M is for Muse

In ancient Greece, the Muses were nine goddesses believed to inspire art and literature. Today, writers and artists still believe in them. Maybe not specifically the Greek muses, but we all have a muse, don't we?

They all come in different forms. For some, maybe their muse is a song or singer. Others, maybe a celebrity. Or maybe your muse is someone you know in real life.

As for me, my muse looks a little something like this:


There's just something about Audrey Hepburn that inspires me. Her charm and grace are impeccable. She's just so classy and stylish and timeless. Which is something I hope my writing has.

My other muse is Dana. She pushes me to be better than I am and she believes that I can reach my dreams. Without her, I'm sure I would have given up years ago.

So there ya have it. What about you guys? What or who are your muses? Why?

D is for Demeter

Yesterday's post inspired this one. All that mythology soaking into my brain, at least one Greek god or goddess was bound to make an appearance.

D is for Demeter.



Demeter is the Greek goddess of harvest. One of the most beloved gods, the ancient Greeks would set a plate for her at their tables. She was responsible for the crops being plentiful, the earth producing enough to care for her people.

One of my favorite myths revolves around Demeter and her daughter, Persephone.



One day, Persephone was out, picking flowers and just enjoying the day, when Hades (God of the Underworld) was struck by an arrow shot by Eros (aka Cupid) and fell instantly in love with her. In spite of her protests, he dragged her down to the Underworld to be his bride.



Demeter adored her daughter and was devastated when she disappeared. She let the earth grow cold and all the crops die as she roamed the earth looking for her beloved daughter. After learning what happened, Demeter begged Zeus to make Hades release her, to which Zeus said that he would -- as long as Persephone hadn't consumed any food while in the Underworld. Well, she was down there for a while, and a girl is gonna get hungry, right? So she ate a few pomegranate seeds.



Afraid Demeter would condemn all the human race for her daughter's fate, Zeus reached a compromise. Persephone would remain in the Underworld for half the year, and spend the rest with her mother. Thus, the seasons were created.

How cool is that? I love that the ancient Greeks needed an explanation for the seasons so they created this myth. It's so fascinating.

What about you? Do you have any favorite myths? A favorite god or goddess?

C is for Crete

Today's post is a throw-back from my Wanderlust Wednesday posts (does anyone miss those? I kinda want to start them again...)

I've been reading a lot of Greek mythology for school, which has led to many image searches, followed by lots of staring at the screen, salivating at the gorgeous scenery. I mean, why can't I move there forever?

Anyway...

C is for Crete.

I'm not sure words are necessary...










Don't you just want to dive into those waters and never leave?

Wanderlust Wednesday - Santorini

This is a little something I've decided to try. Every Wednesday (or most Wednesdays, anyway) I'm going to post about one of the many places I long to visit someday. Today, the focus is a little place I like to call Paradise. Santorini, Greece.

Ahh, Santorini.



Ever since I caught the wanderlust bug, Santorini has called my name. With its endless expanse of skies and waters of impossible blue, it holds a beauty I can only dream of. And I do dream of it. I dream of tipping my face upward, inhaling salty, warm breezes while the sun kisses my face. I dream of a place where worries dissipate in the startling sunlight. Oh, do I ever dream.



And then I watched The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. For those of you who have either read the books or seen the movies, you know that Lena has family in Greece. In Santorini. The scenes shot there (even though the movie was a poor imitation of the book) were absolutely gorgeous. This place is post card perfect.



A little history on this little piece of heaven on earth: Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, which destroyed the earliest settlements of what was formerly a single island. The island’s cliffs slope into the Aegean Sea on three sides. The fourth side boasts a lagoon, which is separated from the sea by Therasia, a smaller island.





Named by the Latin Empire in the thirteenth century, Santorini is a reference to Saint Irene, one of three sisters who were martyred for their faith in 304 CE. Before then, it was known as Kalliste, which means the beautiful one. Rather fitting, don’t you think?



Enjoy swimming? Santorini has beaches galore! The color of the sand (i.e white, red or black) depends on which geologic layer is exposed. Some have sand while others have pebbles made of solidified lava. The water at the darker beaches is generally warmer because the lava absorbs heat.





And a little something for the myth buffs out there -- there is evidence linking the myth of Atlantis to Santorini!

Anyway, I hope my foray into travel-writing/daydreaming didn't bore any of you. Let me know what you think -- should I keep this series at one installment, or continue with next week's dream destination?