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1 month ago | 
teatoasttrivia.ca | Rebecca Budd |Catherine Cavendish |Gothic Horror
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.
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2 months ago | 
teatoasttrivia.com | Rebecca Budd |Robert Burns
Every 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.
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Jan 6, 2025 | 
teatoasttrivia.com | Rebecca Budd
“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 GaribaldiI am delighted and thrilled that Diana Giovinazzo has joined me on Tea Toast & Trivia to discuss her book, “Woman in Red, a Novel.”Diana is a self-proclaimed history nerd with a boundless wanderlust.
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Oct 31, 2024 | 
rebeccasreadingroom.ca | Rebecca Budd
Ghost stories have been with us for centuries, tapping into our innate curiosity about the unknown and the afterlife. They evoke a sense of thrill and suspense, allowing us to confront our fears in a safe environment. They hold a profound message that speaks to our sense of destiny – our destiny. These tales bring us themes of loss, love, and the unresolved, which resonate with our own experiences and emotions.
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Oct 9, 2024 | 
clanmother.com | Rebecca Budd
Over my years of blogging, I’ve discovered the profound impact of journaling and reflection. These practices have served as a powerful means to deepen my connection with myself and others. Through the act of introspective writing, I’ve found clarity, understanding, and an avenue to share genuine insights.
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Jul 29, 2024 | 
rebeccasreadingroom.ca | Rebecca Budd
We are connected to nature in ways that cannot be fully understood. Poetry allows us to explore the relationship with the world around us. “Change on Change’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a poem about lost love and change envisioned through the lens of changing seasons. Love flourished through spring and summer, but when the cooler winds of autumn arrive, there has been a parting, a loss. What is left is the sound of the river and the blush on the poet’s cheeks.
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Jun 9, 2024 | 
rebeccasreadingroom.ca | Rebecca Budd
As I embark on my “Faust Journey,” I want to acquaint myself with the life and era of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. I believe that understanding his background will enhance my exploration of his literary creations and provide insight into the motivations behind his writing. Knowing the “backstory” will enrich my reading experience. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer, poet, and playwright, widely considered one of the greatest figures in Western literature.
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Apr 23, 2024 | 
rebeccasreadingroom.ca | Rebecca Budd
Doubt thou the stars are fire;Doubt that the sun doth move;Doubt truth to be a liar;But never doubt I love. William Shakespeare, HamletWilliam Shakespeare’s death on 23rd April 1616 fell on the feast day of Saint George, and this date is also widely celebrated as his birthday, despite the exact day remaining a mystery. This peculiar coincidence adds to the mystique surrounding the renowned playwright and poet, further solidifying his place in history and popular culture.
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Mar 21, 2024 | 
rebeccasreadingroom.ca | Rebecca Budd
OnTheRoad Book Club embarked on its literary journey on January 5, 2011 with the poignant words, “We are on the road for most of our life…”Today marks an exciting new chapter for OnTheRoad Book Club as it bids farewell to its previous location and welcomes book enthusiasts to its new space in Rebecca’s Reading Room. This transition signifies a continuation of the vibrant discussions, shared insights, and vibrant stories that have enriched me over the years.
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Mar 1, 2024 | 
teatoasttrivia.com | Rebecca Budd |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. 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.
