Gemini Rising

Valley Greek Festival 2023

The Valley Greek Festival in Los Angeles was back, and I was happy to visit. Opa! It took place at St. Nicholas Church on Plummer and Balboa. I grew up in a city with a prominent Greek community, so I’ve always had an affinity for Greek culture. In Germany, I loved visiting the authentic Greek restaurants. My favorites were the Gyros and Ouzo. Lol!! And Ouzo has a black licorice taste to it, which, generally, I don't care for, but it’s so smooth, it’s worth the shot for me.

First thing we did was check out the food. They had a big food tent, but the line was forever! So, we had to pass. My son and I visited the drink tent. Ouzo and Kona for us! We found some pork souvlaki, zucchini sticks, and calamari as well as fried cheese which was remarkably good. Hidden secret there.

Next, we explored the Greek Church, St. Nicholas. For me, I found a lot of things in common with a Catholic church. The vestments and ornaments seemed very ornate. There were differences, too. For me, I felt the reverence. My spiritual beliefs have been evolving as late, as I’ve been working on God/Source and that he is the vine and we are the branches. We are all one and yet separate. The reverence in church was humbling.

Next we watched some dancing, but the line for the Loukoumades was far too long to wait in so we headed over to the Arts and Crafts and found a Greek coffee booth. The coffee was smooth. The most impressive Arts and Crafts booth was the wood carving. It was advertised the carvings were from olive tree wood from the holy land. I was very impressed with the intricate carvings.

Overall, it was a fun day and nice to get out. A bit overcast in Los Angeles, but still nice weather.

What are your favorite Greek things? Drop me a line.

My story, Arrow Through the Heart is now avail on Kindle Unlimited.

EXCERPT:

Ella paused next to her room's door. "This is it." Her voice was soft, yet had a hint of awkwardness to it.

Logan drew in a small, nervous breath and jammed his hands into his pockets, trying to appear casual. "Did you have fun today?"

"I did." She cast her eyes downward for a second, and then glanced back up at him. Her gaze smoldered. His heart skipped a beat.

"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked.

"I'd like that." She pulled out her cell phone and typed in his number. Logan did the same.

"On the Fourth, would you like to spend the day with me?" he asked.

"I—" Ella placed her hand on the door and it swung open. She glanced at him, surprise on her face.
"Was your door latched?" Logan asked.

"I thought it was."

"Let me." A sudden urge to protect her swelled in him and he stepped in front of her, entering the room. The sheets on the bed were crumpled, bureau drawers were spread across the floor, and her clothes were tossed about. A rope had been tied to her tennis racket and it hung from the ceiling fan with a note attached to it.


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