idle at heart

apologies for disappearing, it's been sort of hectic here with both good and not-so-good things happening consecutively. i feel like life is unfolding with more evident signs each day (signs to what? err, don't know? i'm just watching them) or maybe it's just me being more sensitive; either way i'm finding myself looking forward more to a well deserved break - which i've started counting down to quite a while ago. wouldn't it be groovy if we all could take breaks freely whenever our bodies (or minds) demanded? ok, i'm not going to go into this 'modern slave' idea but i've got a hint i might be one. grrr... what would be the cure to this situation?

1- go watch leaving las vegas (by the legendary mike figgis) and get an idea/inspiration -and courage if you're crazy enough- about burning all your worldly belongings for a new start. ok, not a good one (although an excellent movie) the rest is quite grim, we don't want that.

2- go read the newspaper inside and out, this will help you attain a new perspective about your insignificant needs; the globe's warming is a bit of a problem it seems and the world needs more peace apparently. forget about your worries (can you?).

don't know, i think i'll just go sit on that colourful promotion item i was sent by dhl the other day for a while (it's a beach/hunting/camping chair thingy and looks horrendous in an office environment) and worry about those extra few kilos i need to lose before my holiday starts.

so, here's an easy and light (and irrelevant, obviously) post i had prepared- what i could manage in the midst of all that's going on- a post about a product i love from L'erbolario di Lodi. it became quickly one of my favourite brands, introduced to me by my sister. they make natural beauty products and this body cream is amazing, both fresh and spicy, just the way i like. and i will be taking it with me to my 'summer break'. photographed in a hurry, but with love. enjoy your midweek.

a tree waking up

my oleander tree has bloomed. finally. the first time this year and the sight was so beautiful, i had to share it. and the cute plum tree at the back, it's getting closer and closer towards my balcony so i can pick more of its fruits each year. i'll hold a little longer until i pick them up as they're growing bigger and juicier i can see. i know it looks as if i live in a jungle or in a seriously green area, but i'm actually not. unfortunately, there aren't many trees except the ones in the spaces between the back of the buildings and i'm lucky enough to be overlooking into this space where there are many trees growing taller each year. i just need to spare more time staring at them. 

feasting and books

fat pancakes. that's how my week-end started innocently saturday morning and the feast continued with the arrival of my sister who was visiting from out of the country. we indulged in good food; four girls and a cat. i tell you, you may not guess so, but these turkish dolmas (stuffed wine leaves) go really well with italian salami. and with beer, and with sparkling wine and with home made potato chips :). there were also a lot of walking, laughing, catching up, the customary clothes swapping, touristy finds and the beautiful, knowing, timeless bosphorus at the background. 

going out becomes fun when four girls are trying to get ready at the same time, very teenage-ish, i like it. i also love the objects and the bits and pieces that my sister's friend has in her home and how she puts them together gracefully. there are many books in that house, so each time i'm there i get inspired to read more and faster; and this book 'Civilisation' seems interesting enough, i'm planning to read it; here are the links for both the turkish readers and the non-turkish readers: here and here and i'd like to hear what you think of the book if you've already read it. 

perspective

when some perspective shift is needed i am reminded of this poem. it is quite inspirational and soft. these days i'm contemplating the idea 'progress' and i'm stuck- because i've lost perspective. progress on the personal level; how it's evaluated and measured is up to us but it seems only possible when we accept the countless detours we are bound to take on our journey. fine with me theoretically but practising it is another story, so give me some time please, thanks.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927

hello, july

things to take note from the week-end: there's been action in the kitchen, i've prepared a simple summer menu for friends. there was summer purslane, it's one of my favourites and the way it mixes with garlic and yogurt is truly delicious. there's been progress on my matrushka cross-stitch and there's been the very colourful gay pride march in downtown which i've managed to document all. now, time to get mentally prepared for monday, have a good one.