Violin solo of "Agni Parthene"

 

I have been expanding on my creativity with my music, art, and writing. Here, I have included a video where I play the violin for a sweet Greek Orthodox hymn for Virgin Mary.

Agni Parthene" ("O Pure Virgin") is a Greek poetic hymn written by the Greek Orthodox bishop, St. Nectarios of Aegina, in the late 19th century. Many miracles have been attributed to him, particularly healing. This hymn consists of 24 stanzas with a refrain, "Hail, unwedded bride." For more information, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Virgi... I used to sing the first parts of this hymn to my son as a lullaby when he was a baby. It is a beautiful poem dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the melody is soothing. Years later, we visited St. Nectarios's tomb in Aegina, which is an island near mainland Greece. I felt peaceful there.

Credits: I play the violin in this video. The equipment I used was a microphone, Behringer soundboard (Flow 8), and Audacity. Photo credit: Pictory.AI Note: The copyright owner allows this content to be used on Youtube

Basic Drawing

 I've always wanted to dabble in drawing, but never had the time. Recently, I attended a basic drawing class, and I practiced my drawing. I was unprepared because the pencil I used was a regular No. 2 pencil but the paper was correct. I ended up drawing an image I found in the drawing book. It was an image of a mountain man. After I took it home, I purchased several drawing pencils that helped shape the nuances and shades better. After I was done, I realized that this mountain man could easily be a Greek mountain man. There are similarities in the rugged look, beard, and long hair. Even the knitted hat was similar.

Book Club

Recently, I was invited to attend a book club for one of my historical novels, Helena's Choice. It was a lovely event. We all sat around a long table at a local Italian restaurant, chatting and talking. When the meals came, there was a momentary lull as we enjoyed the delicious food, which was great and plentiful. Later, we discussed my book, travels to Greece, the history of Greece, and much more. We also talked about my other books. 

This event left me with such a good feeling afterward. I want to thank the lovely couple Dianna and Tony for organizing everything and for treating me to a lovely time. I also would like to thank all the people that attended.

 

Director for the American Friends of the Blind in Greece

Recently, I was invited by the president of the American Friends of the Blind in Greece, Mr. Bob Adams, to become a Director on their Board of Directors. I had known about this charitable organization for several years and this was the first time I had been approached to delve into the workings of the organization. After an interview process, where I was asked many questions and I also asked my own questions, I was satisfied with the transparent answers I received. I accepted the offer for this three-year term, and was voted in a few days ago. I am excited to be a part of this fine group of people.

I hope to contribute my education, talent, and skills in helping such an honorable and devoted organization continue its mission and move forward with its goals. 

We take our sight for granted, but what about those who have never had a chance to use it? They have been disadvantaged from birth. Others have diminished eyesight. I can empathize with them because as I grow older, I see that my own eyesight has been affected over time. So we must preserve our eyes as best we can for they are the pathway to the soul. We must also help those who have not been lucky in having eyesight. 

I recall watching the Helen Keller movie years ago when I was young. It had touched me. I could not imagine what she, as a little girl was experiencing. It must have been frightening. I remember shutting my eyes and trying to feel around me to see what it was like, and it was a little scary! But Helen Keller beat all odds and went on to achieve greatness. It can be done.

AFBG has done so much to help the blind people in Greece since 1946, such as teaching them job  and agrarian skills, and funding several projects. I am including their website here for you to visit where you can read more about their efforts and achievements over the years:

https://www.friendsoftheblind.org

Thanks for stopping by!

My presentation at the UC Virtual Research Symposium

 In April, 2023, I gave a presentation at the University of the Cumberlands Virtual Research Symposium.  It was about my qualitative research study for my dissertation on the leadership style of Edmund Keeley.

I had to upload my slide presentation and speak within an allotted time. 

I am sharing with you the 11-minute presentation here: 

https://cumber-my.sharepoint.com/personal/joy_levine_ucumberlands_edu/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fjoy_levine_ucumberlands_edu%2FDocuments%2FVirtual%20Research%20Symposium%20-%20Videos%2F2023%20Symposium%2F2023%20Live%20Presentation%20Records%2FApostolides%202023%20Symposium%20Room%201%20-%202.mp4&ga=1&fbclid=IwAR0EGnaDnKBD9Vp6hkV1dxUM9Tb7l7EJ_kTvi6_8Z5YgQHy_r8oYbkBPPas

English Classes

I am currently teaching as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Cumberlands, KY. I teach online English classes. 

I have been busy making videos for the classes. Here are some that I have made:

Mastering the Art of Effective College Studying: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QquieByKlvM&list=PLd-nrCmM2lxDI_zayly_eZvovyGgAThVS&index=2

The Art of Reading Assignments Properly 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1ztywWIa5c&list=PLd-nrCmM2lxDI_zayly_eZvovyGgAThVS&index=3

Writing Tips for College Essays: Crafting Memorable Introductions 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdXWyxPS1Hk&list=PLd-nrCmM2lxDI_zayly_eZvovyGgAThVS&index=5

Graduation Ceremony at the University of the Cumberlands

 Well, I finally made it! I am visiting the beautiful campus of the University of the Cumberlands, KY.  Today is the graduation ceremony.  The Ph.D. Leadership Studies Program gave a reception in the early afternoon, and met with several students and faculty. Afterward, I walked around the campus with my son.

Embassy of Greece Poetry Event

I am honored that the Embassy of Greece has invited me and the poetry members of the Hellenic Writers' Group of Washington DC to an evening of poetry. This is a culmination of many years of our group meetings, sharing our poems, publishing our works, and now being acknowledged by a prestigious organization. I am proud of the efforts of the poets and for the opportunity to showcase our work.

Please watch the recording of my speech at the Greek Embassy event:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ABR8cnaQSI&t

Photos from the Embassy event: 

First photo, in order of appearance from left to right:

Dr. Nicholas Patronas, Amhpitrite Constantelos-Manuel, Stella Lagakos, Maria Karametou, Dr. Diane Helentjaris, Marina Hall, Eleanor Pattis Francis, and John Bokas. In the second photo, I am standing behind the other poets.

        Patty with the other HWGW poets. Courtesy of the Greek Embassy photo.

Patty making the introductory speech