Back to the States/ From My Diaries

Sometimes life changes in an instant. Letting your child grow into an independent adult and leave the house brings new experiences and some mixed emotions. I am a person that keeps myself busy most of the time. That’s how I cope with empty nest syndrome.

Back to the States..

It was the plan since he has a dual citizenship and economically Turkey is going through a hard time. Deciding “the time has come” wasn’t easy either. He moved to Chicago on March 8th. I only can say thanks to the technology that allows me to see him and talk to him over a video call like he is next to me. Seeing his appreciation there over WhatsApp, makes me feel ok for sure. So many people use Telegram as I did before but somehow my phone gets locked when I used it lately. Unlimited internet phone packages and WhatsApp make our life easier and also affordable.

I moved so many times. Between, countries, cities, streets etc. If you ask how many times I have moved, believe me, I don’t remember. I raised a kid in different cultures, languages, educational systems. Only one thing has been steady for the last 15 years, which is this blog and it has been a witness of my son's growth . He will turn 20 next June and we will have left another stage of life behind.

I live in a hot city which has a short winter. But this year even Cesme was cold. Just checked out the weather in Chicago ( can’t stop doing this every morning) -3!! Omg!! We ate breakfast in the garden today for the first time this year. Flowers blooming here, taking a walk today on the shore, reminded me of how much we missed spring and summer. That is not the only thing we all missed for sure. Hanging around without a mask is another one. When I leave a social distance I don’t put it on since there is no requirement, preference so far, except inside the places. We keep rest of the precautions to stay safe and healthy. But, I feel like naked somehow if I don’t use it. Last couple of years in pandemic, brought new habits we can’t rid off, right?

Now, some pictures before Aria left, after landing in Chicago. Because of the time differences, sometimes I struggle. I forgot and called him once and asked, “why are u in bed? Are you sick? I realized when he smiled and said “because it’s 5 am here mom” 😊 I don’t know what I was  thinking.

So, where were we?

Oh, yes.. This blog continues to be witnessing our lives. It doesn’t move anywhere. Here, needs a bit changes, but address is the same and getting older.

Me?

Need to do backbend poses lately since gardening took a lot of my time. Anyways, spending time in the garden makes me feel better so far. My good friend, had a heart attack a couple days ago. I am worried about her. Thank god she is ok now.

Along with my upcoming birthday, I have a book waiting to be read. “Secured Wishes”/ Charity Parkinson.

I’ll sit in the garden, surrounded with plants, colorful flowers and start to read it this week.

Ok, wishing & hoping for a better spring and summer for the world. No more viruses, no pandemic, war, increasing global warming or financial difficulties.. Smartness to use on good heart and health for all over the world.

Stay healthy and happy!

Let’s slow down time

No. I still can’t stop time, haven’t solved it yet haha 😂 

but let’s slow it down a bit, ok??

It’s me 😊 

Spending a little time in my little garden makes me feel positive 🙏

Helpful tip if you lose your balance while doing this pose,

keep your eyes focused on a dot ahead of you, to stay balanced.

Our sense of time speeds up as we age.

It’s all about perception. Let’s not be stuck in our routines. Go to new places, meet new people, try a new colored t-shirt or a sweater you’ve never used before. Try to be spontaneous.

Those are the ways of enhancing our sensitivity to the passage of time. 

Let’s not allow time to turn into the Flash.

Hope this new year brings enjoyable "new’s" to our lives.

Let’s slow down time in 2022. Promise??😊😀

A few shots from my kitchen. You might want try something you haven’t before.

Change is good!

“I feel good 🎶🎶 I knew that I would, now. So good, so good. “😁

This song always motivates me 👍

Come on in!

I’m in the kitchen 🥂

Another December to say goodbye to.

Where did this year go??

I listen to this fascinating song every new year!

Happy New Year!

From My Diaries / Goodbye November

Ayayay...oh no.. Another variant?? When are we gonna live?

Many people had expected the World Health Organization to label the latest variant "Nu", but the they skipped Nu and gave the name “Omicron” to a new variant of the coronavirus. Nu or Omicron, whatever the name is, go away!

Before the new variant of the coronavirus, (which they don’t look like they're gonna end) we took a trip to Istanbul for a couple of days this month.

One of the most famous streets in Turkey;

İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul.

Galata Tower Museum and Art Center

Galata Tower was built in the mid-14th century when the Genoese had a colony in Galata.

206 feet high tower overlooking Beyoğlu and Karaköy from its perched position.

Gorgeous view from the ferry ride plus it's an excellent deal.

You’ll enjoy spectacular views of historical sites, fortresses, museums, the stunning bridges, and soak up the atmosphere along the city’s European and Asian shores.

Ortaköy Mosque in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. It’s situated at the waterside of Ortaköy pier square. One of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus. You can also have a ferry ride here.

Bebek

Bebek Park is located on Istanbul's European Bosphorus shore. It has a beautiful view and gorgeous relaxing point surrounded by trees which are centuries old.

Trump Shopping Mall is located in Şişli, Istanbul. Its a regular shopping mall with local and international brands. It has spacious are for little ones.

Must try the Baked potatoes/ Kumpir (you choose your fillings ) and waffles 👌

La Villa Blanche is a nice hotel that makes you feel home. Watching autumn’s beauty from your balcony after a day trip is relaxing.

Relaxing time after a long day of being outside.

St. Antuan Catholic Church

It’s the largest church of the Roman Catholic Church in Istanbul, Turkey, located at İstiklal Avenue.

Thinking what to cook for dinner tonight?

Basic dinner idea which is my fave; Sautéed mushrooms, rice and green salad. Sit back and enjoy your dinner time!

This is just a hope that this virus ends soon and we all get back to normal life. Even if it doesn’t look this way, I keep wishing, hoping.

Healthy Holidays