Posted by: DG MARYOGA | 09/01/2016

My Santa’s Phone Call …


 

 

Santa’s Phone Call & my Best Wishes for 2016

St.Basil had just phoned …

Was he late? No,he was not late at all.I am rather late but not forgetful …

Here I am again with my Best Wishes for a Happy & Peaceful New Year for all my WP Shining Stars ! A Galaxy Cluster has started shedding a dazzling light on my WP space again … & I am slowly making my first steps …

 

Hogmanay ...

Hogmanay …

 

He was on his way down to Greece as always consistent and generous.No,he had not forgotten us,he simply respects our tradition …

 Christmas in Greece is celebrated on December 25th,but presents are usually given on January 1st,St.Basil’s Day (Agios Vassilis or Father Christmas ) from the UK.

 St. Basil’s (Agios Vassilis) name has been given to Father Christmas. He is celebrated on January 1st and he is associated with New Year’s Day,the day we get our 2016 presents.

 Hogmanay Scotland …. Any Similarities … ? Perhaps for those whose fealty to tradition is never in doubt.The world is rapidly changing but we try to keep culture and tradition unaltered.

My Santa sat on the Fireplace Mantel Reading his Notes and Giving away his Presents.

 

Agios Vassilis ...

Agios Vassilis …

 He knows if we have been Naughty or Nice.Doesn’t he?Hope you got what you wanted,but we usually take back what we have given …

 

Giving Away 2016 Presents ...

Giving Away 2016 Presents …

 

He is Just,Kind & Generous

He is always a Just,Kind & Generous Saint …

 

Just a quick post with my Best Wishes for a Happy 2016 and to let you know that I will soon make a start again by answering all your kind comments on my Christmas post and visiting your place to enjoy your New Work.When I left my inbox was empty empty,and I want it back decent again.Please allow me some time.A big Thank You for your understanding and some flowers for You.

 

Orchid Flowers making New Dreams for 2016

 

They Love the Flawless Blue of the Skies ...

They Love the Flawless Blue of the Skies …

 

ღ ♥ ღ CU soon …

 

 

 

 


Responses

  1. I wonder what Santa is doing now that it is the month of May… perhaps he is busy in his workshop with the elves making toys that lift our spirits? I send much love to you XO ♥

    Liked by 2 people

    • Preparing for next year,he has to visit so many households lol,dear Christy!You write poems,he makes toys,you both bring joy into our lives.Much love back to you my lovely one 🙂 xxxX ♥

      Liked by 1 person

      • Awww Doda xx Such a sweet comment here ♥ This morning I was working on a poem about family and hopefully I will publish it next month at the blog. Big hugs xx

        Liked by 2 people

        • Oh,do you?How nice dear Christy!I am looking forward to reading it.Special hugs back to you 🙂 xxx

          Liked by 1 person

  2. Incredible!
    I started blogging this month, and it is a pleasure that I came across your blog.
    It has inspired me to start my next article.
    Thank you:)

    Liked by 2 people

  3. That orchid is stunning!

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Wishing you a wonderful 2016. Christmas is never too late…”Christmas” is every day at my house…. waking up in the morning with the sun shining and being healthy… that is a Christmas present every single day!

    Liked by 2 people

    • The same to you,dear Roslyn!I share your perspective,you really savour your life.Btw,I celebrated the 2015 Christmas much earlier as we had a new family member that flooded our hearts with happiness and love.You came to the wrong post,you should have visited :

      ♥ Christmas is in my heart … ♥

      to see my perspective too.Love and Peace to you from us All …. 🙂

      Like

  5. Happy new year! Thanks for the lovely flowers and welcome back 😀 I’ve made a few changes to how receive certain notifications so hopefully I should start getting updates for those such as yourself who never make it into the inbox but rather are designated to the deleted folder lol a chance to be found! Turbulent start to new year here and like you I’m now on a slightly overwhelming catch up! Take care my friend 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Oh,thanks ever so much for your NY wishes and for your support,Icewolf my friend!Can’t you find a stronger word than turbulent to describe the unbearable situation lol ?You so cleverly rearranged your inbox settings,hope it will work effeciently.Enjoy your overwhelming catch up and don’t forget to add some more cosmic howls to their chorus,they love anything Wolfie … 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. some colorful pictures 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks a million times over you appreciated them,dear Joshi 🙂

      Like

  7. Dear Doda,
    It was great to see your comment in my bog today. Thank you so much for stopping by. I don’t know what happened, by I am glad that you stopped by and commented… I hope you have a beautiful and wonderful new year, filled with lots of love and many friends. Kathy
    ☆💝😊💝☆

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hi dear Kathy,
      I don’t know why,but I found your Like on my comment yesterday.I had written it last April.Anyhow,it’s nice we reconnected again.Are you planning any exhibitions with your masterful works?I would love to see some of them again.I ,too, hope you have a splendid,healthy and prosperous new year filled with love,peace & happiness! Doda 🙂 ❤ xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you very much DoDa, Loved to see your note.☆
        I am working on two new shows, one is coming up this October, the other is a collaboration that will be shown next year. That is why I have not been doing much blogging. I hope you have a beautiful year, Lots of hugs and love. Kathy💝

        Liked by 2 people

        • Thanks for letting me know,dear Kathy!I think I saw those announcements on your blog somewhere,but I am not quite sure.I also checked :https://igallerykathyclem.wordpress.com/, page and 2016 is out,which means that there is one as you mentioned above.Sending you back lots of hugs & love ` Have a wonderful & creative year! Doda ❤ xxx

          Liked by 1 person

  8. I very much enjoyed reading about your holiday traditions, dear Doda. I feel very lucky that we have had several sweet exchanges since you’ve been back. And I wish you the very very best for a wonderful new year. I really liked the cheerful, festive images here, and especially the gorgeous orchid. 😀 *~~♥~~*

    Liked by 2 people

    • Many thanks from my ♥ for reading it and for your pleasant comment,dear Jet!Actually,I have come back from the Victorian Falls and the Waterbucks’ fascinating community in Africa which aroused some more sweet exchanges.Isn’t it wonderful and constructive ?I wish you also have a splendid,healthy and prosperous new year.Old January has gone and Baby February made its first steps.Time flies like the wonderful birds you observe in their natural surroundings!
      Sending you orchid smiles and sunshine (^v^)☀*

      Liked by 1 person

  9. How nice post. I learned that Christmas presents are not given at same day everywhere. Thank You. All the best for 2016. Orchid flowers are very beautiful.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks a million dear friend!I am so very glad you appreciated what I shared with you!It’s really interesting to see the differences worldwide.The snow-clad bells in your recent post were absolutely fascinating.Sending you love & peace!

      Like

  10. A happy and peaceful 2016 to you my dear friend…:-)

    Liked by 2 people

    • So many thanks Striram my friend!Peace to you and to the world 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. A lovely post, dear Doda. I, too, have fallen behind and am still playing catch up! Here’s to a very happy and healthy 2016! 😀 ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you dear Linda!What a nice feeling to have you in my place again!Catching up is not an easy job to do,but I hope that soon both of us will balance the situation.Looking forward to the photos from your little paradise there.Hugs to you & Pippin,the sweetest boy 🙂 ❤ xxx

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I love these image trilogies and the first image is so curious as if from a fairy tale! Doda, I apologize for not stopping by earlier, may you have a great, beautiful year.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks kindly for calling in again and for your warm wishes,Maria!I wish you also have a Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year!​
      I was away from WP and I have lost contact with all my favourite bloggers.I am playing catching up at the moment and it gave me great pleasure to pop in and enjoy your recent floral beauty 🙂

      Like

  13. What a lovely post,dear Doda, about Christmas tradition in Greece. And I assumed the Greeks celebrated Christmas on 7 January as do other Orthodox Christians. Well, now I know better. Wishing you a prosperous and very happy year 2016! Much love and hugs xxxx 🙂 Irina

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hi my lovely friend Irina and many,many thanks for calling in and commenting!I feel so embarrassed I have not visited you yet,but after coming back from my holidays I don’t know from where to start … To return the likes,to answer the comments,to visit my favourite bloggers and comment … ? I am hopelessly behind 😦 No,we celebrate Christmas on the 25th of Dec. and on the 7th of January St John.Anyhow,all this festive season is wonderful no matter the dates.Hope you enjoyed your Christmas too and that you are keeping well.See you soon at your place.Much Love & Hugs back to you 🙂 xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      • I’m in the same boat…I don’t think I’ll ever catch up with everyone I’d like to. So the Greeks follow the same calendar as the rest of the world. St John was my Slava on 20 January before I got married… Have a great week, dear Doda! Xxx Hugs 🙂 Irina

        Liked by 2 people

        • Yes,in the same boat and oaring in the deep vast ocean …
          How interesting,dear Irina!Little do I know about it,but it’s said that “Where there is a Slava, there is a Serb … “.It’s nice to exchange cultural info and enrich our knowledge.Each family has its Saint.We have too,but we don’t celebrate it;we only light a candle on their name day.!Happy Tuesday,dear Irina!Hugs & more to You 🙂 xxx

          Liked by 1 person

          • Today 27 January is St Sava, the patron saint of Serb schools and schoolchildren. It’s a nice tradition. Until recently we made Slava wheat for our Slava on 20 October (two minor saints), but I never made Slava bread, I’m not a proficient cook. These days Sasha and I only light a candle as you do. Have a nice day, dear Doda. Hugs xxx 🙂

            Liked by 2 people

            • I so much appreciate the extra illustrations,dear Irina!It’s a big day for Serbia today,the special bread they make is similar to our St Basil cake or bread.I have an old recipe from my grand mother which is made with orange juice and its delicious.Enjoy your day with Sasha,light the holy candles and may be blessed all year round!Happy St Sava Day 🙂 ❤ xxx

              Liked by 1 person

  14. Some of the most interesting, and beautiful writing I have seen. The photos and art, the concept, the execution, playfulness, sweetness, and wisdom,
    Looking forward to reading more asap.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Can you see me blushing … ? So many thanks for your generous comment and your kindest words!I love your thoughts and the big questions marks you bring out.I gladly visited your place although I am trying hard to play catching up,which is rather frustrating … 😦

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Hey there – I have said this before and feel like we all need to reminded that with our blogs that has to be an ebb and flow that matches our life – and I personally would rather visit a fresh blogger who takes needed breaks rather than visit forced posts – does that make sense? And so sometimes less gives us more of the blogger / and with that said – I also
    Want to add that I did not know about gifts on January 1 ! I like this idea so much and wish we could adopt it here – and your pictures are nice -Lehrer / the triad collages and that opening layered photo is pretty artsy!
    Ok – happy new year and hope u enjoy your week
    Xxoo
    😎

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hi sweet friend Yvette!Lovely and encouraging thoughts,forced posts might add pressure to us too,I am with you,I am an amateur blogger flying freely and it is impossible to put myself into “frames” …
      Glad you liked my Lehrer triptychs and my opening photo with the inserted St Basil.Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you and your family too 🙂 ❤ See you again at your place,just be patient 🙂 Doda xxx

      Liked by 1 person

  16. HNY! Thanks for clearing up about the Christmas and New Year traditions here in Greece.

    Liked by 3 people

    • The same to you dear Rommel!Many thanks for the wonderful Greece-related posts you shared with us and for appreciating my Balos Lagoon and Stefanou Beach huge rocks photos.All Good Wishes for 2016,dear friend 🙂

      Like

  17. Although I am Greek I give presents on Christmas day, happy New Year.

    Liked by 3 people

    • You give your presents,but St Basil never does.He is always visiting us on the 1st of Jan.Don’t you have a fireplace at home to receive him and his presents? lol Just joking dear Konstantina,but tradition is tradition.Don’t you make St Basil’s cake at least?Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year,my friend 🙂 xxx

      Like

  18. Happy New Year, my best wishes 😊💕

    Liked by 3 people

    • My best wishes for a Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year,dear Charlotte 🙂 Thank you for calling in,I know how busy you are right now ❤ xxx

      Like

  19. Happy New Year to you too, dear Doda. Such a happy and colorful mood in your post, perfect to start the year with. It’s interesting that gifts are given on Jan 1st in Greece, here on Christmas Eve, Dec 24th.
    I hope you enjoyed your holidays and that this new year has started well for you. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year,dear friend Aditix!Anything different is always interesting.Isn’t it?Bet you had a lovely White Christmas up in the North and you enjoyed your holidays.I’ll come around to see what’s new … 🙂 ❤ xxx

      Like

      • No white Christmas this winter but we got some snow in January. I was surprised you had to request the access to my blog, dear Doda, you are always welcome there. You were the first person I sent the invitation to, all you had to do was to click accept and you would be able to see the blog. It looks like some of the invitations went to the spam folders.

        Liked by 2 people

        • I am so sorry I didn’t see the invitiation,my inbox is a real mess.It’s somewhere there or spammed as you said.I’ll try to spot it.Can’t thank you enough for the honour to be amongst the ones you invited,Aditix my friend 🙂 xxx

          Like

  20. I did not know presents are usually given Jan 1st in Greece. I learn something new every day:) Wishing you a happy new year and all the best for 2016 dear Doda!

    Liked by 3 people

    • All the Best to you too,dear Inger!Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year,my friend ❤ I have also learnt so much from your wonderful travels.Keep going 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  21. You have definitely been nice in 2015, Doda. I hope St. Basil took proper note of that 🙂 I wish you a wonderful 2016, full of happy moments and good health! XX Tiny

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you dear friend Tiny!All Good Wishes for 2016 ❤ Hope you're keeping well and you keep visiting the wonderful birds.I'll come around to see how they're doing.Love & Peace to you 🙂 xxx

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Beautiful post and I always learn something new when I visit you, dear Doda… I had no idea that in Greece, gifts are given on January 1st, instead than on December 25th…
    There are also variations according to ortodox and heterodox Celebrations of Christmas, as far as I am concerned… These ones depend and are based on different calendars.
    Sending much love and wishing you an excellent 2016, my friend.
    Aquileana🌟.-

    Liked by 4 people

    • Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you too,dear Aquileana!Many thanks for visiting and reading my Santa’s story.St Basil was Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia,Asia Minor.He is also called Ouranophantor,which means a renowned and bright star, the “revealer of heavenly mysteries”.His honourable head is in the Great Lavra on Mount Athos in Chalkidiki.Lots of things happen on the Eve and on the first day of New Year and tradition is connected with historical and cultural events.If I start narrating his story,I’ll write another long post … Sending Love & Peace your way 🙂 ❤ xxx

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Good to see your post and all the best in the new year!! Love your santa phone!!!- and of course those wonderful traditions!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year,dear friend Cybele!Ask Nikos to tell you a few things about St Basil the Great.He was Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia,Asia Minor.He is also called Ouranophantor,which means a renowned and bright star, the “revealer of heavenly mysteries”.His honourable head is in the Great Lavra on Mount Athos in Chalkidiki.

      Like

  24. A lovely little post, Doda, and I love the ‘phone call’ idea. I’ve also learnt a couple of new things from reading this, so I thank your for that. The first concerns St. Basil. I had never heard of him before reading your post, although I now realise he’s synonymous with Father Christmas and Santa Claus. The second thing I didn’t know was that you celebrate Christmas Day on January 1st in Greece – the reason for which I now realise is because that is St. Basil’s Day. Traditions, worldwide are truly fascinating and I love to hear about anything I didn’t know. Thank you so much for posting this, Doda. 🙂 I hope you have a very Happy New Year!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you so much my good friend Millie for appreciating my little St Basil’s post and our tradition!
      Yes,Saint Basil the Great,Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia,Asia Minor or the “revealer of heavenly mysteries” an Ouranophantor,which means a renowned and bright star,all the glory and beauty of the Church.His honourable head is in the Great Lavra on Mount Athos in Chalkidiki.
      We sing special carols on the Eve to honour him and a place is set for him at the table as he is believed to visit the homes of the faithful and leave his presents.We also make a special Basil bread or cake (Vasilopita) and put a silver coin in it and whoever receives the slice with the coin is said to receive the blessing of St Basil for the coming year.
      But we celebrate Christmas on the 25th of Dec.;simply we don’t receive the presents then.I love traditions too and I like to compare the differences and find so many historical and cultural elements hidden behind them.
      Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you and your family,Millie 🙂 ❤ ~ Sending Love & Peace your way 🙂 xxx

      Like

      • Thank you so much for explaining more about St. Basil. I love the idea that he is known as a bright star of the Church. It sounds like a wonderful tradition, making the whole Christmas period even more special. I won’t be ‘posting’ for another few weeks, so I hope the new year has started off wonderfully for you, Doda. 😀

        Liked by 2 people

        • Thank you for appreciating my illustrations dear Millie and for your rich reply.Still hopelessly behind,but I’ll visit your place,I have missed your wonderful posts.Take care 🙂 xxx

          Liked by 1 person

  25. The very best to you my darling. Lang may yir lum reek as we say here. I will raise a glass to you and your Santa. May you have the best year xxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Liked by 3 people

  26. So Pleased you enjoyed your St Basil’s Day and I learnt something new from your post, as I hadn’t heard of him or the New Years day of opening presents.. 🙂
    Happy 2016 to you Doda.. and Love the Orchids.. Love and Blessings for a splendid week.. and enjoy all that you do.. Love and Mega Hugs in your direction..
    Love Sue xxx ❤

    Liked by 4 people

    • Thank you so much for your heartfelt wishes and for appreciating my St Basil’s post,dearest friend Sue!Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you and your family ❤ Sending Love,Peace,warm Hugs of Friendship & Kisses your way 🙂 Looking forward to seeing you at your place,at your allotments 🙂 ❤ xxx

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Thank you for the sharing the “phone call”, my dearest friend! Your post made me smile, so happy to read about your wonderful tradition and view these delightful photos, Doda! I was thinking of you last week and a urge to come and see you. Here you are… 🙂 ❤ ❤ xxx

    Liked by 3 people

    • Your generous comment brought broad smiles,my sweet friend Amy!So many thanks for appreciating our tradition and the photos!You have been always in my thoughts ❤ Always looking forward to reading your delightful posts and enjoying your top quality photography 🙂 ❤ xxx
      Looking forward to my Monday walk with you,I won't miss it for sure 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you for your reply, dearest friend. I know you are busy… take your time. :0 ❤

        Liked by 2 people

        • Sending you so much love,my wonderful friend Amy 🙂 ❤ xxx

          Like

  28. Thankyou for the delightful flowers Doda, and may your 2016 bring good health and contentedness throughout. H ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    • My pleasure dear Hariod!Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year ❤ 🙂

      Like

  29. Welcome back, and Happy New Year!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thanks kindly Hien!Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year 🙂

      Like

  30. Happy New Year!!!

    Liked by 3 people

    • The same to you dear Mary! All best wishes for a Happy,Healthy and Prosperous New Year 🙂 xxx

      Like


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