My First Greek Festival Of The Year!

Χαιρετισμοί (Greetings!)

I have talked before on this blog about Ancient Greek festivals... and I just went to my own local, 18th Annual Greek Festival hosted by our very own St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church~ http://www.stnicholasgreekfest.com This was actually my third time attending a Greek Fest. I went to two last year. LOVE THEM!

As I walked into the festival, joining a throng of revelers, I couldn't help but imagine stepping leather sandal bound feet onto the ancient stone-paved plateia and agora in a Greek coastal town. The authentic music danced in and out of my ears, lifting my already elevated spirits. Laughter and smiles criss-crossed the crowded tent, braided tightly with threads of interesting conversation.

After touring the church, I visited the vendors hawking authentic Greek cuisine~ everything from Gyros with Tzatziki and Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) and Spanikopita(spinach wrapped in Phyllo) and Moussaka (layers of eggplant, potatoes, meat sauce, and cream sauce)... to... Loukoumades (warm, honey dough fritters) and Baklava and other assorted pastries.

I found a seat near the open-ended area of the tent, eagerly anticipating the show I knew was coming. Then I was delightfully entertained by  a group of Greek youngsters dancing traditional dances.

All in all I had a great time. And, I look forward to going to more this year if I can!
Σας ευχαριστώ (I Thank You!)

Why Halloween Costumes Are Awesome!

The ancient world has held my soul captive for some time now. So, when It came time for me to choose a Halloween costume... well it was kind of a "duh" moment. It took me about 2... all right, maybe 3 seconds to find my perfect costume. As I put it on, I was immediately transported back to the world I write about in many of my stories.

It was kind of like "Ahhhhh, I'm home!" Angelic voices flooded my ears, a brilliant glow from Helios' fiery chariot cascaded over me, and my eyes panned the sumptuous Spartan landscape... All that without even leaving the costume store!!!

I felt like a Greek God when I put on the costume. Edit that... I WAS A GREEK GOD!! And what I'm saying to you is that the same transportation and elevation can, no I mean, WILL happen for you. 

Happy Halloweening and, as always, Let Your Inner Deity Shine Through!