Our little Carnival

Last Saturday, the Carnival kicked off in our little town. 

With a blessing from the sun, we all lived it up and although 
I don’t go mad anymore for bacchanalias like this, 

it was a fun event. 

Neighborhoods in full swing, filled with color, people 

 in their best mood and what more could a ....
s e r i o u s 

blogger-photographer want? 
Shooting the happenings, capturing the 

essence of the festivities! But...

...for some reason, fingers were not being crossed and all my photo

 gadgets crashed due to a lack of batteries. Disaster! 

Is being forgetful something to worry about? 

Anyway, observing the photos you can easily distinguish various 

shooting versions consuming all the battery strength of all kinds of

equipment! I finally managed to give you an idea of how it was. 

Schools and local clubs were the main planners of the carnival

under the aegis of the municipal authorities who had also

 provided an open air concert. 

As a student in Italy, in my youth I was lucky 

enough to experience Venice Carnival as a participant,
staying up all night dancing in San Marco square, 
dressed up as a marquise, enjoying a magical atmosphere 

in the company of my fellows.
The most beautiful extravaganza ever!

Time has flown by and I have to admit that 
the excitement of those days has now accumulated
 in my daughter's blue eyes.

Here she is with her cousin, a few years ago.

Did you celebrate Carnival ?

Sending hugs

O

Almond trees and wild irises in Ancient Nemea

February is a month full of loveliness as we have many 

celebrations at home. Anniversaries and birthdays, 

Carnival parties, Valentine’s Day and all associated… 

Excursions and romantic strolls are included in program 
so let me share with you a beautiful escape to

ancient Nemea, a few weeks ago. 

Winter is on its last legs while spring seems 

ready to assume the task...

I particularly love this transitional season where buds are 

barely out, where almond trees come to life and wild irises are

carpeting the fields. In the middle of this fabulous landscape, 

Greek archeological sites emerge almost mystically.

Ancient locations always have a tremendous effect on me as

 I feel not only blessed to walk on my ancestors paths but 

also because there is so much peace around the antiquities, 

so quiet and spiritual.

The Nemean games were founded in 573BC 
and a sanctuary was dedicated to Zeus, 

in whose honour the games were held. 

Temple of Zeus, last third of the 4^th century BC

Gold leaf ornaments displayed 

in the archeological museum of Nemea

Apodyterium, Nemea ( Undressing room ) where the athletes got 
undressed, oiled their skin and prepared for the games.

The ancient Stadium

Vaulted entrance tunnel of the ancient stadium of Nemea.

Ancient Greek pottery figurines 

Nemea is also known as a wine region but unfortunately 

we didn't have the time to pop over to the aging cellars 

as we continued our trip to Nafplion. 

A beautiful day! I came back having captured the awaking 

of almond trees, delighted with the flowery spectacle 

of wild irises, appeased by the ancient Greek wisdom.

So, now...

the winner of my giveaway is my Dutch friend...

 Ger, the blogger of Hoorn des Overvloeds. 

Dearest friend

 please email me your address 
so I can send you the stuff!!!

Wish I could send a little gift to all of you, 

I’m so thankful for your participation to my humble giveaway; 

you always leave so sweet and thoughtful comments. 

Thank you so much!

Hope the upcoming season increases your inspiration!

Keep your mood sunny!

O

The story of a giveaway

An artist, rather a lawyer. 

An inspiring friend, a good one…

She called me having created a new crafting formula, 

impatient to share her excitement with me, to hear my opinion 

and learn if I was positive, this would be my birthday gift. 

Our appointment took place in her lawer's office 

where these photos were taken.

My curiosity was quickly satisfied as soon as the big leather bag 

revealed its secret! My friend took out ...

...an old cake pan filled 

with small, colorful plates so elegant and detailed, 

so various and cute. Enchanted, I was thrilled to see a wonderful 

collection of tiny, clever crafts made by hand. I have always 

loved things that simply happen...

Αn amateur artist, isn’t it stirring?

What could one do with them?

Hang them on the wall, 

Use them as paperweights

a bowl for bonbons,

Just have them around as decorative items

Fill them with paperclips on the desk,

Put a tealight in them

Put your soap in them in the bathroom
 the list is endless I think….

Sooooooooo...

As I have a little mountain of this beautiful stuff 

and the assent of my friend

As I want to celebrate my two year blog anniversary,

To say a big thank you for all the pleasant moments I have 
shared with you, your visits, your sweet and bountiful comments, 

this extra, precious smile you brought to my life

To be thankful for the fact that a lonely blogger like me, 

won the interest and the friendship of very beautiful people, 

and reached the number of 81.000 visits !

For other reasons which I can’t explain now,

I'm giving away six little plates 

of all shapes and colors! 

Don't imagine it is an expensive gift but a very special one 

for its singularity. Sweets will be also sent in 

the tin box I’m showing you.

Everyone can participate with a simple comment. 

The winner will be picked up by my friend and 

the parcel can travel all around the world.

I hope you like it!
O