Happy New Year 2021.
Dear friends, welcome to the third season of Tea Toast & Trivia Podcast. Thank you for listening in and joining the conversation. I am deeply grateful and humbled by your support and encouragement over the past two years.
I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.
As we walk together, let us think of the words of Rainer Maria Rilke, “And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.”
57 replies on “Season 3 Episode 1: Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia Season 3”
‘our best work in uncertainty’ –
*scrabbles about for pen, for paper*
– thanks, Rebecca, for another fine TT&T. HNY!
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I am delighted that you listened in, Nick! Thank you for your validation and support of TTT. I am looking forward to the conversations that are awaiting our arrival. Keep safe! Happy New Year!
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Dear Rebeca,
thank you very much for your positive thoughts about the new year. We absolutely agree with you. It’s so great that you provide such a positive setting with these podcasts. That’s what we all need.
Bert Brecht wrote once “because it is so it will change”. We can say the only constant is change and that’s good so otherwise, we are getting ridgid and life gets boring.
We are looking forward to the new podcasts.
Wishing you, Don and Thomas a happy, healthy and productive new year.
With love 😘 and hugs 🤗 from the little village next to the big sea
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Dear Klausbernd,
I LOVE that quote: “because it is so it will change.” I had never heard of Bert Brecht before, so I went scurrying over the internet to find out more about him. Now, I know why he could say those words. His life was a series of changes, in location, in creative collaborations, in writing. As we begin 2021, I want to be open to learning new things. I happened to come across another Bert Brecht quote, which has given me something to think about going forward: “People who understand everything get no stories.” Thank you, Klausbernd and Hanne for your generosity in sharing your insight to TTT. All the very best in 2021 to my dear friends, The Fab Four of Cley. Hugs and love!!!!
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Dear Rebecca,
I wrote my thesis about Brecht and wrote a scientific book about Brecht’s late lyriks. My sholarship at the McGill was for a research programme about Brecht. I especially like Brecht’s lyric.
I blogged twice about Bert Brecht:
and
Years ago I travelled to most places where Brecht has lived in Denmark, Sweden and Finland and, of course, to his house and grave in Germany and the place where he was born. For me Brecht’s most important contribution to modern art are his writings about the alienation effect (or V-effect) and his being against identification in theatre and film. He put up posters in his theatre saying “Don’t Stare that Romantically”. I really like this. Well, I am still a fan of Brecht’s.
Wishing you an easy day, love and hugs
Klausbernd 🙂
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Thank you for the introduction. I have enjoyed reading more about Bert Brecht over my morning coffee. I tried to find the poster, but alas had no luck but I found the words in German: Glotzt nicht so romantisch! Thank you for the links that provided a glimpse into the life of Bert Brecht. What I found most interesting in all that I read was his dedication to and focus on the story. I want to learn more….
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P.S.
By the way, my favourite of all Brecht’s poems is “Legend of the origin of the book Tao-te-ching on Lao-Tsu’s road into exile”.
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I found the poem, Klausbernd, which was in English. I added the first stanza below. Was it written originally in German?
Bertolt Brecht, Legend of the Origin of the Book Tao-Te-Ching on Lao-Tsu’s Road into Exile
1
Once he was seventy and getting brittle
Quiet retirement seemed the teacher’s due.
In his country goodness had been weakening a little
And the wickedness was gaining ground anew.
So he buckled on his shoe…..
Thank you so much for introducing me to Bert Brecht. A great way to start 2021.
With much love and hugs going to my dear friends, The Fab Four of Cley.
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Yes, dear Rebecca, the poem was originally written in German. In German, it has a perfect flowing rhythm, like most of Brecht’s poems.
Although Brecht spoke English he wrote everything in German (like I do 😉 )
Love
Klausbernd 🙂
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I’m quite taken aback by the Bert Brecht quote: “People who understand everything get no stories.” This is exactly why I write fiction. I don’t understand, and I need to.
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I had goosebumps on that thought, Liz!
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Rebecca, that was a beautiful, eloquent message about life, the benefits of slowing down on occasion, and…the survival of frogs. 🙂 I am among your countless fans who loved your 2019 and 2020 podcasts, and am greatly looking forward to hearing your 2021 conversations.
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Thank you for your generosity in sharing your insights on TTT, Dave. I am looking forward to many more conversations in the coming months. So many great topics yet to be explored. More than ever, this is a time to embrace creativity and a sense of belonging to oneself. By the way, I had several pet frogs when I was young. They were only pets for a few hours, because they had a knack for escaping, which suggests that maybe we aren’t the smartest creatures on this planet. All the best for 2021 to you and your wonderful family. And of course, this includes the indomitable Misty.
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As am I! The thought just occurred to me that an annual compendium of TTT episodes would make a good audio book.
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I am filled with gratitude by all those who have shared their insights on TTT. These conversations are a life-affirming essential in these days of uncertainty. Thank you, Liz for your generosity in sharing your poetry and stories. As Richard Wagamese wrote in his book, Medicine Walk, “It’s all we are in the end. Our stories.”
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You’re most welcome, Rebecca. I think you’ve written about Richard Wagamese, if I remember correctly.
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I think I wrote about the quote on storytelling. I did read Medicine Walk which spoke about the north which resonated with me.
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It’s ringing a bell. 🙂
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Wonderful, Rebecca. The video is excellent, also.
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I am delighted that you joined me on the Vancouver Seawall, Tim. Looking forward to our conversation!! Take care Rebecca
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Lovely! Wishing you blessings in this New Year 2021!
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Thank you, Linda, for listening in and for joining me on the Vancouver Seawall.
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Loved walking the Vancouver seawall today, Rebecca!
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I am so glad that you joined me, Becky. And I am especially grateful that the year 2020 brought us together. (I think that we met on Dave Astor’s blog). Happy New Year!
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Yes, that’s right!
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Thank you for your invitation to another year of Tea, Toast and Trivia/ The walk along the seawall was beautiful, the grass and trees just like a garden, the water and even two little ducks sliding down the little bank to their place to swim, and of course, the long and full Vancouver skyline. Thank you for your encouraging message and I forward to each of your entries and to the new visions we will have together. Happy New Year! !
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I am looking forward to arranging a Zoom call with you and Sarah to discuss the 2021 reading challenge. We may not be able to get together in person, but that doesn’t stop us from connecting. When we look back at this winter, we will remember the books that we read and the marvelous conversations over technology. Happy New Year!!!
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There are many good memories we had together in the past year! !
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We will be collecting more memories in 2021.
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Your writing and podcasting have provided some of the most peaceful and beautiful moments of my week. Congratulations on beginning Season 3 in 2021. We’re with you in spirit and love! Once you reach retirement, the lists become shorter and procrastination isn’t so worrisome 🙂 Thank you always for these beautiful photos, videos, music and narratives. More adventures to come!!
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I agree, Mary Jo – more adventure to come! Again, you have given me something upon which to reflect. During Covid19, our lists/tasks/responsibilities/activities have experienced a radical shift, similar to when someone retires, changes careers, becomes a stay at home parents, and when a job is lost due to automation/AI. At present, much of our work has shifted to on-line or has been placed on hold during this lockdown. Work is a fundamental human requirement, which allows us to participate in projects that validate our efforts and gives us a sense of purpose. Work provides friendships, a sense of stability and intellectual challenge. In the coming months, I want to explore how creativity, internal reflection and connection with others via virtual communities will energize our thinking during a time of increasing uncertainty. When I was lamenting our inability to travel, Don reminded me, that “When we stand still, the world comes to us.” Don is right! Our friendship spans thousand of miles and yet, I feel that you are sitting at my kitchen table. I am grateful for our friendship. Hugs and more hugs coming your way.
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Creative energy will definitely help 🤗🤗🤗
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Dear Rebecca,
we initially don’t like times of instability nevertheless, instability is the chance for creative solutions.
Love and hugs
Klausbernd 🙂
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I am looking forward to embracing creativity in 2021!!!!🤗🤗🤗🤗🌟🌟🌟🌟❤️❤️❤️❤️
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We too, dear Clanmother Rebecca!
Siri and Selma love to embrace creativity
sending you, Don and Thomas lots of hugs filled with fairy dust and best wishes for Frances and your sister 💞
🤗🧚🏻♀️🌟💫✨🧚🏻♀️🤗
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I felt the fairy dust all day long. We were supposed to have rain all day long and it turned out to be sunshine! Siri and Selma’s fairy dust is very powerful. Sending them extra special hugs!!!! Don, Thomas, Sarah and Frances send their hugs and love along with mine.
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I love Don’s reminder that “When we stand still, the world comes to us.” Just like what we’re told about staying in one place should we get lost in the woods.
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I have heard those instructions many times. And I have learned the hard way, that it is very easy to get lost, but that is another story….
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I know how easy it is to get lost as well. I have no sense of direction, nor did my mother. Not good when it was just the two of us in the car going some place we’d never been before.
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The video of the countryside around Vancouver is so like Britain. You talk was simply beautiful, wide-ranging and erudite.
As for procastination I really don’t know if I’m for or agin’ it! But saying that I am certainly with Mark Twain except maybe instead of eat the biggest frog first, he should have said kiss that frog.. for who knows you might find your prince.
Happy new year you poetess you
Hugs Paul
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Dear Mark Twain – he did have a marvelous sense of humour, even during difficult days. He would enjoy your thought about kissing that frog. Procrastination is a huge topic of discussion. I have read that there are four types of procrastinators and how determine where you would fit in. YIKES!!! Procrastination can also be difficult for people who have anxiety-related conditions. I love lists and planning ever since of was a child, as a way of living every second of my day. What I have learned, that while planning and organizing has benefits, I cannot procrastinate in living in the present. I am delighted that you joined me on the Vancouver Seawall. I agree, our climate and countryside is very similar to Britain. I always feel like a homecoming when I land on your side of the pond. Happy New Year. Thank you for our great conversations!
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Making lists has been my go-to method for relieving anxiety and stress–but sometimes it doesn’t work, and that’s when it’s time to start looking to make a change.
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Bean there with you, Liz.
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On the frog issue, I come down on the side of crafting a brilliantly reasoned argument about why I shouldn’t have to eat the frog.
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Oh, you must tell us more, Liz!
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If something doesn’t make sense to me, like being forced to eat a frog, I think I can reason my way out of it if my logic is sound.
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I can imagine the wonderful discussions you would have with Mark Twain!!!
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Oh, that would be fun!
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Beautiful blog
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Thank you for your heartwarming comments.
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Thank you for the lovely message and the walk along the seawall. Always nice to see a bit of home. Stay well and enjoy the coming year. xo
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Darlene – I am delighted that you listened and for the conversations that will be happening this year. Sending hugs!
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Hello Rebecca, Happy New Year to you. Thank you for sharing some of your beautiful scenery with us and for your lovely and uplifting message. I am looking forward to learning a lot more from you this year.
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I am delighted that we connected in 2021 and even more excited about the conversations that we will have as we move into a new year and beyond. I enjoy following your posts that hold great book reviews and wonderful insights into writing and sharing ideas. We are on a grand adventure!!
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Indeed we are, Rebecca, and it is wonderful.
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Loved your message, Rebecca, especially the bit about slowing down. And lest we forget you’re touching on the subject of procrastination, for which I am taking the liberty of including a piece I wrote near two years ago, which you had inspired.
Happy days for you and Don for 2021! Jean-Jacques
“ Procrastination ”
– be of indulgent conspire –
To have kept a view
On held deferment,
Tho shan’t be new
Nor surely current,
To omit the askew
Of an adverse lent,
Case tallyman’s hue
Whose raison meant,
Akins procrastinate
While needs enquire,
Of a wilful fixed bate
That they who aspire,
Were swayed to believe
Has indulgent conspire,
When best turn your back
To a world’s muck and mire,
Where resolve by failed diplomats,
Toil procrastination to ne’er find expire!
ode to friend Rebecca,
whose subjects and writing
will forever inspire…
written in Sweetsburg
© Jean-Jacques Fournier
February 17, 2019
>
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Dear Jean-Jacques, I’m reading your comments as the clock edges its way to midnight, which is a great way to end my day. Your poetry is a benediction as we enter 2021, and a validation for living with purpose, not at the whim of whatever is swirling around us – “when best turn your back to a world’s muck and mire.” Thank you for adding your poetry to this post. You have a way with words, my dear friend. Happy New Year!!
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