Enjoying Turkish Music

Seminario Saida 2007, originally uploaded by yamilebellydance.

Today I was invited to a little Turkish party for the end of Ramadan--and it just so happens that a very good Turkish musician came to Buffalo to play is very beautiful instrument--called a Kanun.

This instruments sounds like a harp but has a crisper sound. The melodies are mesmerizing. I felt like I was under an olive tree with some yummie Turkish food! (well, I obviously wish that was the actual case, but then I opened my eyes).

I find myself very much attracted to this region of the world...I am sure in my past life I lived there....
inshuallah---I go back :)

Maybe our last summer dinner...

We are so lucky---it's been so nice and warm in Buffalo this September! Last night we enjoyed a wonderful dinner La-Te-Da--a cute little place with a beautiful back porch located around the corner from my new house! We also welcomed home Amresh, Andrew and Kris and Joe~

Sitting around this beautifully lite table---I watched everyone enjoy each others company--and I realized how lucky I am to have such great friends and to be able to share these experiences with them (great conversation, wonderful food and good wine!--all outside). I was thinking---does it get any better?)

After dinner we went to a new place called the Wine Thief....if you can't tell, we enjoyed that as well ~

The VIP treatment at Niagara Grape & Wine festival

I had a blast this past saturday at Niagara's Grape and Wine festival. Thanks to wine maker Eric--we got a private tour of Konzelmann Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-lake.

This winery is the only one on the lake---the views are just beautiful (as are the grapes!). I can't remember a time where I enjoyed wine so much! Eric made sure we tasted the wines in the right order-and saved the best for last---yummie ice wine!

Chris and I really loved the oak barrels---

We toured the facilites --always with a enough wine to keep our pallets happy!

I am grateful to have met Eric & John...and of course of Joe Molek's family (who considers me their sister-in-law)!

The day extended to the festival in St. Catherines. We enjoyed the food of the area and lots more of Konzelmann's wine at their booth where we meet up with Martin and his buddies~

Ustrasana (camel pose)

Ustrasana (camel pose), originally uploaded by Richard-.

Today I successfully did those pose---just like this yoga lady!
--I felt like I really accomplished something!
Besides opening up my rib cage and flexing the spine---it also helps open the throat and heart chakra!

Teaching in Togo?

2000-02 Togo Tamberma 13, originally uploaded by maounde.

I recently got a not-so serious, possibly serious offer to go teach at a school in Togo...
how cool would that be????

actually--it wouldn't be a full position, just a short-term appointment (like 2 weeks)....but it would be an amazing experience I can imagine...

And---it would be fun to re-connect with a old school pal....

The universe brings me such wonderful opportunities!

the unbearable lightness of being

the unbearable lightness of being, originally uploaded by /the/science/of/sleep/.

I just started this book--and I have to say I am starting to fall in love with Kundera and the way he tells a love story.

Here is an example of his brilliance...

"In the sunset of dissolution, everything is illuminated by the aura of nostalgia, even the guillotine"....

Kris and Joe's wedding

This past weekend I was standing up in my best friend's wedding. I have to say--it was probably one of the most joyful weddings I have ever attended. I feel so lucky to have a best friend like Kris...and now even more lucky to include Joe in the mix.
Here are some highlights from the wedding---there are just so many pictures---I am sure my blog will be highlighting this adventure for a while!
Oh--by the way---they met at a Whitney Place party~ Thanks to Di!

The gang

I felt like a princess!

We danced until the weeeee hours---

Mubarak Ramadan

Sultanahmet~, originally uploaded by EmrahCelal.

Warm wishes for all my Muslim friends this Ramadan season.

I very much respect this month long time of prayer. While I am not Muslim, I find myself attached to the very ideas this season provides...

Here is some information about Ramadan in case you didn't know about it (thanks Wikipedia):

Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of God, and to offer even more prayer than usual. In Ramadan--Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, ask for help in refrain from everyday evils and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

last summer bbq?

Last night Chip and Elsa (and Catarina) hosted a nice little bbq...
It was so nice to spend time with them---it seems the summer went by so fast--I suppose everyone always says that. Anyway---I am very grateful for such wonderful friends.

glad we adopted a hen

chickens at blossom hill farm, originally uploaded by didihardy_72.

Thanks to Rachel.......we are the adopted parents of one of these beautiful hens (I think it's the hen who is philosophizing about the sociology of egg-making---but I could be wrong).

I am enjoying her fresh eggs each week. I love knowinng where my food is coming from and I am enjoying buying fresh produce from the Bidwell farmer's market as well.

If you are interested in adopting a chicken next year---check out BlossomHill Farms~

My Mom's story on Story Corp

Yesterday my sister Jen and I interiewed my Mom on Story Corp--an oral history project sponsored by the Coporation for Public Broadcasting. The project gathers stories of everyday people. The stories are archived into the Library of Congress and--if you have a good story---it is broadcasted on NPR.

My Mom told her story--starting with her decision to become a nun. She told of the joys she had of being a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher and her struggles with her loss of individuality. Her life choices led her to a wonderful guy (my Dad)...and then of course to motherhood.

I won't ruin the story---because we hope it will air on the radio.

Thanks Mom--for telling the world your story--and for being the best Mom anyone could ever ask for! We love you~

Happy Birthday Sofia

Today is my good friend Sofia's birthday. She is such a wonderful soul--full of passion for her family, friends and her research. She brightens up our lives---with her wonderful cooking--her fantastic stories and her love of life. It was so much fun to have her a part of our Moroccan adventure (above)...and I hope we can share some more travel adventures in the future!

Big hugs to you my friend Sofia.

My cutie nephew Aidan

WOW is he getting big! I remember at Christmas when Santa got him this bike...he couldn't even reach the peddles! Now...he's riding like a pro.


And...he LOVES this Guitar. I am sure he will be a rock star some day....so people, get his autograph now....

I am so happy & Lucky to be able to watch this energetic guy grow up...he's such a light in all our lives! I love you Aidy!

Highlights from Costa Rica

This was a fabulous holiday! There are so many pictures to post.
I am so grateful to Catalina and her family for hosting me....I loved the country, people, food (the fruit is SOOOO wonderful), landscape and of course...the coffee!


Catalina's family---and our adventure to a park. Check out the friend we met below!

Our trip through the mountains to the city of Jaco. Catalina's sister's in-laws allowed us to stay in their summer home for the weekend. The view from the pool took my breath away!


You can walk down to a semi-private sandy beach.


Catalina has such a wonderful family!
This is Catalina's dad's tree house! We stayed there for 2 nights. We could hear monkeys at singing to us at night!

Banana's are just growing everywhere....they taste like candy!
mmmmm. did you know how good coconuts are to drink?
This is dragon fruit. As you can see....I was in LOVE with the fruit. Below is the flower that only blooms at night.

Molek-Ramming Shower and PIg Roast

This was the best wedding shower I have been to! Thanks to Kris and Joe's family---and the Molek wine---fun was had by all :)
Check out some of the pictures.

Mike and Bill couldn't wait for their share~

Joe and his dad brought out the Molek wine!

Best Wishes Joe and Kris!

Do we look happy or what?

Their grapes are still little babies...but they are growing fast!

I was at the shower for 12 hours...and if it wasn't a Sunday night, I think we all would have stayed as long as the home-maid wine was available!