Tui Snider - author & speaker

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Lost & Found: Valentine’s Edition – Love as an Undertow

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Lost & Found: Valentine’s Edition

This post was inspired by the Lost & Found: Valentine’s Edition blog hop which I ran into over at Arlee Bird’s blog: Tossing it Out.

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Do you remember that special feeling of love found? And who hasn’t experienced the emotional experience of love lost? Some of you might have even lost a love only to find that person later for another go around.

Tell your story about love lost or found in our special Valentine’s blogfest. Your post can be a short fiction, an essay, poetry, or even a song–let your imagination run free. Any genre is fair game, be it romance, historical fiction, memoir, or even science fiction. After all there are no limitations when it comes to love.

Lummi Island, WA beach (photo by Tui Snider)
Rhythms at the beach on Lummi Island, WA (photo by Tui Snider)

Love as an Undertow

One of my goals for 2016 is to release a CD, so when I bumped into the Lost & Found blog hop, I decided to share one of my songs. Thanks to the blog hop, I got my recording equipment set up again – which is a big step in the right direction for me!

Now, I had orginally planned to share a different song, one called “Lost Echoes,” but it’s not ready to share, yet. That’s why you’re getting “Undertow,” instead.

Hey, they’re both love songs!

Inspired by life off-the-grid

In my early 20’s, I lived off-the-grid on a tiny island with a population of 9 people. I spent many transformative hours reading, writing, and strolling the beach. As you might expect, nature plays a big role in the songs I wrote during that time, including the one I’m sharing today.

The song is called “Undertow,” and as you can see, while it’s a love song, it’s about some of the dangers that love can pose to the psyche. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the instruments you hear are clarinet, guitar and synthesizers.

I hope you enjoy it!

Undertow (music/lyrics by Tui Snider)

I threw my luck to the tides
Thinking the moon was in control
What a perfect couple, they’d say
The current swept me along

Where did my choices go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow

You took my chances; you pulled me under
The surface remained so calm
Will I be another driftwood corpse soon,
Stacked upon your shore?

Where did my chances go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow

Water is a colorless reflection
Of the changing sky
Why’d I keep my eyes on you?
I could have learned more from on high

Where did my future go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow

Water is a colorless reflection of the changing sky…
Water is a colorless reflection of the changing sky…

Click below to listen:

To hear the song, “Undertow,” click on the player below. (Make sure your speakers are on!):

Read other Lost & Found bloggers here:

Click *here* to read more tales of Love: Lost & Found

Curious about my books? I’ve got 3, so far…


To read about more weird, offbeat, and overlooked places, check out my best-selling travel guide: 
UNEXPECTED TEXAS: Your Guide to Offbeat & Overlooked History, Day Trips & Fun Things to do near Dallas & Fort Worth.

For ghost hunting hot spots, check out my best-selling travel guide to haunted places: 
PARANORMAL TEXAS: Your Travel Guide to Haunted Places near Dallas & Fort Worth.

For a strange-but-true tale of Texas history, check out this bizarre piece of West Texas history: 
The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber

 


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No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, books, & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter using the form below. Each week, I’ll let you know the Historic Cemetery Symbol of the Week, who Teal Gray & I are interviewing on our show that night, and any other fun or interesting news. You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page:

My Music: What Genre is this Song?

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Can you help me out?

When people ask what kind of music I record, I flounder. I want to describe it accurately, but I don’t know how!

Sure, I grew up playing classical piano. As a clarinetist, I’ve played jazz, too. I’ve been known to dink around on the guitar and flute, but when it comes to writing and recording my own songs… I never know what to call the result!

What genre is this song?

I realize that musical tastes vary greatly, but if you could please listen to my song “Undertow,” then leave a comment telling me what genre you think it is, it would really help me out.

I’ve been so wrapped up in researching, writing, and promoting my books lately that my music has been completely pushed to the back burner. Even so, I plan to record and release a CD this fall and winter. When I finally get to the point of releasing my CD, it will be important to know what genre to classify it as!

Your input is greatly appreciated!

 

Lummi Island beach (photo by Tui Snider)
Lummi Island beach (photo by Tui Snider)

What instruments are these?

In case you’re wondering, the instruments you hear in “Undertow” are guitar, clarinet and synthesizers. To hear the song, “Undertow,” click on the player below. (Make sure your speakers are on!) If you’d like to read the lyrics, scroll down. They are pasted below the song file:

ad the lyrics.

To hear the song, “Undertow,” click on the player below. (Make sure your speakers are on!):

Lummi Island, WA beach (photo by Tui Snider)
Lummi Island, WA beach (photo by Tui Snider)

Undertow

music and lyrics by Mental Mosaic (Tui Snider)

I threw my luck to the tides
Thinking the moon was in control
What a perfect couple, they’d say
The current swept me along

Where did my choices go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow

Lummi Island, WA beach (photo by Tui Snider)
Lummi Island, WA beach (photo by Tui Snider)

You took my chances; you pulled me under
The surface remained so calm
Will I be another driftwood corpse soon,
Stacked upon your shore?

Where did my chances go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow

Lummi Island, WA beach (photo by Tui Snider)
Lummi Island, WA beach (photo by Tui Snider)

Water is a colorless reflection
Of the changing sky
Why’d I keep my eyes on you?
I could have learned more from on high

Where did my future go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow

Water is a colorless reflection of the sky…
Water is a colorless reflection of the sky…

What Genre is this Music?

I’m really curious what genre you would call this song. Do you think, “upbeat pop synth,” is a good description, or would you call it something else?

Also, did the sound file work all right for you? Please let me know.

Your input is greatly appreciated!

It’s Different in Naples, Italy: The Neapolitan Playing Card Deck

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Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)
Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)

Differences Between the Neapolitan and American Card Deck

Did you know that in Naples, Italy people play cards with a completely different deck than we do in the USA? Unlike the American 52 card deck, southern Italians use a 40 card deck.

Also, Neapolitan cards are not numbered, so you need to count how many of that particular suit are on the card. The two of swords, for instance, has two swords drawn on it, but no numbers. This type of card goes up to seven. After that, for the eight, nine and ten, there are face cards. The entire deck is slightly smaller than the American deck, and I like how they fit into my hand.

Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)
Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)

The four suits in a Neapolitan card deck are:

– bastoni, meaning, “clubs,” and as you can see in the little drawings, they look a lot more like clubs than the clovers we have in our card decks.

– spade, meaning, “swords,” which look much more like swords than the spades in our deck. (But now the word “spade” makes more sense, doesn’t it?)

– denari, meaning, “money,” and as you can see it is represented by coins.

– coppe, meaning, “cups.”

I’ve been told that denari corresponds to the American suit of diamonds, which makes sense, but I’m not sure how or why cups became hearts. If anyone out there knows, leave a comment. One thing I do know, however, is that the suits of the Neapolitan card deck are the same as the suits of the Tarot deck.

I think it’s interesting that of these four suits, two are weapons and another one is money, which – when you really think about it – can be a weapon in its own right!

Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)
Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)

The three face cards in a Neapolitan card deck are:

– fante, meaning “knave.” This card is worth eight points.

– cavallo, meaning, “knight.” This card is worth nine points.

– re, meaning, “king.” Which, as you probably guessed by now, is worth ten points.

The Neapolitan card deck’s face cards, called veste, which means, “dressed,” and do not include a Queen. So for some reason there are no women in the Neapolitan card deck!

Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)
Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)

Scopa and Briscola

Scopa and Briscola are the most popular card games played in Naples. These two games are played throughout Italy, but rules vary according to the region. There is even a 1972 movie named after a particular version of scopa called Lo scopone scientifico.

“Lo scopone scientifico” is a dark comedy starring Bette Davis and Joseph Cotten, in which Davis plays a cold-hearted be-yotch who pops over to Rome every year to play scopa for money with a poor couple. Even though she’s got cash coming out the gills, she gleefully wipes out their meagre savings. There’s a twist at the end, however, and Davis’ character “gets hers.” (Sadly, I couldn’t find this movie on Netflix, so I don’t know when I’ll get to see it.)

Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)
Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)

Everyone Plays Cards in Naples

Everyone plays cards in Naples, Italy – or so it seems. When I lived there, I would often see shopkeepers playing cards when I entered their stores. The butcher down the street was nearly always in the middle of a lively game. I think there must have been some money changing hands, because he and his buddies were really into their games.

I never minded when the butcher would tell me to, “Aspetta un’attimo,” meaning that I should wait a moment, because I got a kick out of watching the heated rivalry between he and his pals. I could always tell if he’d won that round, too, because of the smile on his face and how he would be humming a tune as he helped me. When he lost, he’d scowl and mutter choice words under his breath instead.

Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)
Neapolitan playing cards from Naples, Italy. (photo by Tui Snider)

Why you should buy a Neapolitan card deck

If you ever visit Naples, I highly suggest that you buy a Neapolitan card deck. You can find them in most Tabacchi shops for less than five dollars. It’s a great way to meet locals, because later, when you’re kicking back at an outdoor cafe, sipping limoncello or eating gelato, you can pull that deck out and start looking through the cards. Someone is bound to notice, and before you know it, a friendly local will be at your table teaching you to play scopa or briscola.

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

7 Ways Instagr.am & Travel Go Hand-in-Hand

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Bass Hall angel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Bass Hall angel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

What is Instagram, anyway?

Instagr.am is a free iPhone application that lets you easily post and share photos with other people right from your phone. This simple-to-use app includes a variety of filters which can make your photos more expressive. Check out Using iPhone and Instagram to Create Unique Travel Photos to see how different filters look on the same snapshot.

Instagr.am (IG for short) also makes it easy to simultaneously share photos with friends on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms.

And yes, it’s possible to share your IG photos with non-iPhone folks. Here’s a link to my Instagr.am photo stream thanks to Statigr.am.

My Journey from Instagr.am apathy to Instagr.am fanatic

Until recently, I turned up my nose at cell phone photography. Sure, I used my phone for things besides phone calls: GPS, weather, checking email, texting, etc. All that made sense, but taking pictures?

Forget it!

For one thing, as a travel writer, I want my photos to be good enough to include in my articles. Shooting pictures with a cell phone struck me as awkward, low quality, and a general waste of time.

Along came Instagr.am…

Fast forward to May, when my step-daughter showed me some beautiful photos she and her friends had shared with Instagr.am. Although I still didn’t see how Instagr.am could fit into my life, I signed up for it, anyway. I then sat on my account for nearly two months, doing absolutely nothing with it…

My how things have changed!

I now believe that travel and Instagr.am go hand-in-hand, and here’s why:

1. Positive Environment

It can be scary to share your photos with a bunch of strangers online. Maybe that’s why I waited so long to take the plunge. Now, some 200+ IG photos later, my experience is that Instagr.am is a delightfully snark-free zone, where shutterbugs come together to encourage each other’s creativity rather than belittle or criticize.

Crossing the street in Sundance Square, downtown Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Crossing the street in Sundance Square, downtown Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

2. Instagram is Quick and Easy to Use

How quick and easy? The above shot was taken and uploaded while waiting to cross the street in the Sundance Square section of downtown Fort Worth, Texas.

Kimbell Art Museum courtyard. (photo by Tui Snider)
Kimbell Art Museum courtyard. (photo by Tui Snider)

3. Get Recommendations While Traveling

Not only is it encouraging to receive “likes” on your snapshots (often within seconds of posting them) but folks on Instagr.am can also make helpful recommendations for you to act on while you are out exploring.

This process can be helped along by using hashtags for the place you are visiting. Hashtags are simply key words with a number sign tacked at the beginning.  To let people know you are in Fort Worth, Texas,  simply label your photo: #fortworth #texas.

Then, when IG-ers notice you posting photos from a place such as the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, your photos may, for example, get a comment from an IG user, or a pal on Twitter or Facebook suggesting that you try lunch there. (I certainly recommend lunch at the Kimbell Art Museum; it’s both yummy and a good deal.)

4. Instagr.am Takes Readers with You

I posted several IG shots while on a road trip to Paris, Texas. Not only did I get suggestions for things to see and do there, but since the pictures also appeared on my Twitter and Facebook account, it helped generate advance interest in my article, Paris Texas – Come See the Other Eiffel Tower.

Conversely, when I’m stuck behind a desk, scrolling through Instagr.am lets me enjoy vicarious travel, and gives me ideas for places I would like to visit on my days off.

Antler chandelier at Dinosaur Valley Inn & Suites in Glen Rose, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Antler chandelier at Dinosaur Valley Inn & Suites in Glen Rose, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

5. Visual Note-taking

Although I still carry a camera in my purse at all times, it’s so quick to snap a photo with the iPhone.  I might very well have forgotten about the antler chandelier hanging in the Best Western Dinosaur Valley Inn & Suites in Glen Rose, Texas, if I hadn’t taken time to snap this quick photo before we checked out.

FWMSH Star Party in Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
FWMSH Star Party in Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

6. Instagr.am Offers Instant Creative Gratification

As a writer, I sometimes need a break from reading, writing and words, in general. Sharing photos on Instagr.am helps me shift gears and relax after a busy day, while giving me the thrill of a quick creative fix.

For instance, I could hardly wait to post this photo of the moon which I took at one of the Star Parties hosted at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Instagr.am also provides an outlet for photos that are too abstract and/or artsy to include in a travel article, but which I know will be appreciated by certain folks on IG.

Longhorn skull for sale at Antique Alley Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Longhorn skull for sale at Antique Alley Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

7. Making Friends

For me, the biggest surprise with Instagr.am has been all the interesting people I find there! In fact, there are people on Instagr.am I would love to meet in person. I may just have to arrange some sort of north Texas Instagr.am-Arama where we can run around snapping photos en masse. I think that would be a lot of fun!

How to use Instagr.am for your Travel Photos

These days, I can’t imagine taking a trip without sharing photos along the way via Instagr.am. I absolutely love how simple and immediate it makes the whole process.

Have you tried Instagr.am yet?

Have you been bitten by the Instagr.am bug yet? Do you have any tips for using it? If so, please leave a comment below.

Traveler’s Show & Tell – Land Sharks & Civet Poop Coffee

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Landshark sighting in the NYC subway. (photo by Tui Cameron)
Landshark sighting in the NYC subway. (photo by Tui Cameron)

 

Traveler’s Show & Tell – 20th Edition

Welcome to this week’s Traveler’s Show & Tell blog carnival. As usual, I have contributed a photo to accompany the best travel-related blog posts I received this week. Read on to learn the truth about cat poop coffee, which pool in Las Vegas features a “human aquarium,” and where I recently spotted the mythical land shark.

This Week’s Photo

I spotted this particular Land Shark moving in on an unsuspecting couple while taking the subway in New York City. It was my first-ever trip on the subway, and the people-watching was as good as I had hoped. I even saw one of those posters claiming that the world was gonna end in May 2011.

1. “The Most Expensive Coffee in the World: Civet Poop Coffee” by Dawn Xiana Moon

Dawn Xiana Moon presents The Most Expensive Coffee in the World: Civet Poop Coffee posted at Kitchen Lore.  As a major coffee aficionado and recovering barista, I’ve been curious about this civet brew for a while.  Dawn’s blog post tells all:

“How desperate for your morning caffeine would you have to be in order to try drinking coffee found in animal excrement? In short: ask the Indonesians, who would then blame the Dutch… It takes something special to move from discovering undigested coffee beans in excrement to deciding to clean, roast, grind, and brew a pot from the stuff, but apparently the farmers were crazy enough to think that this was a good idea.”

2. “What I did to say goodbye to Berlin” by Nine

Nine presents a series of broody vignettes which sum up the shifting emotions of an inner journey through Berlin in a post called, What I did to say goodbye to Berlin posted at Abyssinia, Henry, saying:

“A description? I lived in Berlin for a few months, then left in a hurry, lost and heartbroken. I’ve been travelling ever since. I’m not heartbroken any more.”

3. “Broke and Busted in Bangkok April 2011” by Grant Ward

Grant Ward recently took a dramatic plunge, doing what many of us often daydream about, but are reluctant to follow through with.  Grant describes this major life decision in a post entitled, Broke and Busted in Bangkok April 2011 posted at 12 Homes 12 Months, saying:

“I have sold my house, car, furniture and what I have left I’ve given to Friends and charity. My mission is to find the best place in the world to live(for me).I want to live authentically and in the moment and experience cultures different to mine. 12 homes in 12 months is my journey.”

4. “We’re Going On An Adventure, Charlie!” by Carly

Carly presents We’re Going On An Adventure, Charlie! posted at CREATElive, a breezy, high-spirited account of a trip to Chicago, which begins:

The day night afternevening began on the train. My brother, sister, and I were on our way to meet my dad, who had been working downtown. Other than making sure we found each other, we had no plans.

5. “Southern Ireland” photos by Nicole Elena Robertson

Nicole Elena Robertson shares beautiful photos of Southern Ireland posted at Nicole Elena Robertson, saying:

“My friend and I toured the South of Ireland and were both completely taken by all things green and Guinness. These are definitely tourist photos, but it’s just too pretty for me to care.”

6. “In Praise of Tour Guides (especially in Toronto)” by Matthew Hyde

Matthew Hyde offers a gregarious shout-out to those folks who patiently answer the same questions from eager tourists day after day in a post called,  In Praise of Tour Guides (especially in Toronto) posted at Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth, saying:

“Following my trip to Toronto last year I was prompted to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of my holidays – the tour guides and park rangers, occupations with unacknowledged levels of geek cred.”

7. “Intern Lunch: Thirsty Thursdays are Worldwide” by Emma Shoshanna

Emma Shoshanna vividly describes her coworkers in Sidney, Australia and how she, as an American, is equally exotic to them in a post entitled, Intern Lunch: Thirsty Thursdays are Worldwide posted at The Girl with the Traveling Blue Shoes, saying:

“This quirky, fun blog takes you abroad in my shoes, giving a 19-year-old, Jewish college student’s perspective on life in another country.”

8. “Pool Time is Here in Las Vegas” by Shanna Stenehjem

Shanna Stenehjem presents Pool Time is Here in Las Vegas posted at Maverick Grand Canyon Tours I nearly didn’t include this article since it is more commercial than I prefer for this blog carnival, but the post describes some truly interesting pools in Las Vegas, and the site lets readers leave comments. There’s an underwater infinity pool, for instance, that creates a “human aquarium.” (Besides, it was 114 degrees here in north Texas yesterday. Can you blame me for daydreaming about pools?) Here’s a description for you:

“With temperatures getting hotter, Vegas pools are the place to be. We at Maverick Helicopters see these amazing pools from the sky every time we fly over … and we have some details on how these pools provide amazing fun in the sun…”

Did you enjoy this week’s Show & Tell?

That’s it for this week’s blog carnival, Traveler’s Show & Tell. As always, if you enjoyed it, let us know in the comments section. Also, please let the author know you liked their piece by leaving a comment at their blog. See you next week! :)

Do you have a travel story to share?

If so, submit your blog article to the next edition of Traveler’s Show and Tell using this carnival submission form. (If that link doesn’t work for you, tell me in the comments section and I’ll send you and email.) Past posts and future hosts (would you like to be one?) can be found on the blog carnival index page.

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Traveler’s Show & Tell – Flamenco Dresses & Floating Lights

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Flamenco dresses in Malaga, Spain (photo by Tui Cameron)
Flamenco dresses in Malaga, Spain (photo by Tui Cameron)

Traveler’s Show & Tell – 18th Edition

Welcome to this week’s Traveler’s Show & Tell blog carnival. As usual, I have contributed a photo to accompany the best travel-related blog posts I received this week. If you enjoy what you read, please leave a comment on their blog to let the authors know.

This Week’s Photo

Colorful laundry fluttering from balconies is a common sight in Spain. Even so, I found these pretty little flamenco dresses especially delightful while strolling along the streets of Malaga.

1. Loy Kratong: Thailand’s Festival of Floating Lights

Thailand Breeze presents Loy Kratong Festival posted at Thailand Breeze.

Loy means to float and kratong means lantern or little vessel made in resemblance of a lotus flower. Loy kratong is the [Thai] festival where people float candle-lit lanterns in the water – mainly in rivers, canals, ponds and the sea on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month.

2. Austin,Texas | CiskoPicks

Cisko presents Austin,Texas | CiskoPicks posted at CiskoPicks.

To me Austin is a city with distinct personality, where people are encouraged to be themselves – hence the slogan: “Keep Austin weird”, that you’ll see pretty much everywhere. The people are unbelievably friendly, the outdoors are awesome and there is always something going on when it comes to entertainment.

3. Italian Birth Announcements

Rose presents Italian Birth Announcements Are An Creative Splendor posted at Fine Craft Guild.com. a post that’s travel, cultural, and a bit of a how-to all in one.

In a little village in Italy, everyone knows you’re having a baby. It’s still a communal affair with lots of gifts from neighbors. Check out these pictures. It’s fun to see how new life is publicly announced.

4.Westende – The Town from The Strangers Outside

Vanessa Morgan presents Westende – The Town from The Strangers Outside posted at Vanessa Morgan.

Westende is a quiet little town on the Belgian seaside, situated close to well-known cities such as Ostend and Bruges. It is also the town where my novella The Strangers Outside takes place. For those of you who are fan of the book, I thought I’d share a few pictures of this charming little town as well as of the holiday cabin that I describe in the story.

5. Not For The Faint Hearted: Kungsleden Trail, Lapland

Quiet Wanderings presents Not For The Faint Hearted: Kungsleden Trail, Lapland posted at Quiet Wanderings.

When I think Lapland, I think reindeer and northern lights. But there is so much more than that to be had in this wild and untouched landscape.

6. Danger in the Desert

Pamela presents a tongue-in-cheek account of family camping in Danger in the Desert posted at Blah, Blah, Blog.

Not to sound too much like the title of a Hardy Boys novel, but there’s no denying there is “Danger in the Desert.”

That’s it for this week’s blog carnival, Traveler’s Show & Tell. As always, if you enjoyed it, let us know in the comments section. Also, please let the author know you liked their piece by leaving a comment at their blog. See you next week! :)

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