Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

S7 E6: Exploring Jacobite Memoirs with Dr. Leith DavisWelcome 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 thrilled that I am meeting up with Dr. Leith Davis, Professor of English at Simon Fraser University. She is a co-founder of the Department of English’s Master of Arts program with Specialization in Print Culture.  Leith the Director of Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Scottish Studies.Leith is a collector of stories – stories that have been kept safe in the folds of history waiting to be heard. Today, she shares her thoughts on the Jacobite Memoirs of The Rebellion of 1745 from the manuscripts of the Late Right Rev. Robert Forbes, A.M. Bishop of the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Lyon In Mourning.This promises to be an extraordinary discussion. So, put the kettle on and add to your thoughts on Tea Toast & TriviaThank you for joining Leith and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a special thank you to Le

S7 E5: Bruce Arthurs on Storytelling Through ArtWelcome to Tea Toast and Trivia.Thank you for listening in!I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you.Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with my friend Bruce Arthurs, an extraordinary and innovative artist who has made a remarkable return to the world of creativity after spending over three decades away from his craft. Bruce’s first career led him to the executive levels of financial services, where he honed a keen analytical mind and a strategic approach to problem-solving.  I believe that this experience provided him with a unique perspective on the business of art. His journey back to art has been fueled by a passion for storytelling and a desire to capture the essence of his diverse travel experiences. His artwork is a vibrant representation of the cultures and mythologies he has encountered along the way.Bruce infuses his work with a unique vibrancy that speaks to the heart of human experience. His action figures ar

S7 E4:  Catherine Cavendish Reading “The Stones of Landane”Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you.Bookstores, libraries, and coffee shops are great places for book readings. There is something extraordinary about hearing the voice of an author reading their stories. Their voice and intonation are nuanced by the many hours of effort putting pen to paper.  They created the characters, structured the plot, and lived every twist and turn that creates bumps in the storyline.  Public libraries and bookstores have expanded their reach into a global community. Book readings have gone virtual.  We are learning to embrace technology in new ways.  Welcome to the podcast series, “Authors Reading their Books”, which brings authors and their books from across the world to your home.  I invite you to put the kettle on and join the conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. I am delighted that Catherine Cavendish has gracious

Season 7 Episode 3: Dr. Derek Bryce on Responsible Travel, Supporting Communities and SustainabilityTravel has grown exponentially to the point that some tourist destinations are implementing measures to manage over-tourism and protect their local communities and natural resources. This approach aims to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of the destination’s cultural and environmental assets.   We are being told to travel responsibly, but what does that mean?  Dr. Bryce is joining me today to discuss how to travel responsibly in a world when tourism is in the ascendency.  With February here, it’s the perfect time to discuss how we can plan our travels more thoughtfully this year.So, put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation.Thank you, Derek, for sharing your knowledge, experience, and insights.   You reminded us that when we travel responsibly, we preserve the environment by reducing our carbon footprint.  When we support local economies, we contribute to sustainable

S7 E2: Celebrating Robert Burns with Address to A Haggis In January, Tea Toast & Trivia celebrates the great Scottish poet and lyricist, Robert Burns. Widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and 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 reflects themes of love, nature, and Scotland’s cultural heritage. Haggis holds a special place in Scotland’s culinary and cultural heritage, embodying the spirit of an indomitable nation. This traditional dish, made primarily from sheep’s offal mixed with oats and spices, reflects the resourcefulness and frugality that characterized Scottish life, particularly in rural areas. The deep connection between haggis and Scotland’s identity is further solidified by its association with Robert Burns and his poem, “Address to a Haggis”. He praises the haggis as the “great chieftain o’ the puddin’ race,” suggesting that it is a dish

S7 E1: Diana Giovinazzo on the Woman in Red “Destiny toys with us with both hands. For my sins, I will pay as all of us must. More I think. But I still rejoice in the family she has brought me.” Anita Garibaldi 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 delighted and thrilled that Diana Giovinazzo has joined me on Tea Toast & Trivia to discuss her book, “Woman in Red, a Novel.” From her early days crafting a compelling tale for a second-grade project on the Oregon Trail, Diana has transformed her love for storytelling into a remarkable career. Join us as we discuss her book, “The Woman in Red,” and uncover the rich narratives that inspire her writing. Thank you for joining Diana and me on Tea Toast & Trivia to explore the complexities of Anita Garibaldi’s life and the multifaceted roles she played as a revolutionary, a partner, and a symbol of empowerment. And a very special thank y

S6 E15: Marian Beaman on the Power of Memoirs Welcome to Tea Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in.  I’m your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Marian Beaman, an award-winning teacher who has transitioned into a compelling storyteller. In her memoir, “Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl,” Marian shares her journey growing up in mid-twentieth century Pennsylvania, revealing both the charms and challenges of her upbringing. She reflects on her transformation from a sheltered provincial girl to a woman who embraces her authentic self, all while navigating the complexities of childhood abuse and the importance of forgiveness.  Listeners – you can connect with Marian on her website, MarianBeaman.com,  Amazon, and Goodreads.  You are only an internet click away from a journey that will enrich your soul.   Until next time we meet, safe travels, wherever your adventures lead you. Music by Epidemic Sound "Together I

S6 E14 Kim Mooney on “In an Instant” I stood quietly, looking out the window on a Thursday morning in May 2018. The sky was clear and bright, that crystal-clear blue we so rarely get on the West Coast. Not a cloud in the sky. As I took a sip of my tea, the air filled with the scream of sirens. The shrill sound of the fire trucks and ambulance drew closer and closer. Suddenly the vehicles were in front of my house. They stopped, lights flashing. Men were jumping from the vehicles before they completely stopped, running toward the house directly across the street. I froze in my spot and watched, fascinated in the moment by these running action figures. Within minutes they were back on the sidewalk. In that instant I knew something bad had happened. I ran. Kim Mooney “In An Instant: Stories of Resilience and Courage” 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 delighted and thrilled that my long-ti

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 incr

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 b

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

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 heri

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.

Season 6 Episode 8: Lauren Scott on A Poet’s Voice “rocks and shiny shellsin all shapes and colors makeyoung hearts sing and danceprecious works of artremain forever pricelesstime irrelevantsandy shore offerstroves of tiny treasures forimaginationsfingers hold paintbrushbrows furrow, fully focusedmasterpiece 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

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 continu

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,

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 a

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 ric

S6 E3: Norman Orenstein on Composing, Producing and Recording Music Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. 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

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 r