Thursday, December 27, 2007

One more year coming to an end...

This year has been one of the hardest yet. Still, it has had its great times, its difficult times, its amusing times. As time passes, and I grow older, I find myself focusing on things I should have done, or maybe things I should have done better. I must admit that I have made mistakes, mistakes that I always try to learn from, but this is the time of year when you know, you just tend to go back into the past, trying to understand a little more of life. Anyway, this Christmas has been one of those funny Christmas times. As my finances have been my main worry, I made a decision to work over the holidays, as much as I can. My greatest love, music, became a job ... not new... and so I took to the floors of various dinner parties, and local bars, giving it my best, singing my heart out, although I am fairly new at this, and learning songs, especially in Greek, is very hard. However, I gave up family and home these holidays, to earn that extra buck ... and I must admit it has been quite wonderful.

You see, the spirit of Christmas is really a let down here, especially when you live in a village. Yes, people decorate, and get together, but it's just not quite the same as I was used to as a child. I remember not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa to bring my presents. I remember the soft Christmas music playing along each street and in each shop. I remember the hustle and bustle of buying presents and stocking up for the holidays. Here, it's different... not bad... just different. One of the biggest differences is that we give presents on New Years Day. Our Santa is not Saint Nicholas but Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis).

Anyway, this is the time of year I also like to think of how lucky I really am. My family is well, healthy and as happy as they can be. My friends are near me, ready to lend an ear when I really need someone to talk to. All I really need to do is make my Christmas wishes... so here goes...

Health and happiness to all people.
Live every moment of your lives... and feel yourselves living those moments.
Don't waste time regretting, hating and not understanding.
Spend time with those who touch your hearts and souls and complete you.
Help those who need your help, even when they refuse it.
Learn to love and be loved... there is no greater feeling.
Never forget to hope ... you will be surprised.
And lastly ... be the light in somebody's life ... you never know how much a small word or action may mean to somebody else.

May the New Year bring you everything you wish for ...

Here's a small song I wrote for Christmas...

It's that time ...

It's that time once more
For wishing on a star
The time we're waiting for
To travel near and far

It's that time we yearn
When sadness disappears
And suddenly we learn
To live without our fears


And as the snow falls and the music plays
A voice inside me calls and the tune fades
I go back in time, another Christmas day
With you inside my heart, it seems so far away

Time stops...I hear your voice...my heart breaks
I wonder where you are, whose love awaits
And though I'm not alone, my love will always be
My present every year, to you beneath the tree

It's that time of year
Memories and dreams combine
And love is all we here
As the church bells chime

It's that time again
My spirit seeks your face
And I can't explain
How I lost your embrace


And as the snow falls and the music plays
A voice inside me calls and the tune fades
I go back in time, another Christmas day
With you inside my heart, it seems so far away

Time stops...I hear your voice...my heart breaks
I wonder where you are, whose love awaits
And though I'm not alone, my love will always be
My present every year, to you beneath the tree