Cookies, Cakes, and Caves: A New Year Adventure

Happy New Year, Everyone!

 May it be joyful and fun and filled

 with good health and prosperity!

Liberty arrived a few days before Christmas, and although I had

  already decorated the house, she trimmed the tree. Isn't it pretty?

We baked our traditional, painted cutouts, which we've been

doing for over 20 years. Libby is the artist around here!

The cookies are made with orange zest, and every time we

open the tin, a lovely, sweet fragrance floats into the air.

The village of Agios (St.) Thomas, where several Byzantine churches attract tourists  throughout the year.

Outside, the air is crisp and cool, and even though it's been 
raining for 3 days straight, we've managed to take a few drives
 to favourite, nearby haunts, seeking a little adventure. 

In the village of Agios (St.) Thomas, we hiked up a hilltop, 

where ancient Roman tombs silently claim the land. 

Wandering into the small, damp caves, we

 were sheltered from the sudden downpour, 

as we gazed in silence, at the most

 beautiful views, across the valley, below.

Back home, we got busy preparing for several gatherings,

adding some scrumptious savouries to the many array 
of sweets, and decided to bake a tasty tiropita (cheese pie),

which, in turn, was accompanied by lively conversation, 
and good cheer, at a Christmas Tea Liberty and I hosted
last week, for the ladies of the Philanthropic Society.

To ring in the new year, we baked our traditional Vasilopita, or New Year's Eve cake, named after St. Basil, who is associated with Santa Claus in the Greek culture. At the stroke of midnight, after many hugs and kisses and well wishes, the Vasilopita is served. This delicious lemon cake contains a hidden coin, and before each piece is cut, a name is called out. Whoever finds the coin in their piece is said to have good luck for the new year. The first piece is always reserved in remembrance of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Thanks for visiting!

xoxo
Poppy


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Christmas Through the Ages

Click to listen

Christmas Greetings, everyone!

Another year is almost over.

Are you finding that the older you get, 

the faster time flies?!

 Is age creepin' in on us, or am I extra antsy

because I will be half a century old in 2014?!

Where has the time gone?

 

Before you know it, 2013 will be history.
My trio recorded ''Creepin' In'', (mp3 player above, top left),
 a few years ago, and it was especially chosen for
 today's post, which is devoted to Vee's Note Card Party.
Have a listen while you browse, and please
 stop by Vee's for some lovely inspiration!

Donning her baptismal dress, baby Liberty's

 fun and festive Canadian Christmases begin!

 Libby, the tree trimming toddler, tween and teen.

From top left and clockwise: My sister, Cindy, my mother, Rita, my aunt Jane, and me.

Two generations of sisters. One never ending love story!

Thanks for visiting!

xo

Poppy

All images: Poppy View, 

backgrounds: Google

'Creepin' In': Written by Lee Alexander

Guitar and Vocals: Nicholas Tsachakis

Lead Vocals: Poppy

Back Up Vocals: Anna Lisowski

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Christmas Candlelight: A Reflection

Have you ever seen such a beautiful couple? One that has managed to stay together through thick (skin!) and thin (ice!), remaining close after all these years, complementing each other's personalities like apple pie and ice-cream?

source

I'd like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you who have graced this little blog with your thoughtful presence, visiting and taking the time to leave such lovely comments, even when your days are a busy and bustling whirlwind of work, family and chores!

You can't possibly know how much I truly appreciate hearing from you! Your kind and caring words have been such a bouquet of inspiration, from the very first day, back in May, when Poppyview debuted in this big, bold blogosphere!

As the new kid on the block, I simply hoped that someone... anyone (!), would drop by, even for a bit, if only to say, "Hey there, nice to meet you!".  To my delight, you popped over, and luckily for me, have stayed a while and I couldn't be happier! 

In turn, you have graciously opened up your 'doors' and invited me in for a chat and details about your newest project or latest trip. Other times, perhaps even more importantly, we have been there for each other- support, from a now familiar voice, albeit, sometimes far away in miles, but nearby in our thoughts and prayers. Ultimately, isn't that what friends are for?  Ditto for blogger buddies, I'm sure.

    And so, on this cozy, candlelit eve,
 I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 

May joy and peace be felt in your hearts,
 and those of our fellow man, around the world.

xo

~Poppy~

 

 All images: Poppy View, 
except 2nd from top

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I'll Be Home For Christmas

This post was written last December, while visiting my family

in Toronto, Canada. I've been particularly homesick this year,

 as I won't be spending Christmas in my beloved hometown, 

where my daughter, Liberty, is now living.

 Hope you enjoy my sweet holiday memories 

 of Christmases Past!

Source

Home. 

For anyone who shares their time, albeit, 

unequally, between two beloved countries,

 cities, even villages, home is sometimes

 a difficult place to locate.

Crete

For friends who have visited before, you know that for the past 24 years or so, Crete, my husband's place of birth, has been our permanent residence. We live in a tiny village in 

the countryside, having moved from the city last January.  

It's breathtakingly beautiful, where lush rolling hills are

lined with vineyards and dotted with orange and lemon groves, 

only to be surrounded by snowy mountains 

in the winter months.

Today, I am writing to you from my hometown, 

Toronto, Canada. It's been a while since I've posted, 

as we arrived just over two weeks ago

 and it has been non-stop: 

visiting with family and friends, 

shopping for seasonal items, 

and adjusting to the cold Canadian winter 

(which I long for when I'm in Crete!).

  But mostly, we're here so that my daughter

 can find work, as Greece's unemployment

 rate is at an all time high,  especially 

for young people under 25, of whom more 

than half are without work.

Toogood Pond, Unionville, Ontario, Canada

And so, here we are, 'across the pond'! 

My sister and her family live in Unionville,

 a charming little hamlet just outside Toronto,

 which boasts a pond all its own, 

home to various wildlife like the 

famous Canada Geese, ducks and fish. 

It is in this quaint and cozy suburban village,

 where we have the pleasure of taking

 long, leisurely walks around 

neighbourhoods nestled 

in forest-like landscapes,

 the foliage still glowing with

 memories of fall in the afternoon sun. 

The other day, on a stroll amid waterfalls 

and marshlands, I stood on a  bridge, 

gazing into the still flowing, 

not yet frozen water below, 

wondering what the future may 

hold, and thankful for good health,

and loved ones, near and far, in the present.

 Longing, and belonging, are perhaps 

one and the same, when you know and love

 two countries that can be found on a map,

 and people closest to you,

 deep in your heart.

Thanks for visiting!

xo

Poppy

All images: Poppy View,

except 2nd from top

 

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