I have decided to offer The Greek Maiden and the English Lord for free for a limited time.
Here is the link to win a free book. Just scroll down until you see the form:
The Greek Maiden and the English Lord Free Book Offer
The contest ends November 1, 2011. Good luck to all!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Listening to Voskopoulos
Tonight I'm listening to Tolis Voskopoulos sing H Agapi Theli Fantasia. It is a beautiful song and I grew up watching his movies and listening to his songs. He has such a beautiful voice. He and Julio Inglesis. But right now, Tolis Voskopoulos has all my attention.
The song is about love - that it requires fantasy, and is forgiving. This song is set to the hasapiko rhythm, where a few people get in a line and do an intricate dance.
Here is the link to it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrlrLgFfSYc
I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland. My family was very involved in the Greek community - church, choir, Greek organizations, the works.
There were five girls in my family. When we would go to a Greek dance, we would form our own dance line and became very good dancers, learning all the different steps. There's the kalamatiano, which is the most basic dance and basically a walking dance, going right so many steps, then left, etc. Then the Roditiko, the Sousta, and my all time favorite Hasapiko. Dancing was a very significant part of my life, and when I minored in Music and Theatre, several of my classes were Modern Dance classes. But how things have changed since my twenties. Now I'm a lot older, a middle-aged mother, wife, and author. However, with a twinkle in my eye, I just got up and did a Hasapiko listening to my dear Tolis Voskopoulos sing. Opa!! May the spirit of Greece live forever in the hearts of everyone!
The song is about love - that it requires fantasy, and is forgiving. This song is set to the hasapiko rhythm, where a few people get in a line and do an intricate dance.
Here is the link to it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrlrLgFfSYc
I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland. My family was very involved in the Greek community - church, choir, Greek organizations, the works.
There were five girls in my family. When we would go to a Greek dance, we would form our own dance line and became very good dancers, learning all the different steps. There's the kalamatiano, which is the most basic dance and basically a walking dance, going right so many steps, then left, etc. Then the Roditiko, the Sousta, and my all time favorite Hasapiko. Dancing was a very significant part of my life, and when I minored in Music and Theatre, several of my classes were Modern Dance classes. But how things have changed since my twenties. Now I'm a lot older, a middle-aged mother, wife, and author. However, with a twinkle in my eye, I just got up and did a Hasapiko listening to my dear Tolis Voskopoulos sing. Opa!! May the spirit of Greece live forever in the hearts of everyone!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Book Trailer for the Greek Maiden and the English Lord
I have successfully pulled together a video book trailer for my latest novel The Greek Maiden and the English Lord. I used the Windows Movie Maker and added public domain images. The music I mostly composed. It was a lot of fun and I plan to make a book trailer each for my other books.
Book Trailer for The Greek Maiden and the English Lord
Book Trailer for The Greek Maiden and the English Lord
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Using Windows Movie Maker
I recently discovered Windows Movie Maker on my laptop computer. I was interested and hooked once I started playing around with it.
First, I had to upload images, but my children's book "King of Acornia" was in pdf format. So in order to switch each page to an image, I copied each one onto the Paint program. That program is found by hitting the Start button, then the All Programs button, then the Accessories button, and finally the Paint button.
Once in Paint, I was able to copy the pdf page there (highlight the page, then Ctrl C, then paste unto Paint page with Ctrl V) and then resize the pdf image and touch it up. Once satisfied, it was saved as an image file. I did this with all 26 pages of the book. Once they were saved in my Pictures directory, I then copied them into the Windows Movie Maker.
I also needed to do a recording, so I went back to the Accessories button and clicked on the Sound Recorder. Here is where a microphone is necessary. Fortunately, I had one from a few years back when I was tinkering with some music. So I attached the microphone and hit the record button and recorded the music and voice. Make sure the sound is high enough or your might get a weak recording (Go to control panel, sounds, and check). Then save the recording when finished. This should be copied in the Movie Maker folder you are working on along with your images.
On the lower part of the page you will see Storybook. Then, some reels where you can copy and paste your images. Each image will last a few seconds on the screen so if you want it to last longer you need to copy 2-3 of the same image in sequence order. If you want to see how the music will fare, there is a timeline button near the storybook and make sure your music is stretched out long enough for your project. The effects and transitions buttons make the movie very professional looking. Play and save, and when you feel comfortable with the results, then hit the publish button. It should now be ready for uploading to the Youtube.
That's what I did, now I'm busy trying to design a book trailer for my book "The Greek Maiden and the English Lord." Oh what fun.
First, I had to upload images, but my children's book "King of Acornia" was in pdf format. So in order to switch each page to an image, I copied each one onto the Paint program. That program is found by hitting the Start button, then the All Programs button, then the Accessories button, and finally the Paint button.
Once in Paint, I was able to copy the pdf page there (highlight the page, then Ctrl C, then paste unto Paint page with Ctrl V) and then resize the pdf image and touch it up. Once satisfied, it was saved as an image file. I did this with all 26 pages of the book. Once they were saved in my Pictures directory, I then copied them into the Windows Movie Maker.
I also needed to do a recording, so I went back to the Accessories button and clicked on the Sound Recorder. Here is where a microphone is necessary. Fortunately, I had one from a few years back when I was tinkering with some music. So I attached the microphone and hit the record button and recorded the music and voice. Make sure the sound is high enough or your might get a weak recording (Go to control panel, sounds, and check). Then save the recording when finished. This should be copied in the Movie Maker folder you are working on along with your images.
On the lower part of the page you will see Storybook. Then, some reels where you can copy and paste your images. Each image will last a few seconds on the screen so if you want it to last longer you need to copy 2-3 of the same image in sequence order. If you want to see how the music will fare, there is a timeline button near the storybook and make sure your music is stretched out long enough for your project. The effects and transitions buttons make the movie very professional looking. Play and save, and when you feel comfortable with the results, then hit the publish button. It should now be ready for uploading to the Youtube.
That's what I did, now I'm busy trying to design a book trailer for my book "The Greek Maiden and the English Lord." Oh what fun.
The Life of a Rose Poem Set to Music
I have played the piano since a young age (mostly self-taught, and later took some classes), and it has progressed to the point where I can play music I make up spontaneously. Keep in mind, the music just pops into my head as I play so I don't know if I could repeat it again. I have tried in the past to write music (from a college course) and have captured some songs of mine. However, each time I play, the music just goes on and on, and it's difficult to capture on paper. Hence the interest in recording it. Each time I play it is different music.
I never recorded it live before so that I could share with others, but for the first time I've been able to record it on Youtube. The piano music is set to a poem titled "The Life of a Rose."
It is a relaxing 3 minute piece on Youtube:
The Life of a Rose
Enjoy!
I never recorded it live before so that I could share with others, but for the first time I've been able to record it on Youtube. The piano music is set to a poem titled "The Life of a Rose."
It is a relaxing 3 minute piece on Youtube:
The Life of a Rose
Enjoy!
September 14 Feast Day of the Holy Cross
Today is September 14, a day celebrated by Greeks all over the world as the Feast Day of the Holy Cross. In 326, St.Helen, the mother of the emperor Constantine, discovered the Holy Cross that was buried in Jerusalem. This was a great moment. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built on that same spot.
I have my own story intimately related to this day. When I was a young girl of about 8 or 9 years old, I had lost my gold cross while at school. Three days later, on September 14, as I was walking on the sidewalk of the school, a black girl came towards me, holding the cross and asking me "Did you lose this cross?"
I was so happy to see it, because it had been given to me by my godmother and had several delicate carvings that make it unique to other crosses. I thanked her and took it. I never saw her again.
When I returned home that day from school, I told my mother the story and she became very, very happy. She being a reverent Greek Orthodox christian said "This is the Day of the Holy Cross! It is a sign! You lost the cross three days ago and now it was given to you. You were meant to have this cross given to you."
So I do believe in miracles, especially on this day.
God bless,
Patty
I have my own story intimately related to this day. When I was a young girl of about 8 or 9 years old, I had lost my gold cross while at school. Three days later, on September 14, as I was walking on the sidewalk of the school, a black girl came towards me, holding the cross and asking me "Did you lose this cross?"
I was so happy to see it, because it had been given to me by my godmother and had several delicate carvings that make it unique to other crosses. I thanked her and took it. I never saw her again.
When I returned home that day from school, I told my mother the story and she became very, very happy. She being a reverent Greek Orthodox christian said "This is the Day of the Holy Cross! It is a sign! You lost the cross three days ago and now it was given to you. You were meant to have this cross given to you."
So I do believe in miracles, especially on this day.
God bless,
Patty
Monday, September 12, 2011
Hydroponic Lettuce
Just discovered the value of hydroponic lettuce. It lasts longer in the refrigerator than regular lettuce, which tends to freeze quickly. It seems that the hydroponic lettuce, which comes with its roots attached, also tastes quite fresh, even after a few days in the refrigerator.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Children's Book now on Youtube
About a year ago, I had written a children's book titled "King of Acornia" for a local writing contest. Our ten year old son enjoyed the pictures and the story immensely, but alas, it did not win.
Since then, the picture book has been languishing on the side, and recently I decided to resurrect it. I converted it from a pdf file into a movie, using some trial and error methods, I was able to upload it to Youtube.
Click here to watch King of Acornia
The story is about a squirrel who is a King of Acornia. The King of Acornia finds out through Harry the rabbit that the redhats are coming. They are developers that are cutting down the trees in the forest to develop the land. The king and his friends put their heads together to devise a plan to stop them. Will they win? Watch the video.
Since then, the picture book has been languishing on the side, and recently I decided to resurrect it. I converted it from a pdf file into a movie, using some trial and error methods, I was able to upload it to Youtube.
Click here to watch King of Acornia
The story is about a squirrel who is a King of Acornia. The King of Acornia finds out through Harry the rabbit that the redhats are coming. They are developers that are cutting down the trees in the forest to develop the land. The king and his friends put their heads together to devise a plan to stop them. Will they win? Watch the video.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Discernment's Path to Truth
Discernment's Path to Truth
To discern what is the truth or not
is a difficult task, particularly on the Internet.
Because something is written does not automatically make it true.
To discern requires research and problem solving.
To discern requires testing, as a scientists tests
His or her hypothesis, and obtains data,
And with precision, logs that data until
The truth is witnessed.
Discernment is the ability to see the lie and expose it
For what it is, a lie, even though it may be sugar-coated
With laughter and a promise or reward.
Discernment is missing from our society.
For if our society was a discerning one,
We would not have reached this miserable state of affairs
Financially, ethically, and politically
That our country appears to be approaching at a rapid rate.
Why can we not see the truth?
Financially, the US is bankrupt and spiraling downwards
Ethically, the morals taught to our children by the media
Does not appear to be challenged by the majority of the parents;
Politically, there are so many secrets upon secrets in our government, that any exposure will be questioned, and if
it is really the truth, where do we begin to let our radar discern it?
Truth lasts forever and has no wiggle room,
It is absolute and far-reaching when experienced,
Like a priori knowledge that never sways
The Truth is my friend, but an exacting friend.
To discern what is the truth or not
is a difficult task, particularly on the Internet.
Because something is written does not automatically make it true.
To discern requires research and problem solving.
To discern requires testing, as a scientists tests
His or her hypothesis, and obtains data,
And with precision, logs that data until
The truth is witnessed.
Discernment is the ability to see the lie and expose it
For what it is, a lie, even though it may be sugar-coated
With laughter and a promise or reward.
Discernment is missing from our society.
For if our society was a discerning one,
We would not have reached this miserable state of affairs
Financially, ethically, and politically
That our country appears to be approaching at a rapid rate.
Why can we not see the truth?
Financially, the US is bankrupt and spiraling downwards
Ethically, the morals taught to our children by the media
Does not appear to be challenged by the majority of the parents;
Politically, there are so many secrets upon secrets in our government, that any exposure will be questioned, and if
it is really the truth, where do we begin to let our radar discern it?
Truth lasts forever and has no wiggle room,
It is absolute and far-reaching when experienced,
Like a priori knowledge that never sways
The Truth is my friend, but an exacting friend.
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