Tea. Toast. and Trivia.

Episode 11: The conversation today is about fashion.

I am joined by my sister, Sarah and my mother Frances as we look back on how fashion has shaped our personal understanding of elegance, beauty, trends and sustainability.  

So put the kettle on and listen in as we discuss sewing machines, patterns, gloves, hats and more.

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

Episode 10: Today is World Book Day, a celebration that has been in place since April 23, 1995. UNESCO chose the date carefully. In the past, Spanish tradition sets aside April 23rd as “The Rose Day” when friends and family exchange roses, however in 1926 there was a transition to exchanging books to commemorate the passing of renowned Spanish author, Miguel de Cervantes, who passed on April 22, 1616. April 23rd also remembers William Shakespeare’s anniversary of his death 1616. Two great authors who died a day apart, inspire us today to treasure books - not by placing them carefully behind book cases with glass doors, but by reading them cover to cover, again and again. Words carry ideas and ideas transform the way we think, live and engage within a wider community.

Episode 9: On April 14, 2019, The Sun Run encompassed the Vancouver weekend scene. It is a wonderful event. Participants, both runners and walkers, embarked on a scenic course that runs through Stanley Park, the downtown corridors of Burrard and Georgia before heading over Cambie Street Bridge to the finish line. It was a celebration and testament to months of physical preparation and long hours of planning. Live music filled the streets and added to the high spirits. 

What passed by unnoticed in all of excitement of the Sun Run, was an anniversary of another well-known event that happened on April 13, 1742 at the Fishamble Street Musick Hall in Dublin. That night, the world was given a gift of music that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Oh, to be in that first audience of 700. It was a packed crowd. Men left their swords at home and women agreed to wear dresses without hoops to make room for other concert goers.  

Episode 8:  Welcome to Tea. Toast. & Trivia. This episode is the first of the series called, “It’s all about tea.” So put the kettle on and join me for Tea, Toast and Trivia, where we will discuss the mysteries and adventures of tea: their origins, myths, aromas and fragrant tastes.

I’m making a special cup of tea today.  And it all started about a week ago, when I happened to meet a friend on the street.  It was early morning and the flow of traffic was in progress. He was on his way to work, carrying a thermal coffee carafe.

“Enjoy your coffee,” I said as we parted company.

“Oh no, not coffee” he said. "Mornings are about tea and this is a tea that very few people dare to drink.”

What tea would be that formidable?  The answer is in the podcast.

Episode 7: I  walk with crows that share the pathway along the Vancouver Seawall. While they guard their territory with a proprietary determination, they have come to recognize my presence and agree to pose for my camera. I look forward to our conversations, and suspect that I am at the greater disadvantage. They seem to understand my language more than I do theirs. Even within our age of technology, we have a deep need to connect with our earth and fellow creatures.  There is a bond between us. That is, the need for community and belonging. We seek the company of those we love and feel a kindred bond. Just as the crows gather in the fading light of a April evening, we look forward to the shelter and safety of homecoming. 

Thank you for joining my mom, Frances and me on Tea Toast and Trivia.  The One Room Schoolhouse is the first in a series of podcasts that look back on a time that will never be again. I am reminded by the words of Søren Kierkegaard who wrote, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”  Conversations with my mother allow me to explore knowledge transfer from one generation to the other.  Your visit and presence are very much appreciated.  Until next time, safe travels.

Today is Vincent Van Gogh’s 166 Birthday. While he was relatively unknown in his lifetime, he is one of the most beloved artists of our time.  In today’s world, Vincent van Gogh’s artworks rank with the most expensive paintings to have ever sold at auction.  Even so, his legacy is more poignant and profound. Vincent van Gogh’s greatest gift is found in his thoughtful and reverent understanding of humanity’s need to feel complete, to be at peace within nature, to experience and share a deeply felt love that transforms our lives and those around us. “Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” Vincent Van Gogh

Join me as I travel across the ocean to Shetland, where the fresh sea air and rugged landscape captures the spirit of the adventurous souls. Shetland is in the northern region of the United Kingdom just above the Orkney Islands. There are many stories held safe in Shetland’s complex geology of faults and fold axes, metamorphic rocks, granite intrusions and the assemblage of rocks called “the Old Red Sandstone.” 

The 1840’s onward were marked by the booming herring industry that propelled Shetland to the pinnacle of Europe’s go-to place for herring. Unst was at the centre of the hubbub. This small island became a vital Herring port - a powerhouse of employment opportunities.    Men would bring in the fish. But a workforce was needed to gut the fish and ready them for market.  It was brave, hardworking women who responded.  They were called Gutter Lasses.

Episode 3: Let’s talk about artists.  Are you an artist? Am I an artist? Most of us, if asked, “are you an artist?” would hesitate to answer “yes.”    After all, that label applies to the great ones:  Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Cassatt, Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe and the list goes on. Do we dare compare ourselves to that brilliant assembly? How do we define art, talent, beauty, if we do not have some form of creativity within ourselves? 

Episode 2: Join the conversation with Sarah Ahmadi sharing her insights on building a compassionate community.