Blessed Beauty

While visiting the Vosakou Monastery,

 near the city of Rethymno,

and the village of Agios (Saint) Thomas,
a small settlement in our own prefecture,

streams of gentle sunlight bathed the landscape

in a soothing radiance of hope.

Wishing you all a serene and sunny week! 

xo
Poppy

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Journey into January

January is a month of new beginnings, new goals, and for

 some, new words. Meanings are meticulously scrutinized, 
before one dedicates themselves to exhibiting, executing
 and emulating their essence.

Pretty serious business, when you consider that
this ONE word is exclusively selected out of
the 1,019,729.6 that make up the English language,
to govern your actions for 365 days! 

This single slogan is supposed to guide one towards  
that anticipated ambition, pave the way to personal
 growth, and ultimately, deliver definite success.

I don't know about you, but I would have a hard
time picking just one word to direct my deeds,

dictate my desires, or command my cravings!

 

Restricting myself to a one word motto to motivate 
my every move, would cause yours truly to go into 
an anxiety induced coma! It just doesn't jive with me,
since I have always been overly generous with 
my descriptions, (as my lovely, seventh grade English 
teacher, Ms. Soberman, once politely pointed out),
 'You are too flowery', she said.

 It wouldn't be long, before the miracle of caffeine would 
come to my rescue, and wake me from monosyllabic meltdown!

Today, with a bit of luck,

 plenty of prayers,

and a bounty of beautiful words to inspire me,
I am 'packed' and ready to set off on
my journey into January, and the new year, 
hoping for good health, the love of family and friends,
and a sense of adventure, along the way.

I'm so happy you're here to see me off.

xo
Poppy 

All images: Poppy View

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After the Darkness, Light

Happy 2014, everyone!

I've been on a short blog break,

as the new year brought a

 few unfortunate, and unexpected surprises.

 Firstly, my brother-in-law underwent gallbladder surgery,

the day after Christmas, which went well.

 Then, sadly, on New Year's day, my husband's uncle 

passed away after a short battle with cancer.

So, in between visits to hospitals, 

in different cities, it's been quiet,

 spending most days in the company

of family, comforting one another.

The photos today are from the little harbour

of Agios (Saint) Nikolaos, located right in the centre

 of the city, a short walk from the hospital

 where my brother-in-law is recuperating. 

Today was beautifully bright,
with temps reaching 16°C/81 °F,
and thus, a perfect candidate for
Karen's Sunlit Sunday!

Tomorrow, is the twelfth day of Christmas, 
the Epiphany, and according to Greek Orthodox belief,
the day that Jesus was baptized. To bless the waters,
priests throw a large crucifix into icy lakes and oceans, 
where it is retrieved by brave swimmers, who will
 have good luck and excellent health all year.

Thanks for visiting and
have a lovely week!

xo
Poppy

All images: Poppy View 

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To A Promising New Year

Happy New Year! 

 xo 

Poppy

2014: A New Year Premiere

Soon,

2013 will be history,

and the new year ahead, 

remains a mystery!

But, if our lives,

we could plan and plot,

would we, indeed, have a better shot

at what our hearts desire?

 I wonder...

 If, our future, we could secure,

and our overall happiness ensure,

without lifting a finger,

or a hardship endure,

would it still have the same allure

as having worked for it?

Not likely.

 It seems,

the older I grow, the less I know,

for the world is vast, and moving fast;

in fact, almost half a century

 of my own life has passed -

Where did it go?

I'm baffled!

Socrates, 469 - 399 BC

About 2500 years ago, 

a wise, Greek philosopher 

startled the sleepy status quo,

by humbly declaring,

(and to his society's woe),

 ''I know one thing: that I know nothing''.

Undoubtedly,

he was definitely

 on to something. 

 Alas, 

through Socratic method

I chose to address,

the complex equation of 2014,

and assess, that it's futile

 to predict, stress and obsess,

about the numbers and knowledge

of its substance.

Therefore, 

a simple,

'Happy New Year!'

is what I wish for you.

May it bring you smiles

within seconds 

of its dashing debut! 

I now bid you adieu,

sweet friends.

Until next year,

xo

Poppy 

All images: Google 

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Fireside, with Frosty's Friends

Winter wandered into our neck of the woods yesterday.

And, with it, arrived a parade of  frosted fellows,

all buckled up to brave the oncoming cold.

Some wore wooly hats and checkered scarves,

while others donned a muff for their nose!

Top hats were the trend,

with red and white trim, along the rim.

 

On the mantel they all stood,

while we scurried about gathering wood,

to light the fire and snuggle up,

to tales of their friend, Frosty.

May you have a very cozy Christmas,
and create your own new memories to share.


You might also like:

Christmas Mantel 2014

 
xo
Poppy

All images: Poppy View

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