The world around us feels extremely weird at the moment: people wandering around in masks, unreliable information buzzing about our ears, uncertainty about the future. Political leadership is underwhelming, to say the least, and crime has increased, sometimes taking on strange manifestations: all over France, horses are being maimed and killed in their fields, for no discernible reason; in Canada, a cable was cut, sending numerous gondolas plunging into the forest below. What can possibly possess people to think of doing such things?
The news in general makes for uncomfortable reading.
Due to the circumstances, I have not been gadding about to art shows or going on road trips—thus I have been uninspired to write. I took a break and just enjoyed other people’s posts; lazy, I know—but, after all, it’s not homework!
My refuge, as always, is nature. In Greece the light has subtly changed, heralding the coming of autumn, although the temperature is still high: it’s yellow and mellow. The pomegranates are ripening on the trees, so are the olives. The bougainvillea is blazing. The house is full of baby geckos. I will try to capture some of this with paint and paper; meanwhile, enjoy these few photos.
Listening to bees buzzing around I thought what fascinating creatures they are: I recently read an article describing how scientists are “scent training” honeybees like search dogs. They believe establishing long-term memory scents in bees could help boost crops like almonds, pears and apples.
Honeybees were given food scented with odours that mimicked sunflowers which then altered their choices about which plants to visit. Isn’t that amazing?
Also, I find the scent of jasmine irresistible—so subtle but bewitching. I’m digressing, I know, but I just wanted to reconnect: a few people have told me off for the radio silence. I’ve got a couple more interesting posts on the boil, so stay tuned!
Letters from Athens 
Beautiful photos, Marina. They make me want to be there, until I remember the mosquitoes!
I hadn’t heard about those horrible crimes, and I don’t think we have had anything similar over here.
Best wishes, Pete.
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So disturbing…No mosquitoes, only some infuriating gnats that bite our ankles when having dinner outside!
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The world is unfathomable at the moment. Thank you for sharing such glorious photos to there is still nature and beauty around us. Are you back in Greece now?
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For a while. Making the most of the September sunshine, although it’s been windy so no beach yet. But I love this time of year!
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Wonderfully soothing snaps you have captured, Marina. Those pomegranates are looking so juicy while jasmines are hard to ignore 🙂
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Thanks, Hammad. The pomegranates are not quite ripe yet, but they’re so photogenic!
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I am glad you have the natural world to ground you, Marina, and I am sure you are responding with your sketchbook and paints. As for blogging, just post when you wish without feeling that you ought to. We will delight in reading what you write no matter how often it comes. ~hugs~
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Thank you, Anne. It’s been a long summer, so I needed this break. Despite the beautiful colors all around, at the moment I’m doing charcoal studies. So weird…😆
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Magical as always!
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Thanks, Bruce!
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Glad you’re back. Took a break, myself, and know it takes a lot of courage to start writing posts again. Lovely photos; I envy you that glorious bougainvillea.
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Thanks,Debi. I go through phases when I have lots to say, then other things take over. But I’m not giving up all my friends here!
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The light is indeed lovely, as are the signs of autumn fruitfulness.
Blogging can be an unnecessary strain in these times, or it can be a release. Your comment about it not being homework made me smile, as it can be a bit like that sometimes.
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Yes, and it shouldn’t. I do it for the pleasure of the company!
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Focussing on the pleasant reality. Thank you, Marina.
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As you do, with your wonderful garden, Derrick!
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🙂
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I’m interested to hear how Covid has dried up your words. Your posts anyway.
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Less things happening? Too many bad news? We’ve also been mostly in France lately, so less contact with Greek events. I was very inspired for about a month in the summer, then it petered out. I don’t want it to be an obligation, like homework. This last post really inspired me, I spent an hour with Katerina on the phone, her enthusiasm is infectious. And she became very involved in the corrections, photos etc. However, happily my words have not entirely dried up, since I’ve been working on a mystery novel (finished and seeking an agent) and a memoir of my parents’ families.
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Exciting news about the novel.
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