As my hair is dipped in δαφνέλαιο and hugged by a warm towel, I reminisce on the weeks, months even, that have passed and boy have they been busy.
In one of my favourite months of the year, October, a lot has occurred.
It is the beginning of autumn, that confusing phase where you're caught between sweaters and shorts. My birthday month where I celebrate another year of achievements with my loved ones surrounding me. This October, I published my first newspaper article and a couple of weeks later, three more articles followed. I am certain, my granddad Frixos, the master of words and dictionaries, is proud wherever his soul now rests.
Planning & editing a draft article
Another first this month that came my way was tonsillitis, which forced me to finally put my feet up and shut my mouth for a bit after a frantic few weeks of expressive art workshops, article interviews and volunteering. As I rested at home, I experienced a range of emotions; fatigue, stress, frustration with feeling too weak and having to cancel projects. Whether this was due to the fever or the antibiotics, I am unsure. As I am now slowly recovering, my time at home allows my mind to trace back to the million things that have happened since my return to Cyprus in March.
A restless few months of going out non-stop, unconsciously drowning my panic of moving back home, through which however, I have met interesting people and made new friends. Dealing with unpleasant and emotionally draining situations where I found a strength and courage I did not know was within me, whilst seeing people's love towards me. Finding a platform to explore my passion and the people to share it with it. Practicing my photography more, making changes and milestones in this journey. Discovering an audience for it in Cyprus was more than a pleasant surprise. Recognizing myself as an artist, for the first time, and leaving insecurities behind about labels, by participating in my first local bazaar, selling small prints of my photography. Running after a Maltese band all over the island on an exciting photojournalism project. Joining different volunteering teams through which I found all of the jobs I have now. Spending a summer full of festivals, photography adventures and work. Making sweet memories in a beautiful family wedding which certainly took the best of me as I spent the following week ill in bed. Every bit of it was well worth it though.
Dipping in the crystal Paphos waters.
A city escape to Ayios Mamas village.
The good old brandy sour at you-know-where.
Xyliatou Dam.
At the "Did It Myself" arts bazaar at Ifanturgio.
Dorothy & Patrick's wedding.
* * *
As I turn another year older, I can safely say that many changes have happened since last October. I came back to the island as a little lost birdie returning to is nest. Now, a little less lost and lot more hungry for new opportunities, I realize that what I crave the most at this stage is stability.
A stable health.
A stable income.
A stable mind.
And stable relationships.
All of which I know I can offer to myself with a little creativity, which I have, and a lot of patience, which I have none of.
So, this little birdie soaks up its nest and re-assembles its sticks for new constructions.
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, off to creating I go!
All photos by Eleni Philippou
