Tea. Toast. & Trivia‪.‬ Rebecca Budd

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 story… Although it’s a story about Dundee, it’s also a story about the wider world.’ John Quinn, Poet, Writer, Playwright



Listeners, thank you for joining John and me on Tea Toast and Trivia. You can find information on John’s work with the Dundee Heritage Trust in a recent ⁠interview⁠.


A very special thank you, John for sharing your insights and your commitment to the city of Dundee and the memory of all those who came to the Tay and the Jute.



Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you!



Music by Epidemic Sound


Old Scottish Town by Trabant 33 https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/POZUIxpxOG/



Fountain of Miracles by Trabant 33 https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hBLXkhqXiS/

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 heritage.



I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting dialogue on Tea Toast & Trivia.



A very special thank you, Cheryl, for sharing your creative journey with us. We connected when the wind was high in Unst, but the internet connection held strong and our tea kept us warm.



Music by Epidemic Sound

Claude Signet “Together is Better” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/gPLIAeQ0Cj/

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. Through photography, she captures the emotion felt when experiencing a fleeting moment.

Emily and I have known each other ever since she welcomed me to an on-line photography group.  I confess being intimidated by the calibre of photographers, but soon felt a kinship and camaraderie within this group. Emily has a passion for nature and her enthusiasm inspired me to take a leap of faith into the world of photography.

How can photography be a way to engage with nature and the environment?  How can we preserve, through photography, what was once, but is no more?  How can nature photography bring a sense of calm and wellness to our lives? These are the questions that will be discussed today.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting dialogue !

Thank you, Emily, for sharing your knowledge, experience, and insights.  You have been a source of encouragement to me over the years.  You remind me that photography is personal because it tells our story and documents, along with all the other photos that circulate in our virtual world, the greater narrative of our generation.

Listeners, I invite you to connect with Emily on her website, Nature is Art, Flickr, Instagram and Facebook. You are only an internet click away from experiencing the beauty of Nature captured within photography.

Until next time we meet dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you.Music by Epidemic Sound

Gavin Luke "Dream Corridor" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eZm5S0GHOe/
Jon Björk "Between the Willows" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/kx4H30KIkZ/

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 communicates the nuances of life, love, and the human spirit.


Today, I am delighted that Lauren Scott has joined me to give voice to her poetry. Welcome to the podcast series, “A Poet’s Voice”, which brings words of poetry from across the world to your home.


I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you for joining Lauren and me on Tea Toast & Trivia to reflect on the beauty of poetic words.

Thank you, Lauren for sharing your insights on how poetry allows us to describe the world around us in unexpected ways. This has been a wonderful conversation.


Listeners you can meet up with Lauren on her website, Baydreamer, (BaydreamerWrites.com) and Amazon.  You are only an internet click away from journeys that enrich the soul.


Until next time we meet, dear friends, keep reading and reciting poetry. Safe travels wherever your adventures lead you.


Music by Epidemic Sound

Gavin Luke "Sentient" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/BZeZdCNhcw/

David Celeste "Under Your Wings" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/j3C38gUeUu/

Max Anson "Break of Day" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ygrq37w0oz/

David Celeste "Eternally Yours" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/K8gUW0Gb5B/

David Celeste "Catharsis" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/7Y8Il1GyZs/

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 continues to resonate in the literary world.

Today, I am traveling to New Zealand to meet up with my blogger friend, Mandy Henderson to discuss the remarkable life and work of Katherine Mansfield.


I invite you to put the kettle on and join the conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you, Mandy, for sharing the life and poetry of Katherine Mansfield.



As Katherine wrote many years ago, “The pleasure of all reading is doubled when one lives with another who shares the same books.” 

Today we have shared the pleasure of reading her poetry, together.

Dear listeners, thank you for joining Mandy and me on Tea Toast & Trivia and celebrating the life and work of Katherine Mansfield.


Music by Epidemic Sound:


Arthur Benson "Have You Tried the Key"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/VXLAqxSdsg/

Yonder Dale "Benevolent"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/shJ71NyU8V/


Johannes Bornlöf "Our Deepest Secrets (Scaled Down Version)"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/R5ym9z47GU/

Claude Signet "Together Is Better"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/gPLIAeQ0Cj/

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, Mary, for sharing your insights on coaching, on seeking an inner wisdom, on embracing the unknown and being open to possibilities



Listeners,  I invite you to meet up with Mary on her website, Dare to Blossom, Facebook, and Instagram.



I know that you will be inspired by the Mary’s story and her dedication to living boldly within a complex, ever-changing world.



Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your journey leads you.



Music by Epidemic Sound


David Celeste: "First Resolution"

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/BP26BafzZF/

David Celeste: "The Wind in Her Hair"
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GEVInFWSj4/