Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 31/07/2012

Beating the heat waves in Lefkada


Green and Blue in absolute Harmony and Sea Breeze from the Ionian Greek island of Lefkada

Lefkada is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea  (the only one linked to the mainland of Greece) with a long history behind which goes back all the way to the times of Homer (800 BC) .It has lush vegetation and  magnificent natural beauties and beaches.The nearby little islands scattered around Lefkada are also very remarkable and beautiful.The famous  island of Scorpios (owned by Aristotle Onassis) and Meganisi,where the large Papanikolis sea cave is located,are very close and you get nice views from Lefkada.Papanikolis ,the Greek submarine,used the huge sea cave in Meganisi as a hideout in the WWII . I also love Lefkada as it is Angelos Sikelianos‘ and Aristotle Valaoritis’ hometown. Valaoritis  (1824-1879) dedicated his life to poetry and  he was also a Councillor for the county and fought vigorously for the rights of the “Eptanisa” (the seven islands also known as the Ionian islands). When the Eptanisa were joined to the rest of Greece on the 29th of March 1864, Aristotle Valaoritis continued his political career as councillor in Athens.

Angelos Sikelianos (1884–1951) is one of the most prominent poets and a main representative of the modern European lyricism …   Not of Pentelic marble nor of brass shallI errect Thy deathless idol,but from a tall column made of cypress wood that my work may be fragrant throughout the ages ..

Aristotle Valaoritis’ house and Saint Kyriaki (Sunday) country church nicely nestling  in the greenery and firmly holding the tradition.

And here come some views to the Scorpios island and the place where the Christina O luxury yacht docked …  I cannot help but think of Seferis’ great and  famous poem ” The King of Asine ” .A poem which explores the meaning of the futility and brevity of human glory and existence …

Off to Meganisi and the Papanikolis sea cave

Platonic thoughts … and Let’s say that now we are first facing the light of the world and let’s say only that the others call us Greeks … Yiannis K.Papadopoulos

Greek flavour and thoughts before leaving for cool European destinations …

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 31/07/2012

Summer Retreats off the Beaten Path


Dead calm waters and summer reflections in peaceful and quiet places which have  escaped tourism and commercialisation.Natural beauty and calmness that make you really feel away from a bleak world .

Drawing the blue curtains and revealing placid waters, pebbles,fruit,flowers,veg,hens,yes, hens living  free and happy in a seaside orchard.All is so pure and life is so simple and peaceful without the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

Just some quick Greece-related posts before leaving for cool European destinations …

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 31/07/2012

ablaze …


Summer  inflamed reflections and sunset illusions by the seaside .

Fiery skies and golden sheen SOOC – Greece 2012

Magic beauty and intense sunset colours changing in no time …

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 31/07/2012

the soul of the garden in colours


Plants and Flowers Unleashing True Colours

I just love amaranthus foxtails for their vivid  colours and the magic beauty they lend to the garden.Amazing string of colours dazzling the eyes and giving a sense of happiness and charm .Life is colour and we need colour to live …

Impatiens or busy lizzies are also thriving but they don’t like the hot sun;They are quite happy in the shade.

There is also a huge  sun flower shining and spreading generous light and smiles all over the  garden.

I have put all the garden colours in my heart because they are true  colours …

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 31/07/2012

The Doges’ Palace and Ode on Venice


The Doges’ Palace (Palazzo Ducale) a superb example of  Venetian Gothic architecture and Ode on Venice down the Grand Canal lined with beautiful buildings in the hug of lapping waters with majestic motion …

Oh Venice ! Venice ! when thy marble walls are level with the waters,Glory and Empire once upon the Towers …

G.G.Lord Byron -  Reading Byron and looking for the Piraeus Lion which was  “removed” by Venetians.It was originally located in the ancient harbour of Athens (Piraeus port) since the 1st century AD and was a famous landmark.Its prominence was such that the port was given the name Porto Leone (Lion Port) by the Italians.

Enchanting city with so many beautiful things to see and stunning views down the Grand Canal with the magnificent palaces and the amazing bridges crossings over it.Loved the architecture, the brightly coloured buildings and the symbol of Venice ,the lion,and especially the one atop a column in the piazzetta outside the Palazzo Ducale.

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 31/07/2012

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II


Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a double arcade in the centre of Milan.The structure is formed by two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon covering the street connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. It is named after Vittorio Emanuele II,the first king of the Kingdom of Italy and it was originally designed in 1861 and built by G.Mengoni between 1865 and 1877.

The four-storey arcade includes :

Many elegant shops,restaurants,cafes,bars,hotels and remarkable floor mosaics such as : The Bull from Turin Coat of Arms and the she-wolf,Lupa,suckling the twins Romulus and Remus.

Spinning on the Bull … ?  No, I didn’t do a twirl on the Bull … LOL, If you know the tradition …

And then,sinful attachment to worldly things …   But what  about Thackeray‘s novel ” Vanity Fair “  ???

Oh,come on … We only live once, but once is enough if we do it right. Live your life with class, dignity, and style …

Milan is to money what Rome is to history…

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 13/05/2012

Unconditional Love and Roses for Her …


Happy Mother’s Day Means more than Flowers …

All the Best to you my WordPress friends from a Happy Mum !!!

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 01/05/2012

Nature’s May Day Celebrations !!!


Nature has its own joyful way to celebrate the 1st of May

Happy May Day WordPress Friends

 

 

 

 

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 19/04/2012

Easter Holidays and Rambles in Italy


   

“If a man can arrange his religion so that it perfectly satisfies his conscience,it is not incumbent on him to care whether the arrangement is satisfactory to anyone else or not.”

What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful! A very world of solid weight, and yet it seems …a delusion of frostwork that might vanish with a breath!

That’s what Mark Twain,who was a great fan of the Duomo in Milan,says in his travel book  “The Innocents Abroad“.

Duomo di Milano magnificence - A remarkable spiky Gothic and neo-Gothic Cathedral

St Bartholomew was one of 12 Apostles and an early Christian martyr that was skinned. This statue was made by Marco d’Agrate in 1562 (Duomo cathedral, Milan). If you look closely, you’ll notice that’s not a robe, but actually his removed skin hanging around him. Such a macabre motif of the flayed Apostle carrying his own skin …

Duomo di Milano,dedicated to Virgin Mary, a spiky Gothic and neo-Gothic Cathedral with 135 imposing  spires topped with marble  statues overlooking the bustling city of Milan which is  to money-what Rome is to history.There are not any bell towers and at the very top of the tallest spire is the only non-marble statue, a gilded bronze statue of the famous  “Madonnina” , added in the 1760s,rising to a height of 109 metres and being one of the city’s symbols.

In the Grand Piazza del Duomo ,where the Cathedral  is situated,one cannot miss the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II,a double arcade formed by two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon covering the street connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II next to the Cathedral

The Galleria is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. It was originally designed in 1861 and built by Giuseppe Mengoni between 1865 and 1877.
The street is covered by an arching glass and cast iron roof, a popular design for nineteenth-century arcades, such as the Burlington Arcade in London.It is a four-storey arcade including elegant shops,restaurants,cafés,bars,hotels and remarkable floor mosaics that I will publish in another post.

There are several remarkable sights in Milan and I really appreciate the fact that you can easily get around in the city centre and cover the sightseeing in a couple of days.You can also use Milan as a base for pleasant day trips such as to Venice or Lago Maggiore as we did. As for the dove-shaped Milanese  Easter bread, “La Colomba pasquale”, I have to admit, it was the tastier Easter cake I had ever had …  and the service in the ‘Principe di Savoia” hotel,just outstanding !!!  The real place to be, in every sense …

Heaven !!! Topped with pearl sugar and almonds ...

Anthurium expression receiving the clients of the "Principe di Savoia" hotel

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 26/03/2012

Greece and National Holidays 25th of Martch


 

A Militaristic approach with a Friendly Disposition

A Militaristic approach with a friendly disposition

Greece 25th of March National Holiday (1821-1832 )

Greek war of Independence & distance weapons

National Holiday 25th of March and the Resuscitation of the Nation

National Holiday 25th of March and the Resuscitation of the Nation

Rigas Feraios or Rigas Velestinlis (1757?June ...

Rigas Feraios or Rigas Velestinlis (1757?June 13, 1798) was a Greek writer and revolutionary, an eminent figure of Greek Enlightenment, remembered as a Greek national hero, the first victim of the uprising against the Ottoman Empire and a forerunner of the Greek War of Independence. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigas_Feraios (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Make War against War for   a Warless World …

For how long, o brave young men, shall we live in fastnesses,
Alone, like lions, on the ridges in the mountains?
Shall we dwell in caves, looking out on branches,
Fleeing from the world on account of bitter serfdom?
Abandoning brothers, sisters, parents, homeland
Friends, children, and all of our kin?
….
Better one hour of free life,
Than forty years of slavery and prison

Rigas Feraios ( The Thourios war-song )

 

 

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 08/03/2012

Aphrodites … and Hermes’ support


International Women’s Day 8 March

You govern the world …

Aphrodites ... 8 March

You are our better half … men !!!

The Hermes of Praxiteles supporting Women's Day

“Women are the real architects of society.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

Happy Women’s Day !!!!!!!!!!

You are all wonderful …

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 27/02/2012

Meteora in Central Greece


Meteora Central Greece Thessaly:

Lofty and Uplifting Eyrie Monasteries perched on natural sandstone rocks,included on the UNESCO world heritage list.  Meteora means Suspended Rocks or Suspended in the air.

Meteor and Meteorite are words of Greek origins so it is  easy for you to  excuse the name of the place.

Huge Rocky Pinnacles

Away from the Material World

Greek Historian Herodotus wrote in the 5th century BC that the plain of Thessaly had been a pre-historic sea and  geologists say that the pinnacles were formed about 60 millions years ago and weathering and earthquakes  shaped them.Moreover,at the cave of Theopetra  at the  foot of the cliffs where excavations took place,they found petrified diatoms that helped them out to better understand the Paleo-climate and the climate changes.

The sandstone peaks were first inhabited by Byzantine hermits in the 9th century who lived an ascetic life in hollows of the rock towers some 180 ft above the plain and away from the Material world .However,in the 14th and 15th centuries six monasteries were built,the ones that we visit nowadays :  Agia Triada,Agios Nikolaos,Agios Stefanos,the Great Meteoro,Roussanou and Varlaam.

Access to the monasteries was originally reached by using  rope ladders and large nets to haul up goods and people and for inter commuting. A means of transport all weathers and no traffic congestion whatsoever …

Inter Commuting

Breathtaking Means of Transport

You reach out to Heaven for your peace of  mind and of course you enjoy stunning views and dramatic landscapes over the settings near the Pindus mountains and the Pinios river.

quiet and elevating atmosphere

You relive History and Culture

 You relive history and culture through the wall paintings,the priceless artifacts and the rare manuscripts.

Of course in 1920 steps were cut into the rocks making the monasteries accessible via a bridge from the nearby plateau where you reach by car and you only do some step-climbing.

Trying to touch the skies ...

History and Culture through high rocks and natural sculptures

You Only Live Twice ...

You Only Live Twice ...

 A great  destination ” high up” which was and still is  the source of  inspiration for many literature, and music works as well as a filming  location such as  in the ( via wiki):


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Saturday 18th of Feb International Mobilisation and Moral Support

and

The Power of a little Greek flag Waving Freely …

Symbols

Sacred Symbols

Besieged but free.Free to fight for our lost dignity,for our lost values and ideals.

What would the world be without Greece?  A much poorer place. Wrote my good friend Thou in another post …

And,I thank you all  for your great moral support and your solidarity.

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 12/01/2012

Following Odysseus’ Footprints and Reading Cavafy


ITHACA

As you set out for Ithaca

hope your road is a long one,

full of adventure, full of discovery …

Cavafy‘s “Homeric” inspirations and popular travel destinations to the cerulean blue waters of the Ionian sea where the  archetypal scenario of blue and white reigns.

Cerulean Blue and Verdant Mountains

Pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge Cavafy says …

And when in Ithaca I say that I feel the relation between God and Man,I feel life itself without beginning without end …

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon — do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body… Cavafy says …

And I grasp this vision and I look upon and see that the sun always rises and sets and the stars shine and I discover the beauty of our Universe, its secrets its heavens … All is there, the sun,the dawn,the sunset,the fine emotion that touches your spirit as Cavafy says …

Looking for the Horizon and Odysseus' Return

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,not expecting
that Ithaca will offer you riches.Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean

Blue and Deep

 Inhabited since the 2nd Millennium and ruled by Odysseus it has very rich culture and long history behind and despite the fact that it was occupied by : Romans Normans  French Turkish Venetians British,its name,Ithaca, has remained unchanged as it was from ancient times.From Mycenean to Hellenistic era and then to the Byzantine period it has inspired and still inspires many noted poets and writers.The epic poems of Homer the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” shed affluent light on old mythological and poetic traditions as well as on the hero Odysseus and his rule over Ithaca.Momentous Homeric works that change mythology into history and enlighten the restless human mind.

Dreamy Sunsets and Moments for our Peace of Mind

At the Traces of Odysseus

 Do I swim in the same blue waters that Penelope and Odysseus swam ? Do I enjoy the same fiery sunsets that they did ?

When the Sun sets the Sky afire

 Homeric inspirations and verses and moments that endure the ravages of time and stand proudly and carry the torch of civilization and culture …

Standing Proudly

 Take rocks, olive and pine branches,blue seas,vineyards,clear blue skies and synthesise Greece …

Standing Proudly and Inspiring

 Awaking blue ocean waters and forest fragrances to find the road to the shining Ithacas …


Recipes from Life’s Book and Warm Wishes for a Healthy and Wealthy New Year

Heavenly Tastes

 A very original recipe for a happy life that never,ever upsets your stomach and adds a very sweet taste.

INGREDIENTS:
1) a handful of fresh dreams
2) 3 tea cups of positive thoughts
3) 1 pound peals of laughter
4) as many virtues as possible ( the more the better )
5) humanity
6) hopefulness

Method
You stir them all together and you put the mixture into your warm heart for ever…………
It’s quick and easy to prepare , it hasn’t an expiring date and it serves as many people as you like.
GOOD LUCK

Happy New Year to the World
Our Happy New Year depends on what we do for others …

New Year's Face

New Year’s Face Wishing my WordPress friends Happiness and Joy.

May You All Have a Delightful New Year and All Your 2012 Days are Bright and Hopeful.

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 24/12/2011

Getting into the Spirit …


Getting into the spirit from a place where the sun shines generously and the summer is almost eternal.

Angels Trumpets

Garden celebrations and Angels Trumpets in their best getting ready to celebrate the big  event and spread Love and Happiness.The red Christmas plant is gracing the marble table while enjoying the warm sunrays emitting love and hope for  “‘ Tomorrow ” that never ends …

Red is Love

Red is Love and Love is Happiness another Christmas plant is thinking while deeply reflecting on spiritual matters …

Happiness in the Garden

 Heavenly atmosphere all over the garden conveying inspiration and peace of mind for this very special time of the year.

Red Balls of  Love of  Hope of  Rosy Dreams pleasantly receive the sun beams to keep them deeply in their heart and start radiating them on the 25th of December …

Red Balls of Love Happiness Hope and Rosy Dreams

 Tomorrow Never Ends …

Merry Christmas to all of my WordPress friends

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Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 23/11/2011

The Emerald Isle of James Joyce


A visit to  Éire  away from conventional places where tourists flock and through the eyes of a Dubliner who had deliberately separated himself from Ireland but he spent the rest of his life writing about it.

Will you Drive me to Places Where J.Joyce was Inspired ?

 Will you drive me to places where J.Joyce was inspired,to places where his term ‘ the call of life ‘ responds ?

He knew the grey-yellow light,the damp murky air,the musty smells,the seedy houses,the warm pubs,the accent of the people.He knew how to present details with precision and the impact on the reader’s emotions was achieved through his skillful control and arrangement of his narrative.

J.Joyce obeyed what he termed ' the call of life '

His Ulysses,a work where he devised a literary language to express the complexity of the human thinking,a work where by using  constrained techniques he  outreached the insufficient methods which already existed.Ulysses’ theme was simple but he invoked the most elaborate means to present it.His obscure and symbolic language is a thorough puzzle that still magnetises the scholars.Presumably,  ‘OULIPO’ and Oulipian works are not original whatsoever.

‘ Love’s bitter mystery ‘ he quoted repeatedly from a Yeats poem. I loved his Palindromic phrase of the 1200 words and I am still trying to make sense,because love is mystery …

The beginning of the ‘ Circe ‘ section which  can be read backwards  (twenty line) – It contains at the end a = da capo (Begin ! ) which is the principle upon which ‘ Finnegan’s Wake ‘ is based (Finn-again !)

Naminedamine.Preacher is he…. 20 lines … …. Then not till then….

Done.Begin ! Blessed those who decoded his style and apprehended his idioglossia,his idiosyncratic language with the advanced ideas and inspirations.

Loved your 16th of June Day,James,your St.Names,St.numbers,enigmas,puzzles, your Homer’s- like rhapsody,your  Odyssey,your names … Nestor,Calypso,Aeolus,Cyclops,Nausicaa,Ithaca,Penelope,all well-selected and mysteriously used. And your palindrome : ‘ tattarrattat ‘ … What a word for a knock on the door !

Loved the 16th of June Day,your enigmatic St.Names,St.numbers

Loved Ireland’s misty landscapes and pastures,its natural attractions,its long pre-history,history and its tradition.An inspiring and  alluring atmosphere everywhere around.

Mystic and Inspiring

Countryside and Scattered thoughts

Celtic Imagination

Fog and Gray and Gneenish nuances to help you penetrate into his spirit

I loved Ireland through his influential works and his own  style,his own Odyssey with the literary allusions and complex,obscure puns.

A visit to Ireland away from stereotypical touristic approaches,following footprints left by the passage  of James Joyce.

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 15/11/2011

Athens Classic Marathon and the 29th Version


NOT JUST A SPORTING EVENT

Statue of Pheidippides along the Marathon Road.

Image via Wikipedia-Statue of Pheidippides along the Marathon Road

Every time someone runs a marathon,metaphorically,they retrace steps taken during one of the most momentous events in World Histoty.It was the Battle of Marathon,led by Miltiades,in 490 BC that took place on the plain of Marathon where a huge force of invading Persians was defeated and the victory ensured the democratic legacy of Western culture.

According to legend a messenger named Pheidippides was sent to Athens to bring news of victory.He ran 42 km from the battle field to the capital,announced the joyous message and died.This is the inspiration for the Marathon race we know today,the modern Marathon that commemorates this feat.

Not just a sporting event but also the highest effort where the Human body,Soul and Mind called forth to reach the finish line,the flame born by a historical and heroic event …

On Sunday November 13, over 20,000 athletes from 96 countries participated in the 29th version of the Athens Classic Marathon,an event that gathers global exposure and significance.Besides the 42 km race in the original course,from the Marathon Tomb to the Panathenaic or Kallimarmaron Stadium in central Athens,the event includes the 5,000 and 10,000 metre races and in addition some other minor competitions.

It was a gentle event that inspired with hope the sorely tried Greece.

The Kallimarmaron or Panathinaiko Stadium in A...

Image via Wikipedia-The Kallimarmaron Stadium

 Every long-distance runner in the world should want to run from Marathon to Athens,to relive history and  experience the power of the human will .

I would also like to make reference to the name of the place Marathonas as most Marathon runners might ignore its connection with the fennel plant.Marathon is the Greek word for fennel and the Marathon town in Attica as well as the surrounding area where the Marathon Battle took place abound with wild fennel.

Wild Fennel - Marathon and Marathon Runners

http://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/the-marathon-race-and-the-fennel-connectios-thoughts-by-the-marathon-lake/

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 04/11/2011

‘The Free Besieged’ and the Lost Pride of a Nation


No Matter Where I Travel,Greece Wounds me Still …  G.Seferis 1900-1971

The sacred  road through the new wound that fate opened within me,rushed through my heart with swift tremendous force as when waves break through widening cracks abruptly into a boat that then sinks steadily in darkness,but then a murmuring sound took wing and spread above me,a murmuring sound that seemed to say: ” It shall come !  …  Angelos Sikelianos , 1884-1951

The Sacred Road -  Kos Dodecanese

Looking for Shells or for The Lost Pride of a Nation ?

100_0551

 O you Greece magnanimous in sufferings and glory,

Even if your children always live in a mystery hidden,

In   Meditation and in dream what has graced my eyes,

My very eyes to see you in this deserted place,

When the blue waters turned dark and the stars grow in numbers,

All round in fear the islands,they all weep and pray,

Beaches,rocks and the open sea suddenly leap up and quiver

O desolation I can see,come,let us weep together

And the cross-shaped domed temple and the most modest shrine

Amid incense and lit candles listen to their pain,

But,Goddess,may I hear at last the sound of your voice,

At once to make it a gift to the Hellenic nation ?   Dionysios Solomos  1798-1857

You find no friend on whom to cling,no straw to clutch ? How you rejoice when,all alone ?

Again the sky here opens its gates,again raises its blue flag …

Reviewing the past and living the present.

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 29/10/2011

Every Year at the Same Time …


Every year at the same time,the little decorative vases are anxiously waiting for the first Autumn blossoms that flourish in Mt.Penteli.

Autumn Reflections

Wild Cyclamens

 Freshly picked baby cyclamens from Mt.Penteli,gracing the place with  elegant beauty and  soft purple tones.

Cyclamens’ Promises

They so gracefully pop out their little heads among rocks and stones,announcing the arrival of Autumn and the end of the long  sunny days.

Baby Cyclamens and Snails

 Further down, some wild Pyracantha and Four o’clock flowers caught my attention and I thought to myself  how generous our Nature is with its stimulating expressions.

Firethorn and Yellow Mirabilis Jalapa

Overall,it’s these little things that really matter and add beauty and light to our life with their minimalistic effectiveness ,with their magic power.

Meditations

 Medidations for  peaceful moments and captures that help you to economize on words when emotions are wrapped up and restrain you from extensive writing.

Yellow Mirabilis Jalapa and Pyracantha

 Wild flowers and thoughts on an Autumn day,when you realise that life never stops smiling at you …

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Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 15/10/2011

Ruby-Seeds ‘Above Water’ … and Symbols


A thriving pomegranate tree and its blood-red fruit overlooking the large body of the blue ocean,the calm sea, gave me the splendid idea to write a post on this charming tree.Please mind my ‘Above Water’ metaphor based on the idiomatic expression which means … ?  and excuse my sarcastic pun on the ‘Orwellian’ norms and rules, worldwide … I love playing on words with multi-sided meanings. Languages are so rich and live,evolutionary,ready to  serve our deeper thoughts at any time.

Nightly she signs on yon pomegranate-tree. Believe me,love,it was the nightingale. by  Shakespeare

The Fruit of Paradise on the Tree of Life and Loose Thoughts in a Greek Orchard by the Seaside.

Pomegranate and Fate in Eternity against Orwellian Predictions and Spread Arils …

Pomegranate Tree ‘Above Water’ in a Greek Orchard by the Seaside

 History ,Mythology and cultural pathways led me to Persephone and Dionysus who were offered pomegranates for fertile land, as the glistening ruby-like arils (seeds) represented life and regeneration. Pomegranate’s beauty and its hexagonal shape of the thick reddish skin which hides,some  600 tightly embraced arils , had inspired and still inspire many renowned artists.  Polykleitos,the famous sculptor of the High Classical Period (5th century BC), took ivory and gold to sculpture the colossal,seated Hera in her temple at Argos. She held a scepter in one hand and offered a pomegranate  ‘like a royal orb,in the other.  Besides,I so much like Leonardo da Vinci’s painting  ‘ Madonna and Child with Pomegranate ‘ and Botticelli‘s ‘ Madonna of the Pomegranate ‘. Such an influential fruit !!!

Pomegranate Beauty from a Seaside Orchard

The Fruit of Paradise

 …..he saw an orchard closed by a pale-four spacious acres planted with trees in bloom or weighted down for picking pear trees,pomegranates,brilliant apples and … More  verses and hymns … from ‘ ‘Homer’s Garden of Alcinous’  (Odyssey … ).

Am I in  ‘The Cockaigne mythical land’ with illusions and words and verses from ‘The Odyssey’ ,wrapped up in a pomegranate?   I wonder,where is prosperity,fertility,where is  the Cosmic Determinism and where are the Natural Laws and Morals?

All right,enough of my rambling. My  pomegranate tree and its fruit, by the seaside, are here to symbolize our ability to stay alive and keep our heads  ‘Above Water’ … , out of trouble or any sort of difficulty …

Pomegranates for my Guests before the de-seeding

 Polysporia,panspermia, Greek words to describe the beautiful fruit which is one of the Good things that God created. A  fruit of royal quality,with its natural crown surmounted,representing the power of sovereign. A  true symbol for   Abundance,Fertility and Good Luck,rightly valued by many cultures for its beauty and uniqueness.

The Greek traveller and Geographer Pausanias (2nd century AD) said : About the pomegranate I must say nothing for its story is something of a Mystery …

Straight Lines and Straightforward Words

 Straight Lines and Straightforward Words by the seaside and Spread Pomegranate Arils from its Inner Beauty …


Gastronomy, a word derived from the ancient Greek language (gaster=stomach and nomos=law), is the art or the science of Good Eating  which determines a strong relationship between the senses and the food and it influences the Mind and the Body.  It also includes entertainment that is well-connected with the prandial preparation and the presentation of the food and occasionally,it adds a new ritualistic dimension, resembling a real ceremony.

Ancient Dance from a red-figured Crater (410-400 BC) a pleasant exercise to stay slim

 In the depths of ancient Greek times the art of regulating the stomach involved discovery,taste,experience,research philosophy,understanding  and the timing and duration were mostly emphasised.There are plenty of wise quotes referring to food or wine,such as Epicurus’ (341-270 BC)  ” The root of all pleasures is the satisfaction of the stomach”, Euripides’(480-406 BC )  “If there is no wine,there is no Aphrodite, Astidamas’ (4th cent BC)  “If the  man fills up with wine he becomes unkempt,if he just drinks a little,he becomes thoughtful” and so many others that prove the relation between our food and our senses and not only that.

Scene from a Symposium.The flute-players entertain the guests.Brygos painter,London,British Museum

In the centre of Athens and not far from the Acropolis,there is a most particular,themed restaurant  where the customers travel back in time,2.500 years back,in the 5th century BC and they have a memorable experience.The extraordinary dishes at the  ‘Archeon Gefsis’ themed restaurant are all based on forgotten ancient recipes and they are blended with philosophy and culture,served in an absolutely authentic atmosphere that  it rather makes you feel a thinker than a diner.Thorough research over ancient Greek writers and ancient Greek texts and manuscripts brought to surface priceless secrets and methods which the owner(s) of the  ‘Archeon Gefsis’ restaurant have adopted and top chefs carry them out efficiently.

Satyrs dealing with wine production.Greek black-figured amphora 540 BC. Museum Universitas Würzburg

 In a stone-walled hall with candle-abras creating the mood or at an open air patio  with candles and incense burners, waiters and waitresses with their plaited hair,wearing flowing red chitons (Grecian robes) and sandals offer you preprandial  drinks,rosemary water or pomegranate juice, but, always  in earthenware cups as ancient Greeks didn’t use glasses.I have to admit that historical traits are kept faithfully and later on you enjoy the delightful dishes without using any forks,only spoons,knives or your fingers.Ancient Greeks never used forks.I suppose it is something that has to do with Poseidon’s trident … Soon,tasty appetizers with sweet fruit-sauces arrive,just enough to whet your appetite and start enjoying fresh rich salads with seeds,sweetened with honey and delicious roast meats or fish,flavoured with wild herbs.Pine nuts,poppy seeds,fennel,artichokes,mastic,leek,radish,garden rocket,grated goat cheese,a real parade of flavours to satisfy your taste buds and make you feel you are a guest in a symposium.

Tragassaia

 And while you sip your wine from your clay cup you recall Aristotle’s words that : People who get drunk on wine sleep on their face,while the ones who drink barley wine sleep on their back.Because the wine makes the head heavy however the barley wine gets one dizzy…

Wine, Beers and Aristotle's Words

 I decided to write and publish this post not only to share my unforgettable experience there,but also to speak highly of the inventive minds who conceived and materialised this concept.The ‘Archeon Gefsis’ themed restaurant is a well-established restaurant in the centre of Athens which rightly has received great reviews from quality magazines and newspapers ( The Time magazine,the Guardian newspaper) and has also been featured on TV channels such as the  BBC,the Travel channel and the Discovery channel.                                                                                                                                                 http://www.archeon.gr/en/symposium

To tell you the truth,I have copied some splendid ideas from their fabulous dishes and the presentation of the food which  I apply at home and take the pleasure of preparing and organising not only the food but also the ritualistic  procedure …

Gastronomic Adventures ...

Fantasy and Colourful Salads

 Well,Gastronomic Paths and Tasty Words …

And as ancient Greeks said :  Efdipnias !!!

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 06/09/2011

A Kaleidoscope of Colourful Reflections


Evocative Flowers and Statuettes in the Summerland induce  your imagery to run wild and your mind starts thirstily wandering with verve a little farther than usual.The Uncompromising  Purity of the Flower World changes the flow of your spiritual energy  into a passion where you are allowed to employ an unconventional access to what the world has to offer you.

Statuettes and Geranium in the Garden

 Sun-washed flowers talk too wise using vivid figurative language filled with refreshing tones and reflections of light that lead to peace of mind.You let yourself  drift and you listen attentively soaking every drop of their dreams of their poems…

Magnolia’s Blue Dream in the Summerland

 Magnolia’s Blue Dream in the Summerland and its Magic Power came to an end when the first Rose-Daughters of the Dawn caressed its white petals helping them to unfold and reveal in the open air … the secrets of  its delicate beauty.

Magnolia’s Blue Dream and its Uncompromising Purity

 Some neighbour friends speak in whispers and look stealthily trying to display their own beauty and soon the Flower World in the Summerland is full of smiling faces and sweet scents wrapped in heavenly rustling sounds that lift your emotions off and send you to a Paradise of a Parallel Universe.

Callas Indelible Colours and Summer Designs

We also had an unexpected visitor,a white Callas, which had escaped from an enchanted elephant forest,just to pay a short visit and join our contemplation …  Oh! And some Ocean-washed Margaritas were also welcomed …

http://gretchendelrio.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/enchanted-elephant-forest/

White Callas’ Visit,escaping from a painting

Ocean-washed Margaritas

Meanwhile,the eternal procession of the bio-rhythmic circle of life is in progress and the beautiful flowers get ready to attend the fiery tones of the sunset which totally resemble Etna’s spewing lava with the unique red nuances on its palette.

Sunset Illusions

 They get over-enthusiastic,overwhelmed before they start patiently waiting for the late Twilight when the sparkling  harmony of Stars and the Moon,The mind of  God,The mind of the Universre,will eventually peep out from their Stellar Kingdom to lullaby their mellow petals with sweet melodies between Heaven and Earth and entrust them to the care of the dreamy world of the night …

The Mind of God

 Flowery words to ‘liberate’ your packed up sentiments and let your soul meet with peace …

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 11/07/2011

The Spirit of the Greek Islands through Brush Strokes


Still in an indecisive phase ?

My forebears used to wisely say that  ” Ειδεναι Ορεγεται “  is in humans’ nature; Aristotle Metaphysics.

The Spirit of the Greek Islands through Brush Strokes

Just have a look at the  ‘Travel Leisure’  American magazine where Santorini (Thira) made its way to the list of  Top Islands . Selected out of thousands of islands from all over the world,rightly gained its distinction for its quaint beauty. It stands with pride on the  remnants of a volcanic caldera in the Aegean sea, receiving its visitors with agreeable warmth and plenty of attractions.

However,we shouldn’t push aside the other little gems which are scattered all over Greece in the Aegean and Ionian seas,shining in the turquoise crystal clear waters, while reflecting their greenish and blueish tones.They look like basking dolphins of different species that vary in size or like emerging Aphrodites from the sea-foam.

Most of them known since ancient times, with glorious history and culture behind them and perpetual sunshine beyond the reaches of Gods. They are also renowned for the idyllic moments of the sunsets,when the skies are vibrantly painted with tawny to brownish-orange shades and tones.

Sunset Illusions and Different Faces and Phases

Sometimes, when I am looking at the map,they remind me of a huge  ‘smorgasbord’  with an abundance of choices that makes the pick unbearably challenging …  They are all there, restful and very blue,with balmy sunny weather,to satisfy all the trends and desires,even the most exquisite penchant.

Discover new oceans with unfathomable beauty that it is waiting  for you to explore and appreciate.Being in those little islands  and experiencing  primitive values, it gives you the sensation that you travel back in time when once life  was more humane and relaxing.Nowadays,simplicity is lost in the rush to become modern and ritzy and privacy tends to become a luxury.

Reflectively Gazing the Horizons Behind the Immense Blue Ocean

Fancy yourself  isolated on a sandy beach  with sheltered bays and coves or with green hills behind you,all ready to receive you and show you the way to the little priceless delights of life and to idle pleasures. Or,wandering  in cobbled paths or narrow streets of undeniable charm, almost squeezed between little, white-washed houses,souvenir shops or medieval stone houses.And,and … last but not least,what about having  some anise-flavoured ouzo,either in a shot glass or in a bigger one with some cold water and ice cubes that turn it  into a milky white refreshing drink to go with the appetizers that the seaside tavern(a)s (small restaurants ) usually serve as  light summer dishes.Trust me,there is nothing better than a dish with octopus,sardines,fresh summer salads and many other  titillating delicacies.

Indeed,promising,carefree destinations ….

The Coast is Clear ...

Yes,the Coast is Clear …   and Scented with Basil fragrances which march to the beat of the waves … and to my puns.

Reflective thoughts by the seaside,through the Magic Spectrum of  Blue and the Spirit of the Greek Islands.


The ancient theatre of Epidaurus is nowadays u...

Image via Wikipedia

Expanding Social Boundaries and Sharing Common Visions

The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and The Greek Theatre of New York

Aristotle’s Poetics is the earliest survived  work ( 335 BC ) where he explains what poetry is,including Drama,Tragedy,Comedy and Lyric and Epic poetry. Theatre was built when the first Drama=Theatre was first created and presented by Thespis in ( 530 BC ).

Dionysus’ Theatre,the birth place of tragic poetry, is the first theatre of the Western world ,located on the south  hill of the Acropolis and it is where Aeschylus’,Euripides’,Sophocles’,Aristophanes’…timeless works were performed, not only for entertainment but also for deep moral and spiritual discussions.

Promoting cultural identity and sharing moral and social values make the world smaller and no matter the different cultures,you see that the humans’ spiritual needs are the same worldwide and carry indefinite duration.

It was in 1929 that ” The Greek Theatre in Los Angels ” was built and it opened in September of the same year. Designed by the architect Frederick Heath,the amphitheatre’s stage is modelled after a Greek Temple and it is nested in a lush landscape which so much resembles the surrounding area of the ancient Greek Epidaurus theatre, which is famous for its symmetry and its perfect acoustics.The Epidaurus theatre is  the finest well-preserved  of all of Greece’s ancient theatres. The Greek Theatre in Los Angels is also an open air theatre with excellent acoustics where you can enjoy top quality entertainment under the stars….

Concerning  “The Greek Theatre of  New York”, another strong,cultural bond between  Greece  and  USA, was founded by actor,writer and producer Yannis Simonides in 1979 and performances of classical and contemporary Hellenic repertory take place .

Successful productions with distinguished artists  have taken place over the years, such as :Aeschylus’ Agamemnon.Sophocles’ Electra,Euripides’ Iphigenia in Tauris,Aristophanes’ Lysistrata,The Birds,Theodorakis’  Song of the Dead Brother,Kazantzakis’ Greek Passion,Kornaros’  Erotokritos, just to name some and of course the most recent one “The Apology of Socrates” , where  his considerable arguments on virtue,justice,politics,love of life and hope in death tackle timeless issues and carry the torch of civilization and learning…

Moreover, Yannis Simonides founded  ” Greek Theatre International “  in 2010,as a sister organization to ” The Greek Theatre of New York ” and he aims to bring works of Greek Drama and Literature beyond National boundaries and traditional  theatre spaces, into  schools,universities,festivals,companies,communities and public spaces. As he supports their work is a profound belief in the diachronic and universal value of Greek Texts and Plays.

http://www.ellinikotheatro.org/greek-theatre-international/

Neo-classical Expression in the garden

Greek Aroma from a garden,to spread all over the world, reaching  new horizons


Solar System Planets.

Image via Wikipedia

(S)he who does not know what the world is,does not know where (s)he is ….

We are part of the immense universe where there is no bound,where Matter and Energy co-exist  with Millions or Billions of  Galaxies and Major or Minor Planets,Satellites, Asteroids,Shooting Stars and man-made,Artificial Satellites. All in absolute Symmetry and Harmony,interacting and processing  in full evolution while occupying  their Interplanetary or Interstellar,personal  Space. An astonishing,vast number of celestial bodies ,of  Mass Stars that become Supergiants,Supernonas  emitting vast amounts of energy and end their lives in the Infinite…

Our planet,Earth,is part of this Divine System,it takes up its  Space, it “shines” and we shine along with it. We seize possession and gradually expand and evolve..our existence and our self-expression while in orbit…. in our Space.

The Computer Science,the CyberSpace and the Internet World compose an Immense Universe where millions of Galaxies and billions of  Stars co-exist,negotiating and consolidating their vast Space.

To my eyes,  “WordPress” is a ” Galaxy ” with millions of  Stars….of all sizes and all dimensions and we,the WordPressers,either Major Planets or Asteroids or Satellites..we keep our blogs neatly,our personal ” Space ” , we interact and we shine,full of effervescent energy proportional to our purposes and our natural  and cultural abilities. Millions of stars take up their space which they keep either for professional reasons,or to publish scientific research and work or simply as a pastime to share knowledge,photos,emotions,thoughts and personal experiences. Millions of scientists,writers,poets,painters, avid travellers,photographers interact harmoniously and spread their knowledge and experiences on the WordPress platform. Such a vast Space to socialize and respond …and pay visits and write comments of any size ,rich or generous- ( and if  bloggers are kind enough they respond at least to say thank you )- because you live,you think ,you take and give energy and life….,  satisfying your Biophilia, which is your love for the living world and enjoy even the ” Kafkaesque“  style of the writers ; You come into contact or extended contact with intellectual and ” sophisticated “people,shrinking the distances and reaching even philosophical,meandering paths…

Sad,though,when you visit blogs and sites of bitter taste with disagreeable experiences and shocking photos,where people’s lives are torn up by natural disasters and devastating,catastrophic phenomena such as : Hurricanes,massive,monstrous tornadoes in the Tornedo Alley or Valley ,having the appearance of an elephant’s trunk,carrying with them chaos and havoc.Or wildfires and tremendous quakes and tsunamis…powerful words with powerful consequences. It’s upsetting when you realise that Nature’s power is unsurpassable and nothing can stop its ruthless,violent face…and its geophysics Wars…..Then,you simply read with trepidation and wonder “who is the next target ” …  and you think to yourself  that possibly “black”  energy is emitting  from somewhere,outshining  and disturbing the harmony of our Universe…

Nevertheless,life on our beautiful planet goes on and our world never stops its evolution and revolution… and people never stop  admiring  the Natural Beauty around them and in them…..Endless Beauty that  brings  out the poet,the painter,the writer…

The other night for instance,while gazing at the  clear, night skies, I couldn’t help thinking of  Orpheus Timeless Hymns,inspired by the celestial bodies and the Powers of  the Immense Universe,where he glorifies its Mythical Magic….

Golden Full Moon from Mt.Penteli and Orpheus Selene

SELENE  incense,aroma

Listen,goddess queen,carrier of the light,divine selene. Bull-horned Mene,runner of the night,in the air wandering,nocturnal,torch-bearer,maiden of the good star,Mene; growing and withering,male and female;luminous,friendly to the horses,time’s mother,bringer of the fruits;

you enlighten,downcast,shining upon,supervising the childbirths;seeing everything,you like wakefulness,escorted by good stars,happy in the quietness and in the blissful night;brilliant,joy-giver,bringing deeds at an end,night’s pride. Stars’ archon,with the long veil,running the helical road,wise kore,

come,blessed,with joy,being a good star,with your own light shining,your new suppliants,oh kore.-

I would also like to cite Orpheus’ ASTRA Hymn which I dedicate to all  the WordPressers ,who shine like Stars,Planetoids or Asteroids in the WordPress Galaxy. ( ASTRA = stars )

ASTRA  incense,aroma

The sacred light of the heavenly stars I call upon,with the holiest voices I addressed invitation to the pure demons.Oh stars of the heavens,lovely children of the black Night,eddies-like revolving about the throne in circular paths,sparkling,blazing,to the end fathers of all;

you are the fated issue,any destiny showing;determining the divine route of mortal humans;be seen in the zones of the seven lights,wanderers of the air,celestial,earthy,runners of a fire road,evermore indomitable;brightening the perpetually dim veil of the night,shining in glittering,joyful,and nocturnal;let you come to the much-suffering deeds of this sacred ceremony,you the fine,bringing to an end the road to prosperous works.

Mesembryanthemum plant with its Shining Stars....Whishing Many Happy Returns To the WordPress

Just an Extended Metaphor for all the WordPress bloggers –   Many Happy Returns ” WordPress ” Platform

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This Is What 43,000 Galaxies Look Like On A Map (gizmodo.com.au)

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 06/05/2011

Sea Life and USA-Greek connections


Natural sponges in Tarpon Springs

Image via Wikipedia

Sister City in USA – The Kalymnian Society of Tarpon Springs Florida USA

Kalymnian Sponge or "Kalymnian Gold"

 From the bath in the garden just to set off  its beauty among  other natural elements,reviving its marine life and the place of its  origin.It was given to me as a special present from a brave Kalymnian sponge diver who was lucky enough to escape the “divers’ disease”. Ever since,I keep it untouched to admire its beauty and recall its life in the sea-beds of the Aegean seas.

Its round shape reminds me of the Mercury NASA images which show  its cratered terrain and the exciting  beauty of the smallest planet in the Solar system.Messenger’s historic,orbital images with the artistic onomatology of the craters ……Callicrates,Camoes,Boccaccio,Rameau,Debussy…   Oh Gosh ! I love to pair off  and interrelate Natural Beauty,Space Magic,Universe Wisdom….

 Kalymnos sponges are known since ancient times . Homer and Aristotle often refer to the use of them.They are also of high quality and famous all over the world.The marine animals,source of income for the Kalymnians up until twenty years ago, were destroyed by a disease that hit the eastern Mediterranean where the beautiful island of Kalymnos is.The sponges were decimated but there are still hopes that it  won’t be permanent.Nature will undertake its role to cure the wounds of the sea-beds… Nevertheless,the islanders still hold some celebrations after Easter to keep honouring the relationship between the Kalymnians and the sponges.It’s part of their tradition which they want to keep alive.Their sponge stories have always fascinated me through literary books and novels and I totally admire the  sea-farmers’  dangerous occupation and the exciting harvesting of sponges from the sea-beds.

Well,Kalymnos,an Aegean island between Kos and Leros that belongs to Dodecanese =(12 islands) , with a lot of springs,as well as a thermal spring and Sister City in USA,The Kalymnian Society of  Tarpon Springs Florida USA…   Isn’t it wonderful?

A small Greece in  Pinellas,at the other end of the world where around 1880, the first Greek immigrants from Kalymnos,Halki and Symi arrived in Tarpon Springs Florida,hired as divers in the growing sponge harvesting industry.It’s  a small,vast world……

Sea life Beauty

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 01/05/2011

May Day in Greece


German chamomile

Image via Wikipedia

May Day in Greece,inside and outside the gardens,as well as in the streets…

First of  May in Greece has a double face and it is a national holiday as in most countries all over the world,honouring the worker and supporting  their rights.Powerful trade unions demonstrate in the streets and worker’s groups,called by the unions,are active on this day,striking and protesting.It’s sad though when mass protest marches clash with the police.

In my own May Day post though,I would also like to refer to the other face of the May Day, connected with the spring blossoms and the festivals of flowers.Yes,it is the “Festival of the Flowers” celebrated, which has its roots in ancient pagan holidays in our Mythology pages,celebrations for Demeter and her daughter Persephone.Demeter controlled the Plants and the Fertility of the Earth and she was Goddess of Agriculture.Her symbol is an ear of wheat.

Persephone,daughter of Demeter,appears as a beautiful young  maiden,on the edge of womanhood.Her symbol is the pomegranate.

Nature is so beautiful on May Day,inside and outside the gardens.People spend the day in the countryside honouring  the blossoms and making May wreaths.

Wild Flower Arrangement from our neighbouring forest in Mt.Penteli

Humble Chamomile, smiling at Wild Flowers

 Apart from making May wreaths,which we hang on doorways and balconies,we also gather camomile and we leave it in the sun for some days until it gets really dry.It is such a pleasant tea and very good for you,especially when sweetened with honey.

Mt.Penteli-Pine trees and Rocks just before the Sunset

Well,inside or outside the garden, I have a feeling that the flowers look brighter on May Day and they share with us their feelings and their joyful celebrations, through their blossoms and their Spring  whispers…

Happy Butter-flowers and their May Day Expression

Purple and Yellow May Day Smiles

 Aren’t they beautiful? Don’t they worth our admiration?

Before saying  good-bye and publishing the May Day post,  a wild cyclamen sandwiched among Mt. Penteli’s Marble Rocks…,where it admires the blossoms  until its own time comes to show off  its beauty, would very much like to  send you all  :  Its  Best Wishes and much LOVE  from Greece…

Wild Cyclamen sandwiched among Mt. Penteli's Marble Rocks.....

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Easter Bouquet

Easter,the most important religious holiday in Greece,will take place this year on April 24.Traditions that have withstood the test of time revive again and along with the spring weather warm people’s heart.Churches throughout the country offer Holy Week services with the highlight being Saturday’s midnight service when people in and outside the churches gather,with candles in hand,to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.On Good Friday flags are flown at half mast and church bells toll mournfully in commemoration of Christ being taken down from the cross.We do the same and put on a Holy Sepulchre decorated with fresh flowers which we call Epitaphios (it’s a catafalque) very specific words I’m afraid.Afterwards,the Catafalque is carried out of the church paraded through the streets in a funeral procession.

Easter Spring blossoms by the seaside

Come midnight on Saturday,church bells ring out joyfully as the devout light candles to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection.The traditional Easter meal consists of roast lamb, fresh salads,Easter bread,boiled eggs,which we dye red on Holy Thursday and of course lots of red wine.
Easter decorations in the garden,on a cedar tree
I t’s customary to have Easter lunch in the garden where the spring blossoms enhance the occasion and refresh our disposition.

Easter Treat

Nature’s powerful rebirth,indeed,makes the atmospere joyful and warm, spreading the ray of hope and love which people so much need to keep  balance and harmony in their life.

Lilac blossoms reaching out to the blue skies to communicate with the divine power

 As most traditions in Greece,those of Easter are preserved and upheld with enthusiasm by people throughout the country with special local effect and colour in each region.We all welcome The Resurrection of Christ and Nature.

Even the Spruce in the garden is showing off its Spring expression

 A Spring post for all my friends and keypals,full of love and warm wishes.

wild marathon=fennel , giving accounts.....to The Marathon runners..

The Parthenon, on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece.
Image via Wikipedia

The Marathon lake narrating the story behind its name

A magpie having a bird’s-eye view
The Marathon lake and its artistic temperament
Birds, aeroplanes and parallel flights
The Sun’s last smiles
Militaristic approach…with a friendly disposition
Birds Assembly before turning in
The Marathon lake and after-glow
The Marathon lake Attica Athens Greece
The Marathon lake and the Marathon Dam
Wild fennel all over Mt.Penteli and Marathonas

 Thoughts and Toponyms and Toponomastics on a Spring day by The Marathon Lake 

The beautiful Marathon lake is down the eastern slopes of Mt.Penteli and above the site of the Marathon battle  (490  B.C.). It’s the coastal place where the Tymbos =tomb of Marathon is,where the first Marathon runner (messenger) started his 40 kilometre journey to Athens to report the victory.There is no doubt that the Marathon runners all over the world know the history behind the “Marathon” name.However, I was wondering while wandering the area if they really know the meaning of Marathon which is the name of  an innocent wild plant,a famous,well-known herb.
Yes,we are talking  about marathon,the Greek name of  fennel .All the Marathon area and Mt.Penteli abound in fennel  which excuses the Toponym Marathon. This hardy,perennial,aromatic herb, with the yellow flowers and the feathery leaves ,wrote History…and now it is widely used in Medicine and cooking,while it’s very pleasant in fresh salads.
The Marathon Dam is unique world-wide because its external cladding ( the insulating layer) of white Penteliko marble is the marble used in the construction of the Parthenon temple and the other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens.The lake is very beautiful and it’s a real pleasure to watch the sun setting and to recall Greek history

http://www.adventure-marathon.com/Athens-Classic-Marathon.aspx

http://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/onomatology-and-made-up-names-part-a/

 

 

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 03/04/2011

The Rite of Spring


Spring Colourful Reflections Seasoned with Greek Spirit

Nature’s Spring Face Revives,Reaching out to Human Nature and  Soul,Triggering  Thoughts and Emotional Sensations

It was only a balmy, early evening and an owl‘s cry,hooting outside in the garden as if calling my owl family to join it,an owl family perched high on book shelves,resting on this “elevated” place where we grope for knowledge to replenish our learning tanks, that….

that…evoked my perceptive faculties and awoke  my internal emotional side. It was just what I needed to set out on a lyric,meandering journey to distant destinations ….into History and Mythology.

It was unthinkable for me though,not to  reflect on a fresco  from Thera (a replica from my personal collectios).It’s part of the famous fresco  “THE SPRING FRESCO”  from Akrotiri, Thera  (Santorini Volcanic Island) 1550-1500 BCE,the beautiful fresco of the Lotus flowers and the Kissing  Swallows.It seems that their strong love and the volcanic Lava,which had undertaken the role of the good preserver,helped them to  survive the catastrophic, Japan-like  earthquake.

 Everything around me that balmy evening had a story to share with me,with you…even the crepuscular shadows in the garden helped me  to echo the owl’s hooting through words….accentuating Art and Spring Beauty.Azalea’s spring blossoms had taken a faded colour trying to rest for a while in the  earthen pot, before they were ready again to receive the first sun beams from the Attica skies.

Presumably, the same Sun Beams that gave life to the Goddess of Wisdom and War  Athena and to the Owls which inhabited the Acropolis in great numbers. The Owl , that was Athena’s favourite creature  along with her Shield and an Olive tree ,  regarded  sacred symbols.I suppose it is not contingent that the owl was the symbol of wisdom  in so many cultures. People always found owls wise. Probably, it has to do with their  night vision, their  human size  ”knowing-eyes” with the upper eyelids and of course, their upright posture.

Sweet flower blossoms,scented air in the atmosphere, birds’  evening notes, ,kissing  swallows and the owl’s rhythmic hooting , all like a well-synchronized Spring Orchestra…..  A Synthesis of Wisdom,Balance,Harmony and Beauty….all there,a good excuse for me to publish  a rather Ruritanian post…..

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 26/03/2011

The Orphic Hymns and Earth Hour 2011


Gaia (Greek Mythology)

Image via Wikipedia

Earth Hour 26th March 2011 and Gaia Orphic Hymn

The Earth Hour today,a global event which is held on last Saturday of March annually and I reflected on  Greek Mythology ,History and Poetry, trying to remember some famous poems where we hymn our love to Earth.My mind went instantly to the  Orphic Hymns ….GAIA…

Gaia…. incense,every seed,less broads and aroma…..

The Orphic Hymns - pre-classical poetic compositions – a collection of  about eighty-seven hymns,taking their name after the famous poet and musician Orpheas who is one of the most significant figures in the classical mythology in Western culture.

(26) xxvi.  GAIA   incense,every seed,less broads and aroma….

Mt.Penteli cactus and naturally sculptured rocks  GREECE

” GAIA  incense,every seed,less broads and aroma…. 

Oh goddess Earth  ,mother of blessed,and mortal humans, nurse of all,provider of all, fruits ripening, decaying everything, help of growth, bringer of fruits, loaded of beautiful seasons ; seat of the undying cosmos, Kore variegated, who through birth’s pangs you deliver multiform fruits;

immortal,very august,with deep laps,of prosperous fate,joyful in the sweet breezed lawn, demon with the many flowers; happy in downpours, around her a daedalus-like world of stars revolves eternally pushed by powerful natural forces.

But blessed goddess,may you proliferate pleasure-giving fruits,showing a kind heart , in prosperous seasons.

The translated GAIA hymn is from(THE ORPHIC HYMNS)  Astronomy in the Age of Ice By P. PETRIDES

 Mt. Penteli-Kifisia-Athens-Greece. Wild flowers and spring touches

 

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 21/03/2011

Super Full Moon at Perigee of Rare Size and Beauty


Full Moon view from earth In Belgium (Hamois).

Image via Wikipedia

The  SUPER MOON of  the 19th March 2011

A Super Perigee Moon

After the recent, tragic events with  Japan’s catastrophic quake , the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa and  Libya Crisis , unfortunately, all three are still in process, the beautiful Moon of the 19 March 2011 ,the World  Storytelling Day 20 March and the World Poetry Day 21 March came as a relief  just to take our mind off the worries for  a  while and give us the chance to see the other side of the coin….

Today, 21st of  March,we have a  Spring Equinox  when  Day and Night have about equal length.Although the day’s length is a bit shortened  after the recent tremendous earthquakes that took place in our planet.The fact that they decided to have a Global Celebration of Poetry on this day is not accidental . Spring has been a source of inspiration for poets and not only, for ages..

 The day of the Super Moon was very much anticipated and all depended on the weather’s disposition and the clear skies .Would it be a clear,cloudless night to allow us to get good visual effect?

A Magpie on a Good Observation Post for the Magical Event....

The clever bird , the magpie,had taken possession on a good observation post in the garden to enjoy the anticipated phenomenon….I thought to myself  as I captured it…. Imagine ! My country , Greece , with plenty of sunshine most of the time,even over winter,on that day Gods decided to send us cloudy skies and drops of rain . That’s Irony of Fate…. It had been overcast since noon and one could presume what to expect…When the beautiful Super Moon was near the horizon where it gives the stunning effect ,where the illusion mixes with reality and produces the Myth… the clouds were rich black and simply, it was like a black,moonless night… And what I managed to get later on, was a rather poor visual effect…Just to remember the WINTRY  night in Spring……

OVAL,EGG-SHAPED FULL MOON 19-3-2011

OF ORIGINAL SHAPE...of different Phases and Faces

FULL MOON 19-3-2011

From Mount Penteli-Kifisia-Athens-GREECE

FULL MOON 19-3-2011

http://wordlesstech.com/2011/03/18/supermoon-biggest-full-moon-in-18-years-tomorrow/

http://gretchendelrio.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/lobo-luna/

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 13/03/2011

DANTE’S HELL 11 March 2011 JAPAN


Figure 5: NASA JPL to-scale size comparison of...

Image via Wikipedia

JAPAN   11  MARCH 2011  TIME : “ZERO”

THE CATASTROPHIC FACE OF NATURE AND ITS UNCONQUERABLE POWER

WHERE ARE THE MIGHTY OF THE EARTH TO STOP IT?

Brainstorm:

The sun didn’t rise  on that cursed day in the” Land of the Rising Sun”. What dramatic irony….

 Fellow beings in despair – Nature is more powerful than any high technology – UNBEATABLE NATURAL STRENGHT - Enormous Waves – Titanic waves – fires - menacing smoking-black clouds-floods – wild ocean – radioactivity – concrete –  debris – metals – irons – flood mud - Toy-like houses – Toy-like ships -Toy-like aeroplanes –  Toy-like cars – airports –  Huge buildings ROCKING…- TSOUNAMI= the harbour’s wave 1274 – GEOGRAPHY CHANGES ..- possible nuclear pollution all over…? Ecological BALANCE LOST – Harmony of the universe disturbed – FLORA AND FAUNA in danger – ANGUISH…all in one word :HAVOC

ALL AN AMORPHOUS MASS…..

We have to hear their cry…  

Gigante Enceladus’ wild awakening attacked JAPAN mercilessly.The Earth’s son whose breath is the volcanic fires of Etna…according to Greek mythology, had no pity at all…..That’s the real “Hell” on Earth….  

  I am unable to work it out,to digest it,very UNFAIR.I am devastated.I wish it were just a bad dream…a NIGHTMARE…

Our thoughts with them….

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 12/03/2011

Old Man Winter’s Sudden Attack and Clean Monday


Clean Monday

Image by symivisitor via Flickr

Monday of Lent, on the 7th of  March 2011

Early Spring and Jack Frost was kind enough to pay  a flouncing visit to us , for fear that we might take his absence unkindly.He set upon with violent force ,determined to spoil our Public Holiday “Clean Monday” ,leaving us snowed in for three consecutive  days,reminding us that one swallow doesn’t make a summer…

It’s customary to celebrate Clean Monday outdoors,flying kites and having  picnic lunch, consuming  Lagana Bread baked with plenty of sesame and FASTING FOOD  ( the opposite of fast food and  junk food) and of course a lot of dancing and drinking .You can also see many Kite-flyers  everywhere around  as it is a widespread custom all over  Greece,provided  the ruler of winds Aeolous opens its bags generously (Greek Mythology) .

Many Thanks to Aeolous

Many Thanks to Aeolous for his generosity and to Old Man winter,who was a bit late and gave us the chance to enjoy, at least,the late morning hours.Though,before long a battle between Spring and Winter started and the victor began to write his own story,apologising for his capricious disposition.The first huge snowflakes were falling  rhythmically, mixed with startled,panicked birds which still kept flying and singing .An unusual setting for Greek weather standards but welcome.

Spring snowfall March 2011

It reminded me of the Lord’s words connected with the “Clean Monday” concept…..Come and I will make your sins white as snow…That’s the meaning of fasting for 40 days before Easter Sunday.What a coincidence!!!

Early Spring March 2011

Not monkeying  at all….It was over our  expectations , absolutely beyond belief….Imagin,during Xmas we were still swimming and skiing was just a dream.The above snow-covered cedar tree is where some of my marble  statues rest which now they looked almost  ice-sculptured.

http://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/garden-decoration-and-the-vergina-sun/

Edward resting on the snow carpet March 2011

 

Our 13 year Old Man Eddie, was exhausted after running around in the garden and rolling over in the snow  and right now  while resting,  he is probably thinking of his ancestors in Labrador Lake where they lived in snow most of the time ,helping fishermen in the cold waters of the lake.

Spring ,March 2011

PS: My beloved fox family was so happy in the snow and every evening when I went to their feeding place for their usual dinner,they were still playing tag..It is amazing how weather influences the animals’ mood….

http://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/more-foxes/

 

 

  • Lent (wickedwomenmag.com)
  • Lagana bread recipe:

 http://greekfood.about.com/od/greekbreadspitas/r/cleanmondaybreadlagana.htm

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 06/03/2011

Garden Decoration and the Vergina Sun


Vergina sun

Image via Wikipedia

The Luminous Disk in the Sky

The Sun, source of life and  inspiration for ancient civilizations and cultures,has been a symbol and emblem from time immemorial.In Greek Mythology it was worshiped as God , personified as Helios,a handsome God ,who drove the chariot of the Sun.In the course of time  it became the God of Light,the Olympian Apollo.

The Vergina Sun is  a very well-known Ancient Greek symbol,a beautiful star which shines its beauty on different decorative  objects .My Vergina Star rests in the garden, shining its glory,narrating its own culture ,sculptured in pure Penteliko marble,the same marble that was used for the construction of the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis of Athens.

The Vergina Sun,sculptured in Penteliko Marble

A Panhellenic Symbol,the Sun with the sixteen rays, representing the 4 Elements :Earth,Ocean,Fire,Air and the 12 Gods of Olympus.Thanks to countless archaeological excavations,it was found on coins,sculptures,craters,frescos and other ornamental objects which are very popular exhibits in Greek museums.

Some other little statues decorate the garden,basking in the Attic sun,adding  artistic touches to Nature‘s peaceful mood.

Cycladic Art

 The Hermes of Praxiteles is resting  among  primulas further down in  the garden,creating a mood of deep meditation,filled  with disciplined thoughts and positive energy.Soon, he will join the  Greek  goddess of Love  and Beauty, Aphrodite, in the Symposium.

Ancient Greek Beauty,having a Symposium...

Looking at the bright side of life and sharing quiet moments with friends and key pals is most  refreshing  and enjoyable ….

Reflections from  a winter day

 5th of  March 2011  Kifisia-Athens-Greece

The Hermes of Praxiteles

 http://gretchendelrio.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/rainbow/ 

Artists often use the Symbol of the Sun in their paintings, giving different interpretations….Interesting ,isn’t it?

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 28/02/2011

The Departure


                                                25 February 2006

Still Burning…

A long journey to the unknown,a journey without return. 

A Destination to an enigmatic world,shrouded in mystery,with hazy sunshine where  the soul rests in peace,keeping  its spirit alive in the immense universe.The mental substance prevails and the material world dissipates its existential hypostasis.

I Wish I Could Rewind Time….. 

The fire was blazing on the hearth , its  flaring sparks kept stirring up my memory,my inner thoughts with a bitter taste,evoking doleful emotions and a mad desire to rewind time,to see her congenial smile again,to touch her gentle face…to hear her silken voice and feel her great affection, “the affection”  of the female parent that knows no bounds…..It’s one of those moments when the perseverance of memory enters a revolving door with a swift whirling motion,spinning out of control.Trapped as I was in a reminiscent mood , a Portuguese word crossed my mind ,kind of  epiphany,a meaningful word which another fellow WordPresser was attempting to render into English, on one of his posts.

Yes,it was “saudades”  =  “deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one was fond of and which is lost. It often carries a fatalist tone and a repressed knowledge that the object of longing might really never return.”
http://giulas41.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/lost-in-translation/

Yes,it’s one of those moments when your heart becomes more powerful than your brain when your indomitable feelings get a  woebegone face that allows you to  look  fondly upon those who have departed.  Saudades……..

The chimes of an old Timepiece brought me back to Reality ….to the Transitory Happiness of Life….

The Soul's Journey

 

Excerpt from  my personal diary  25 Feb. 2011

   Recollections From the Good Old Days

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 23/02/2011

Collage Art and Refrigerator Magnetics Mania


Pablo Picasso, Three Musicians (1921), Museum ...

Image via Wikipedia

While Exploring Arts,from Picasso to Refrigerator Magnetics Mania, Creating our Personal Micro-World, our own Expression

A short-lived fad or a long-lived craze?

Looking at Collage Modern Art from a different perspective, with an open mind and plenty of imagination, we often find different expressions and applications  which give colour to  our everyday life. Collage is a distinctive part of Modern Art,coined by the Cubist painters P.Picasso and G.Braque , created from the gathering of different things which all together present a new whole.Personally, I think that the refrigerator magnetics is a customized  form of popular Art,a fad for all trends and tastes that  invaded our houses  years ago and remains popular,giving us the chance to create our personal Micro-World, on the inanimate,lifeless surface of our fridges.

A celebration of colours

A Micro-World with a big variety of themes,full of colour,relief work,made of rubber,porcelain,ceramic or glass,even customized photoframes.An expression of decoration that almost nobody has escaped. Flowers,food,fruits,sweets,souvenirs bought on our travels,paintings from galleries for more sophisticated and aesthetic tastes. They look as if  pages from a book,pages from our life,ready to delight our eyes and our soul through a different dimension.Suitable for all fridges,poor or rich  inside or outside ….From time to time we renew them,we rearrange them and although it is a  nuisance , we never get rid of them.

dissimilar but they co-exist

 We could organise a photo competition to spot the most spectacular or the most  elegant ones.Can you imagine what extraordinary collages we can get?

Occasionally,I wonder if high technology could ever touch them and in the future we can get magnetics with microchips,playing music or having flashing lights , catching our attention more easily.And why not,having a voice, probably to stop us when our ravenous appetite knows no bounds…Too far-fetched I am afraid .Obviously I have entered the paths of my imagination again…

as if pages from our life......

 

 Because …..Life is Art,Art in all its expressions….

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 17/02/2011

The Erratic Temperament of The Sleeping Beauty


 Loose Thoughts and Bathetic Narrations by the  Seaside

         Being by the sea for a couple of days  is very relaxing and refreshing  ,even when it is  winter time.However, I would never, ever expect to see this spectacular body of water, literally still, as if  in a painting, the faint smiling of the  ripples unable to produce the gentle lapping  and all the  dynamic presence of the liquid element , simply, absent. A  surprisingly warm “ Sleeping Beauty” ,the personification of tranquility.The Blue Power had settled down in real earnest and the setting sun had started to reflect its golden and pinkish shadows on the shining surface,creating  an artistic mood, especially tinged with the antithetical , dim presence of the snow-clad peaks of  MountParnassos , standing proudly above the horizon. 

It was exactly a photographer’s dream,a painter’s subject.The magical scenery imparted its  serene disposition to you  and all you wanted to do was to steal this calm,beautiful moment.The well-known,Greek thinker and writer Kazantzakis,writes in one of his books,titled “Reference to Greco”, that , sometimes, Beauty is unbearable…That’s exactly how I felt that very moment.

Usually ,when all is serene  and quiet around and I deeply feel the power of  silence, I enjoy gathering  pebbles, pebbles of all ages,sizes,colours and shapes , having different geometrical patterns,each one bearing its own story behind and its personal ID…They are so independent…

Pebbles and Loose Thoughts

 

However,it didn’t last for long . The Sleeping Beauty was disturbed by a gust of wind, its  shining surface became a battlefield of white horses ,showing their power to the howling wind.That was the other  face of the “Sleeping Beauty”….a face with a wild disposition ,but still beautiful…

the moody sunset foreshadowed the oncoming heavy swelling waves

 

Huge rollers,almost Hawaiian

The force of weaves, breaking on the rocky coast

 

The rough sea gave me the chance to enjoy the warmth of the house,where sitting by the fireplace I could enjoy a cup of tea, hearing the exciting sound of the waves breaking on the coast ….

Looking for white horses

 

An Archetypal Scenario……

The Strong Relationship of Blue and White,helping you to free the energy of a surge…in your soul and bring it back to a peaceful state…..

almost back to normal....

The very next day,all was almost calm again,but, I could still hear the sound of the breaking waves on the coast, I could still hear the sound of life…..

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 11/02/2011

The Confessions of a White Orchid


After Glow Magic and Nature’s Creations on a Winter Evening

FLOWERS AND DEEP THOUGHTS

 

A white Orchid in a reflective mood, taking delight in watching  the setting of  the pale,winter sun,behind the facing mountain.

HONEY-DEW AND PALE BLUE SKIES

 

The absolute power of  aesthetics,emotionally entangled,in delicate Flowers and massive,imposing Mountains…

From Mount Penteli  facing  Mount Parnitha,lost in reflection…..Feb.2011

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 06/02/2011

LOANS – ANTI LOANS


The Parthenon via Wikipedia

The Big Ben
Miss LIBERTY via Wikipedia

Language connections ,interactions and interrelations,loan words and anti loan,that is words which come back to the lender language  corrupted sometimes,however,widely used.

The English language,almost an International language,living to welcome constant transactions from other tongues.

I would very much like to cite a most lively example of the English-Greek language connections which is quite old but still very characteristic to enlighten the subject in question.Typical loan words are  interspersed all over  Xenophon Zolotas’ speeches in Washington USA  on the 26/9/1959 the first and on 2/10/1959 the second,then he was PM and Professor .They are old as you can see but still very,very timeless…. History always repeats itself….Enjoy :

“I always wished to address this Assembly in Greek, but realized that it would have been indeed ”Greek” to all present in this room. I found out,however, that I could make my address in Greek which would still be English to everybody. With your permission, Mr. Chairman, l shall do it now, using with the exception of articles and prepositions, only Greek words.

“Kyrie, I eulogize the archons of the Panethnic Numismatic Thesaurus and the Ecumenical Trapeza for the orthodoxy of their axioms, methods and policies, although there is an episode of cacophony of the Trapeza with Hellas. With enthusiasm we dialogue and synagonize at the synods of our didymous organizations in which polymorphous economic ideas and dogmas are analyzed and synthesized. Our critical problems such as the numismatic plethora generate some agony and melancholy. This phenomenon is characteristic of our epoch. But, to my thesis, we have the dynamism to program therapeutic practices as a prophylaxis from chaos and catastrophe. In parallel, a Panethnic unhypocritical economic synergy and harmonization in a democratic climate is basic. I apologize for my eccentric monologue. I emphasize my euharistia to you, Kyrie to the eugenic arid generous American Ethnos and to the organizes and protagonists of his Amphictyony and the gastronomic symposia

It is Zeus’ anathema on our epoch (for the dynamism of our economies) and the heresy of our economic method and policies that we should agonize the Skylla of nomismatic plethora and the Charybdis of economic anaemia. It is not my idiosyncracy to be ironic or sarcastic but my diagnosis would be that politicians are rather cryptoplethorists. Although they emphatically stigmatize nomismatic plethora, they energize it through their tactics and practices. Our policies should be based more on economic and less on political criteria. Our gnomon has to be a metron between economic,strategic and philanthropic scopes. Political magic has always been anti-economic. In an epoch characterized by monopolies, oligopolies, monopolistic antagonism and polymorphous inelasticities, our policies have to be more orthological, but this should not be metamorphosed into plethorophobia, which is endemic among academic economists. Nomismatic symmetry should not antagonize economic acme. A greater harmonization between the practices of the economic and nomismatic archons is basic. Parallel to this,we have to synchronize and harmonize more and more our economic and nomismatic policies panethnically. These scopes are more practicable now, when the prognostics of the political and economic barometer are halcyonic. The history of our didimus organization on this sphere has been didactic and their gnostic practices will always be a tonic to the polyonymous and idiomorphous ethnical economies. The genesis of the programmed organization will dynamize these policies. Therefore, i sympathize, although not without criticism one or two themes with the apostles and the hierarchy of our organs in their zeal to program orthodox economic and nomismatic policies, although I have some logomachy with them.I apologize for having tyranized you with my Hellenic phraseology. In my epilogue, i emphasize my eulogy to the philoxenous aytochtons of this cosmopolitan metropolis and my encomium to you, Kyrie stenographers

 

Definitely TIMELESS…..Besides,if Xenophon Zolotas were still alive he could deliver endless speeches including countless Internet Words and High Technology terms.What a great relief for us the Greeks when we come across with words of Greek origin in other languages , they are so time-saving . Nevertheless, we have to be a bit reserved as some of them are False Friend Words …Here are some in the English  language :  sympathetic,sycophant,apophasis,chrestomathy,ecphrasis or ekphrasis and others…happily not many.

Well, I borrow,you lend,I lend you borrow …..It is a small vast world that belongs to everybody….

To all “The Greeks Abroad” ,to Philhellenes and of course to all my Greek,American and English friends and key pals…

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 31/01/2011

Numismatics and Philately on the Walls


Collections of Coins and Stamps on the Walls

Framed Coins like Paintings

Stamp collection

After getting over  Monday Morning syndrome I decided to spice up my day by posting  my recent decision to dig up my coin and stamp collections. Collections tucked away in boxes,drawers,in attics and in scrapbook albums as if punished to live in the dark for ever,having no right to speak of their past and their glory. I was fed up with opening and reopening the boxes and the scrapbooks just to give a look of sympathy , to think of their(  past glory ) and to seal them again. So I had to do something to give them life again and I decided to have them framed like paintings and  hang them on the walls of my study and sitting room.

Now by looking at them I go back in the past , I compare things and I recall History..

In  Ancient times when the coins were gold,silver, copper ,hammered, elaborate coins with embossed depictions,real masterpieces of Art….and then ,then to more recent times when we had coins with plainness and simplicity but still bearing history and after the plastic money…..adjusted to the ever-changing world,which one day in the future will be exhibits in Museums…as well.

Elaborate Coin with Embossed dolphins'depiction

 

silver elaborate coin VELEREPHONDIS

 

Well , Numismatics  ( the study or collection of coins, paper money (notes) as well as medals or tokens)  and collection of stamps Philately (phil=loving + ateleia=tax-free) when the recipient paid,not the sender ,to hang “ ON OUR WALLS  “just to recall history and to compare things….

A SYMBOL OF FERTILITY,LONGEVITY AND POWER IN ANCIENT GREECE

 

ANCIENT OWL - SYMBOL OF WISDOM

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 28/01/2011

Photography,Atlanta and Modern Art by Accident


An ever-changing panoramic view of Atlanta from revolving  roof restaurants where sometimes imperfection speaks louder than perfection and Liberal Arts take place……..

PANORAMIC VIEW OF ATLANTA THROUGH THE LENSES OF A SHAKEN CAMERA

 

MODERN ART May 2010

Almost back to normal

Atlanta FROM HIGH UP May 2010

 

A more effective attempt

 

AN EVER-CHANGING PANORAMIC VIEW OF ATLANTA May2010

 

TO THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR A BETTER WORLD

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 25/01/2011

Onomatology and Made-up Names (part B)


Detail of The School of Athens by Raffaello Sa...

Image via Wikipedia

Following my “Onomatology and Made-up Names” ( part A ) Post :

http://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/onomatology-and-made-up-names-part-a/

that has to do with Names and the hidden knowledge behind them…. Aristotle , Plato , Kimon , Dorothy,Diana,..and countless lists of beautiful,well-sounding names that each one of them opens a page or pages in History,Religions,Mythology and so many other sources of interest as I have already mentioned on my earlier post  ” ONOMASTICS (part A)  I felt like publishing my experience with my Made-up name “DODA” ( how odd,there are no Ds in my real name) it is actually a coined name  which I have adopted since I was a toddler and never changed it despite my friends’ suggestions and comments upon it , which I am afraid were rather caustic… have a look  ( part A) post ,to see what I mean and get your laugh….

From time to time people asked me if I had any connections with Andros, a Greek island in Cyclades, or with Poland and, and the height of the matter was when asked if I had any connections with Kashmir. Kashmir ? No, no connections with Kashmir,the only connection with Kashmir is my Kashmir scarf….

No connections with Andros , Poland….

Of course,I started to have suspicions that there must be something behind my innocent,coined name….and the mystery started to be solved when at a social reception I met a lady whose name was  DODA ..Doda? What are you talking  about? This name is only mine…(let me add some drama to my narration…) Yes, her name was Doda and she came from Andros where they have a local name Maryoga and Doda is the short name of it.To be honest I so much liked the name Maryoga that I adopted it..(it’s my pseudonym for different uses) .  The rest of the story was left for the Google search machine and Wikipedia…They opened up pages and pages and unfolded information and information where all my questions got an answer..

The Poland …mystery by finding the famous Polish singer Dorota or Doda… and to my big surprise….

My Kashmir connection,not the scarf of course.. but the Beautiful Doda winter capital of Jammu-Kashmir,near outer Himalayan ranges,near the Kashmir valley,a very interesting district ,endowed with ..Imagine!!!  Vast wealth of Natural Beauty and rich forests and rivers and  snow-clad lofty mountains…OMG I am sure this Doda district was meant …for me and my passions….. I must publish a post on DODA…Kashmir…

You see how much Geography and culture  behind an innocent Made-up name…  It’s high- time you started searching you names …

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 25/01/2011

Onomatology and Made-up Names (part A )


Onomatology or Onomastics,Anthroponomastics,Toponomastics,hypocoristics,diminutive names,nicknames which in the future turned into Surnames (Second Names),bynames and ancestral namesakes that scholars aim to study and explain the origin and the history of countless names all over the world. A very good example is “The American Name Society” founded in 1951 that promotes Onomastics by investigating cultural insights,history and linguistic traits behind the names. Also “The English Place-Name Society” concerned with Toponomastics,the study of Toponyms.

Onomatology is a very interesting part of languages and when  taught in schools students build up knowledge in a very pleasant way by exploring History,Mythology,Geography,Religions,their cultural and social background and many other sources of interest.

Have you ever thought of what your name could reveal? Imagine your name was  Sophia,Rebecca,Plato,Eleni,or Paris , every name a page or pages in Mythology , History , Religions.

Here is the story of my Made-up short name,a CACOPHONOUS name with funny surprises and coincidences.

As my real first name is a mouthful of a name when I was a toddler and people asked what my name was,the only thing I could articulate to “ facilitate ” my communication needs was DO- DA  ( how odd,my real name has no Ds). A very funny short name that I had decided to keep for ever ( who knows why) despite my parents efforts to make me use my real name.There was no response and having no other choice they started making use of it and so did all our social environment and relatives. However, some of them  didn’t like it for different reasons but they never convinced me to change it.For instance , an English friend of mine ,June, had labelled it as an intense ALLITERATION example because of the D-D consonant (sorry June very pedantic I am afraid) don’t you know   ALLITERATION is accepted in most languages especially in poetry? Some other friends found it ill-sounding,harsh sounding,immusical,cacophonous and that it sounded like a PISTOL SHOT.Oh my God !!!  what else am I going to hear about my innocent Made-up name? I used to say  I liked it and that it was unique……that’s what I  thought then. My story goes on with the surprises and coincidences behind my Made-up name  “ DODA” and will follow on my  next post ( part  B )….

      NB : Even the proofread (check-spell) doesn’t like it and  suggests  Dora , Dona…..

Aristotle,Patroclos,Grace,Phedias,Socrates,Lydia,Erato, Sappho,,Constantine,Iphigenia,Adonis,Thalea,Aris……. ???

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 21/01/2011

Pine-tree – Almond-tree Friendships


I couldn’t resist,I had to do something about it..Maybe a WordPress Post would be a splendid idea,why not.If I were a painter,a poetess, things would be different and I could have used better means and tools to publish their relationship…,a relationship that sets a very good example for people to follow,to copy…there is always enough space for everybody on this blessed planet,there is no need to exterminate one another to survive…

INTERMINGLED NEIGHBOURING BRANCHES

They stand proudly together with their branches intermingled,sharing and exchanging ideas,chatting about their life,their surrounding space and probably how people treat them.

RARE HEIGHBOURHOOD

RARE NEIGHBOURHOOD

I was not alone watching ,the silver,evening moon cast furtive glances from high above

SILVER EVENING MOON

Once,people asked the almond-tree if there is a God and it blossomed.

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 20/01/2011

Three Big Secrets in Small Jars and Bottles (part B)


OLIVE OIL        POST (part A )http://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/three-big-secrets-in-small-jars-and-bottles/

Pure Extra Virgin olive oil Jan.2011

 Honey

Crocus 

and their  history which goes back in very early prehistoric era.

THYME HONEY

 

Honey in Greece has a very long history and it goes back thousands of years ago . Its importance for humans was mentioned in classical texts of Ancient Greece such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and in philosophical texts of Plato,Aristotle and others.

Hippocrates ,father of Medicine,knew about its nutritional and pharmaceutical value.It was a healing medicine then and its nutritional value, a secret for strength,youth and good stamina.Was it accidental?

Have you ever heard about the Food of the Gods of Olympus?It was “Ambrosia” (Honey).   Was it accidental too?

There are many kinds of honey with different flavours but the Thyme honey is one of the most famous.We use a lot of honey in Greece and it is our basic sweetener.You see,we very much stick to tradition and to Nature’s gifts

And last but not least our “ Crocus Herb “ ,those magical red stigmas/threads that give golden colour and taste to our dishes 

CROCUS MAGIC IN A SMALL JAR

Its cultivation goes back more than 3000 years (Late Bronze Age) Crete and reportedly its antioxidant properties helped for the treatment of almost 90 illnesses.Minoans potrayed Crocus in the palace frescoes (Knossos) ,showing crocus used as a therapeutic drug.Also, in late Hellenistic era it was prescribed as a medicine.No matter its history and its properties ,believe me,there in nothing more relaxing than a cup of Crocus tea with Honey and cinnamon….

From the eyes of a passionate Nature Watcher who lives through tradition and past values….

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 19/01/2011

Three Big Secrets in Small Jars and Bottles (part A)


New olive oil, just pressed. It has a dense co...

  

OLIVE OIL

HONEY

CROCUS

Three natural products without additives.Food and Medicine at the same time, with taste,goodness and wonder-working properties,well-known since ancient times for their health benefits.All three widely used in the Mediterranean Diet,Medicine and Cosmetology.

 

The reason I decided to publish a post like that it was not that I wanted to promote anything or to speak highly of Greek natural products.Simply I wanted to share the joy I felt when my brother, who is a doctor,brought me bottles of freshly pressed Bio Olive Oil,bottles which had just arrived from the oil-press place ,produced under the Cold-Press procedure which makes the big difference  for the Pure Extra Virgin olive oil.It comes from his own private Olive  Grove and it is only for family and friends consumption.

Pure Extra Virgin olive oil Jan.2011

 

His knowledge as a Doctor about olive oil’s antioxidants  and his passion about Nature make him so happy to cultivate those holy olive trees of vital force ,nearly immortal.They give us their tasty product with the delicate,gentle flavour,a permanent health guard of our precious hearts.Its worst enemies are the heat and the light that’s why we keep it in cool,dark places.

Homer called the olive oil ”liquid gold” and in Ancient Times the olive tree was a symbol of glory and peace.Olive crowns and branches were awarded to the winners in friendly games and they were emblems of purification.

SMALL FRUIT (CROP) OF PRICELESS VALUE

 

Concerning the other two natural products honey and crocus,their secrets and their health value, I intend  to expand and develop properly on my next post, as I don’t want  to outshine the olive oil post which is written with much respect for my brother’s efforts , as a Doctor and an amateur Naturalist , for a healthier life…..

THYME HONEY

Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 15/01/2011

PENTELI’S Marble and The Parthenon


Parthenon from west

Image via Wikipedia

PENTELIKO MOUNTAIN AND ITS FLAWLESS WHITE MARBLE

Reflections under the Attic Sun

It is not only walking through Penteli‘s natural paths and exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Mountain ,it is also the fact that you are lost in a reflective mood when you think that this Mountain is the source of the white,flawless marble which was used in the Ancient Times for the construction of  the Acropolis of Athens ,the Parthenon and so many other monuments.It is the Penteliko white marble that shines under the Attic sunlight.

Also,the name of the north-east slopes of Dionyssos on Penteli dates back to time immemorial as this was the first town in Ancient Attica,the town that welcomed Dionyssos the God of Vegetation,Wine and Theatre .How can you forget all this Historical past and the Greek Mythology and just walk on the Mount taking photos and playing with your dogs ?Past and present interrelated moments walk ahead hand in hand for a better future….

A NATURAL ARRANGEMENT-PENTELI-ATHENS-GREECE

WILD CROCUS ON PENTELI


After a cup of Greek stimulating coffee Edward and I went for our usual morning walk in Mount.Penteli .My spouse and the city  still enjoying Morpheus(God of sleep).Quiet  moments just to draw some more pics while observing something different every single day.Nature’s evolution and revolution have always something freshly pressed…

PEDELI AFTER THE SUNRISE 15-1-2011

MORNING WALKS ON PEDELIKO 15-1-2011

EDDIE HAVING SOME REST AWAITING FRIENDS

Hello neighbour and close friend Periclis

CROCUS waiting for more sun beams to open

Edible Mushroom

More to come on another post

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