Sunday, August 18, 2013

DemetER and DemetRA: The Goddess and the Girlfriend

Demeter: Greek goddess of  agriculture, the harvest and fertility of the earth.

While taking a few courses on Greek mythology at the University of Toronto, I was introduced to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, the harvest and fertility on the earth. Already acquainted with Aphrodite's beauty tips and advice on love, (subjects of deep interest to young, starry-eyed girls), it was Demeter who captured my attention.



Her intrinsic, 'global' goodness combined with courage and intelligence (especially regarding her strategy in the brave rescue of her daughter, Persephone, in Hades), symbolized a strong maternal force and independence. Demeter, who is also affiliated with law and order, marriage, and the cycle of life and death, quickly became my favourite among the divine divas.


Goddess of the grain, Demeter's emblem is the poppy, which grows abundantly among fields of barley. Surely, this was a further 'sign' from the gods that my connection with Demeter was destined to be one lasting a lifetime!

Demetra: teacher, mother, daughter, forever friend. (poppyview.blogspotcom)

Fast forward twenty years, when, another 'Demeter' appears before me, equally strong and independent, a great mother to two young men, a teacher and philosopher, who is forever discussing the law and order of her own society, on a never ending quest for national pride and defense of her fellow man.



This is my friend, Demetra, named after Saint Demetrios, the Greek Orthodox, Great Martyr, military and spiritual protector of Thessaloniki. Having the pleasure of knowing Demetra well, I can attest to the fact that she possesses and exhibits the personality traits of both her religious Orthodox and Olympian namesakes!



Demetra's  many hobbies and interests, which range from singing, traditional dancing, hiking and travelling, have allowed this active and multi-talented lady to meet and make friends with like-minded people who share her passions, one of those folks, being me!

Demetra in action! (click to enlarge)

It was through our love of singing and the Intercanto International Choir, that Demetra and I met. We also worked together as members on the board of directors,  promoting the choir and taking care of business, in general, with Demetra serving as president. Those were happy, creative and fun-filled times and we became fast friends and confidantes! Board room bantering soon led to late night, coffee house conversations, punctuated by loads of laughter and confessions over cocktails!


Birthday bash! (poppyview.blogspot.com)

But, sadly, this week, after thirty years on the island, my sweet and caring friend made one of the most heart wrenching moves of her life, and departed for her native Cyprus; a difficult decision, especially since she has so many friends here, who will miss her tremendously. 

Beautiful Cyprus (click to enlarge)

She is one of thousands who are leaving or have already done so, due to severe, austerity measures, inflicting insecurity and desperate, day to day struggles on the citizens of this once flourishing country, that are too painful to endure.


Another shared passion: red!

So, dear Demetra,

for now, it's girlfriend gabfest time on Skype
and visiting our lives by clicking Facebook 'likes'.
Unless Demeter decides to
fly you over courtesy of 'Goddess Air', 
we'll see each other in due time,
albeit, via mortal transport and full fare!



   The Goddess                                                                                        and the Girlfriend
         
Thanks for visiting!

Poppy



All images: 
Google and Demetra's Facebook page, 
unless otherwise stated.




78 comments:

  1. Good morning Poppy,
    (8 Am in NYC)
    First of all you describe Greek Mythology so beautifully; now I must read and learn about it as well! TY It is sad when friends move, I assure you and i know you know this as well another friend or friends will be there for you physically...but this friendship will endure to another level...many years ago (29 years ago) i met my friend Chris, we were good friends for a short time in Brooklyn IDK, 5 years perhaps or less but we were good friends; she met Jeff who lived in the Catskills upstate NY they marry and she moved up there 29 years later i consider her one of my closest friends we see each other when opportunity presents itself, we call each other often and can never get off the phone when we do call! Savor the memories you and her are bonded!
    Marisa

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marisa.

      Wow! Twenty-nine years! I bet you two still feel like school girls when you get together, whether on the phone or in person. You're right, we are bonded by our friendships, especially the ones that feel more like family.:))

      xo

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  2. So many thoughts went through my mind as I read:
    - thank you for the lesson in mythology - I needed the refresher

    - what an amazing woman

    - love your use of alliteration

    - how sad when a friend moves away

    - bringing me face to face with the economy of Greece - one hears things on the news ( I listen to NPR), but it is just news - you made it personal

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Carol.

      When so many amazing and talented people are leaving every day, it really does get personal and painful. How are things in the States?

      xo

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  3. Demetra sounds like a wonderful lady. I'm sure you will miss her very much but I'm glad there are ways to keep in touch. I know that life has become very difficult for many in Greece and I hope that she finds a better situation. Your discussion of Demeter reminded me of when I was in middle school, learning about ancient Greece. We had an "Olympics" event at school to celebrate the ancient games and each of our teachers dressed up as a different god or goddess for the day. Our science teacher was pregnant at the time, and she dressed up as Demeter, whom we had been taught was "the goddess of growing things." :)

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    1. Hi Jennifer,

      I love that!:)) What a creative and imaginative way to introduce the Greek Gods to young students! And your science teacher's pregnancy was ingenious in representing Demeter's qualities!

      xo

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  4. I'm sorry that your friend is going away, especially because the reasons for this moving are sad. But the post you wrote about her is beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, Migali. But, like Demetra says, 'Life is change'!

      xo

      Delete
  5. It's really hard when soulmate friends move away. Thankfully, with all of our technology, it's easier to stay in touch today...but still not the same.
    Mary Alice

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    Replies
    1. I agree, Mary Alice, it's just NOT the same as having them near you, giving and getting those much needed hugs and smiles in person!

      xo

      Delete
  6. Poppy, so sorry that your dear friend of so many years had to move away due to your economy. Hopefully it will get better soon. Demetra sounds like a wonderful person. Now with all the modern technology you can talk or Email everyday, I know it's not the same but at least you will be in touch with each other..
    Have a great week.
    Mary

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mary,

      Yes, thank goodness for modern technology and communications! Sometimes I wonder how we ever got along without these technical wonders!

      xo

      Delete
  7. Poppy, it seems that this was a friendship "meant to be," and therefore, it is a friendship meant to last. I don't think the gods or goddesses would have it any other way!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amy,

      Yes, you're right! But those feisty deities can be mighty mean sometimes! Do you think that's why they separated us?:(

      xo

      Delete
  8. Poppy, it is always good to hear or read of friendships such as that between you and Demetra. They can be rare so it is always a gift. Even though you both will miss each other you both have been enriched for life because of this friendship. I hope you will tell us more about her life in her new home in future posts.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Dewena,

      Yes, these kinds of friendships are rare and I am grateful that I have the great friends that I do! I will keep you posted on Demetra's new adventure!

      xo

      Delete
  9. Hello Poppy

    Demetra sounds like a fascinating and interesting woman. I know I would enjoy listening to both of you sing and dance. Thank God for Skype, it makes the world somewhat smaller but never replaces face to face visits.
    We pray for a solution to Greece's financial situation.

    Helen xx

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    Replies
    1. Hello Helen,

      Thank you for your support and prayers!

      xo

      Delete
  10. Εύχομαι αυτή η φιλία να κρατήσει για πάντα.
    Η αγάπη εκμηδενίζει τις αποστάσεις....... να είσαι σίγουρη !
    πολλά φιλιά σου στέλνω από το Ρέθυμνο !

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sophia! It's true: Love DOES make the miles disappear!

      Hope you are enjoying your time in Rethimno!

      xo

      Delete
  11. Hello Poppy, your friend Demetra sounds like a lovely lady. I am sure you will miss her, so you must find a way to go and visit. A lovely post and photos. Have a happy week!

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    1. Thanks, Eileen. The good thing is that Cyprus is barely an hour away and Demetra has assured me that there are cheap charter flights, so will definitely look into that route!

      xo

      Delete
  12. What a beautiful heartfelt post. I can really feel your pain there - I think the whole world is suffering with this austerity stuff. It's awful.

    I'd love you to link this post up (and any other inspiring posts) to my weekly Inspire Linkup - it happens every Monday.

    Just click on the link below to check out my blog :)

    Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah, nice to meet you!

      Thanks and I will definitely make time to pop by your place.

      Delete
  13. Ah I am so sorry that you are losing your close friend ( physically ) though you'll be able to keep in touch virtually. She sounds like such a lovely person ! :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debra,

      Yes, we've already planned our Skype sessions!

      xo

      Delete
  14. What a beautiful tribute to your friend! You have been blessed to have made such a deep friendship as they don't come easy. I so appreciate the history you threw into your post and also the situation going on in Greece. We need to be reminded to get outside of our own worlds and see what others are facing. I hope all of us are brave, like your friend, to make a difficult decision for the best. Thanks so much for sharing and much love to you both!!

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    1. Hi Kadee,

      Thank you! It's true, good friends don't come easy, and the older we get, the more set in our ways we are, and the less time, it seems we have to devote to really getting to know one another. Life decisions are difficult but sometimes, circumstances make the choice for us.

      xo

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  15. Your post makes me pause and think about my many friends. . .and how I sometimes take them for granted with the attitude that they are only a few miles away and we can get together whenever we want. . .I need to make sure we do that - as often as possible! One wonderful thing about the blogosphere is the wonderful friends I have there, many of whom, I may never meet face-to-face but they have enriched my life by just being out there somewhere and telling me of their lives and their travels. Have a good week,Poppy!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jackie and Joel,

      Yes, please don't take your friends for granted just because, as you said, they happen to live close by! Friendships, far or near, need to be cherished and nurtured and that means SEEING each other if possible, otherwise, quality time on the phone, or even, clicking away in cyberspace!

      xo

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  16. Such a touching post! I know you will miss your friend, but you are blessed to have each other! :)
    Susan

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  17. A wonderful tribute... well deserved! I will miss her too...but feel blessed to have met her... and to count her as a friend forever!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mary Rose,

      Thank you. Hopefully she will visit us often and vice versa!

      xo

      Delete
  18. So sad when unrest in a country can cause friendships to move apart. Demetra sounds like an amazing woman and I'm sure with the technology available you two will connect often.
    judith

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  19. Hi Judith,

    It is sad, but also MADdening that the government has allowed things to get to such a chaotic point, where loved ones (my own daughter, included) have had to abandon family and their lives as they know it in order to find work and security in another land, sometimes, starting over completely!

    xo

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  20. What an amazingly lovely post, Poppy. You have me teary eyed!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Pat,

      Thanks! You should have seen me...

      xo

      Delete
  21. Oh Poppy,
    Such a lovely farewell and "toast," to Demetra. I too have had dear friends who have chosen other paths and have left for the states for various reasons. Indeed technology has made it possible to minimize the pain of distance.
    With Warm Hugs,
    Jemma

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jemma,

      Thank you. Such is life, but yes, technology has made it a smaller world!

      xo

      Delete
  22. Thank goodness for the internet and Skype et. al. I have friends that I have not seen, but when we talk we just pick up where we left off and like the miles made no difference.

    And as for austerity, I really hope those that caused this eventually are held responsible and pay the price for what they have done to people's lives all over the world.

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  23. Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

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  24. ...Καλημερα κοριτσι..ειναι πολυ ομορφο να χεις φιλους..αλλα το δυνατο σημειο ενος φιλου ειναι..να τον εχεις να τον δεις πολλα χρονια..και μολις τον δεις..να ειναι..να εσθανθεις οτι δεν εφυγε καθολου..αυτο και μονο λεει πολλα..να σαι καλα..Τωρα κερναω για την γιορτη μου..θελω να μου γραψεις στο μαιλ..mlefkopoulou@yahoo.com..για να σου στειλω το δωρακι σου..μην ξαφνιαζεσαι..ετσι κανουμε εδω στην μπλοκογειτονια..θα τα πουμε ματια μου..σε φιλω..

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    1. Hello Maria,

      Yes, you're absolutely right: when you do see a friend who has moved far away, it is like they never left in the first place! I guess because they are so much a part of you.

      xo

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  25. Poppy,
    What a beautiful friendship, thank heaven for the internet to keep in touch. Your pictures are just beautiful. I feel so happy and comfy when I visit you. Thank you for sharing at Tuesday Trivia. Pinned (and you are a goddess in my eye)
    Hugs,
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

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    1. Hi Wanda Ann,

      Why thank you very much! You are TOO sweet! Love having you and so enjoy your wonderful parties!

      xo

      Delete
  26. What a beautiful tribute to your friendship! I'm sorry your friend had to move so far away. At least in this day and age, we have the wonders of the internet to keep us somewhat connected.

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  27. Hi Melanie,

    Thank you! Yes, thank goodness for the Internet, not only to keep in touch with friends who have moved away, but also to meet and get to know NEW ones!:))

    xo

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  28. Sounds like she is such a special person. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  29. True friendship, like love, never dies.

    Life is, and always will be, about change. Sometimes that change is welcomed...like when a new friend enters our life. Sometimes it's not...like when they leave.

    Through your eloquent writing, I feel I know Demetra, a woman full of life, a fabulous sense of adventure and a great sense of humor. How lucky you found each other Poppy, and how wonderful you have never taken for granted the specialness of your friendship.

    I'm sorry the time has come for Demetra to leave Greece. Certainly it will never be the same, but when you DO get the opportunity to possibly see each other again, it will be that much sweeter.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Doreen,

      I'm glad that Demetra's personality came across in the post; it is, indeed, quite special when people can connect through their fundamental disposition!

      xo

      Delete
  30. She sounds like a lovely person. At least you have a good excuse to go to Cypress. In the mean time, you can Skype!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Manuela,

      Yes, Skype, Facebook, email...all readily available and live, but NOT quite there...all the same, thankful.

      xo

      Delete
  31. How sad for you Poppy!!!
    She sounds like a wonderful person -
    I fear Quebec ( with their Draconian measures to keep everything French ) will be hitting very hard times indeed here too..............
    Much love,

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    Replies
    1. Hi Suzan,

      Really? Hard to imagine this kind of crisis in Canada!

      xo

      Delete
  32. My dearest Poppy,

    You are my dearest and most precious friend, but I have to concede that Demetra, although I have only met her once or twice, sounds like a very special person. I know what it feels like to leave Greece and go back home, leaving a sweet and precious friend behind, since that is exactly what I did in 2001. I remember it like yesterday, when we sat in my car outside my house in Pendamodi talking for a long time, and thinking about the prospect of my leaving. I remember the leaving party you threw for me at your house, the huge hamper you and the rest of the gang presented me, and the tears and sorrow I felt departing from Crete.
    Now you're going through a similar thing with another friend, and it must be hard. In the words of the great bard: 'Parting is such sweet sorrow' and each time we leave someone behind, or they leave us to start another life, a part of us goes with them and a part of them remains with us for ever.
    All the best to Demetra and may she find happiness, peace and good health wherever she is.

    Love,

    Mxoxoxoxo

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    Replies
    1. My dear Maria,

      Ten years ago, you and your lovely family decided to make the permanent move to England, and it has served you well. Now, Demetra, and in between a few other good friends, have left and it is, needless to say, very sad. Let's see what the future brings. Thank you for your retrospective recount of those sentimental times, here on the island, before your left!

      xo

      Delete
  33. Poppy, sorry about your dear friend's departure! I keep reading about the situation in your area and keep praying that eventually things will get better. But it sounds like you and Demetra have a great friendship and those bonds last a lifetime.

    MArie Angelique

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    1. Hi Marie Anglelique,

      We are all praying and hoping that things will pick up, but the prognosis is, unfortunately, not good. Thank you for the kind wishes.

      xo

      Delete
  34. I'm so sorry you have to say goodbye to your dear friend, Poppy! I so hope for a return to some financial stability for your beloved country.

    xo
    Claudia

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  35. Your friendship with Demetra and all this tribute to her touched me a lot.I can understand how you feel dear Poppy but I think life draws circles and it's sometimes hard to realize what happens and why.I'm sure your relationship will last for ever.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Olympia,

      Yes, I'm sure it will, too - some friends become family, don't they?

      xo

      Delete
  36. Hello my dear friend, what a heart-wrenching farewell post for your beloved Demetra. It reminds me of the time when I have to eave my homeland in search for a greener pasture. Leaving behind friends and families. But hey technology nowadays is making the world smaller. And knowing she's only few hours away from you.
    And thank you for sharing some Greek mythology lesson. I always learn something new everytime I visit you.

    Have a good weekend Poppy.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Aida,

      Thank you. Well, you're another case in point, aren't you? But, I know that you are happy in Australia and you also have family there, which can make a huge difference!!

      xo

      Delete
  37. I am sorry that your friend has found it necessary to move. The economic hardships in Greece are great ones. Perhaps Demetra will find contentment in her homeland.

    -Karen

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  38. Hi Poppy, greetings from Northern Ontario. I'm just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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    Replies
    1. Hi Chris,

      Thank you so much! Always nice to meet another Canadian friend! Well, I am having major hard drive issues here, so yours is the last comment I am replying to and then off to a friend to have a look at this contraption!

      xo

      Delete
  39. Still having computer problems, Poppy? I miss you! I hope you're back soon.

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  40. Μπράβο σας, υπέροχο!

    ReplyDelete
  41. You did a beautiful job describing Greek mythology...makes me want to study up on it!

    It is so hard when life long friends move away! I was the one moving in my situation and it is terribly difficult!

    Oh and my blog has moved to http://momraisingherboys.blogspot.com {if you'd refollow me that'd be great! I've already added you! Too good of post to miss out on!

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  42. The terrible economic troubles of Greece seemed far away until I read your post. What a wrench this will be for your friend, but from what you wrote, I believe she will rise to the challenge and emerge, triumphant.

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  43. Hi Poppy, Missing you...hope you're well.
    Warm Hugs from Canada xo.

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  44. I absolutely LOVE this post. I love the way you put it all together with the goddess and the girlfriend and all the pictures....PERFECTION!! Can you tell I loved it! So sad to see such a dear friend leave but thank God for technology and computers!

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  45. Hi I am a new follower to your lovely blog (Via GFC & Blogvin)and it really feel pleasure meeting new awesome bloggers like you. Found you through Friendship Friday Blog Hop. I would love it if you follow me back

    my blog: wilsontom.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate hearing from all of you! Have a great day!