Tinsel town across the pond

Hello my little chickadees.

There are times in our lives when very special people drop in and make a large impression. In my case it was Tommy Garrett from Highlight Hollywood. We have been virtual friends for what seems like forever now and recently he asked if he could do an interview of me. It can be found here

Although he is always extremely busy, (he’s just finished his involvement with the Emmys) I asked if he would do an interview for me. Amazingly he agreed. Love you, and thank you so much Tommy.

Q.    I know that you are a very private man Tommy and I respect that. Can you tell me about yourself, where you grew up for instance and amongst who?  

• I grew up in the Southern U.S.  And I grew up around a lot of elderly ladies, who were widows.  These ladies taught me that I could do anything I dreamed of, and I listened. My teachers were all very supportive, and growing up next door to a great-grandmother and a grandmother as well, helped to build the confidence I needed within myself to succeed, I believe.  Being surrounded by love and people who encouraged me taught me that no matter what I wanted to do, that it was never impossible.  Tommy lightfoot Garrett   My godfather was Telly Savalas, and he taught me to dream big. I had several very famous mentors, including Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck and the Bell family (creators of The Young and the Restless and the Bold and the Beautiful,) and Aaron Spelling, who was considered a god in Television - (Dynasty, Fantasy Island, Love Boat, Charlie's Angels), you name it, he did it.  Surrounding myself around successful people I credit with my inner happiness and courage and confidence. 

Q.   I see you in a room with various books open, laying about on coffee tables arm rests etc. Can you swop from one book to another seamlessly? Do you have a favourite genre? 

• I generally read between four to seven books at any one time, catching at least 2-10 chapters of each per night. I could never sit and read one book at a time. My mind is constantly racing for interesting things and interesting subjects.  So, I have at least 4-8 by my bedside each night. 

Q.   What’s the first thing you look for when reviewing a book Tommy?

• Authenticity.  The story has to be real to the writer.  The writer must somehow passionately convey the first chapter to me, or it's almost a loss from that moment on.  There's only one book I couldn't finish, "The Clan of the Cave Bear." It just felt so inauthentic. I felt like the author [Jean M. Auel] was trying to describe too much, it was as if she seemed to be trying to convince herself, so it didn't interest me to complete it, and I desperately tried." I have enjoyed many of her other books very much.

Q.    I’m nutty about pets, as you know Tommy. Will you tell me about yours?

• I have a Cocker Spaniel dog and several cats.  Animals are unique, in that they only want to love you, and receive love, and food and water.  They are simply evolved to teach us how to love unconditionally.   I love birds too. If I could keep up with the cleaning, I'd have many birds. They interest me very much. 

Q.   During a bit of research a while back I noticed that you were an author. Do you self publish? How many books have you written and in what genre?

• I self publish some of my books, and have had others published by a publishing company.  It's important that I work at my own pace and I find that publishers push deadlines a lot. I have enough of them of my own, and I am self-motivated, so, I don't need anyone to tell me what I should do and how to do it.  So, self publishing has been a dream for that reason alone. View Tommy's books on Amazon Here 

Q.    Hobbies… Do you have time?

• No, I don't have time for hobbies, nor an interest in them. I think hobbies are to fill time. I frankly don't have time that I need to fill up with anything at all.  Life and work keep me busy, and hobbies you have to take time, you have to do it often to be good at it.  I don't like sports, I don't play cards, I have no interest in video games, and instead of being on a golf course listening to boring chatter or a tennis court sweating, I'd rather be getting something productive and most of all, important to me, done.

Q.  I’m guessing your current job is quite stressful at times. Would you ever want to change jobs and if so what would you like to do? 

• Stressful is putting it mildly. I work very much with people that are high-energy, high-end and high maintenance. It's what I do best.  But, I'm lucky that at this point in my personal and professional lives, that I choose who I want to work with and for, so no, I would never change what I am doing. I can't imagine doing anything else. And stress is simply part of life, its' a good thing, I suppose. I don't have diabetes or hypertension, so I suppose my stress is mainly good and conducive to organizing and setting goals, not pulling my hair out, as if that'd be possible at this point.

Tee comments: I'm giggling.

Q.   What type of people really get your back up? 

•  The only type of person I have no empathy for, no need to be around or even to know, is a bigot.  I had a neighbor in my childhood who worked for the CIA, and he traveled the world, especially the Third World, the Middle East, Sub Continent, you name it, he was very flawed, but one thing he taught me, that has stuck with me, is that only a fool or a moron hates others for things they have no control over.  The fact that America is a very racist country bothers me to a great extent, to the point that I simply won't deal with a bigot or a racist.  And even worse to me than a racist, is a person who denies that the person is a racist, as if I'm stupid and wouldn't recognize it. I grew up in the South, I recognize racism, just like people who grow up in a rain forest recognizes reptile life.  So, at this point in my life, I've probably lived most of the years I will be alive on this earth.  To waste a moment, hour or ten seconds arguing with idiots who claim they are not racist, they just don't like someone is not worth my time.  And I have a keen ability, always have, even in childhood, that once I am done with a person, I never go back, there's no looking back, no second chances, no hard feelings, just nothing.

Q.    When you attend various events. Do you want to laugh or comment when someone comes along in an ‘unusual’ design?

• No, I think at this point in my career seeing odd things or unusual things or designs is a part of life. There's nothing usual or normal or boring in my business. I think I'd laugh if I was in a room filled with usual people at this point.  And I have an ability not to show anyone my emotions or what I really feel. I'd say it has come in handy over the years.

Q.    You live in the whirlwind world of showbiz – how do you chill out? 

• Taking a long walk or a short nap.  Reading is very important to me. I have absolutely no desire to be around people, so when I'm not around them, I'm happiest.  As a child I never endured or exhibited boredom, and as an adult I found out that was only because most kids or most people  don't like to be around themselves, don't want to use their minds. They want to be around people all the time to stimulate them mentally and emotionally. I love silence,  I could live in Siberia and never see people or go outside. I love solitude, others seem to be impossibly unhappy with it, not me!  I live for the day to shut it all down, social media, the Internet and to just be amongst the things and people I choose to be with.  I don't need external things or a lot of people around me to be happy. 

Tee comments: I agree Tommy. The sound of silence is a wonderful sound as vocalised by Simon and Garfunkel.

Q.   How do you stay so trim and impeccably turned out Tommy? What do you wear to relax? 

• I don't eat a lot, I don't get hungry. I can go a few days with just water and juice.  So, I don't snack on things as many people do. I like fresh fruit and veggies and water.  So, my weight has not been a problem thus far.  I love pyjamas when I relax.  I could stay in them all day. 

Tee comments: Yes I agree about the peejays Tommy. If I'm at home on a cold day, there is nothing nicer than being warm snuggled up in pyjamas.

Q.  Do you have a strict diet Tommy? 

• Not intentionally. I just don't like fattening foods or junk food. So, it's not a self imposed diet, just my tastes are simple, I guess. 

Q.   What excites you most about your life?

• Work, enjoying what I do. It's always hilarious to me that I have people trying to stir controversy, by defending a person they don't even know except on TV or in a film, and many of these people I've known for years.  So, work stimulates and excites. And I detest people who try to pick fights with me.  That's not smart or safe or sane. And I am done with that person forever once it is attempted.  I don't need excitement, my life is exciting enough. I am living my dream, I work hard even to this day, when probably I don't have to, and would still be just as successful.  So, I don't like drama. I like peace. 

Q.   I know that you have appeared on TV in various circumstances. Is it lighthearted relief from the day job or are they equally entertaining? 

• I have a syndicated classic TV show "Hollywood Classics," I've done films and yes, I enjoy the lightheartedness of it, but it's also a lot of work.  So, I try to just do what I do, I try to just enjoy my work, because I realize I have worked very hard to do these things. 

Living with Ed

• I made a goal when I was a child never to appear on TV or in a film and not wear a suit.  I think being in someone's living room is not only an honor, but I owe them respect, and that's my way of doing it.  So far, the TV execs and film directors have allowed that in my contract.  I wouldn't do a role if I couldn't wear a suit and tie.  

                       Tommy Lightfoot Garrett on 'Virginia This Morning'

Q.     Finally Tommy, you have a special interest in the veterans of war. Can you tell us a bit about that? 

• Yes, since 2011 our troops have been fighting wars overseas and I know how tough it is for them to be away from their homes, their families and friends. So, I write to dozens of them per day and send care packages once a week to support them.  Everything that I am doing is a direct result of living in a free country and the Western World.  Freedom is not free, so I won't ever forget the people who make my life and my happiness,  freedoms and safety possible. 
• I should also add that other than racists, I revile sexual predators, and have used my power in the industry and my media presence to always stand up for victims and fight against sexual predators, and in this (entertainment) industry, it's rampant. 

Love you!

Tommy





Tommy Lightfoot Garrett
8549 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 697
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Follow Tommy on Twitter

Like on Facebook

Visit Tommy at the HighlightHollywood.com website

So there you have it my little chickadees. An exciting insight into the Tinsel Town world of Tommy Lightfoot Garrett and I should probably add that this is not Tommy's private address in Beverly Hills :-)

Laters Potaters

Hello my little chickadees

Well I've been around the block a few times with various publishers but I think I have finally found my niche. Kem Shortland the owner took time out of her busy day to talk to me.

KEMBERLEE SHORTLAND 

1.    Please introduce yourself Kemberlee. 

Hi, I’m Kemberlee, and yes, that’s my real spelling.  I’m originally from an area of Northern California known as Steinbeck Country, from a town founded by writers, however I’ve been living in Ireland since 1997. I’m married to a Corkonian, we have two rescued Border Collies which we used to work part time, and I enjoy reading, knitting, photography, and lately coloring, and I’m an avid castle huntress! I have eleven published titles to my name and a pile of projects I’m sure I’ll never finish in my lifetime. I’m also a publisher. My husband and I launched Tirgearr Publishing on Leap Day 2012. We’re a digital-first publisher of adult commercial fiction, and we welcome queries.

2.    What do you love most about Ireland in comparison to your homeland?

Castles. And the ancient history. America is a baby by comparison, and California even younger, as a state. Ireland has some of the oldest monuments in the world, such as the Newgrange tomb which dates back to around 3200BC, making it older than the Egyptian pyramids, the Incas, and the Moai of Easter Island. It even predates Stonehenge by an estimated 700 years. Who wouldn’t be impressed by that?! Comparing California to Ireland is like comparing apples to pears. They’re both amazing in their similarities and unique in their own ways.

3.    How did Tirgearr Publishing begin and how the heck do you pronounce it? (for those who don’t know)

Well, Tirgearr was actually established back in 2000. For many years, I worked as a travel consultant with people traveling into Ireland, and during that time I wrote several travel articles. In the off season, I designed websites. Tirgearr Design and Publishing was established in 2000 as my official business name. When I left travel during the economic downturn, many things occurred that led us to think about formally opening the publishing end of the business. We made the decision just before the holidays in 2011, invited some great author friends to submit a few things, and officially launched Tirgearr Publishing as a formal ebook publisher on Leap Day 2012 (29 February). We also now do some print. 

TKG The name Tirgearr rhymes with Beer Bar I believe.

4.    A typical week for you would be?

Let me catch my breath from laughing. Umm . . . my work week doesn’t really have anything typical about it, other than long hours of fielding questions and making sure everything runs on time, even if I am personally always late. Typically, I’m at the desk or online by 9am every morning. I usually start by checking emails, which I often do before I get to the desk where I’ll then answer them. Lunch time is Dog Time, so I’ll get them out to chase a ball for a while before I finally get to eat. Then I work on various other things, including more emails, until the hubs comes home. He takes the dogs out for a run while I make dinner. Then he’s home, we have a bite at the table to catch up on the day, then I’m back in the office until around 9pm. At 9pm, I’ll catch up on some favorite shows which I’ve recorded (guilty of being a Castle and Bones fan). I enjoy knitting while watching TV, but recently have taken up the latest fad of adult coloring. I used to study graphic arts, way back when, and miss it.

My ‘typical week’ also means I’m cleaning the house, doing laundry, figuring out what’s for dinner, washing dishes . . . The place doesn’t pick up after itself! And this is one of the downfalls of working form home. One day I’ll be rich and I can afford to hire someone to vacuum the dog hair for me, but knowing me, I’ll be too embarrassed for them to come in and will clean before they get here! :-)

Now that we’ve been open for nearly four years, I’ve developed a system whereby I’m pretty caught up on most things, so I’m starting to allow for more ‘me time’ in the mornings. This is where I find my balance between writing and publishing. I want them both to succeed.

5.    Given a choice at no expense to yourself, where in the world would you like to continue publishing books. (let your imagination take off)

Do you mean if we weren’t publishing in Ireland? Well, those wheels are already in motion. For me, it will be a return to Northern California. We’ll still have the Irish end of the business, so CA will be another where we’ll also happen to live for a while. If we weren’t planning to move to California and could move anywhere, assuming we still wanted to move, it would have to be somewhere warm most of the year. But you know, with a business like ours, we could run it from an RV and drive around America or Europe, as long as we could get a wifi connection :-)

6.    What was your first published book and how did it sell in the book market at the time?

I sold two fiction short stories in 2005 that were part of a themed anthology about crazy laws around the world — Tutti-Frutti Blues and Dude Looks Like A Lady. My first novel in 2009. Long story but it was the second book in a series, which has now been republished in order with the series — The Irish Pride Series. I’ve been publishing pretty regularly since then.

7.    Your favourite wild animal?

Oh, tough one . . . African Elephants and American Wolves are right up there on top for land animals. In the water, Humpback Whales. In the sky, Monarch Butteryflies. I bet you thought I was going to say a bird lol

TKG Yes I did :-)

8.    Your favourite drink of any kind?

Rootbeer. Love it. I can’t find it here, so I tend to drown myself in it when I’m visiting home. Failing that, ginger beer, but I drink a lot of Caffeine Free Diet Coke, normally.

9.    You have a leprechaun come to visit you but you tell him to disappear as your far too busy. However he won’t leave you alone and comes back, in one of your quiet times and offers you a one off wish. What would it be I wonder?

No more hunger or homelessness in the world.

10. You are given a barren small island to do with whatever you please. Thoughts… and how would you implement them?

I’d do absolutely nothing with it. It has it’s own microclimate and wildlife. It’s perfect as is. I might camp a few times to enjoy it’s wildness and uniqueness, but there’s no reason my intrusion should change things as they are.

TKG Thank you Kem 

AUTHOR BIO

Kemberlee Shortland was born and raised in Northern California in an area known as Steinbeck Country. It was home to many authors, including John Steinbeck, and for a while Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson. In 1997, Kemberlee had the opportunity to live in Ireland for six months where she ended up meeting a man who convinced her to stay. Kemberlee is now celebrating her eighteenth year in Ireland and has been lucky to travel the country extensively, picking up a cupla focal along the way—a few Irish words.

Kemberlee was an early-reader and has been writing since a very young age, and over the years she has published many travel articles and book reviews, as well as worked some notable authors who’ve set their books in Ireland.

After publishing travel articles since 1997, Kemberlee saw her first short stories published, and now has eight published books to her name and half a dozen others languishing in a drawer.

Away from the computer, Kemberlee enjoys knitting and other needlecrafts, playing with her Border Collies, castle hunting, travel, reading, gardening, and cookery. One day she hopes to have time to learn to play guitar properly.

Website: www.kemberlee.com
Blog: www.kemberlee.blogspot.com

Blog: www.heartshapedstones.blogspot.com

Blog: www.hearticles.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KemberleeShortland
Twitter: www.twitter.com.kemberlee
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kemberlee
Pinterest: Time suck! Not on there. But I’m sure it’s only a matter of time
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/Kemberlee-Shortland/e/B003C0F7C6
Smashwords: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/kemberlee
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/2980907.Kemberlee_Shortland

Tirgearr Publishing: www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Shortland_Kemberlee

Books written by Kemberlee Shortland

        

So there you have it my little chickadees. I hope you enjoyed this insight into my publishing house and here is the link to the Tirgearr Publishing House main page


http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Geering_TK/index.htm

This is my page of course but it you go to the home page it will tell you everything you need to know.

Laters Potaters

Cyrils' Nuts

Hello my little chickadees

Well there I was sitting in the garden in my favourite bamboo chair, in the Mock Orange arbour which is just coming into bloom. A good friend shaped the bush so that I could sit there at my leisure and either write my books or watch the sun go down in the west as I inhale the beautiful perfume.
Tonight Iwas watching the sun go down.

 

Suddenly there was a noise by the fence. I assumed it was the collared doves who have been doing a lot of billing and cooing lately along with the pigeons. When they land on the fence it's with a mighty thump. Anyway I digress. i turned to see what was there and ... nothing!! Obviously a change of mind about disturbing me. Mind you I'm sitting quite close to their feeding area. I turned back to enjoy the sun setting and there it was again. I turned so quickly I almost strained my neck but it wasn't playing me for the fool again. 

Sitting there grinning at me was Cyril the flipping Squirrel.

"Well don't just sit there Cyril, come and join me. Besides I'm getting neck ache from this angle."

"Are you going to tell me off Tee?" 

"Why would I do that Cyril? It's far to warm to get raspy with garden animals."

He edged his way down the fence and sat on the upright log in front of me watching patiently.

This little tinker and his family have driven me nuts over the last few years. Digging up newly planted tubs, flower beds etc, and then making holes in the garden for me to trip up in. All in the name of burying his winter stash of nuts.

I caught him watching me with his head slightly to the side wondering what was going through his little brain.... Probably eyeing up a new place to bury his nuts. I suddenly realised that his coat looked a different colour from the last time I saw him. It looks more grey now (Certainly not 50 shades of ...) Perhaps he's getting a bit old. 

"So then Cyril what have you been up to since i last saw you?"

"Oh a bit of this Tee and a bit of that. You know I like to keep you on your toes. Actually in some cases (recently for instance) flat on your face, I saw you take a nose dive from my hideaway in your trees." 

"I often sit up there watching you when you're weeding and planting. It passes the time away for Cyrilina (the Mrs) and myself. I'm surprised you haven't heard us chattering and having a bit of a giggle at your expense. Here is a picture of us but she's a bit shy." 

"Just to give you a heads up I've planted some more nuts in your wild garden, Oh! and some in your planter by the shed." 

"Cyril this is not on mate. I give you free run of my garden. I've never complained when I've tripped over the holes you've made. And how about when I put all those pansies in my planter last year and you dug them up to hide your stash. They had only been in overnight! Oh and what about when you chased that bird around my garden because he was trying to eat some apples I put out. You're supposed to share the food!"

"Yeah I'm sorry about that Tee. He was an ugly mutt though and I've never liked him. He watches where I put our food and then tries to dig it up. He's nearly as bad as those pesky magpies. I'm getting a bit forgetful these days and the Mrs has to dig up everything so that she knows where it is. Sometimes she forgets to cover it over  again but then she has a lot on her mind at the moment. Did I say we will be having some extra mouths to feed this winter? No? Well I'll try and keep them under control. We had an awful time trying to find a new home when your tree blew down in the winter storm. Thank goodness you had other trees in the garden.

"Oh see now I feel bad about the way I have been running you down to other folk."

"Well maybe we have both learnt something during our chat."  Oh by the way, did you know I have a Facebook page? Our mutual friend Jim set it up for me. You just have to search for Cyril the Squirrel. Right then I can't sit here chatting all night the Mrs will have my nuts grilled for her own dinner."

"Come back and chat some other time Cyril and don't be so nervous next time. I honestly don't bite." 

As he climbed back up the fence he turned and looked at me with his 'another sucker won over' look and popping a nut into his mouth (a gift for the Mrs no doubt) disappeared into the trees to find Cyrilina. 

I was left pondering where he had hidden it during our chat.

Sighing I poured a glass of wine and continued to watch the sun go down. Then I would fill in all the holes made in my planters and the holes in my grass. Two can play his game. 

Find my books here:

Buy The Russian Gift of Love on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Russian-Gift-Love-T-K-Geering-ebook-x/dp/B00XNRTOWW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1451910919&sr=1-1&keywords=t+k+geering

Buy Soulfate on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soulfate-T-K-Geering-ebook/dp/B00UK9XMBK/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1451910919&sr=1-2&keywords=t+k+geering

My Amazon Author page:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00J7HGF4W

My blog: http://tgeering.blogspot.co.uk

My Twitter: https://twitter.com

My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tee.gee.54390

My Publisher (my personal page) http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Geering_TK/index.htm

Soulfate Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM0yzIf6Jn0

 Laters Potaters