Barbara Molin

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Still searching for my home on land.

After Athens, I decided to head over to Rhodes because it's warm and sunny in winter. I also had hoped that it would be less crowded than Athens (it is) but more bustling than Ithaka (it is). But it is a city and I am a small town girl. Can't help it. It has a nice waterfront all around the north-eastern end (great for walks or bike rides), beautiful old town (shops and restaurants closed in winter) and a lively downtown. But it is expensive. There are designer clothes in the shops and land for sale very much out of my range. I rented a car for a day and drove around but did not fall in love. Maybe because it's winter... I think I'll head back to Ikaria.

Friday, 12 January 2018

I found my dream home in Greece

With a small piece of land on Ikaria Island. I saw the photos just recently on www.ikariarealsestate.gr and now I want it. Badly. Almost as badly as I wanted my boat, Eidos 15 years ago. I would be there right now if I wanted it more, the heck with the month worth of rent I just paid for here on Rhodes. I want what I want.
But, a part of me calls for caution. I have been in love with land before - a piece on southern Crete in Saktouria. View, fresh water spring, olive trees, room for a garden. And when I finally saw it, I still liked it but not as much. Not enough to put my money down. The surrounding area was too dry, the road too close, the land too steep. the nearest village too dead and the nearest town too touristy. I don't know, it just fizzled out.
So, this time, I'm being a bit skeptical and if I hadn't just paid for a month worth of rent, I would fly there immediately, just like I did on a one way ticket from France to Florida (for $1500 last minute price), when I first saw Eidos' photo on the www.yachtworld.com website. I don't regret it, but now I want to take some time to be a bit rational.
Just like when meeting a man I am very attracted to, I need to wait to see if the feeling is mutual and not rush in. Yet, with property, there is no need for the land to like me back, or is there? It just offers itself to me and I can have it.
But this piece of land is remote. A half hour walk from the village - no road access only a path for goats, donkeys and humans. The run down cottage on it needs a new roof and everything else. It's basically four walls. But it's made of stone and it's a start. I could make it livable for summer soon enough and besides, I still have Eidos to live on before I sell it. Or not. So many things to think about, but I am committed already without seeing it. I wish I could buy it now.
So, I'm looking at www.aegeanairline.com for flights. The earliest I could go is this Sunday but the price is higher than later this month or in February. There are only two flights a week - Sunday and Thursday from Athens to Ikaria. Both days are predicted to be windy, so the little ferry from Agios Kirikos to Karkinagri won't be running or will be delayed. And yes, there is no road from Agios Kirikos to Karkinagri either. It doesn't matter. I want to be there.
There is a road but from the town on the north side, which has the expensive hotels. As it is, it will cost me 25 Euros to stay in Ag. Kirikos. And money is an object because I want to have as much as possible to buy the land.
If I rent a room by the month in Karkinagri, it will be cheaper.
Just booked my flight to Ikaria for next week. I'm sure this is my home. Can't wait to go there.

I can already imagine it all renovated. Love at first sight.

Buy or Rent?

Here is a nice place for rent in Vathi, Ithaka for 350 Euros a month.

Very nice, but only in winter as during the summer it is rented out for much more to the visiting tourists. Maybe I should just go back to Ithaka and rent it instead of buying a ruin? Tell that to the romantic in me...

Friday, 22 December 2017

Athens

Sometime in mid-November, the rains came on Ithaka where I was living onboard and Eidos was no longer the comfortable magic carpet that she is in summer. So, I decided to do some traveling. I wasn't sure where to go, but I needed some culture so boarded the ferry to Astakos and then a bus to Athens to continue my search for a retreat.
I had sailed all summer and published a book, so now was time to do some chilling. Yes, winter arrived in Greece. It's not as cold as in Canada, but cold enough to turn the heat on and sip a hot chocolate in the evening.
For a few days, I thought that perhaps I would like to live in Athens during the winter and run a writers' retreat here, but the city is too big for a small town girl, and after a few weeks, I was ready to move on.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

As an alternative to Christmas cards, I would like to share with you this article on Astronomy merging with the Biblical Christmas story:

Celebrating Winter Solstice – The Sun is on the Southern Cross

For thousands of years, carvings on temples, cave walls, monuments and artefacts have honoured the sun: bringer of warmth, security, life and light. As the days grow shorter in the period leading up to the winter solstice, December 21st, the sun appears to stop moving south or north and stays still for three days (in the northern hemisphere) – the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of December. This is the meaning of the word ‘sol-stice’ – sun standing still. To our ancestors this period symbolized the death of the sun god (son of god) and when three days later on the 25th of December the sun started moving again, the sun was reborn – hence the birth of Jesus at this time – the sun god or son of god, the saviour of mankind. It is no coincidence that our principal day of worship is called Sun Day.

The Bible tells us that three wise men came from the east, following a star that led them to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Messiah. Sirius is the star in the east, the brightest star in the sky, which on December 24th aligns with the three brightest stars in the constellation of Orion (Orion’s belt). The stars were referred to by many ancient cultures as the Three Kings.

During this three day period, the sun resides in the vicinity of the Southern Cross constellation and appears to ‘hang’ on the cross, hence the story of the crucifixion. However the resurrection of the sun or son is celebrated three months later at the spring equinox when the nights are equal to the daylight (Easter) and when once again the forces of light ‘defeat’ the forces of darkness, and the days grow longer than the nights. (Author: Stella Woods)

“May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you and the pure light within you guide your way on.”

Barbara

Saturday, 4 November 2017

Look inside and read on Kindle for free: Salt Water In My Veins

CLICK TO BUY

You can now look inside my new book, Salt Water In My Veins as well as read it for free (today only) on Kindle. What a great deal! Feel free to leave your review after reading!

Wednesday, 4 October 2017

Just do it

I finally found a way to discipline myself to write for at least an hour every day.

You know that brushing teeth is not something we long to do each morning or evening. But we don't think about it, or ask whether we feel like it, or are inspired to do. We just do it. It's a habit that doesn't allow input from the mind.

Since I love early mornings and prefer to write then, I decided to treat writing the same way I treat brushing my teeth: I wake up, get dressed, put the coffee on and open my laptop. And then, I write for an hour before doing anything else such as checking my email, reading the news or making breakfast.

So far, it's been easy and I have been very productive, often working much longer than the one hour with pleasure.

The rest of the day, I allow myself to do anything else I want: nap, read, surf the Internet, knit, go for a walk, talk to friends and family on Skype or reluctantly, write or edit. I also need time to contemplate, let my mind wander and absorb my surroundings for the creative part of me to have something to use in my work, so I try not to write any more in the afternoon unless it's quick notes for future reference.

And guess what? The book I have been trying to write for years is finally complete!

Sunday, 1 October 2017

Writers' Co-operative, Co-housing Retreat on Ithaka, Greece

Be inspired. Be amazed. Be surprised. And write all about it. Ithaka, Greece. Homer wrote about it and it's a place of pilgrimage for all writers.

You know how expensive most writers' retreats can be. You save your money all year and go for a week or two and by the time you get oriented and familiarized with everything, it's time to leave and you haven't even began to write.

Here is an opportunity to stay for up to five months, yes, five months on the island of Ithaka, Greece for the price of a three week retreat elsewhere.

You will have time not only to write as much as you want to but also to see this beautiful island, hike its many paths, experience its history and enjoy its festivals. Spend Christmas Holidays in Greece.

We will share a villa with as many bedrooms as needed for the participants, socialize together (when we want to), cook together, read parts of our manuscripts to each other (if desired) and share the expenses of rental (cheap in winter) and food.
No one will make a profit, and there is no overhead costs to consider. A two bedroom villa can be had for E600 Euros per month in winter. It will sleep four, so price per person is only $150 Euros per month. If we have more participants, we will rent a bigger villa.
Your participation for the retreat requires a commitment between December 1 to April 30 for at least a month to take advantage of this low price. Participation limited to eight people and the deadline for your application is November 15. Non-smokers only.
Please use the contact form to the right for more information.

Sunday, 19 March 2017

Stormy Weather on Ikaria


Watch out for the waves

I pulled a ligament or pinched a nerve or something in my back, so have been staying close to my home on Ikaria for three weeks. Bother!
And then, just as my back was feeling better, we had a storm several days in the row and then my month was up. So, it was either pay for another month or head back to get some work done on my boat in the Ionian in preparation for sailing this summer. I checked the weather and it was 5-10 degrees warmer in Preveza. Then I found a cheap airfare and that helped me make my decision.
Also, the hot springs wouldn't be open until May or June, so I decided to come back again sometime perhaps with my boat in summer. The storm also didn't help. Ikaria is a wild, rugged island. I will always remember my visit here.

Smart move getting the cars away

Even the inner harbour was not that safe.

This is where the mid-sized ferry docks. Not today!


A river flowing down the stairs. Ikaria does not lack water.

Statue of Ikarus at the airport.

So, as far as living full time on Ikaria, and running a retreat here, I don't think I could. The island is too big to see without a 4-wd car and there are no safe harbours for my boat during the winter. But I'd love to come back during the summer.
Good bye Ikaria, hope to see you again.

View of Evdilos harbour and the mountains from the air.

If you want to see what I'm up to next - check my sailing blog.

Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Walk to Glaredo on Ikaria Island

More stairs...

There is no getting away from climbing stairs or going uphill nearly everywhere I want to go on Ikaria. And so when I decided to go for a walk to a nearby village, the first thing I had to do was climb some stairs...

Agios Kirikos Church

At least I could find out which way to go. Or could I? All the roads signs, if any, on Ikaria are only in Greek. Good luck!

I love these old cottages. Many look abandoned.

Oh, but what a view after you get there...

Abandoned, unfinished hotel near Glaredo.

Bee keepers collecting honey.

Monday, 9 November 2015

Things that inspire and moments that take my breath away

Have you ever thought about the two phrases? Inspire means to breathe in. Something that takes my breath away is breathing out. Breathing is what keeps us alive and so being inspired and witnessing breathtaking moments is what keeps us spiritually alive.
So what inspires me and takes my breath away? Here are a few examples:

Sunrise
Sunset
Bonfire
Wood burning in a fireplace
Walk along a sandy beach
Planting seeds in a garden
Listening to a live concert

So, what inspires you?

Inspiration

A lot of my inspiration comes from my photography or from scenes that I would have liked to photograph if I had a camera handy at the time.
I don't always write about what is in the photograph, but when I look at a beautiful scene, my mind stops yammering and something happens which goes beyond thinking. I access my creative self and then just start typing away.

Writing life - procrastination

As I wait for my new laptop to arrive today, I wonder how soon I will start writing again. For real that is. To send away and hopefully be published. I haven't written anything for at least the past 18 months. My mind just hasn't been up to it.

I left my old laptop on my boat in Greece thinking I would be right back. But this didn't happen and it is now ruined having spent two winters on a damp boat.
Meanwhile, I have been borrowing my son's IPad and my daughter-in-law's desk top Mac as well as using paper note books to jot things down, and the odd library computer to update my sailing blog.

But as soon as the new laptop arrives, I will have no more excuses to procrastinate, which means actually finishing something and sending it away to get published.

This past summer, I found a great way of getting boat maintenance done. When I arrived back in Greece, my sailboat Eidos had been neglected for a year and a half while I was ill, and I had a long "to do" list. At first it all seemed to be overwhelming, especially since I was still recovering from recent treatment, but if I ever wanted to get out of the boat yard, I needed to get going. I hired a young woman for two days to help me with the worst of the cleaning and then started keeping a log of all the jobs that I actually completed. this Turned out to be the key to staying motivated.
Every morning, I decided on one job that needed doing, even if it was only unpacking my summer clothes and putting away the winter ones. Then I wrote it down in the log. Very soon, I noticed that I was actually looking forward to checking off the items on my "to do list" and adding them to the log and I often completed several jobs before breakfast. My only rule was to finish at least one job and I could choose which one depending on my mood.
And so now as I am preparing to return to my writing life after having spent five years publishing a magazine (notice the gap in the dates on this blog), I think I will use the same method to get me going each day.

Saturday, 8 December 2007

The magic of writing

I haven't written anything lately. I keep finding other things to do such as updating my address book, catching up on correspondence, doing Internet searches for boat parts, playing solitaire: anything to avoid opening my "manuscripts" file.

I know I'm procrastinating, but I'm being lenient with the writer in me. She has to be in the right mood to create. The editor too has to be in a certain frame of mind to delete and rewrite. And so it's been at least a month since I've written anything new.

Meanwhile, I received a letter of acceptance from one of my publishers, a note offering hope from another and a "we'll look at your manuscript in the future," from a third. All these encouragements do little to get my index finger to click on the "work in progress" file.

Yet, I know that I cannot force the muse to wake. She must be gently coaxed out of slumber. This is not a writer's block - I never have those, they sound too violent to me - an anathema to the creative process. And so I wait, and today finally I peek inside my "submitted" file folder and update the submission record for each of the manuscripts. And then, I just lightly click on the arrow "up" which sends me to the level above, and which has in it the folders with ideas and queries, first, second, and third drafts, ready to submit, submitted, accepted and in print. And then, leave the computer on that page. With no pressure to do anything. Almost as if I forgot to close it.

In a few minutes, the screen saver will cover up the desktop page and I can forget about writing if I choose to but the screen with my work on it will still be there when I come back and hit any key. If I want to do that. I might instead close the lid of the laptop and leave it on stand-by for hours or days. But I don't. Something has happened that I can't resist.

Slowly, like a slumbering giant, or a sleepy princess, the magic process begins to awaken. It unfolds like a flower when it feels the sun. And I, the human instrument can do nothing until the magic happens but when it does, must follow its call.

Friday, 7 December 2007

I can't because...

So you've always wanted to be a writer, but keep hitting roadblocks. You don't have enough money saved up to quit your regular job so that you'd have enough time to write that novel, and you don't have enough time and energy left after the job, the family responsibilities and the everyday things like laundry, cooking, cleaning and shopping.
Money, time, energy, job, family responsibilities – the list goes on. They are the reasons, excuses and challenges why we can't do something we say we want to do very badly, such as writing. However, you can have what you really want in your life or your reasons why not. Or come to think of it: both.
Here is how. Take a blank page and write down the heading: "I can't because…" Now tape it to your fridge so you can add the next excuse (sorry: reason or even better: challenge) you think of, of why you just can't write today. And underneath, write a creative solution (even a crazy one).
This is my list to help you get started:
CHALLENGE
I'm not an expert in… (take your pick: psychology, gardening, cooking, auto mechanics). All the non-fiction books are written by PhDs with 20 years practical experience. I have this great idea but no credentials. There are hundreds if not thousands of books and articles on the same topic written by people who really know the subject. What's the point of writing another one? Who will publish it? And who will read it? Book and magazine writing business is so competitive.
SOLUTION