A candy-coated evening

Today's Snoring Bulldog podcast is a quicky, with heaping portions of thanks to The Four Seasons Tea Room and classical guitarist Sharan Sacks for making our Chocolat-themed event so enchanting.

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The following was part of an email I sent this morning to those who attended last night's Chocolat event. I'm including it here on the off chance it's useful.

Our umbrella organization that runs everything I do is the far-fetched & fictional Academy of Omniosophical Arts & Sciences. The Tea Travellers Societea is not an actual business. It's just a social group that exists to support tearooms because I want to be able to go to afternoon tea and I need tearooms to stay in business so I can get my fix! Btw, if you're just in it for the tea events, you can get updates on the FestiviTeas page of the travellers site. The travellers have both a "fan" page and group on Facebook, but these days few folks are seeing the posts.The Ocademy has far more followers, but (sadly) even less interaction.

 

Our "genteel arts" nonprofit of sub-atomic proportions (whence monies are gifted to artists in need) is called Whimsicalidocious. (Whimsicalitea underwent an unofficial name change when I got bombarded with emails by tea wholesalers). There are Meetup groups for all 3 entities (Ocademy, Tea, Arts) and events may be posted in more than one group should the theme/interests overlap.

I talk a lot about Patreon. Because of the lack of "reach" and activity on Facebook, I've moved our base of online operations over to the Patreon creatives-patronage platform. There, we post the stuff of greatest note with early access and discounts only afforded through those posts that go directly to your email. Membership starts at $1/month and offers a slew of perqs at the various levels. I'm sometimes asked where one can find audio versions of my whimsical fantasy series. (Mind you, I'm not asked often since no one yet knows about the series since the big Ocademy kick-off didn't get to happen last year ... We'll get there ...) The answer is Patreon! Only there can you get the audio versions. And only through there can you get advance reservations, discounts, and some of the little extras I give out at events.

For those unable to join Patreon, take heart. I've gotten off the dime and have begun sending out a monthly Gnusletter 

Finally, for those who prefer to listen to the drivel I spew instead of read it, my personal Snoring Bulldog podcast usually talks about what's going on before it's in print.  

So long hibernation hiatus, hello 2021!

Molly & I are back with our first podcast of the year yeaaaaaa

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Thank you to my truest fan

Yesterday I had a brief conversation that got me thinking. I mentioned that I'm accustomed to doing everything on my own because I don't have much in the way of a "support system". I have no family, no love interest, no kids, and my best friends at home have no interest in my projects, events, or writings.

Every now and then someone will tell me they've read one of my books, and that's where the discussion almost always ends. Nine times out of ten there is no additional comment such as "I enjoyed it" or even "hey, at least you tried." Just "I read it." And then they move on to the next topic.

Last year, someone who went on a walk-in-the-footsteps-of-the-characters trip associated with one of my book series told me during the trip she didn't like my books. I was stunned and wondered why she elected to go on the trip.

My passion project that will ultimately be my opus has even less of a draw. I have never claimed to be a spectacular novelist, but I do believe my whimsical fantasy series has enough merit to justify a thumbs-up now and again. I can't begin to say how thankful I am that my editor has had the grace and fortitude to stick with me. (You're a godsend, Cindy Freeman.)

While I don't require validation from others—especially when it comes to creative endeavors—on this day dedicated to love in its myriad forms, I want to publicly thank the person I refer to as my biggest fan. She (as they say) gets me, she picks up on my wacky humor, finds the gems within my work, and always has something positive and poignant to say. Best of all, I can tell she's sincere. 

I am now 13 novellas into my 49-novella series, and while the saga has yet to find its audience, I know in my heart there will be one person cheering on the characters through thick and thin, and taking the time to tell me how the story affects her. People like that are a gift. Although I have never met this long-distance peach of a friend in person, I want to say how infinitely grateful I am for nearly a decade of online friendship with her.

And so, in closing, I must ask the all-important question: Sanndi Thompson, will you be my Valentine?

Happy ongoing holidays, friends!

I don't know about you, but I'm not remotely ready to end the festive season. I'll be at it for a few more weeks. You've been warned 🙂

Dropping 2020's weights

This time of year folks are especially keen to shed unwanted pounds they packed on during holiday revelling. And while the same can be said for the advent of 2021, this year presents a twist. 

First off, there is the dreaded "Covid-19," the nickname for the weight so many have gained during 2020's ongoing malaise. For many the mental weights taken on throughout the year have been even more difficult to bear. There's debt—a weight that can feel impossible to get out from under. Many feel the pain of crushed dreams and crumbling hopes as beloved businesses are forced to shutter. 

There's the weight that sits on our hearts when we're unable to visit with friends and family in person, when we can't embrace them, can't share a meal with them. Worse yet, there is the unbearable burden of grief for loved ones lost.

So how can we lighten the load at a time there is no reprieve in sight and no timeline as to when or how the load may lessen?

A common concept in wellness practices is to get rid of anything that "doesn't serve you." Like most sage advice, it's been repeated into clichedom, but the sentiment remains more valid than trite. If 2020 taught us anything it's that there are certain things we thought we couldn't do without that now don't matter to us. 

I don't mean little luxuries like going out for dinner, visiting a movie theater, or getting a mani-pedi. I'm talking about modes of thinking—specifically the ones that weigh us down and anchor us to a spot from which we yearn to break free. 

Do you harbor displeasure (or worse, shame) over the way part of your body looks. Have you failed to reach your goals in business? Are you frustrated or angry about a task a loved one hasn't gotten around to? Do you ever kick yourself for taking the bait and arguing with "idiots" on social media? Were you unable to buy the calibre of holiday gifts you wanted due to lack of funds? These are perfect candidates for weights to shed.

Shedding weight is not an activity that needs to be accomplished in a day or according to a schedule. You need only start with one weight. No matter how large or small the unwanted cargo, you'll feel lighter, and the gravity pulling down your smile will lose some of its power. Eventually, you'll feel lighter and freer than you ever imagined, regardless of what the world might do to try to drag you down.

So what are some of the weights that you can drop today? Identifying them is the first step in ousting them. 

Looking forward to hearing how you are lightening your load this year.

Joy

Escaping 2020

Event updates for December 2020 

Pieces are moving around the board. Some things are being put on hold due to health restrictions. And a new & oh so thrilling event has been added! 

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Let there be peace, and let it begin with tea!

Progress is being made! Rescheduled teas are being held, new events added,and the 1st half of 2021 is already filling up! See the Tea Travellers Festiviteas page for pencil-in dates. 

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High-roaders, the real winners

To all of you who have been taking the high road in conversation over the last half decade, sharing your beliefs based on sound reason and compassion, YOU are the winners in my eyes. You lead by example and show us all how we can do better.

To the many who (like me) take the bait occasionally and have nothing good to show for it -- we're trying. And we'll keep on trying.

To those who believe name-calling, bile-spewing, and violence are the way to go, I offer sincere prayers and hugs. I can only imagine the pain and sorrow that would cause you to behave in such a way.

We're all on this planet together. We're all we've got. Let's find the common ground and build on it. For now, here's a flower bouquet cake xoxoxox 

Whatever your stripe

It makes no difference to me what color your stripes. What matters to me is how you treat those of a seemingly "clashing" hue, and especially, those who are polka dot.

At the end of the day, most of us are truly on the same side — the side of humanity. We want peace, prosperity, harmony, health, and to be treated with respect for the very fact we exist.

Arguing and acting out fuels flames at lightning speed. Love always proves the victor, and has the patience to stay the course. There's no one with whom I'd rather go through these trials than you. Thank you for being my friend.

PS - it took me about 10 times longer to colorize this zebra than to write this post! Now we know where my time actually goes.

Just grateful

 I decided to spend the bulk of my day just saying thanks

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(Youtube cut the music, so I deleted the vid)

Gnus makeover

Our gnusletter has been streamlined to provide a better experience for the few who read it. How's that for a glowing endorsement?

I think I may have promised to include a link to the Miss Fisher tea on Nov 8, for which a few spots are still available. Hoping to see you there! 

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