Hello Authors in the UK and surrounding countries... We are thinking about doing a second book club meeting next Sunday but we need to get some feedback. In order to have the book club meeting that would happen around 10:00 central time or 4:00 pm (I believe) in the UK, we need to know who all plan on being there. Kathy and I would have to make some arrangements to make that time work as we would also have a book club meeting at 2:00 pm. We would like for at least 10 authors in the UK to let us know that they will most definitely be there in order for us to go ahead and make those arrangements. Please comment below if you know you can make it on Sunday 23rd 2026 at 4:00 pm UK time or 10:00 Am Central time.

My book has been chosen by Halcyon Books as their pick of the month. https://halcyonliterary.com/

The weather influences human activity, productivity, and liveliness. Three weeks ago, our Sunday walk was postponed to 5:30 p.m., instead of the usual 3:30 p.m., because of the “canicule” heatwave. One of the walkers and I exchanged cheerfully what we did that week of 40°C, which was the highest recorded temperature in France. She spent most of the time eating watermelon in front of an electric fan, while I ate 300 grams of home-made avocado sorbet next to an air circulator while playing chess online (I lost most of my games). Bright, sunny days encourage outdoor activity, social interaction, and physical exercise. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with improved mood, alertness, and mental well-being. As a result, people often feel more energetic, optimistic, and productive during periods of pleasant weather. However, sunny days with scorching heat make us less inclined to exercise, socialise, or engage enthusiastically in work, leading to lower productivity and a diminished sense of vitality. Of course, the weather’s influence is also shaped by culture and adaptation. My French friends have commented: “What are you complaining about; you’re from Queensland, where the average daytime summer (December-February) temperature is 29-35°C. Also, you were born in the Philippines with a tropical climate, so you should cope well with this sweltering heat. Well, 35°C is not 40°C, and I never experienced the heat getting into my skin while in Australia, unlike in France. I’ve lived longer outside than inside the latter. There you are; I’ve my excuses for being less active during “canicule” in this country of baguette, buttered snails, and camembert. The weather affects not only productivity or happiness; it influences family, group, or company decisions. For instance, companies have introduced workplace policies and practices that respond to extreme weather conditions, e.g. teleworking, flexible working hours, and providing free or subsidised air-conditioned transport. Recognising the significant effects of weather allows individuals and societies to better support health, well-being, and performance throughout the year.

Happy Bastille Day. It’s Bastille Day (La Fête nationale or le 14 juillet) here today. We commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on 14 July 1789, an event that became the symbolic beginning of the French Revolution, with its national motto: Liberté, Égalité, et Fraternité. It’s only early summer, and I’ve already reached my reading goal. Today, since it's a public holiday, I’ll start turning pages of “Les éclats du passé” (Fragments of the Past). I got to the last page of “Born to be Wired”, John Malone’s memoir, on June 30. John Malone is an American billionaire businessman and one of the most influential people in the cable television and telecommunications industry. In this book, he shares lessons from decades of business leadership, deal-making, and innovation in media communication and technology. Xavier Romon’s novel, “Gratte-ciel” (Skyscraper), combines elements of a techno-thriller, political thriller, terrorism, and suspense story, set in Shanghai. Xavier and I were at the Fismes bookfair, and we exchanged books (fiction in French and non-fiction in English, respectively). I finished reading Marie Pierre’s short story, “La baby-sitter rose bonbon” (L’encier Francophonie, Hiver 2025-2026) two days ago. I like its last sentence: “Elle reste la seule baby-sitter de mes souvenirs; celle qui m’à appris à méfier du rose bonbon” (She is the only babysitter from my childhood I remember; the one who taught me to be wary of pink candy). This is another of its resonating sentences: “La vie n’est pas rose bonbon pour tout le monde” (Life isn't all rosy for everyone), which is close to the common English idiom, “Life isn't a bed of roses for everyone”. This summer, I’ve also decided to master the art of wholemeal bread making. Baking is a piece of cake for many people, but not for me. Measuring ingredients is not my cup of tea. Stepping away from routine and embracing the unexpected can bring fresh energy into both our professional and personal lives. Simply changing our habits can spark creativity, inspire new ideas, and help us see familiar situations from a new perspective. Small changes can break monotony, encourage growth, and remind us that some of the best experiences come from stepping outside our comfort zones.

I want to thank everyone for coming out today for the book club meeting! I think this was a great time to meet so going forward we will continue to meet at 2:00pm central. Next agenda is to start doing a second meeting at maybe 10:00 am central time on the last Sunday of the month. Kathy and I have to talk about it and reach out to our European members to see if they can join at that time. Have a prosperous month and we will see you next time around!