Tea. Toast. and Trivia.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Yonder Dale "Benevolent"

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

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/R5ym9z47GU/

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.

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

David Celeste: "The Wind in Her Hair"

S6 E5: Elizabeth Gauffreau on the Art of Writing Short Stories

"I should have gone to see Mother sooner, I suppose, but her letters had been arriving with the same regularity as always, so I had no inkling that anything might be wrong. Truly, Mother’s letters were cheerful as ever.  She writes such lovely descriptions of the winter birds at the feeder outside the solarium." Elizabeth Gauffreau, A Morbid CravingWelcome 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. 

I am delighted and thrilled that my dear friend, writer and poet, Elizabeth Gauffreau, has come back to share her insights on the art of writing a short story.   We are once again bridging the 3897 kilometers, as the crow flies, between New Hampshire and Vancouver. 

Liz is a gifted writer who specializes in fiction and poetry that delves into the themes of family and place. With a bachelor’s degree in English/Writing from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in English/Fiction Writing from the University of New Hampshire, she has honed her skills and crafted a compelling body of work.

I have read Liz’s short story “A Morbid Craving”, published by Lamplit Underground, several times over the past weeks. Her ability to capture four points of view within a very complex narrative was riveting.  

It is time to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation.

Thank you for joining Liz and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a very special thank you Liz for sharing your insights and reading.  You continue to inspire me.

Listeners, you can meet up with Liz on her website  lizgauffreau.com, Substack, Amazon, and Goodreads You are only an internet click away from a place where stories dwell.

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

Music by Epidemic Sound:

S6 E4:  Celebrating “Up Helly Aa” with Sarah McBurnie

January 30, 2024, the Last Tuesday of January. The fire festival of Up Helly Aa is happening. A huge torchlight procession of hundreds of Vikings is marching through the streets of Lerwick, carrying flaming torches and singing traditional Norse skalds.

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 have arrived in Lerwick, Shetland to meet up with my friend, Sarah McBurnie who was our guide on our 2018 Shetland adventure.  Up Hella Aa is happening.  Sarah has invited us to celebrate Shetland’s Norse heritage with her.   I have always wanted to attend Up Helly Aa, so join me for a Viking adventure that promises feasting, music, and dancing!

Up Helly Aa or Up Holy [Day] All A Celebration of Norse Heritage!

On January 30, 2024, the last Tuesday of January, the fire festival of Up Helly Aa is happening in Lerwick, Shetland. This festival carries a rich tapestry of influences that give it a unique flavor and significance.

The first influence stems from the Yuletide celebrations, which traditionally began on the 5th of January, known as Old Yule, and culminated in Up Helly Aa, 24 days later. This final day was marked with fire, feasting, and frolic, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

The second influence is rooted in the old Shetland custom of guizing, where individuals disguised themselves, visited friends’ houses, performed turns, and then revealed their true identities. This tradition added an element of surprise and merriment to the festivities.

The celebration of Shetland’s Norse heritage is a central pillar of Up Helly Aa. In the north of Scotland, the Vikings, who were feared in other parts of the world, are celebrated as symbols of strength and resilience. The Norse heritage is embodied in the iconic sight of a burning longship, symbolizing the journey of a deceased Norse Jarl to Valhalla, an evocative and powerful tribute to the Viking legacy.

The amalgamation of these influences creates a vibrant and captivating Viking adventure at Up Helly Aa, as participants pay homage to Shetland’s rich and enduring Norse heritage.

Northlink Ferries has taken this opportunity to look back at the other years that were significant for Up Helly Aa: Up Helly Aa through the years.

Edgar Hopp "Phoenix Rising" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/IKHlHvgHSN/

Kikoru "Clouds Over Mountains" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EbaDeotpAO/

S6 E3: Norman Orenstein on Composing, Producing and Recording Music

Thank you for listening in.

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

I am travelling virtually to Toronto, Ontario where the music scene is vibrant and diverse, from indie rock to hip-hop, jazz to electronic.  I am thrilled that Canadian musician, composer and producer, Norman Orenstein, has joined me today to discuss music and the creative process.

Norman is the President of NORMAN ORENSTEIN MUSIC INC. (NOM Inc.), specializing in music production and publishing. As a member of The Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL), he brings over 20 years of experience in composing, arranging, and recording live musicians for feature films, television movies, and television series.

Norman is the controller of the NOM Music Library, where he negotiates with record companies, writers, and publishers to secure synchronization and master use licenses. His expertise in the industry has led him to be a panelist at prestigious events such as the North By Northeast (NXNE) Music Festival and the Worldwide Short Film Festival Symposium, where he shares his success stories and insights on the director-composer relationship in film and TV music.

With an extraordinary background in music composition and production, Norman continues to contribute his talents to the world of film and television, creating captivating music scores that enhance the storytelling experience.

Thank you for joining Norman and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.  Norman's music is featured in the podcast. The introduction piece was entitled "Highliner. The piece featured in the closing comments was from Norman's score for the film "Kidnap Capital."

And a very special thank you Norman for sharing your insights, knowledge, and experience. It is an honour to showcase your music in our conversation. You have given us a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind your work.   I am inspired by your passion for music and storytelling.

Listeners, I invite you to meet up with Norman Orenstein on and his website Norman Orenstein Music to experience his amazing, unforgettable music.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation.

Thank you for joining Norman and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.

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

Music by Norman Orenstein- ⁠Norman Orenstein Music⁠ (used with permission)

"Highliner"

"Kidnap Capital" Norman's Score from the film Kidnap Capital

S6 E2: Celebrating Robert Burns with Address to A Haggis

Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. Burns is best known for his poetry written in the Scots language, with works such as “Auld Lang Syne,” “Address to a Haggis,” and “Tam O’ Shanter.” His poetry often reflects themes of love, nature, and Scotland’s cultural heritage.

Robert Burns’ influence on Scottish literature and culture is profound, and his work continues to be revered and celebrated through events like Burns Suppers, which are held annually around the world to commemorate his life and literary contribution.

Haggis holds a significant place at a Burns Supper due to its historical and cultural connections to Robert Burns and Scotland. The traditional Scottish dish, immortalized in Burns’ poem “Address to a Haggis,” is celebrated as a symbol of Scottish heritage and a tribute to the poet’s legacy. Its inclusion in the supper reflects the deep appreciation for Burns’ work and the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and traditions. The ritual of addressing and consuming the haggis is a poignant and festive way to honour the impact of Robert Burns on Scottish literature and identity.

Come join me to celebrate Robert Burns with his iconic “Address to a Haggis”! The vivid imagery and spirited language invite us to join in the festivities of a Burns Supper and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Scotland’s beloved national poet.

Music by Traditional "Auld Lang Syne (Traditional Version" Epidemic Sound

⁠www.epidemicsound.com/track/H9ncuJOolx/

S6 E1: D.G. Kaye on her podcast “Grief - The Real Talk”

Thank you for listening in.

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

I am delighted that blogger, non-fiction writer, memoir author and podcaster, Debby Gies and I are connecting Toronto and Vancouver, Canada.

Debby is a Canadian author, writing under the pen name of D.G. Kaye. She writes about real life and the events that she has had to navigate through and overcome.  Her intent is to inspire others by sharing her stories and the lessons that have come along with them.

In her podcast “Grief – The Real Talk”, Debbie speaks from the heart and from personal experience.   She takes listeners through the painful journey of her grief after losing the love of her life, sharing her observations about the changes that occur during the grieving process.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this profound and moving conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you for joining Debby and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.

And a special thank you, Debby, for sharing your insights on grieving. Losing a loved one is an inevitable part of life. It is a deeply emotional and challenging experience that requires careful consideration.

I invite you to meet up with Debby on her blog, D.G. Kaye Writer.com , on her podcast– Grief, The Real Talk, her Amazon Page and on Goodreads.  It is a place that welcomes profound conversations that reminds us to Live, Love, Laugh and Breathe. 

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

S5 E22: Eglund on The Emergence of AI Technology

“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”  Marcus Aurelius

Thank you for listening in.

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

The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic of debate among experts in the field. AI has been around for decades, but recent advances in technology have allowed for rapid development in the field. As AI continues to evolve, it will become increasingly integrated into our lives and businesses.

Should we fear the emergence of AI technology? Will AI control our lives and take away our jobs and careers?  Will AI be used to create malicious software?  Will AI replace human creativity and knowledge?"

To discuss these questions, I am travelling virtually over 7900 kilometers to Berlin, Germany to meet up with my friend, Eglund, journalist and writer. Eglund is an engineer and publicist. He worked as a science journalist and reporter in Africa for several German newspapers.  Since 2005, his focus has been on the environmental initiatives.

As a specialist journalist for renewable energies, he works within media related to the ecological energy transition, first of all about solar energy.  Eglund has in-depth experience with AI in optimizing the efficiency of solar energy systems.  As a journalist and writer, he has insight into how AI will impact on creative endeavours.

Thank you to you, Eglund, for sharing your insights on Artificial Intelligence.  We are living in a complex world that demands our highest participation.  It is heartening to know that we can all make a difference.

Dear listeners, thank you for joining Eglund and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.  Stay tuned for another stimulating conversation with Eglund. 

Music by Howard Harper-Barnes "The Light From Within" Epidemic Sound

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/OiHw16ODbX/