Monday 8 January 2018

Two plus Four equals Six

I wrote the below  post 4 years ago and I hope I still wear my rosy spectacles despite the unwelcome change in my life and unsettling events in the country.  If we learn to accept that change is inevitable we will all be happier for it. Two days ago we packed away the fake Noel decorations and now nature has provided a much fresher alternative which carries the welcome scent of Spring.  We can't hang on to the past, life goes on and there is plenty to enjoy.


 No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.                                                            There is nothing permanent except change.
                  Heraclitus of Ephesus 
              (c. 500 BCE) 


Two Years

I picked a bunch of anemones from the garden to celebrate BacktoBodrum's second birthday

When we left Bodrum in 2000, we moved to East Sussex and my daughter started at Mayfield primary school.  On her first day we parked at the bottom of the hill, walked through the picturesque main street  and followed the crowd through the car park to the playground gate. As we turned the corner, an amazing vista of "England's green and pleasant land" was spread out before us.  As someone who felt a bit starved of "Englishness" after 19 years in Turkey, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of it all.  I couldn't help but turn to the mother beside me (who on reflection did look a bit like Cruella Deville) and say "Wow, isn't that fantastic."  She turned and with a withering glance said "No, it's ******* boring." Thus my bubble was pricked.  My new eyes on an old scene were not appreciated.
Returning in 2012 to Bodrum I was determined to keep my "new eyes" open and enjoy every aspect that Bodrum has to offer. It's very easy to get depressed about political inconsistencies and obsessed with the march of construction over Turkey, but I'm determined to try and see each new day with new eyes and bring the good things about living in Turkey to your attention. So I will continue wearing my rosy spectacles with just the occasional moan as a balance.
 Wishing you all a slightly belated but optimistic New Year. 

11 comments:

  1. Very well said Annie ... we could all do well to follow your lead ... rosy all the way ...

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  2. Thank you Annie, love the quote, and appreciate the flowers! To an optimistic New Year! xx

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  3. Annie, And we can't let those Cruellas of the world get us down either. Keep on keepin' on and a very Happy New Year to you, too. xoxo J and M

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    1. They are all about - Cruellas around every bend to be avoided at all costs

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  4. Oh, love you Annie, thank you for this- you have the right attitude and I am determined to do the same, following your lead. So many beauties around us and we must embrace change - and it may lead to some lovely surprises. So look forward to seeing you in Bodrum this year - determined to do a book launch in Bodrum!! cok sevgilerimle, Ozlem xxx

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  5. Let the Cruellas stew in their own juice...and keep enjoying the flowers.

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