Posted in Uncategorized on 5,October,2009 by kahliyalogue
Hey guys!
I just realised “kahliya-logue” has just swept past it`s first birthday by about a month..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAHLIYA-LOGUE YEAH!!
It has grown as such an inseparable part of me that I havent looked back for one minute..
Ive been enjoying my time here with all of you so much..and I hope you have too..!
As I have mentioned already here and there..its been a transformational year.A year of reconnecting to roots,reflecting,healing and visioning.
I believe this important period of my life is coming to an end and making room for resolutions,decisions and actions.
I am these days in the midst of building an important humanitarian project,a longtime dream which I have finally decided to implement,and I am very excited.Hopefully,if all goes well,I will be able to inform you shortly about this project,which will have its own site and blog,and I hope to see you there aswell!
My creative work with Kahliya has taken the back burner all this time as I had a lot going on,but Kahliya and its blog is an important part of me which I wish to continue to develop and hope to find the way to do the both.
Funny enough it is also soon my own birthday..and this makes me feel as if everything is coming to a symbolic point of “birth”.
To wrap up this whole chapter just before I begin a new one,I will be away on a very important voyage of roots..
Once again I would like to thank each and everyone of you who have visited me here and left your insights.With your warmth,generosity and wisdom I have been nourished,inspired and able to grow.
THANK YOU!
I am looking forward to continuing our fruitful exchanges.
Today is the Eve of YOM KIPPUR, a very important day in the Jewish Religion,I have written about last year aswell.
This day ends a period of 10 days following the New Year,dedicated to inner reflection and repentance for our sins,asking forgiveness from fellow human beings and from God.This tenth day is emphasised by a 25hr fast, after which it is believed that our ”verdict” is sealed ,therefore the birth of the blessing ” Hatima Tova” to one another,meaning “may you be blessed with a good sealing/verdict”.
As I have stated before,I am not a religious person,nor is my family.But my parents do fast,its just one of those traditional symbols they do take seriously.I remember growing up,not understanding what all the fuss was about,mostly annoyed by the sudden “halt” of activity,disturbed by the quiet,leaving a heavy ”cloud” in the air.I amused myself by slowly sneaking food from the fridge when no one noticed.It is my mother who is more sensitive to tradition,who did not take kindly to my mischief.
I later went on my path turning my back to these restrictions,enjoying with friends a rebellious atmosphere of get-togethers inwhich we ate and watched movies..
It was only along my personal journey inwhich I have travelled,explored other cultures and spiritual beliefs that I have come to understand the importance of ” stopping all activity” for the purpose of inner attunement and reflection,in order to see clearer what may be wrong,make amends and better our ways.
Today I still choose not to fast,though I have full respect for those who do.A respect I learned to obtain after living among Muslim people in Turkey who fast during the Ramadan.
I do choose to dedicate this Symbolic day for inner reflection and attunement,a pause that is reccomended to be done more than once a year,but I believe in it`s significance once rooted in a society`s ritual in form of an assigned day.
There is also something to be said about tradition,as I remember my mother`s efforts in preparing a special meal before the onset of the fast ,and as the hour of breaking the fast slowly approached,there was a special decorated table,onwhich she slowly added small fine treats to be savoured once the sign was given.
This year,my personal attempt of redemption in relation to my mother was to escort her to the neighborhood synagogue to attend the prayers of the beginning of Kippur.It became a special gift to me aswell,an act of bonding,to my mother,my ancestors and my roots.
As a person who has preached all my life of Respecting the “other”,of Peace and Harmony among all Human beings,I believe I have just completed the missing link enabling me to “Walk what I Preach” ,and that is to reach an inner peace aswell as a respect for my own roots
regardless of how I choose to translate them into my own life…
Today is the eve of ”Rosh Hashana“- The Jewish New Year.Interesting enough it is also the first day of the ”Yamim Hanoraim” the ten days dedicated to repentance leading to the final most important day of Yom Kippur-The day of attonement in which it is believed that the judgement for our sins is decided upon from above for the next coming year.A period of 25 hr fasting and intensive prayer.
The reason I find it interesting is because it seems to be very close in timing and in essence to the Ramadan,the important holiday in the Muslim Religion that is coming to its end tommorow.
While I have full respect for each Religion and it`s uniqueness,I cannot overlook the similarity in many of the basic principles between the various Religions. As I have mentioned before,it is learning about the similarities between cultures that aids our understanding of the other,while respecting the added differences that contributes to that colorful diversity that makes this world so interesting!
I am not a religious person but I am spiritual,and can connect with this essence of a closing of the old that is no more beneficial,re-assessing,and blessing the new to come.
I wish to bless all of you regardless of Religion,
SHANA TOVA – A GOOD YEAR
A release of old blockages; angers; frustration and pain,
opening the way towards NEW Trust, Light & Joy!
I would like to share with you a poem of Pablo Neruda,wishing us all to take a good inner look and see whether we can Live our Lives more Fully..
Muere Lentemente / Dies Slowly
“Dies slowly he who transforms himself in slave of habit,
repeating everyday the same itineraries,
who does not change brand,
does not risk to wear a new color and doesnt talk to whom doesnt know.
Dies slowly he who makes of television his guru.
Dies slowly he who avoids a passion,
who prefers black to white
and the dots on the “I” to a whirpool of emotion,
just those ones that recover the gleam from the eyes,
smiles from the yawns,
hearts from the stumblings and feelings.
Dies slowly he who does not overthrow the table
when is not happy at work,
who does not risk the certain for the uncertain
to go toward that dream that is keeping him awake.
Who does not allow atleast one time in life,to flee from sensate advices.
Dies slowly he who does not travel,who does not read,
does not listen to music,who does not find grace in himself.
Dies slowly he who destroys his self love,
who does not accept somebody`s help.
Dies slowly he who passes his days complaining of his bad luck or the incessant rain.
Dies slowly he who abandons a project before starting it,
who does not ask over a subject that does not know
or does not answer when being asked about something he knows.
Dies slowly he who does not share his emotions,joys,and sadness,
who does not trust ,who does not even try.
Dies slowly he who does not relive his memories
and continues getting emotional as if living them at that moment.
Dies slowly he who does not intent excelling,
who does not learn from the stones of the road of life,
who does not love and let somebody love.
Let`s avoid death in soft quotes,
remembering always that to be alive demands an effort much bigger
than the simple fact of breathing.”
Also I cannot part without reconnecting once again with the wonderful positive energy of
Unfortunately I have not heard about Dr will Tuttle till recently,but I am so glad I finally did!
I find his work very inspiring,and his ideas ,at the very least ,worth a moment of thought or two..
To me personally His words carry a lot of logic,and I am always happy to encounter people who dedicate their lives to try and make this world a better place for EVERYONE!
For those interested in the book or details and activities of the organisation :http://worldpeacediet.org/
Posted in Spirituality on 5,September,2009 by kahliyalogue
Once again it is the time of Ramadan,and I am a bit late as I was travelling and the Ramadan has begun the 21.August.and continues till 19.Sept.
Ramadan is a very important Holiday amongst the Muslim Religion,I have written about it last year aswell.
It is a special time of contemplation in which it`s followers fast during the day,from dawn till sunset.A time for purification enabling inner reflection and a deeper connection with God,expressing regret for prior sins aswell as seeking further guidance.
I would like to express my very warm blessings to those celebrating this meaningful holiday.
Posted in Travel, music on 1,September,2009 by kahliyalogue
What can I say..? Yes,I am definitely on what seems to be quite a roll of travelling..but then again,to me its not exactly travelling..as I have mentioned before,it`s about tying loose ends,reconnecting with different parts of myself..as strange as this may seem to you,If there is one thing that is obvious to me by now,it`s that there is undeniably a part of me left in these places on my journey,as there is a part of these places left in my heart as I carry on..and I guess part of reaching peace from this ”tour” is reaching peace with that fact.I will never be able to live in ”one” of these places,but I will be forever connected,and I can look forward to finding a way to continue to connect..
Another lovely lesson I can retrieve from these voyages is that although I have met many many people on my way,Real friends remain Real friends,and how delightful a surprise to discover them right by your side,as if you have never actually physically left ,after yrs of separation..True friendship transcends the tests of time and distance,and I am tremendously grateful!
There is so much I would like to share with you about the Paris that I know,spots ,neighborhoods,odors and colors,many of which are not included in the classic presentations of this famous city.Unfortunately my time was very short,and this specific trip was all about collecting my belongings and catching up with parts of me left behind.I have a feeling I will still be able to return to you one day with a colorful portrait of “my Paris”..
I actually spent the first few days in Langeais,near Tours at my friends mother`s house,where my things were stocked.This city is known for it`s castle as part of the castles in the Loire valley.Believe me or not,I wasnt even able to properly visit the castle,apart from a brief look on the outside,which I didnt even get you guys a photo,shame on me..!
But,this house as the whole of the area stands among some of the most beautiful pieces of nature I have ever seen,and experienced!It was like a brief visit in Paradise! I can only try and wonder what it can be to to live within this nature in daily life!
After my stay in Langeais,I took the train back to Paris..and I managed to collect a few brief moments all the same..
Ahhhh…oh well..Aurevoir PARIS…till next time…
Meantime I will not part before leaving you with a sweet gift…no not chocolate..it was a bit difficult technically..but close..
Another favorite singer of mine,I discovered while living in Paris,is TERI MOISE,and here is a clip of hers singing ”je serai la” =” I will be here” ENJOY!
Hey guys..just got back from yet another lovely trip!
I know I haven`t been around lately,this is a very intense time for me ,trying to gain closure on past chapters of my life;in the midst of building new ideas and dreams,and preparing myself for unclear changes that lay ahead..
I just came back from revisiting Turkey where I have lived for 3 yrs and where the seed of “kahliya” the shop was born..
As you can see,it was a tiny shop though full of riches like Ali-baba`s cavern,and I loved it very much.With some creativity I had everything I needed,and it was so cozy,people really enjoyed coming by for some tea and chat..
Talk about sustainabilty and making do..
that tiny space became a Rich enchanting Universe
believe me you!
It was actually created within a building entrance,which was obviously very narrow,and after the first bit went all the way up with stairs.With some help,I filled in a few of those stairs midway with cement to create a platform onwhich I put my sewing machine and small table,and that was my “atelier” !
I have many many memories from this shop as I have from my life in Turkey itself..I`ve learned so much about another country and culture,aswell as about myself! I believe that years from now those experiences will continue to unfold, finding it difficult at the moment to express all that I withold..
What I find fascinating is the remaining traditional ways of taking the time for true hospitality,sipping tea..another tempo alltogether.. the abundance of genuine fresh potent fruits,vegetables and herbs, a solid base of their nutrition,the ongoing traditions of handcraft,the creative sustainable sollutions as an obvious part of daily life.
All these symbolise a closer connection , and appreciation of the Earth,a knowing of its ways that gets lost once life becomes too complex..
This visit was a nice reminder as I hope to carry on my path using what I have learned from this knowledge..
Along with this ‘baggage’ I am saddled with,I collected some of my fabrics I left behind,My shop`s handcrafted SIGN,which I hope to hang soon on ”Kahliya`s” next venture,
and….an oldtime dream-I got myself a SAZ or Baglama,
An East mediterranean string instrument,as I felt a deep connection to the music played with it,and hope to find my way to learn..!
A Favorite of mine who plays it very well and sings is Musa Eroglu
*Update:
As I look back upon these images,followed by the memories of my path,
I cant help but think about how this could be my personal version of the ‘travelling craftsman’
“What better to represent the cycle of life than a grain of wheat?
It is burried in the earth to resuscitate and bear fruit symbolising life and ressurection…This ancient land still adores his female Godess Demetra,the fruit bearing mother,who provides the wealth of wheat.The mother is the dark subconscient uteris that gives birth to the worlds and reabsorbs them,just as it buries the wheat deep-in her entrails and springs it to life….”
These beautiful words belong to Natasa Ieridou,an Art Historian,who continues in describing the growing of wheat in Cyprus in its different phases as a metaphore of the phases of existence.Adjoining this delightful text is a collection of photos by Christos Ierides, depicting the more traditional side of Cyprus along with explanations.This mini booklet is titled:”Cyprus-a treat for the soul,Wheat bearing land”
From the first moment I set eyes on this ”experience”(the written booklet with the set of photos)I was immediately stricken by a magic spell which took me at once to this ancient land in its original version,another time,when oddly enough,it seeems as though ”less” was ”going on” but everything had ”more” meaning…which to me personally translates into a much richer existence..
Unfortunately ,I choose not to share any of the photos here or anymore of the text out of mere respect for the creators,as I do not have the opportunity to ask their permission.
But I can state that I found this piece of ”life” in an extremely special book shop in Nikosia,Cyprus,named MAM.I entered this shop searching for a specific book on traditional Cypriot handcraft and asides from discovering the shop actually specialises in all books related to Cyprus,I fell upon the owner Mr Mikis, who himself clearly belongs to another era.One of the sweetest people I have ever met,passionate about what he does,extremely courteous,generous and kind.His work ethics are clearly those of a world who once took the ”other” into far more consideration,long before the need was born to come up with terms such as ”ethical commerce” to repair an existing value system..
I also ended up buying three beautiful books on traditional textiles and embroidery in Cyprus,a theme I am fascinated about:
Cypriot Ethnography collections in British museums/Eleni Papademetriou
Once again my journey has led me to explore another culture..and I am fascinated..!
A new language;new food;a new culture..new images..new sounds..new odours..new beauty! I love it!
Though I must admit,it is not as new as all that.I have mentioned before my Greek origins,and being in Cyprus has reconnected me with many familiarities which have made me feel very much at home.It is also very nice to see how many dishes and customs are common to many countries of the region,differing slightly while each country adds its own special touch.
I know I have been a bit stingy in my collection of images I am currently sharing with you,as I have seen and experienced so much more..but I preffered to absorb and savour my experiences fully,as they were very rich indeed,without the disturbance of stopping to document them.I was also on a very tight schedule as I was there with a project in mind to see if I can implement in the near future..
All in all it was a very intense and powerful experience,inwhich I have met many wonderful people and may have planted a seed towards a dream to come true..time will tell if this will actually be my next step on my path..
Meantime,its back to work…
Note:for those who have not read about my former visit to Cyprus,not long ago,check here.
Posted in Uncategorized on 13,June,2009 by kahliyalogue
Hey Guys!
I admit it`s been slow around here lately..well slow in terms of cooking. Truth be told I`ve hardly seen the kitchen lately,even though there are tons of things I`d like to share..but that part is a bit on hold at the moment.
Otherwise,actually it`s been very busy..those who have already understood,I am in a bit of a transitional period this last year,and wasn`t quite clear about where I was headed,though I tried to continue my creative work ,there were so many things I wanted to develop that just had to wait.
I feel I am hopefully finally on to something/somewhere and trying to check things out to make it happen.I`ll be taking off again next week to do exactly that!Hopefully I will return with some happy news,and maybe finally I can throw my anchor into a small piece of this earth to create the mini universe I so dream of.
Wish me luck,because if it does happen,I will have so many new delightful things to share with you all !
"...it is not the image you would see
nor the song you would hear,
but rather an image you see though
you close your eyes
and a song you hear though you
close your ears...
beauty is life when life unveils
her holy face.
But you are life and you are the veil..."
Kahlil Gibran
