Category: holidays
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Transition
I must say, as August 23rd approached, I was not looking forward to leaving Greece. I’d been hoping to stay for at least six months, and as my 90th day approached, I was afraid to transition back to real life because, as Tassos said, “It’ll be like you dropped down from outer space.” I remember when I returned from my…
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Thirty on Thasos
I feel I owe everyone who was forced to listen to me chant, “Thirty on Thasos, Thirty on Thasos!” for ten months the story of how the big day went. It was my landmark birthday. The crossing over into the next decade. The fulfillment of my cleverly coined phrase! But underneath the alliteration there is important question to be…
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The Greek Table
I met Vasilis during my pre-workshop days at Archodissa. He is one of Tassos of Thassos’ best friends. They grew up in Theologos together, and he was the person who “bapticide” Tassos’ son, which means he was made the godfather. Vasilis’ voice is deep and rasps, almost as if he needs to clear his throat…
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My German Parea
Today my writing workshop will arrive to Thassos: seventeen participants and ten teachers/advisors. We will fill Archodissa with bustling activity, old friends reuniting and new friends meeting for the first time. The quiet mornings I have right now, where I sit alone on the patio typing while Dimitri sets up tables and Kyria Eva prepares…
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A Blog While Waiting at the Airport
Sorry for my blogging absence. I considered writing a belated Valentine’s Day blog (I’ve never not blogged about Valentine’s Day), but who wants to read a story about a holiday that everyone hates over a month after it happened? Not even me. So instead, I’m publishing a terrible blog about nothing for the sole purpose…
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Top 15 Quotes of 2015
Welcome to 2016! I’m sorry for my delay in posting a New Year’s themed blog. I’d actually written another blog, The Top 15 Dating Stories of 2015, but as you can probably imagine, that took a downward spiral real quick. I’d created the list, mostly out of spite, after someone who’s had nine serious relationships* in the…
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An Encounter With Big Magic
I have a story for you. Two days ago I received a gift, an early Christmas present, before I headed home for the holidays. It was a book called Big Magic, and it was written by Elizabeth Gilbert. Now, for those of you who don’t know the history of my blog, it used to be…
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In the Spirit of Thanksgiving: A Blog
Today is the day designated for giving thanks, and I expect everyone out there to be doing something much more important than reading my blog. I hope you all are stuffing your faces with turkey, delighting in sweet potatoes, and enjoying pies of every kind, while watching football and hugging loved ones and remembering all…
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Milking Sheep*
Nikos the shepherd ushers me over, and I kneel beside him in the crowded sheep den, the roof so low that even I — a solid 5’2” — have to hunch over to keep from hitting my head on the ceiling. He pulls the wandering sheep by its udders, positioning her over the white plastic…
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My Top 14 of 2014, and a side of fruit
Last week(ish), on December 21st, I was notified by WordPress that it was my 4th Year Anniversary as a blogger. Normally, I miss out this occasion. Not that I think I ought to be throwing myself parties or buying myself jewelry (or appliances), but the WordPress congratulatory note had a strange effect on me. As…
Travel & Food Writer 