Last week, I attended an art show by friend, Mel Bryan, who is co-owner of one of my favorite restaurants in the city, Bistro Tournesol. Mel is also an artist and photographer.
One of his paintings had a picture of Paul Weller (The Jam, The Style Council) embedded in it. I was the only person in a room of about twenty who recognized it as Paul Weller and enjoyed my 15 minutes of music snob fame.
Englishmen, musicians, guitarists … you’ll find them all in my books. Pick up any of my current titles on Amazon, where FREE Kindle Apps allow you to read them on all devices.
I learned of the band Travis while watching footage of Ron Sexsmith, whom I featured last week. The band is from Glasgow, and according to Wikipedia, named themselves after the Harry Dean Stanton character Travis Henderson from the film Paris, Texas.
I love that!
Their new album Where You Standreleases August 19th and is also the title track.
I enjoyed this whimsical video, using levity as a means to heal a relationship. It’s how I see it anyway.
You’re going to love the song.
To learn more about relationships and all their nuances, pick up any of my current titles on Amazon, where FREE Kindle Apps allow you to read them on all devices.
My month of The Who and witty wordplay continues with “Baba O’Riley.”
Nobody smacks a tambourine like Pete Townshend, or blows the harp like Roger Daltry.
The last minute of this performance is so high energy I thought I would have a heart attack.
There’s smacking and blowing in my stories too. Grab a copy of any of my eight erotic books for some high energy of a different kind. It’ll get your heart going—in a good way.
I’m still excited from watching Pete Townshend bounce his guitar off the floor.
If you prefer bouncing of a different kind (I’m baiting someone to comment on my silly wordplay), grab a copy of any of my eight erotic books. No Kindle? No problem. FREE Kindle Apps allow you to read my books on all devices.
This musical duo performs a different (crazier) version of “The Birds and the Bees”, a song I featured last week.
The first story of my anthology Spring into Summer takes place in England from where Patrick and Eugene hail. Grab a copy of any of my eight books. No KINDLE required. You can get a Kindle App for any electronic device HERE.
Here’s their version of one of my favorite Stones songs. It reminds me we’re in below freezing temperatures in Toronto, and I’m grateful to have a roof over my head.
Learn more about Playing for Change, an excellent foundation using multimedia to unite musicians from around the world for good causes.
I originally scheduled this blog as part of my Musical Mondays, but it seems fitting to post it now after returning from Jamaica.
Readers of my books know I’m inspired by beautiful places. Ireland, Austria, and Thailand are just some of the countries I’ve set my stories in, but I haven’t written anything in the Caribbean … not yet, anyway—soon come (as the Jamaicans would say).
I gathered with ten amazing people for a week. Along with a fabulous staff who tended to our every need, we experienced the wonder of each other in an exquisite oceanfront villa called Golden Clouds.
Located in Oracabessa about fifteen minutes from Ocho Rios, the villa boasts lush grounds, two swimming pools, and a Zen Garden.
One could choose amongst numerous sitting areas to relax, read, or meditate. For those who preferred more activity, a tennis court and exercise room were also available.
The coral reefs located off the private beach attracted colorful fish and other marine life, creating perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving.
On a daily basis, Blossom, the head chef prepared three wonderful meals. The authors, musicians, and creative minds of our group got to know one another while feasting on delicious, fresh food. It was similar to a family gathering during the holidays—only better because we all got along so well! Even the Christmas tree was still up!
Here I am standing in front of a tree I don’t know the name of. Those spikes are prickly, and several people have suggested: Banyan, Ficus, or Cypress. I’d love to get a definitive answer, so if you know it, please leave the name in the comments.
I’ve traveled all over the Caribbean and stayed in some beautiful places, but Golden Cloudstops the list. Its intimate setting, attention to detail, and a library with over 1500 books make it unique. For authors and filmmakers, you’ll also appreciate the villa neighbors “Golden Eye”, once owned by Ian Fleming where he created his character, James Bond. Talk about inspiration for your next book or film!
Finally, “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember” performed by Jamaican born, Toots Hibbert (of Toots and the Maytals) echos how I feel after my amazing stay at Golden Clouds. It’s paradise on earth—a terrific place to rejuvenate and create dreams that will last a lifetime. I cannot recommend it highly enough for your next holiday.
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Feel free to dream a little with any of my books too. Available worldwide on Amazon. Read them and enjoy (no kindle required).
I know it’s far from summer, but I’m scorching in Jamaica. It’s damn hot, and I love it!
If you’d like to grab your piece of sunshine now, pick up a copy of any of my books using the links below. Guaranteed to heat you up and no kindle required.
