Project Runway Conference

In August, 2019, I gave a presentation at the Project Runway Conference in Leesburg, VA.
The topic was on Psychological Traits of Characters in Fiction Writing.

Narration of The Lion and the Nurse Prologue

I have narrated excerpts from my novel THE LION AND THE NURSE on Youtube:


Prologue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOzJjoFVeno&t=178s

---------------

Chapter 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtxFEtoetww



Feel free to comment on the videos!

Have a blessed day!

Book Talk on Leipsi Island, Greece

During my stay on Leipsi Island, Greece, I gave a book talk on June 18, 2019 at 8PM, at the Platia in the Village Square, sponsored by  the Cultural Association of Leipsi - Nostos. Mrs. Maria Giameous (President) and Mrs. Maria Vantsouris helped organize the event, and my sister Rena helped coordinate all the efforts. I am grateful to these women for helping the book talk take place. Part of the proceeds from the book sales went to the Cultural Association.

Photos of the book talk:

Maria Vantsouris reading the Greek Version of The Greek Maiden and the English Lord

Author signing books

Author chatting during book signing

Posing after the book talk. Maria Vantsouris, Author Patty, Maria Giameos, Christine Maggos (cousin)

Book Talk in Kifisia, Greece at Sporos Bookshop

There are times in my life when everything comes together, and one of the highlights this year was my trip to Greece along with my book talk at the Sporos bookshop in Kifisia on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. This year was also special because I also met up with my college friend, Stella K., who I hadn't seen in years, and who happened to live near the bookstore, so she was able to come to the book talk. She and I had formed a Greek student organization while in college, so we had fond memories of that time in our lives.

I also wanted to mention my friend Zoe V., who helped organize my book talk along with another friend, Zinovia A. and the owners of Sporos bookshop. We worked on this event for several months. It was a good turnout; the people were attentive and I felt a connection with them, as if we were on the same wavelength.

The event started 7:00 PM and I was introduced by Zinovia A. who gave a warm welcome and a synopsis and enthusiastic review of The Greek Maiden and the English Lord (Greek Translation version). Then I spoke in Greek (with the help of Google Translate!) about my life, my family, how I happened to write my stories, and my career.

The talk was well received and there were a lot of questions - philosophical, etc. Thanks to Facebook, I was able to make these connections and forge new friendships!

SPOROS BOOKSHOP, Kifisia, Greece

Talking about my life, my career, my books

I was introduced by Zinovia, who is standing next to me 

Trip through Germany, Austria, and Greece

A few weeks ago, my son and I took a trip through Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, and Greece. It was a trip that was much needed, since the last vacation had been five years ago. Too many demands on our lives had precluded us from traveling abroad.

Amsterdam was cold and mostly gray. During our last day there, in May we had a little bit of sunshine and took photos. Lots of bicyclists, canals, and little bridges crossing the canals.

IMAGES OF AMSTERDAM

Stopped at a park in Amsterdam

Bicyclists in Amsterdam

Canal Ride in Amsterdam

Rembrandt painting at the Rembrandt museum in Amsterdam

In Munich, we met our tour group (Trafalgar) and started our tour from there.

We visited the old downtown area and walked around. Lots of shops, and lots of smokers! As a result, the air was often filled with smoke. We had to pay coins to use a toilet. We visited the Marienpleins, and St. Michael's church, where they were having a beautiful ceremony with music. 

Pictures of our trip through Bavaria to Austria included castles, like Neuschwanstein Castle by Ludwig II, views of the Alps, and a visit to a Baroque church:

BAVARIA

Castle in Bavaria

Bavarian Alps

Going to Neuschwanstein Castle

Wagon Ride up to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

Scenes of Alps while going to Austria

Baroque Church in Bavaria with its gold 

Stopping at a countryside on our way to Austria

AUSTRIA

Roses of Schonnbrunn Palace (Hapsburgs) in Vienna, Austria.

Rose garden behind Schonnbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Roses of Schonnbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Schonnbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Statue in Vienna, Austria

Viennese Concert

Copyright 2019. Photos are the property of Patty Apostolides. If you wish to use them, please contact the author.

Mother's Day Poem

MOTHER

When I was a child

I remember your silent prayers

As you stood above my bed

Followed by your kiss upon my forehead

As I dozed off, feeling loved

While the night blew misty dreams 

Upon my closed eyelids.

When I was a young woman

Mornings were filled with loukoumades, or 

Black olives, feta, paximadia, and coffee 

Your chatter filled the kitchen with a familiar glow

That settled somewhere in my heart 

As I helped clear the table and wash dishes

While the sun’s rays competed for attention.

I remember 

Watching you water your garden lovingly

As if the blooming flowers were your children, too.

I watched you sew the buttons back on jackets 

And darn the holes on the socks.

I watched you give people in need your clothes and even furniture.

I watched you cry when someone was hurt,

And I cried with you.

Your childlike heart always forgave,

Which was a lesson I cherished all my life.

When I was older and had a family of my own

We moved far away, yet you were still dear in my heart.

You gave me advice on child rearing

From the phone, your voice, soothing and soft, 

Laid to rest my concerns, 

Yet you had problems of your own

When Father passed away, leaving you alone.

And now, in the winter of your life, your smile never fades

Always loving, always forgiving, always grateful you are

For even a glimpse of your children and grandchildren

You’ll always be strong, 

You’ll always be loving,

You’ll always be caring,

You’ll always be my mother,

Wherever you are.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Patty Apostolides May 12, 2019

Writing to Embrace A Rich Heritage - Interview by Dr. Diane Helentjaris

I am please to announce that the interview that Dr. Helentjaris did of me and my writers' group is now live in the following online journal "Live An Artful Life":

https://liveanartfullife.com/20-public-articles/300-writing-heritage?fbclid=IwAR2Fhvg57mhGp-JCxmsrSUgQ8vaLt2Bk88QUT0DD1f1KhSaHBVbK92lmz6g

She did a wonderful job in capturing all the highlights of my life and writing career. She is interested in joining my writers' group and I am truly blessed to know her.

Patty

Chapter 1 of Lipsi's Daughter

Here is the first chapter of Lipsi's Daughter that I read out loud and added some sound effects on 
youtube.  

                                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmHk3J8GdJc

         Available on Amazon.com:

         https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1947532871/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Prometheas 40th Year Banquet

Recently, my son and I went to the Prometheas 40th Year Banquet held at St. Sophia's Hall in Washington DC. Being a member of the executive board of Prometheas, I had been involved in this event. Rewards were given to previous Prometheas Presidents as well as members of the board with more than 10 years of service. More information can be found on: www.prometheas.org