and celebrating the life and work of Katherine Mansfield.

Music by Epidemic Sound:

Arthur Benson "Have You Tried the Key"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/VXLAqxSdsg/

Yonder Dale "Benevolent"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/shJ71NyU8V/

Johannes Bornlöf "Our Deepest Secrets (Scaled Down Version)"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/R5ym9z47GU/ Claude Signet "Together Is Better"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/gPLIAeQ0Cj/

S6 E6: Mary Lunnen on Your Compass Rose Speaks

Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

Join me as I travel virtually to Wadebridge, a town in north Cornwall, England, to meet up with writer, artist and Global Life Coach, Mary Lunnen. I first met Mary through a mutual friend and frequent guest on TTT, Liz Humphreys. Liz shared three “rediscovery cards” in an Instagram Post. These rediscovery cards are used by Mary for guided meditation and reflection.

Dare to Blossom Life Coaching with Mary is based around the principle of rediscovering our inner wisdom and awakening to a sense of wellbeing. She has recently published her book, “Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom”, which is the culmination of her work over the last twenty years since establishing Dare to Blossom Life Coaching in 2003.

Thank you for joining Mary and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a very special thank you, Mary, for sharing your insights on coaching, on seeking an inner wisdom, on embracing the unknown and being open to possibilities

Listeners, I invite you to meet up with Mary on her website, Dare to Blossom, Facebook, and Instagram.

I know that you will be inspired by the Mary’s story and her dedication to living boldly within a complex, ever-changing world.

Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your journey leads you.

Music by Epidemic Sound

David Celeste: "First Resolution"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/BP26BafzZF/

David Celeste: "The Wind in Her Hair" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GEVInFWSj4/