Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia
Thank you for listening in.
I am delighted and thrilled that my dear friend and poet; Jean-Jacques Fournier is with me today to speak about crows, and ravens within his poetry.
As background, ravens and crows are embedded within our mythologies from ancient times. In Greek mythology the crow was a symbol of Apollo in his role as god of prophecy. In Norse mythology, Odin is portrayed by a raven. In Celtic mythology, Morrighan, the warrior goddess appears in the form of a crow or raven. Crows and ravens have been envisioned as a mediator animal between life and death. They have been known as tricksters and mischief makers.
Jean-Jacques has great insight into these magnificent creatures.
Dave Astor on Comics, Cartoons & Confessions – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.
Season 2 Episode 57: Dave Astor on Comics, Cartoons & Confessions
“Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong’. Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.” Charles Schulz
Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in.
Dave Astor and I are once again bridging the 3,923 kilometers between New Jersey to Vancouver.
Listeners, you will remember that Dave Astor’s book, Fascinating Facts About Famous Fiction Authors and the Greatest Novels” was one of my first 2020 reads! It was a marvelous collection of delicious literary trivia. And you know how I love trivia!!
Today, Dave has come back to talk about comics, cartoons, confessions, and his first book, “Comic (And Column) Confessional,” which covers an extraordinary period in media history that witnessed the advent of the digital revolution, media mergers, and the shrinking newspaper business that changed journalism forever.
This conversation came about when I read Dave’s post on October 5, 2020 celebrating the 70th anniversary of the 1950 debut of Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts.” I have followed Peanuts all my. So how much influence does comics strips have on our society and cultural values? Dave has a unique perspective on this question. Put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on TeaToastTrivia.com
I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.
Thank you for joining Dave and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a very special thank you and shout out to Dave. You can connect with Dave on Dave Astor on Literature. There is always an adventure in reading waiting for your arrival on his blog.
“Why can’t we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn’t work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos.” Charles M. Schulz
A very dear friend you are, and lest we forget ‘The Hostess With The Mostess’ to say the least, for having conceived and hosting this, your marvelous Tea Toast & Trivia. Thus so and of course all the more for inviting me to spend a most enjoyable time on the subject of poetry and our mutual penchant for those magnificent Ravens and Crows. I’ve just finished listening to us again, and “absolutely” concur with the recent mention of you being “the very talented host of TT&T. What a treat to have been given the pleasure of being your guest, in such a relaxed and easygoing style of conversation. Thankful I am indeed, Lady Budd, for having invited me…! Et à bientôt, chère Rebecca.
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Thank you so much for graciously accepting my invitation to tea. Our conversations awaken me to the breadth and depth of poetry – how words give voice to humanity’s longing for understanding and acceptance. Embracing the amazing creatures that share our world is essential. Your poetry allows us to see the world from the high vantage point of crows and ravens in flight. And in so doing, we recognize kindred spirits and fellow travelers. Sending many many thanks for sharing your poetry.
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I enjoyed the conversation about crows and of course Jean-Jacques’ reading of his poem. Are you familiar with the Australian blog, Reflections of an Untidy Mind? For the past several weeks, this blog has featured a Corvid challenge. I was wondering if Jean-Jacque’s comments about the young woman with the crow who said “Hello” were about a video that was featured. What I learned about Corvid behavior and intelligence was just fascinating!
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What a wonderful blog – fabulous photos of corvids! Another example of how creativity is bringing together a virtual community. Thank you for the introduction. Here is the video that shows a raven talking – I smile every time I listen to it!!: https://youtu.be/AfsnHVaScjg
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I’m so glad you checked out Tracy’s blog, Rebecca! I just watched the video of the large crow with a mind of his own.
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I also meant to mention that I enjoyed Rebecca’s “A Gathering of Crows.”
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You are a wonderful encouragement to me, Liz!!! Thank you.
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You’re welcome, Rebecca!
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My fave part was the JEAN-JACQUES recitation. It’s always great to hear his voice and his poetry.
Thank you to both of you!
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I agree, Resa. Jean-Jacques voice brings out the full measure of his words, his deep resonance adds layers of meaning within his message. So glad that you listened in.
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Me too! His voice is excellent for reading/reciting. So is yours.
I wonder if there is a poem that would suit your voices together…. like Sonny and Cher … sorta, but poetry…. Rebecca and Jean-Jacques?
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What an honour that would be!!!
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I’ll bet he has a poem for that!
I would love to hear the 2 of you!
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