Just like it says in the title, I'm just thinking out loud. You do a lot of that when you are on your own.

​I'm thinking,  What's next? What's in store for me? I have done so much in my life, or so it seems, obvious things, diverse things, dangerous things, happy things, sad things, exciting things, boring things, and I wouldn't change any of it.

The strange thing is, I feel there is so much more that I have yet to do. I feel that the best is yet to come, which is a positive thing, but I also worry that time is running out. I know I shouldn't think like that because there is only so much you can squeeze into a life time, but I just do.

Most of us have a sort of plan for ourselves, our lives, or how we think we would like things to happen, but in my case, that plan went tits up when I allowed my arrogance and sometimes self pity to destroy it. So now what? Well, you make another plan, don't you? I sort of have, and obviously if I had my health it would be a breeze, but I'm not dead! So onward and upward!

I have really progressed, honestly, I have cut out all negative people from my life, I have stopped saying things like, "Why me?" and "Woe is me" and "life's so unfair", and now it's, "Can't wait for the next episode" and "Life is good".

​I have gone from, "Who would have time for an old geezer like me?" and "I'm destined to be alone until the end", to, "Hmm, she seems to like me" and "So does she", there is hope yet :) 

After reading all that back, I should have called it, "Ramblings of a mad man" , but no, I am pleased to share my thoughts, I am pleased to be thinking more positive, I am pleased to report that life is definitely worth living.

Love you all xxxx

Hi all, hope everyone is well. I'm cheating a bit this month as I am extremely busy with life at the moment, or perhaps I'm just being lazy. I'm just going to share with you a poem I wrote for my daughter Lucy on her 15th birthday a couple of months ago. Hope you like it.

LUCY

​I've watched you grow year by year
like a tree straight, strong, and tall,
I want you to know without any fear
that I'll be there should you fall.

I will always love you come what may
through the hard times and the good
I think of you each and every day
just like a father should.

You are easy to love that's for sure
with your beautiful face and your demure
so gentle and calm most of the time
I'm really proud to say you're mine.

So my Lucy stay as you are
kind and innocent and you'll go far
I'll always be there by your side
as my love for you I cannot hide.

Have a great birthday and the rest of your life
without too much trouble and strife
enjoy being young, single, and free
and save all your love for mum and me.

​Love you darling xxxx

Well short and sweet this month. Hopefully more next month. Be well everybody. xxxx

Hi all. Happy Valentines to all those that care.
​Here is a story I wrote a while ago, to compliment a painting by my friend and artist Theo Michael. I hope you enjoy it.

​Scent of a Rose
​
Have you ever met someone and been so totally in love and in awe of them it almost hurts? Marios had. He would only have to look into her big Green eyes and he swore that his heart would literally explode with love. Every move she made every sound she made just left him breathless. His every waking and sleeping thought was of Anna. He was so lucky to have found such a special person.
That was an eternity ago, and he still felt the same. Today Marios was alone sitting on the veranda of their home and staring out over the ocean in front of him and remembering their life together. He recalled her little idiosyncrasies like whenever he leant towards her to kiss her, she would also lean forward but at the last second she would stick out her tongue and lick the end of his nose with it and laugh. He remembered how he once bought her a dozen Red Roses for no reason other than that he loved her. She loved Roses. She had taken them in both hands and lifted them up to her nose and breathed in deeply savouring their strong scent. She adored them. Marios would bring her Roses for her Birthday, their Anniversary, Christmas and of course Valentines day. Valentine’s day was the day they had met for the first time all those years ago on this very beach.
Marios had been test driving the old Zundapp motorbike he had lovingly restored. The beach was pretty deserted and rarely used by the tourists. Anna had been sitting on a rock by the waters’ edge with her feet in the water. She was holding a single Rose to her nose. It was scenes like this that made Marios wish he had talent and could paint. What a picture that would have made. Marios couldn’t resist so he approached her.
“Gift from a secret admirer?” he asked.
Anna had chuckled and with her big Green eyes burrowing into his she answered.
“No, but it’s a gift from me to me, it is Valentine’s day.”
They chatted for a while but now it was time for Anna to go.
“I would love to see you again.” Marios half asked half stated.
“I go back to the UK tomorrow, but I will be back next Valentine’s day.”
“It’s a date!” said Marios, disappointed but happy all mixed together.
“But why Valentine’s day?” Marios asked as his curiosity got the better of him.
“It’s my grandfathers’ memorial day. His name was Valentino and oddly enough he died on Valentine’s day, so I come and remember him at his grave.”
“Oh, sorry about your loss.” Said Marios, not knowing what else to say.
“Oh it’s ok, he was very old.”
Anna gently slid off the rock. Marios didn’t want her to go.
“See you next year then,” she said giving Marios a smile that he is yet to forget.
“Er, er, yeah ok, I’ll be here.”
He watched as Anna walked up off the beach and disappeared into the distance.
The year passed very slowly for Marios, but it eventually passed. Marios was beside himself with excitement, he had bought a bunch of Red Roses for Anna. He couldn’t wait to see her. He got on his Zundapp and slowly drove towards the rock and yes, there she was sitting on it with her feet kicking in the water. Marios couldn’t get there soon enough.
“Hi!” he said excitedly as he dismounted the bike and let it fall to the sand. He held out the bunch of Roses and handed them to Anna.
“Happy Valentines!” he said grinning from ear to ear.
“Oh they are lovely, thank you so much. I have something for you too I thought it would look great on your motorbike.”
Anna leant back and pulled out an oblong box from behind her and handed it to Marios.
“What is it?”
“Open it and see.”
Marios hurriedly opened the box and inside was a number plate. Not an ordinary number plate, a custom one. It read ‘FEB 14’
“Wow must have cost a fortune!” said Marios as he admired the plate.
“Not really. Originally it was ‘FE – 814, but I had the ‘8’ moved closer to the’ E’ so now at a glance it looks like ‘FEB 14’ “
Marios stood in silence for a moment then he blurted it out.
“Will you marry me?” He had no idea where that had come from he just knew he couldn’t be without her.
Again silence.....
“I thought you would never ask!” she screamed with laughter.
They were married within the week.
That was 55 years ago. Marios was grateful that they had grown old together but he wished he had gone first. Anna had passed away 5 years ago now and he still missed her like crazy. For 5 years now every Valentine’s day Marios would buy a dozen Red Roses and take them to the rock where they had met. He would lay them down at the base of the rock and talk to Anna as if she was still sat on it. The fact that a stray cat was always there made him feel less foolish about talking to an empty space. As he talked to Anna he stroked the cat that would always plonk itself down on top of the Roses. The cat would smell them first one at a time then just sit on them. It had been there every year. Marios picked up the cat and looked into its eyes. They were huge and Green, just like Annas’. He held the cat closer to his chest. The cat lifted its head and looked up at Marios. It then did something very strange it stuck its tongue out and licked the tip of Marios nose......

If you like the painting, go here to find it and much more:

​ www.artbytheomichael.com

Well that's it for another month so until then, Yia sas!! xx

Hope you all are having a great New Year and peace comes to this battered Planet and all its inhabitants. Meanwhile in Cyprus, life is good, well let’s say it could be a lot worse. I am thankful to still be breathing as my health issues seem to be under control. I have a home, I have food to eat and clothes to wear.
I want to make you aware that my third book in the ‘Only in Cyprus’ series is now available. I would like to thank my Mum for her help when I was researching for this book, I couldn’t have done it without her help. Love you Mum xx (even though she won’t see this).
 
The new book is called,
 ‘Only in Cyprus 3, Yiayias myths, legends and other stuff’
The link:
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MP7D81G


Or you can get it here on my website,

​Thank you for your support, and once again, I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Bye for now xx

​Christmas is upon us, and also the end of another year. As far as Christmas is concerned, it has meant nothing to me for the past few years. Christmas, in my opinion, is a time for family. I will be spending it alone! I’m not looking for the sympathy vote it is just my own personal circumstances. For you all, I wish you a very happy Christmas and a great new year.
 
This year for me has been a helter skelter ride with both good and bad times. Airbnb has been a life saver both financially and for my mental health and I hope it continues into the New Year. I also managed to squeeze in a trip to the UK to witness my son Matt win his first boxing match! Well done Matt, you made us proud.

​In between looking after my Airbnb guests, I have managed to finish my third book in the “Only in Cyprus” series. I am in the process of editing and preparing it for publication by Christmas, but a more realistic time would be in the early New Year. I’m hoping you will make it as successful as the previous two. Its title will be “Only in Cyprus 3, Yiayia’s myths, legends and other stuff”. In this little book, I look into old sayings that Yiayia’s and generations before her used to say and believe. My research was mostly with my 87 year old mum, so thank you mum.
 
Another chapter deals with “Cypriot slang” Words that I know not from whence they came but I list a few with the proper word/explanation by its side. An example:
CHUGMAJI = CIGARETTE LIGHTER.
Then I deal with “Gringlish”. A language mostly used by “Charlies”, that is English born Cypriots. Again an example.
AMBULANCE = UMBOULA = ASTHENOFORO
It’s all written very much tongue in cheek as were the previous two. Your support is appreciated.
So until the New Year, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and do drink too much. xxx

Where are the months going? Already November! It's an amazing 29 degrees here in Cyprus, and there were people swimming in the sea this morning at 8.30.

Anyway, I want to introduce you to "Johnnie Walker", another excellent painting by Theo Michael, and inspired by this, a story by me. Hope you enjoy both.  

www.artbytheomichael.com         Go here for more of Theo's amazing work and much more.  

​‘Meet Johnnie Walker’
 
It was the weekend. Not that it was any different to any other day for me, but somehow the word ‘weekend’ seemed to lift the spirits. For the average Joe who has a job of work to go to every day, the weekend conjures up a sense of freedom, elation and relaxation, but for me it was literally lifting a glass of spirits, whiskey in my case!
Every Friday night without fail, Nic and I would meet at ‘Toni’s Bar’ for our ongoing battle, the battle of the Backgammon board. Backgammon, the game of the rich and famous, Omar Sharif was known for his skill at Backgammon. Neither Nic nor I were rich or famous but we loved to compete. We would play Backgammon all night into the early hours of Saturday morning, which was about how long it took us to get too drunk to play.
We would arrive at Toni’s Bar about 8 o’clock and take our seats at our usual corner table. The Backgammon board would already be in place and so would two glasses, an ice bucket full of ice and a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red label whiskey. To make our games more interesting and give us extra incentive, the loser would pay for next week’s bottle. I have to be honest and say that it was Nic who did most of the paying. I regularly complained that Chivas Regal was my choice of whiskey, so why couldn’t we have Chivas?
“I’m not paying that sort of dough for a scotch!”  Nic had retorted.
“Well don’t lose then Nic”, was my response.
“As if you can tell the bloody difference anyway!”  said Nic smirking.
“I reckon I could.”
We had this argument week after week, same argument, same words, over and over, but still Johnnie Walker won the day. Perhaps I should lose deliberately so I would have to buy the scotch.
The weekend soon came round again. As I passed the hallway mirror I adjusted my hat one more time, it had to be just so. I set off for Toni’s Bar. Nic was already there and when he saw me come in the door, he poured two whiskeys out of the Johnnie Walker bottle.
“There you go Steve.”
I sat and picked up my glass.
“Cheers Nic.”
We chinked glasses and I said nothing about my disappointment that Johnnie Walker was man of the match....again.
 
 
 
It was 2.30am and there was only vapours left in our bottle, and Nic had lost yet again.
“Can’t you try a little harder?” I asked Nic.
“Bit harder for what?”
“Bit harder to win a bloody game!” I said abruptly and nearly sliding off my chair.
“Itshh only a game mate.”
“Yeah, but I want shum shhhivers!”
Nic started to laugh hysterically.
“What’s so fecking funny?” I asked beginning to lose my cool.
“Come with me Steve, jusht come with me.”
Nic struggled to get up and he grabbed me by the arm and led me to the bar where Toni was standing polishing glasses.
“Show thish whishkey connoisseur, go on show him.”
Toni reached under the bar and took out 3 empty bottles of Chivas Regal 12 year old and lined them up on the bar, followed by a......funnel!
 
“For the pasht 3 weeks connoisseur, thatsh what you’ve been drinking......!”
 
END
Chris Christodoulou
2017-08-22

Until next month lovely people. Keep well. xx

Hi everyone, hope you are all well and coping with what seems like an extended summer, well, here in Cyprus anyway. At the time of writing this, the end of September, we are still having temperatures of 30/35 degrees!
 
For those of you who actually read my blog, you may remember a feature I wrote, about a year ago, on my friend and local artist Theo Michael. I don’t mind saying that I am still totally in awe of his talents. A visit to my home, (and you would be welcome), you will see that there is not a wall that is not displaying Theo’s work. In fact, it looks like “Theo Michael Art Gallery 2”. J
​
My latest acquisition from Theo:

This photo does not do it justice therefore I urge you if you are in Larnaca you should pay him a visit. Anja, Theo’s wife, will greet you with a smile, and you will be offered a drink which you can enjoy whilst seated on one of their comfortable sofas or as you browse the walls at the amazing art work. You will also meet Theo himself busy at his work station and his latest masterpiece. Give him five minutes and he may even pull out a deck of cards from his back pocket, and show you one of his amazing magic tricks! It truly is a magical place. From the second you cross the threshold it feels like you are being transported to a bygone era, as your eyes fall upon paintings inspired by the “Film Noire” genre.

*WARNING REALITY ALERT*

Depending how you feel about it depends if you think this is good news or not. Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, there is less than 12 weeks to Christmas!! How about these items as potential gifts for friends and family?

​These are just some of the items that are available at the gallery, or online. Top quality items all with Theo’s work professionally reproduced onto them. And how about cushions, scarves, postcards, calendars and so much more, too much to show you here. So visit the gallery, if you are not able, visit Theo’s great website.

www.artbytheomichael.com

Gallery address:
5 Agias Elenis
Larnaca 6021
Cyprus

Telephone:
(00357) 24648813

​I should also add that ALL items, including large canvases, can be shipped once securely packaged, to anywhere in the World absolutely FREE!!
 
Well that’s it for this month. Stay well and stay happy. xx

  

​Hi all. Hope you have all been well. I'm shattered and fed up with washing, ironing and changing sheets, but someone has to do it :) I have Airbnb to thank for that, but without them and the income, I couldn't  'upgrade' my flat as I want. So thanks Airbnb.

This month's offering is another great piece of art by Theo Michaels and of course MY interpretation of it.....in verse. If you like the art, go to Theo's website here: 

​ www.artbytheomichael.com

​If you like MY verse, please tell me so. :) 

Lady of the Lake
 
The air and Lake were calm and still
All you could hear was the birds high shrill
The Flamingos’ stood on their matchstick legs
They were feeding on Shrimps within the Lakes dregs.
 
Sit on the bank of the silvery lake
The beauty is there for your eyes to take
An excellent way for your time to employ
It’s a beautiful place for all to enjoy.
 
I lay on my back and look up at the sky
Black headed seagulls flying on high
The Pink Flamingo’s were down below
They were striking a pose, putting on a show.
 
I have set the scene for my story to tell
It was an amazing event that I befell.
So incredible you will think I dream
Once I tell you so it will seem.
 
The Sun was warm upon my face
As I rested my mind in another place
Then a vision I did see
A beautiful woman appeared to me.
 
She was tall and slim and scantily clad
My heart beat faster than it ever had
Her skin looked smooth and very fair
I tried my best not to stare.
 
She slowly moved toward the lake
I had to check if I was awake
She wasn’t walking as one would
She was floating...yes she could!
 
She stopped at the edge and just stared
Dropping her shawl so her shoulders were bared
She walked right in and with the Flamingos’ she stood
She was standing amongst them, she looked so good.
 
The Flamingos’ seemed to have no fear
They encircled her front and rear
With their long necks they nuzzled her arms
They appreciated her womanly charms.
 
Bending and swaying to her gentle touch
They obviously loved her very much
She stroked and she hugged as they stood still
As if hypnotised they did her will.
 
 
 
I was aghast at what I could see
They wouldn’t do that if it was me
Looking at me would have given them a fright
They most certainly would have taken flight.
 
But that’s not where my story ends
There is more to tell my reader friends
Where 3 Flamingos’ had once been
Now there were 4 that could be seen!!
 
No sign of the ‘Lady of the Lake’
Had it all been one big fake?
I stood and turned to walk away
That’s when I heard a Flamingo say....
 
I AM the Lady of the Lake
My Flamingos’ I will not forsake
I turned back and looked to see
Who it was that had spoken to me.
 
A Flamingo stood tall and proud
It lifted its wings without a sound
“I’m the Lady of the Lake” it said once more
And into the sky it did soar...

​
END
Chris Christodoulou
5/2/2018
​

Well there you have it. Hope you liked it and see you next month for more. Keep happy and healthy. xx

Hi all, sorry I'm later than usual but am really busy with my Airbnb bookings, which is great news, but also doesn't leave much time for anything else, but mustn't grumble. :) 

Continuing  with the art by Theo Michael and words by Chris Christodoulou theme, here is this months offering. If you like the art work or want to see more, go to Theos website here:

www.artbytheomichael.com

Making Music
 
The air was calm and the water still
As I walked the beach for time to kill
I lay down my blanket and I took a seat
I looked past the rocks Oh what a treat.
 
I breathed in deep the fresh clean air
Looked up at the sky, didn’t have a care.
I sat on a rock and dangled my feet
In the cool water to ease the heat.
 
I sat until my head was clear
When suddenly, music I could hear
I looked around me for to see
But nothing was there, where could it be?
 
I listened harder feeling confused
Am I going mad? To myself I mused.
No, it’s definitely music I can hear
And I think it’s coming from over there.
 
I looked over the rocks and down at the sea
And what a sight confronted me
I was taken aback at what I saw
Such a sight I’ve never seen before.
 
Three ladies on the rocks below
With their instruments the music did flow
There were two violins and a cello
And the haunting music my mind did mellow.
 
I stared in awe at the scene before me
My eyes not believing what they could see
I sat in silence and took it all in
My heart they had managed to win.
 
One looked up, then the other two
They had seen me this I knew
I did not try to avert my gaze
But what followed is all a haze!
 
I shouted down, “What are you doing?
Apart from giving me a viewing”
“We are ‘Making Music’” they replied
This they surely couldn’t hide.
 
Then the most extraordinary thing
My heart to my mouth it did bring
The ladies they did turn around
And jumped into the sea as the waves did pound.
 
I watched as they swam away
Would I see them another day?
As I wondered, that’s when it occurred
I thought my mind had become blurred.
 
Do you believe in Mermaids?
No, neither did I
Until I saw their fishes tails
Pointing up to the sky!
 
END
Chris Christodoulou
9/12/2017
​

Thanks for reading and see you next month. 
​Keep healthy. xx

Hi everyone. Hope you are coping with the heat. I hear it is as hot in the UK as it is here in Cyprus.

This month, another great painting by Theo Michael called "At the Station". If you like the painting, or want to see more of his amazing work go to his website here:

​www.artbytheomichael.com

The story that goes with it, is my interpretation of what it says to me. I hope you enjoy it.

‘At the Station’
 
Patsy and Beth walked briskly away from the Police Station entrance. There was a light wind in the air, but not enough to play havoc with their eccentric taste in hats.
“Do you think they believed us Sis?” asked Patsy.
“Hard to tell Patsy, they weren’t giving anything away” answered Beth.
“Well they did, they gave us these cigarettes,” laughed Patsy.
“Is that my top you’re wearing?” asked Beth irritated that her sister had borrowed her clothes again.
“So! You borrowed my belt,” said Patsy also irritated.
Patsy and Beth were typical sisters, with typical sister arguments, but they loved each other...like sisters.
“So what do think Beth, were they taken in by our story?” asked Patsy again.
“What’s not to believe? Everything we told them was perfectly feasible,” insisted Beth.
“Well I think they had a bloody nerve questioning us like that,” said Patsy feeling quite angry.
“Is that my scarf you are wearing?” asked Beth only just noticing it around her sisters neck.
“Oh shut up! What does it matter? Anyway God help us if they find out we are lying,” continued Patsy.
“Course they’ll find out, it’s what they do,” said Beth.
“Well if they do, it will be your fault! I mean, fancy telling them we were going to a cookery class! Who goes to a cookery class dressed like us?” asked Patsy as she looked down at her knee length boots and her small crop top.
“You’re such a know all,” said Beth mockingly.
“Why couldn’t we have just told them the truth?” asked Patsy.
“Because they can’t handle the truth!” said Beth mimicking Jack Nicholson in the movie ‘A Few Good Men’ and laughing loudly.
Patsy and Beth had crossed the road and were headed for the car park, when suddenly they heard a loud voice:
“Hey! You two, come back here,” ordered the Sergeant as he stood at the Police Station entrance.
 
Patsy and Beth turned to look at each other both wide eyed and mouths open.
 
“Shit! They have worked it out” said Patsy with a croak in her voice.
They slowly turned around and walked back towards the Station. The Sergeant stood at the entrance with his hands behind his back rocking to and fro. Then he spoke:
“In your rush to get to your cookery class, you left these behind,” said the Sergeant sarcastically and with a big grin on his face. He brought his hands forward and in each hand he held a handbag.
“Er, er, thanks!” said Beth snatching her bag from his hand.
“Yeah, thanks,” said Patsy taking the other.
They both turned in unison and slowly walked away.
“Enjoy your class!” shouted the Sergeant.
The girls lifted their hands in acknowledgement and walked quickly on.
“Blimey, that was close!” said Beth catching her breath.
 They walked in silence for a few yards then Patsy spoke.
“Just realised how smart and important your Paul looks in his uniform and all them stripes,” said Patsy.
“Yeah, he is handsome, and your Adam doesn’t look bad either,” said Beth giggling.
“Yeah we are lucky to have them. Come on or we’ll be late for the party!” said Patsy laughing loudly.
 
END
Chris Christodoulou
13/9/2017
​

There you have it. Stay tuned for next months offering. Until then stay well and safe. xx