Know and Tell Friday-Extreme Randomness Edition

Friday is here! Time for the wittiest meme around!

1. Why were you given your particular name?
My mum had made a tama to St. Irene Chrysovalandou. A tama is a promise, a vow one makes in return for a favor they ask from Christ, Virgin Mary or a Saint who is asked to act as a mediator bringing the faithful's prayer to the throne of God.
For example one may ask for a person to be healed. In return they promise an offering which may either be material (there is a well illustrated explanation here) or a personal offering, such as walking barefoot or in all fours to the church.
Many women who have difficulty conceiving or baring a child, make a tama to St. Irene. In return they promise to name the child after her, which is the case of my name.
2. What's your favorite song of the moment?

We have just watched Mama Mia! so the songs are on the lips of all of us! Check the link for a preview.

3. What are you wearing today which is most reflective of who you are?
A mother of pearl pendant flower necklace.

4. Have you ever had a pet that was not a cat or dog? What was it?
Fish. A turtle. And when I was 7 we spent Easter at a friend's house who was raising bunnies. As you can see, I still remember them. So clever and cute!

5. What type of exercise do you do to keep in shape?
Does munching count? I haven't exercised at all in the past few months. But Yoga and weights are my favorite media.

6. What is your favorite movie of all time?
Hard, hard one! If you insist, it will have to be Pretty Woman!

7. Do you enjoy gardening, or working with flowers?
L-O-V-E gardening.

That was a great questionnaire, Heather! I do not know how you come up with these questions of yours, but they are great fun! Thank you Heather (and Reese)!

Kicking It In Crazyville

HELLO!
Here is another witty, fun and thoughtful Know and Tell Friday meme! And here are the answers of yours trully!

1. If you are a blogger, what got you started? Have you ever made, or do you hope to make, money blogging?

I always kept in touch with friends by mail, so blogging comes quite natural to my finger ends.
I began blogging in 2006 to support the on-line shop I had paid someone to create for me through an EU fund for entrpreneurial women. When that someone vanished with no e-shop in sight, I was left with my blog. The Green Greek evolved into my soul searching, me-time nook.

Then last year I created The Happy Turtle to keep my design inspirations organized, especially regarding our new home. I have also shown pictures of our shop here, here and here ,of our work here and here and of my curtain making business and hosted a giveaway. I even had a VIP visitor for this post!

I haven't made money out of blogging; I probably wasted lots and lots, if time IS money!
Do I hope to make money? Not out of blogging in the sense of promoting stuff. But I would like to showcase my work which will hopefully generate some cash flow!

2. Are you a collector of anything?
Pottery, especially handpainted olive and fruit themed.

3. Apple juice or orange juice?
It used to be orange juice first thing in the morning, but it does not agree with my stomach anymore, so as of last winter I have switched to apple juice.

4. What are 3 of your best personality traits?
I don't know how this is going to sound, but I am a good person. Let your eyebrows relax; you'll see what I mean in a moment. For years I was angry with myself/my mother/my m.i.l. and I tried to get myself harder and tougher. With Christ in my life came the realisation that it is OK to be a good person. It has been so hard for me to stop being good and doing good because I was supposed to be what so and so therapist told me or some self-help genius wrote in a book.
Next, I am a mom person. My daughters' friends tell them they'd like me to be their mother and that's the greatest compliment coming from a child. They cuddle with me when they see me. I love having them around for pizzas, orange juice and ice cream.
I am quiet. I shall sit and listen, or wash the dishes or peel green beans and listen. And hopefully come up with a good piece of wise advice.

5. Name 1 thing you miss about being a kid.
The feeling of endless possibilities and not being aware of the end of the road.

6. What is usually your first thought when you wake up?
Alarm! Coffee for C!

7. Regarding material possessions: the more the merrier or less is best?
Moving house recently showed me that I can live with less as long as what I have is what I really like. For example, I can live with one set of dishes, glasses and cuttlery as long as I like them and they match. It is a matter of quality over quantity, I believe, another benefit of growing up!..

Thank you Heather and Reese! And a Happy4th of July to all!

Know and Tell Friday

1. If a five dollar bill magically appeared on your door step at the beginning of the day, every day, what would you do with it?
I'd lit a candle in the church. I'd save one dollar in a piggy bag. Then I'd buy a sweet treat for the family.

2. Tell us about your favorite teacher from elementary/middle/high school.
There are three of them, one in Elemetnay school, one in High school and one in College. I still remember them with kindness and gratitude for seeing the swan in me, though it took me ages to believe them.

3. If you could make one person disappear for good, who would it be?

Oh dear! There is someone who comes to mind, but would I want to go as far as that?

I must confess that my usual reaction would be for me to take flight. I never thought of making anyone disappear. Interesting thought...

4. Do you believe in fairies?

As in really believe? I love the song "I do-I do-I do believe in fairies" as in Peter Pan. Then I wouldn't like a fairy to die, even if she existed. I kind of like them and kind of am afraid of them, I think.

5. What era is your favorite for music?

Victorian, definitively.

6. Have you ever, or would you ever, have cosmetic surgery?

No and no, unless it was a matter of health, which I hope will never be the case. I actually pray to get old and enjoy my wrinkles blame-free.

7. If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?

I wouldn't really, because in time I discovered that my name is an expression of my vocation in life. Let's suppose though for meme's sake. It would be something romantic like Adele.

Thank you ladies, I really love - love the meme! It's the perfect end to the blogging week!

Know and Tell Friday-Summer

Which is your favorite season? Why?

Summer. Being an only child of an only child of divorced parents, I didn't enjoy anything outside school and the Boy Scouts. With God's grace, now that I have a family of my own, I adore being with my children, relax and play with them.

Are you a bikini or one piece gal? Do the same rules apply to your daughter, if you have one?

I have struggled with my body image for years. I finally decided (after 30s) that I shall never be The Body. I bought a tankini five years ago after I read that one of my style icons, Cindy Crawford was wearing one. Then last year I bought a bikini. But I do like one pieces after all (great for my tum) and so do my daughters, without my imposing it on them.

What is your favorite summer getaway? Beach? Lake? Mall? Indoor ice skating? Why?

Now, my house.

You're on a sandy beach, looking out at a perfectly blue ocean. The weather is perfect. What's on the table next to you? What book are you reading? Who is sitting next to you? What are you drinking?
Ice cold chocolate or a gin tonic if it is afternoon. Chic lit. My husband and children. perhaps your family, too?

Do you tan? If so, are you an all-natural tanner or do you go to a salon?

I got a tan once, during my post-30s life crisis. I thought I'd look and feel sexier. My husband hated it. I am milk-white and that is how I ntend to stay from now on. I stay in the shadow, I wear sunscreen and hat and so do my children.

What is your favorite summer clothing?

It will have to be a kaftan and flip flops!

You're suddenly able to transport yourself to any summer in your past. What year would you choose to be in?

Oh I know the answer to this one. Summer of 2001. I am pregnant with my son and we spend the holidays in our favorite beach. Hmmm!

I am in such a hurry as I write this, and Blogger does not let me spellcheck or upload summer photos for you to see, but I wouldn't let another Friday pass by without stopping by Heather and Reese! Thank you, ladies. Lovely meme!

Know and Tell Friday

A little late, I know. You know I visit everyone "early" and you post "late" due to time zone differencies, but, here is my post for Know and Tell Friday. Once again I loved the questions!

1. What achievement are you most proud of?

My family. I never wanted anything more in my life than to get married and have a big, loving family.

2. Do you like your spouse’s/significant other’s name?

I didn't like his name until I met him, and he didn't like mine until he met me.

3. What is the most unique name you’ve ever heard a person have?

Isabella. A familly friend's wife. She was quite old when I met her. Her name and herself reminded me of Erendira's (by Gabriel Garcia Marquez) grandmother.

4. Which would you rather be: divinely beautiful, dazzlingly clever, or angelically good? (From Anne of Green Gables!)

Aphrodite was Paris' choice and look where that got the Greeks. Being angelically good, hmm, not in this world. I'd have to pick dazzlingly clever. Spare me some trouble (see this post).

5. What is it about your wardrobe that is your trademark, uniquely you?

It will have to be scarves. One never offers a scarf because it implies separation, so I buy my scarves myself, which means I can indulge!

6. Which is worse: no tv or no music?

Everyday? No TV. In the long term, no music.

7. You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can have with you: 1 friend or family member, 1 item from your kitchen and 1 public figure (politician/actor/author). Who/what would you choose?

That's a hard one, especially the family part. It will have to be my husband, provided my children are safe with their families.

One item from my kitchen...Green Tea.

Politician? Hitler or perhaps Bill Clinton. Actor? Danny Kaye. Author? Beatrix Potter.

How did I do? Do check Heather and Reese's Kicking it in Crazyville for more!

Know and Tell Friday

1. What one item in the kitchen best describes you and your personality?

It has to be a strainer or a colander. It is beautiful. love its shape. It's deceptively simple. It serves a lot and is multi-purpose. It holds on to the essential. Quite often to plain rubbish. Have I not learned a lot about myself from your question!

2. What’s your favorite concert you’ve ever attended?

I'd love to attend a Simon and Garfunkel one.

3. If Jesus was standing in front of you, in the flesh, what one question would you ask him?

I'd probably say "I love you".

4. What super-power would you most like to have, and why?

Healing the pain.

5. If you had $5 million to spend in 5 days, but couldn't spend any of it on yourself or your family, what would you do with it?

I'd set up a fund for a children's hospital and a church in my ancestors' name.

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream?

Yoghurt and berries.

7. Do you hit snooze when the alarm goes off, or do you get up right away?

Ho ho ho! When I am in my "get up and go" mood I jump and make breakfast for everyone. This time of my life, I hit snooze.

Well done girls! That was g-r-e-a-t!

Know and Tell Friday

1. Pepsi or coke?

Coke is easier to find. I do like the lemon taste in Pepsi, though I don't usually drink fizzy drinks.

2. Barefoot or shoes?

The house floor is a busy mine field, Legos and Playmobils are happily lazing around day and night, so it has to be shoes.

I do like to be barefoot when I'm holidaying.

I love to walk on sand if it's not too hot and in the hotel room through to the balcony: fresh stone/wood underfoot in the summer is quite refreshing.

3. If you watch American Idol – who do you want to win? David A or David C?

I don't watch AI; we're a season behind, I think. Currently SKY is broadcasting America's next top model, though!

4. If money was not an option and you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I know many of you dream of Greece as a holiday spot or even a moving altogether option. I don't blame you. It's got everything you may hope for. Mountains and seas, alpine to tropical. But right now, I would move to the Caribbean, because my son loves Pirates!

5. Is your desk messy or clean?

Messy, but I mostly know what is where, if that redeems me in any way!

6. When it's sunny, all I want to do is.......

Take my husband and children and head to the beach.

7. What is your favorite word and why?

"Thank God!".

That was nice, girls! Happy week end, and thanks for hosting!

Know and Tell Friday-Mom

Question 1.

In what way are you like your mom?

Sometimes I look like her, especially when I am tired. I also have her temper. Bursting...
I recently realized that my inclination in Interior Design, working with fabrics etc. comes from her. She made all her clothes herself to perfection. She also played around with furniture. Her mother, my late grandmother, also loved making things for the home. She hadn't received any training but she had the most exquisite dishcloths I've ever seen. I also inherited depression. With God's help, and the love of my friends (that includes my blogging friends),I am fighting it.


Question 2.


What is your earliest, or favorite, memory of your mom?
When we were living in England, my mom was staying in Greece for some stretches of time to take care of our property. I'd leave her bed with the same bedlinen as she left it, and sneak in whenever I felt lonely.


Question 3.


What are the qualities you admire in your mom?
She did her best, unaided by her surroundings. She decided to get a divorce the western way, when and where feminism was quite fashionable, but in the wrong milieu that never forgave her choice and treated her like an outcast. She wanted me to be independent, she pushed me (hard) to study and excel in academic life that she wasn't allowed to follow. Without realizing it, she moulded me into the independent yet longing for love and appreciation spirit that I am.

Question 4.


Do you stay in touch with your mom?
No. She knows where I am. She does not approve of my choices because I did not fulfill her dream. I do not mind. I have told her that I love her. I am at peace with my consciousness.

Question 5.

Are you the kind of mom you want to be?
Yes. I make it a point to stay close to my children and keep my ears, eyes and mind open.

Question 6.

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
Her sense of style. She'd wear a white shirt, a blue skirt (made by her), high Charles Jourdan heels, Worth perfume and her pearls and she'd make the room turn around her.

Oops! I didn't read that one well. What is my favorite thing about being a mom? I try to be the mom I would have liked to have and offer my children the opportunity to be their age. I don't care about being perfect or having a perfect house. I love giving love and attention to them. I do not regret the extra pounds or the so-called missed opportunities to a career. I have found my vocation. I am a moma hen.


Question 7.


Would you ever approach a mom you didn’t know with unsolicited advice concerning her mothering skills?
I have before and I will again. I am thankful because people usually ask for my opinion. I am very careful because I hate sneaky people. But I cannot help it when a mom lets her toddler cross the street by itself.

Thank you Heather and Reese. I am glad to join in Know and Tell, again!

Know and Tell Friday

Question 1
What can you draw well?
Houses, mountains and seas, boats, fish.

Question 2
Name a TV show (at any period in your life) that you watched that you were probably a little too old to watch.
I do not think there is any TV show I am "too old" to watch. If it is good, it is good enough for me. And yes, I did watch Beverly Hills 90210!

Question 3
What color is the dominant color of your wardrobe?
Beige. I have tried black, brown, blue, red, fuchsia. Beige with some white suits my complexion best.

Question 4
Favorite donut?
Filled with lemon cream.

Question 5
Wear painful shoes just because they are cute?
No, never. Almost. Some five years ago, I got this idea that I must "grow up". Wear a little heel, you know. I looked like a middle aged spinster (no offense meant whatsoever). I have gone through a suit and pump period in my life, in my early twenties, and I do not miss it.
Now I walk in lace up boots, mocs, the occasional ballerina, and in the summer, sandals. Birkenstocks and Campers are very comfortable.

Bonus Questions
Question 6
Is there anything that you believe you do not believe God about?
Honestly? I do not know. Here is what I believe: If there any truth in the world, then only God knows it.

Question 7
In general, do you think it is ok to be frustrated with people?
OK, it isn't. Most of the time I know that I have something to do with the grip of my frustration, and I want to do something about it/me. Recently I have been referring my troubles to God. This is very new to me, and many times I forget. But it is the best piece of advice I have to offer.

Nice questions. Made me think, again. Please visit To Know Him, to know a little more about yourselves.

Know and Tell Friday

Hello,
So glad it's Friday and that I can take part in this new meme again. Before I answer the questions, let me say that I am very-very pleased to have stumbled upon a meme with meaningful, thoughtful questions. Many thanks To Know Him!

Question 1
Do you read or study best in silence or in a place with background noise? Why?
Depends, really. Most of the time I squeeze reading when we watch the news on TV. I sit on the couch, wrap my legs around, read, listen, comment. I guess you may call it multitask reading! I usually lead through mags in silence, when everybody is asleep (guilt, guilt, guilt!). I can read the papers or write my diary in a cafe. I even like that, so yes, I suppose "background noise" is the answer for me!

Question 2
If you were to write a book about your life, what would it be called?
Oh, something along the lines of Mary Magdalen meets Prodigal Son meets Dynasty. I must write this book(s) one day...

Question 3
(This question is a deep one...I know it should be a bonus, but I already have a few bonus questions chosen for this week) Why do you think divorce is so prevalent?
My parents are divorced, so I can more than guess. First and foremost, people do not marry to form a family in Christ. They do not grow with God running through their veins. If that happened, there wouldn't be so many broken families, so many shattered lives, if any at all. When the focus is on ourselves and our heightened expectations, built up by the press, TV, family, the entourage in general, failure to find satisfaction in the every day is looming. In all my life I have suffered from my parents' divorce. My mother has suffered, too. My father told my husband years ago that it was the single most hurting event in his life. But I believe now that God has a plan for us. I wouldn't be here, writing this if it weren't for my past. It took me years, my husband's patience and love, and God's hand for me to come to terms with that. I am praying for my marriage and for all people and families. May God be the Lord, the vine of our lives.

Question 4
What's the best way to resist peer pressure?
Oh I don't know about that. I still have to remind myself to breathe when I am under pressure. I say "Kyrie ELeison" and manage at work. Psychology seminars help. Concentrating on what the other person means to say behind what they are actually mouthing. Looking the part, psyching myself up also works.
The most strenuous pressure though is from my mother in law. I just can't play ball with her. I smile, pretend I didn't hear, say yes. Occasionally I dare state my point of view, but I don't know, it seems I can't win! I know it is not a matter of winning, it is just a very difficult relationship. I just try and pray that we do not contact each other much!

Question 5
What is the most serious illness or injury you ever faced?
Appendicitis. Polycystic ovaries. My legs tremble when I enter a hospital.

Bonus Questions
6. When was the last time you felt like you had a laugh with God?
Our relationship hasn't come to that yet, I suppose. But I manage a smile. When I pray, when I am thankful, I can feel God smiling at me. When I am in the countryside, or by the sea, I can feel closer to GOd, too.

7. This question was inspired by a friend. My friend went through a very tragic experience, and I so wanted to comfort her, but did not have the words too (GP, right or wrong usage of the too?). I had a conversation with her at a later date and asked her what do you say to someone when they are going through a tragedy, because I know that people say the wrong things even when there intentions were good. So, here is my question.... What do you say to someone who is going through a tragic or hard time?
Hard is hard is hard...I suppose having faith in God and the afterlife help. I am very much a "hen" kind of a woman. Hugging and listening and praying and crying would be what I'd do. Let us pray that God won't give us all that we can bear.

Be blessed, and have a week end filled with God's grace.

Know and Tell Friday

Question 1

Did you eat candy this Valentine's Day?

Oh yes, I did. Chocolate, of course.

Question 2

What is something you do to relax?

Make a cup of green tea and visit my great blogging friends. Read a book. Cross stitching. Yoga.

Question 3

(From Poole’s book) What is the best approach for resolving conflict?

Let people voice their discontent. Keep calm and neutral.

Question 4

(Poole’s book again) How would you define “freedom”? (this could probably be a bonus question)

Freedom from fear. Trust in God Almighty.

Question 5

(Poole’s book) On a scale of 1-10, how happy do you usually feel? Explain.

8. I love what I do, where I am right now with my children and our work. I am thankful for God's renewed presence in my life. Our friends, blogging and "real life" are a great, new blessing. I am anxious about the new house that we have been building for the past 3 years. I pray that we will be healthy and happy and enjoy living in it. I am also anxious about developping our work.

Bonus Questions

Question 6

If you could choose one “SIN” that you would never have to struggle with for the rest of your life what would it be?

Gluttony.

Question 7

What is one thing that breaks your heart?

Sick children, suffering mothers.

I am glad to join Know and Tell Friday. Please visit To Know Him to read more. Happy weekend.