Category Archives: Uncategorized

Happy Independence Day from the team at the For the Love of Books Podcast

Have a great holiday and sign up as a guest or sponsor or both for greater visibility. I would like thank our sponsors Modern History Press and @Moravian Sons Distillery, Doc Chavent along with many sponsoring authors Brian Talarczyk, Caroline Topperman of Mountain Ash Press and Australian author Jennifer Raines. The show would not be possible without your ongoing support. Now scheduling September and October episodes. Email Emma at emmapalova@yahoo.com

Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon

Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, June 28 & 29, 2025

Participating authors

The Authors Alley will be on Clay Street right across from Hackly Park.

Emma Palova, Jean Davis, Vera West, Ingar Rudholm, Richard Nelson, Michael Carrier, Elizabeth Wehman, Laurie Salisbury, Sue Merrel. Janet Vormitag, Andrew Smith, Craig Matthew, Robert Muladore, Suse Wilcox, Joan Young, Lori Hudson, Rhonda Accardo, K M McIntyre, Debbie Tebbe, Stefanie Gilmore, Amy Piper, and Lisa Romence.

Stay tuned for podcast episode about LAF on @For the Love of Books Podcast this week.

Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs. All rights reserved.

2025 Finalist Author of the Year badge

Author Emma Palova’s book signing events

Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, June 28 & 29

Participating authors

Emma Palova, Jean Davis, Vera West, Ingar Rudholm, Richard Nelson, Michael Carrier, Elizabeth Wehman, Laurie Salisbury, Sue Merrel. Janet Vormitag, Andrew Smith, Craig Matthew, Robert Muladore, Suse Wilcox, Joan Young, Lori Hudson, Rhonda Accardo, K M McIntyre, Debbie Tebbe, Stefanie Gilmore, Amy Piper, and Lisa Romence.

Czech and Slovak 46th Annual Festival, Sokol Cultural Center, July 19 & 20, Detroit

Saugatuck Village Square Art Fair, Saugatuck, July 26

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Butler Street

https://www.saugatuckdouglasartclub.org/villagesquare2020.html

50th Annual Art in the Park, Lake Odessa, Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wild Blueberry Festival, Paradise, UP, Aug. 15 to Aug. 17

Rockford Art in the Park, Rockford, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saugatuck Art in the Park, Saugatuck, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Copyright (c)2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

We honor the veterans who served our country

Memorial Day at Oakwood Cemetery in Lowell

Ringing the bell for the veterans lost since last year to the eerie drumroll followed by TAPS.

Finalist for the Author of the Year 2025

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Hollywood Gala Author of the Year 2025

Dear Emma,

It is with deep respect and admiration that we congratulate you — you’ve officially been selected as a Finalist for the Author of the Year 2025 at the International Impact Book Awards, in the category of Non-Fiction – Cultural & Historical Memoir.

Your work was reviewed among hundreds of exceptional entries, and your message rose to the top. This recognition is more than a ranking — it’s a reflection of the impact your voice has had on readers, on the judging panel, and on the world of thought leadership.

You’ve done something most people only dream about: you’ve written a powerful book, you’ve put your truth on paper, and you’ve created something that moved others. That is no small thing. This moment is yours.

What Happens Next

The Author of the Year winner in your category will be announced live on stage at our Hollywood Gala on October 4th, 2025 — an unforgettable evening honoring thought leaders and changemakers from around the world.

We would be truly honored to celebrate this milestone with you in person. Finalists in attendance will receive:

A finalist certificate

An achievement medal

Recognition on stage during the ceremony among peers, media, and industry leaders.

More importantly, this is your moment, a chance to stand in a room of excellence and be acknowledged for the work you’ve already done.

We understand not everyone can attend, and we respect that deeply. However, in fairness to all finalists, if the winning author in any category is not present, the award will be presented to the next finalist in attendance.

A Night to Remember — and a Platform to Grow

The International Impact Book Awards Gala isn’t just a celebration — it’s a once-a-year opportunity to grow your brand, elevate your credibility, and be seen by the media, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.

Our team has poured every ounce of heart, labor, and intention into planning this event to honor you and every author selected. We would love for you to be part of it.

Explore the Gala details and reserve your ticket here:
👉 https://internationalimpactbookawards.com/hollywood-gala/

Whether you’re able to join us in person or cheering from afar, know this: you are already seen, already celebrated, and already a winner in our eyes.

With deep respect and warm congratulations,
 Nim Stant
Founder, International Impact Book Awards

I would like to thank everyone for voting for me in the memoir category.

Copyright (c)2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.

AI and Authors in 2025

🎙️ LIVE NOW!
Episode “AI and Authors in 2025” is out on For the Love of Books Podcast!
Join us as we dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of writing, publishing, and creativity.

Streaming on all major podcast platforms — tune in today! 📚🤖

#ForTheLoveOfBooksPodcast #AIandAuthors #AuthorLife2025

Czech Easter Monday

Easter Monday spread

The Czech Republic celebrates Easter Monday with traditions such as “pomlazka” or the whipping of women and girls, mainly in villages.

Men and boys braid whips from willow branches during the Holy Week before Easter Monday. They gather in groups and go from household to household to get ribbons, shots, colored eggs, and desserts in exchange for whipping.

This elaborate holiday starts early in the morning and runs into late afternoon until there are no shots or colored eggs left. The results vary from village to village.

Plum brandy or slivovitz flows freely because many households make their own brandy. Our @Moravian Sons Distillery https://moraviansonsdistillery.com honors this tradition with our own brand made in Michigan from Michigan Castleton and Stanley plums.

This Easter, we combined the old and the new. We served shots of slivovitz and blue jello shots in cups. Mom Ella made a delicious walnut cake, and we had Louisiana-style ribs.

There is a Monday Easter mass in the Czech Republic. And that brings to mind the sad news of the day. The Pope has died today on Easter Monday. I pray for him and our Catholic church to elect a new leader.

Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.

Pomlazka

Easter Triduum

The Easter Triduum starts this evening on Holy Thursday with the Lord’s Supper, continues with Good Friday into Easter Vigil on Saturday. This week is known as the Holy Week in the catholic religion.

The washing of the feet signifies humbleness and humility.

Washing of the feet at St. Pat’s Catholic Church in Parnell.

Before washing the feet, Fr. Cavera presented the oils.

Featured photo: Czech egg batik art. Watch for a post about Czech Easter starting this Sunday and running through Easter Monday.

Copyright (c) 2025.Emma Palova. All rights reserved.