Greek In the Big Apple

This post comes at a strange transitional time in my life, and I've had in mind to share it for quite some time. It's not a pleasant subject and it's quite personal, yet I don't think I've ever shared something here that wasn't deeply personal and close to my heart. S haring this with you won't be any different.  In recent years, I've had some very thought provoking, harsh and difficult interactions with addicts and recovering addicts, and it forced me to take a serious look into addiction and my connection to it. As I write this, I'm reminded of something a recovering addict told me a few years ago. We are all  addicts. We are all susceptible to addiction of one kind or another, it doesn't have to be to a substance or something tangible. It is like almost any habit, a means to an end, a feeling created, an escape, a masking of something much deeper than what we allow ourselves to realize.  "We are all addicts."  A random ...

Hello dear readers, It's been a little while since I've written. I've been preoccupied with my health and finally after two months of illness, tests, hospitals, inept doctors and a general feeling of not enjoying any of it, all is well. And then it happened... It was one of those days. That turning point where winter is finally over and the smells of spring are in the air. That moment where one can walk to the park and feel the sun warming the skin. Yes that moment where the layers come off and the barriers come down and nature is alive again. You know that moment has arrived because people come a little closer,  I'm not talking about the birds and the bees here folks, for those eager enough there is plenty out there.  I'm talking about that moment when this Mediterranean woman, so eager for some sun can feel at ease again. It has been a mild winter in comparison to other years, I can't complain, but no less brutal and cold down to the bone.  ...

New York City A city of many faces many cultures many expressions, many rhythms, yes a city many things and countless accomplishments, but sadly I've found that city of Eros and Agape it is not. It seems closer to a city of mindless, faceless, expressionless, moronic, high school style "hooking up" rather than a sophisticated city of lovers. Did it never grow up? Capitalist, Neurotic, Hyper sexualized, quite sadly alone and self involved. Like a teenager grasping for attention, it's a city overwhelmed with the fallacy of choice . Yes, granted, there are thousands or choices, all you can eat buffet, countless men and women, pick what you like discard what you don't like, but when does that fill the void? A city filled with so many navel gazers who ultimately so desperately want to be seen, loved, understood and heard. When I first arrived,  I spent the better part of of my first year enjoying close friends, working hard at making New York my home, and re...

It's almost unimaginable... another year in NYC. Closing this chapter has been a web of many tales. Stories of joy and laughter, sorrow, and devastation mixed with endless blessings and friendship.  Greece is going through its worst times in recent history, many friends are battling with uncertainty, fear of the unknown, instability, and poverty. Others with new families, the new generation being brought to the world, with its so many joys and so many problems. I think of  them and wish them well and applaud their courage to keep going. I can't say that I've not had my share of doubts. So many thoughts of : Why did I leave should I go back, am I a quitter, or should I should stay here in New York, and make a life for myself?... are continuously moving through my mind. I often catch myself thinking about what that means, where my heart belongs, and I always come to the conclusion that wherever I may be,  it will always belong in Greece no matter what. Friendships and bond...