Happy St.Patrick`s Day

About the man:  His father and grandfather were deacons in the Christian church. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. After a dream in which God told him how to escape, he returned to Britain and went to school to become a priest.
In 432, he went back to Ireland as a missionary, to convert the pagan polytheistic Irish to Christianity. He used the Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to them. That was his life's work for 30 years, and is today highly esteemed by the Irish church.

The pillars are 25 meters high made of white oak encased in marble

Montreal connection: Well there isnt really, except that we have a St.Patrick's Basilica built in 1847. It is just gorgeous! The stained glass work inside is very beautiful. It is the Mother church of English speaking Catholics in Montreal. In 1996 it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a Father of the Canadian Confederation, was a member of this church. He was elected to the first Canadian Parliament in 1867 as a Liberal-Conservative from the riding of Montreal West. He is the first Canadian victim of a political assassination.



The beautiful sanctuary lamp weighs 815 kg and was installed in 1896.

Add caption

I went to visit this church last summer. It is so exquisite, and surrounded by skyscrapers. The grounds are beautiful, there is a sense of peace that overcomes you as you enter- the noisy downtown core is drowned out by the shelter of the building. Really it is worth a visit.

Montreal’s original Skyscraper: The Aldred Building

Art Deco is my latest inspiration. A beautiful example is the Aldred Building in Old Montreal's Place d'Armes public square. It is a sister building to New York's Empire State Building, also completed in 1931.

Art Deco is an artistic design style that began in Paris in the 1920's, influencing architecture, interior design and jewellery. It is typified by linear symmetry, elegant and modern styling. The designers often integrated motifs of local flora and fauna.

The Aldred Building’s distinguishing feature was not only its height. The Art Deco style of its design was a jewel among  the surrounding buildings with classical style detailing.

The architect, Ernest Isbell Barott also designed the Bell Canada building on Beaver Hall Hill. Construction began in July 1929, and continued despite the stock market crash of 1929. In 1931 it was completed at a cost of $2,850,000. 

I'm freezing out here taking pictures!

Montréal ranks in the top ten cities in the world for its Art Déco architecture.

Art Deco Society of Montreal is a bilingual, nonprofit organization formed to foster awareness and appreciation of the Art Deco period (c.1920-1940) http://www.artdecomontreal.com/

Tiles ! Guest Post from Mosaicology blogger

Magda Papas of my blogger links: Mosaicology is the guest featurer; Such a beautiful blog! Such a privilege to have her guest blogging.

How tiles can help you express and define your style

Tiles, tiles, tiles!

We have all broken some and we will always be surrounded by them.

Our relationship with them is to say the least a “bonding” one.

But have we ever considered what lies behind the tile choices we make? It’s really intriguing to think that the tiles you will use to embellish and waterproof your home have an everlasting effect that you will not be able to alter unless you are a constructor who does this for a living or a maniac who constantly needs to break things.

You will want to make sure you make the right choices based on your style, attitude, way of thinking, principles. Having said that I realize how challenging it is because we ALL CHANGE as we grow.

Another “challenge” when deciding what tiles you want has to do with men who LOVE to get in your hair with their own “recipes” for aphrodisiac dinner solutions and who will not SPARE A SINGLE MOMENT to tell you what they think about home decoration. Or maybe they do? Are you one of those lucky women whose husbands/boyfriends SHARE or better HAVE a point of view on what style you want for your home in which YOU BOTH live?

Aha, make sure HE reads this post too!

Today I will be highlighting the qualities of some tiles I have spotted analyzing how they can help you express and define your style by taking into consideration the mood and feelings they convey to the viewer.

GREEK ISLAND DREAM

The tiles from Avente are extraordinary. This little tile mosaic in blue and white reminded me of Greece as soon as I saw it. What is striking about this little jewel is that, being comprised of smaller tiles and mosaic tiles, it is small enough that seen from a distance you get the idea of an integrated, balanced wall that doesn’t get “interrupted” by the gaps between the tiles (interstices). Then, if seen closely, you discover its complexity. It’s a wonderful way to add colour in your kitchen and buck the trend of using plain coloured tiles. Blue is the colour of calm and tranquility and this specific product, the way I see it, is the quintessential Greek island lover design. 

CLASSY TRADITION

Since we are into blue, let’s take a look at this Baroque composition here from Euromkii, Portuguese tile artisans. A look from close will demonstrate the craftsmanship involved. Two colours are enough if you know your art and you are able to embrace tradition and employ your imagination to produce such exquisite patterns. If you love rich patterns but seek a calm effect, this is for you.

INTRINSIC WARMNESS

We will stay with Euromkii because they are full of surprises starting with this design, apparently their latest published product as at the time of writing. Intrinsic detail, optimistic colour combination bound to make a statement of a highly creative individual with a hint of boldness for choosing pink for the kitchen. Combining however green with pink, softens the boldness and gives that effect of optimism and warmness.

EDGY LITERALLY

Did I give the impression I am old-fashioned? To prove you wrong, this little geometric beauty is a relief ceramic tile predominantly fit to modern settings. The minimalistic effect is perfect for those who do not want to engage in something too complex and elaborate as far as design is concerned while they are sure to receive lots of compliments for their sophisticated choice. Relief and uneven tiles are a trend right now so maybe you should hurry up if you want to revamp your kitchen now.

WINDOWS TO NATURE

Last but not least, this tile blew my mind with the astounding imagination behind the idea of a tree and a bird in two different backgrounds. The balance in this tile is achieved with the intelligent use of colour (e.g. soft green colour for the bird’s body), bird’s inclination towards the tree, relief outlines around the two pictures. Who can ask for anything more? Surely this tile is not for covering an entire wall but patches here and there on a light green or beige wall will guarantee a very stylish kitchen with “windows” to nature.

1^st and last pic from www.aventetiles.com

Others from www.euromkii.com

Magda Papas besides providing freelance translation services loves writing about mosaic/tiles, luxury, work life balance and naturally freelancing. Hire her to write elegant and powerful content''.


Connect with her through her twitter account @magdameta, email her at phimag@live.com or contact her via her web profile on Proz

Persevere

Josh Billings, the 19th century American humorist penned:

"Consider the postage stamp;it secures success through its ability to stick to one thing till it gets there."

Grandma Moses from Bennington Vermont

Grandma Moses (September 7, 1860 - December 13, 1961) is the perfect example. This lady was creative since childhood, known also for her quilting and embroidery. But when her responsibilities on the farm were done, at 76 she began to paint. She painted American scenes of rural life and was soon discovered by an art collector who gave her first solo art exhibition in New York City in 1940. Her painting, The Fourth of July, hangs in the White House. And in 1969 the US Government issued a postage stamp in her honor.

Bennington Museum in Bennington VT

Montreal Etsy Sellers

Etsy is more than a marketplace: it's a community of artists, creators, collectors, thinkers and doers. In case you don't think handmade is that significant...here are some statistics:

*$69.8 million of goods were sold by the Etsy community in December 2011, 12.9% higher than November’s *$61.8 million.

*The $69.8 million of goods sold by the community represents a 69.9% increase from December 2010′s total.

*That represents 3,356,890 items sold for the month, 8.1% higher than November’s 3,106,122.

*788,562 new members joined the Etsy community in the month, up 124,408, or 18.7%, from November.

*1.2 billion pageviews were recorded on the site in December.

Now that I have your attention, here are afew Montrealers:

Chic texting fingerless mitts, winter, hand,alpaca, original design

BijouxTricot Fait au Quebec par Suzanne Charlebois. She is a uniquely creative designer and better than that a darling person!

Monsterrama Art by Tyson
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TysonBodnarchuk

This next shop is also run by Tyson and Angie:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHeadquarters

And another creative soul who typifies Montreal is JaneHeller:

Habitat 67 - Fine Art Photograph - Montreal Landmark Series

What Burden Do You Need to Put Down?

There are things that we were never meant to carry. Yet we do.

Worse still, sometimes we put them down and after a little while, go back and pick them up again.

In this photo my teenage daughter is holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa !

Teens do that sort of thing...

I came across this sweet story on the web:
Long ago and far way there were two priests who went on a long walk that lasted many days. They were walking through a forest when they came upon a wide river. On the banks of the river, there stood a young woman. She told them that she needed to cross the river but that she was frightened that she would be swept away by the current. She asked for their help.

The older of the two priests immediately lifted the woman up into his arms and crossed with her to the other side. The younger priest followed. He was astounded by what had just happened. He thought to himself, ‘we’re not allowed think about women, talk about women and certainly not touch women and yet my older brother lifted her and carried her across the river’. He couldn’t believe it, he didn’t understand it. But he did not say a word.

The two priests kept on walking in silence. The younger priest could not stop thinking about what had just happened. Finally, after many hours had passed, the younger priest turned to the older man and said,
“Please, tell me, how is it that you did what you did? We are not allowed touch women and yet without any hesitation you carried her across the river.”

The older priest replied, “Yes, I picked her up, I carried her across the river and I put her down…You, my son, are still carrying her”.

What are you carrying that perhaps you should have put down?





Just in case you missed it...Greek Etsy Team in London

Featured in December 2011on their blog:

Although Greece is through a very hard economical crisis... our members always find their way for something special!

Last week, 1 and 2 of December the Etsy Greek Street Team graced London with some rays of creativity, brightness and loads of wide smiles. Several of our members, as well as the team itself, were featured on a rather fabulous billboard display in Potters Field Park just across the London Tower Bridge. Even the sun came out to greet us in an otherwise gloomy London. We had a blast engaging in some much needed shameless promotion and we like to think that we helped get Etsy just a little bit more out there :)

I told you they are a special bunch!

Put Down Your Burden

There are things that we were never meant to carry. Yet we do. Worse still, sometimes we put them down and after a little while, go back and pick them up again.

I came across this sweet story on the web:

Far, far way there were two priests who went on a long walk that lasted many days. They were walking through a forest when they came upon a wide river. On the banks of the river, there stood a young woman. She told them that she needed to cross the river but that she was frightened that she would be swept away by the current. She asked for their help.

The older of the two priests immediately lifted the woman up into his arms and crossed with her to the other side. The younger priest followed. He was astounded by what had just happened. He thought to himself, ‘we’re not allowed think about women, talk about women and certainly not touch women and yet my older brother lifted her and carried her across the river’. He couldn’t believe it, he didn’t understand it. But he did not say a word.

The two priests kept on walking in silence. The younger priest could not stop thinking about what had just happened. Finally, after many hours had passed, the younger priest turned to the older man and said,
“Please, tell me, how is it that you did what you did? We are not allowed touch women and yet without any hesitation you carried her across the river.”

The older priest replied, “Yes, I picked her up, I carried her across the river and I put her down…You, my son, are still carrying her”.

What are you carrying that perhaps you should have put down?

 

HAPPY 3rd Anniversary Etsy Greek Street Team!

February 15th is the 3rd anniversary of the Greek Street Team!

Chronia Polla to a very special group!

The Greek Street Team is a group of artists and crafters who sell on Etsy and are located in Greece or related to Greece by heritage.

Featured from top left is

katerinaki1977

Lasunka

Nafsika who has her Etsy shop button on my blog (go see!)

nicethingsmatter (who has also been featured)

Get Back Up



Its been a long time since I was posting regularly. Life throws curves at us and we need to temporarily let go of some activities in order to focus on the task at hand. I am happy to come back to blogging, missed it so much.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt writes:

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!

This is a photo we took in Rome. It was siesta time and this puppy was hanging on.
Look forward to my next post. Ciao ciao!

Life is like Coffee Movie

Life is like Coffee Movie:

Click the title above to watch the movie- enjoy!

Do you know people that just seem to be happier in general?

Do you say to yourself, "I want to be more like them"?

Often, the happiest people in the world

don't have the best of everything...

they just make the best of everything...

After watching this, I think I will call my mom ♥ and have a cup of coffee with her- I don't do that often enough

Carrots, Eggs or Coffee?

Its been a very long time since I blogged.
So to make up for it, here is a treat...be inspired♥ click the next line

Carrots, Eggs or Coffee?

To Armenia With Love: Interesting Facts Besides Noah`s Ark

Why Armenia you ask? Pastor Joseph Hovsepian and his daughter Ruth (Montreal Vacation Rental ) is going to Armenia on a missions trip. Ruth has put together some special facts that you may not know. You can see the details on the blog. Click below:

To Armenia With Love: Interesting Facts: Armenia is a mountainous country in Eurasia, which stands landlocked between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea in the Southern Caucasus. Its...

Yerevan with Mount Ararat in the background.

The Coat of Arms of the Republic of Armenia is as follows: On a shield, positioned in the center, Mount Ararat is represented with Noah's Arch and the coats of arms of the four royal dynasties of the historical Armenia: from top to left - that of the Bargratunides, from top to right - that of the Arshakounides, from bottom to left - that of Artashesides, from bottom to right - that of the Rubenides.
 The shield is upheld by an eagle (on the left) and lion (on the right). There is a sword, as well as a branch of a tree, a bundle of spikes, a chain and a ribbon pictured below the shield. Golden is the main color of the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Armenia. The colors of the kingdoms of the historical Armenia are as follows: from top to left - red, from top to right - blue, from bottom to left - blue, from bottom to right - red, with orange-painted Mount Ararat positioned in the center on a shield. The foregoing colors emblematize the colors of the national flag of the Republic of Armenia.



Eleni got the Cooking Gene!

I have a fabulous sister,aka the creative soul of the family. She is a fashionista, a best friend, a referree, a champion multitasker, but also a great cook. She always has a quick tasty idea to make a budget friendly meal for moms on the go. 

Here are two of Eleni's  recipies for OMG Chicken :

CHICKEN BREASTS

5 breasts

fresh grated ginger and garlic

Fresh chopped coriander
2 tbsp bouillion powder KOSHER NO MSG (ofcourse)

safflower oil

sesame oil enough to coat

mix in a bowl bake st 425 till browned.

CHICKEN DRUM STICKS

10 drumsticks

fresh rosemary 3tbsp

murin 2tbsp

club house cajun seasoning
basil flakes
herbs de provence
oregano
boullion powder KOSHER NO MSG
1/2 fresh squeezed lemon juice

bake at 425 turning once till they look almost cooked then broil last 15min.

I would appreciate your comments to encourage her - she is also shy♥

This is the photo SHE took...Wouldnt you love to eat at her home!

Ten Thousand Villages / Dix Mille Villages in Montreal

A Canadian initiative of the Mennonite Community, this non-profit program buys products from over 100 artisan groups in over 35 countries. You can purchase handcrafted jewellery, natural home décor, and food and skin care products. Through the network of their stores, online shopping, and Festival Sales across Canada they help improve the lives of tens of thousands of people. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing.

A great example of this is Jhonson Augustine’s story from Haiti. The beautiful cut metal sign made for the store on Monkland Avenue in Montreal is his handiwork. Cut metal work is a primary activity in Croix des Bouquets, where Augustin grew up.

“Cut metal work represents the wealth of Croix des Bouquets,” said Augustin. “This is what has made the city famous.” Artisans and apprentices make a living from creating art out of recycled metal drums. “Even apprentices can make enough to go to school, or to care for their children if they are parents,” he said. Currently Augustin’s workshop supports some 50 families. Of himself Augustin said, “This is what God gave me to live; I support my family, I am building a house and I am providing work for others.”

These are handwoven baskets and wall hangings.

These candles are just so unique!

Etsy Greek Street Team



The Greek Street Team is a group of artists and crafters who sell on Etsy and are located in Greece or related to Greece by heritage.


They are so exceptionally talented, and their shops are so attractively priced. I have bought so many gifts from them and have always been delighted.
In addition, I am featuring Antigoni Creations on my blog....I have alot of her jewelery, you can see me wearing some on my facebook pic. I am always featuring a Greek Team seller on my blog, so dont forget to check them out.

Happy 4th of July to my USA friends & followers!

Canada and its citzens are so fortunate to have the USA as our neighbour and we join with you in celebrating! Happy 4th of July♥ 

Vote for the Etsy Greek Street Team List for the Handmade Top 10

Click on the orange banner to get into the EGST list and vote for your
favorites!

Happy Canada Day!

From Etsy!



I am very fortunate to be celebrating this day. My family came here from Greece in the late 1940's. This country embraced us, gave us opportunity, and blessed our family.

Anne Renaud: Montreal Children’s Author

She is passionate about writing for young readers on subjects that are of historical and cultural value.


Her workshop at Imagine A Story on May 28 was about Writing for Magazines. Indeed this is how her writing career began. It was an affirmation that her stories were of interest to young readers. In fact her first book: A Bloom of Friendship: The Story of the Canadian Tulip Festival began as an article she wrote which has a personal connection:

Here is an excerpt from an interview with Anne Renaud:

“My uncle, Thomas Delaney, was one of the thousands of Canadian soldiers who fought to help free the Dutch during World War II. On the morning of April 8, 1945, my uncle was shot in the hip by a German soldier. He was recovered by members of his platoon and hidden in a barn to avoid capture by the enemy.”

Her uncle travelled to Holland in 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands. While there, with the help of a local historian he located the barn. There is more to this story; it’s worth a trip to your library.

In addition her book lets Canadian children learn about the history of the tulip festival and what the Dutch children in the Netherlands do to honor the sacrifice made by Canadian soldiers during World War II.







Her latest book: The Empress of Ireland was a Canadian Pacific Railway ship which is famous for sinking in only 14 minutes in the early morning of May 29, 1914. There was a greater loss of passenger life than Titanic.


However the ship’s legacy is far greater than that. She brought thousands of immigrants to Canada, who greatly contributed to the development of Western Canada. There are more than a half million Canadians who can trace their beginnings in Canada to the Empress of Ireland.

She includes several photographs of the life of the Edwardian liner, and preserves the stories of the passengers.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Besides hundreds of magazine articles, she has several books to her credit, 4 of which were nominated for notable book awards.


Anne writes:
My readers often ask me why I write books. I tell them it is because I like to do creative things and I find writing to be a very creative exercise. It’s also because I can’t dance well and I can’t sing well, so I try my best at writing well. I hope my books educate, entertain and inspire children.