Google Doodle + Have an Inspiring Weekend!

"Ulysses's Gaze" by Greek movie director Theo Angelopoulos.

"Voyage to Cythera" by Theo Angelopoulos. I really like this scene. It's breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful. Isn't it?

Google doodle (on Google's homepage) just inspired me today. Today, Google is honouring the 77th Anniversary of birth of Theo Angelopoulos- who was one of the greatest Greek filmmakers (the greatest Greek filmmaker in my opinion)- with a beautiful "Doodle" with blue, Greek epsilon (ε) at the end of the word Google, and a figure of a film director behind a movie camera. 

Those of you that have been following my blog for a long time know that I am a huge movie fan. I do love cinema and its magic, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to write this post today.

Theo Angelopoulos was an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter and producer, with tremendous vision and great story telling ability. His movies look more like a visual poetry.
(He passed away on January 24, in Athens' port, Piraeus, while shooting his last film, The Other Sea. It was not from illness; he was struck crossing a street in Piraeus by a motorcycle.)

Theo Angelopoulos has been likened to a kind of orchestral conductor more than a conventional movie director. "I'd describe myself as a translator," he says. "A translator of a sound, a feeling and a time that comes from far away. When it comes to me, I have no choice but to absorb it."
How inspiring this is!

Here's the official trailer of Theo Angelopoulos movie "To Vlemma Tou Odyssea" aka Ulysses's Gaze.



What's your inspiration lately?

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! xx

Flowers For Leontien

For our dear friend Leontien.

(((HUGS)))

Love,
Betty xx

Link to Flowers For Leontien to join in.

Five Likes Tuesday: Things I've Learned in Life

An orange velvet sunset glistens upon the mountains...

Things to ponder over first cup of coffee of the day. Here are some of the things I have learned in life. Or perhaps it would be better to say, things that I am learning...
Some are quotes I have collected from others, some are personal thoughts I have had myself. Nonetheless, I'd love to share them with you today in the hopes they will also help you.

I've learned that...
When a door closes, another one opens, but often we stand there so long looking at the closed door, that we do not see that one that's open.

I've learned that...
The really lucky people do not necessarily have the best of everything. They are the ones who make the most of whatever life throws at them.

I've learned that...
I should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time I see them.

I've learned that...
The most splendid future will always depend upon the necessity to release the past. You cannot move forward in life unless you learn from your past mistakes and move on.

I've learned to appreciate good people like You. You people have made an impact on me in some way or another.
You made me smile when I really needed it. You have inspired me in so many (different) ways. 

I hope this post may brighten up someone's life for a day! xx 

Colours of Spring + Have a Lovely Weekend

What are your plans for the weekend? My colleagues and I are heading off on a little road trip today and won't be back until Sunday. I thought I'd pop in and share these spring beauties with you.

My apologies...any replies may take a while, but I will get back to you eventually.

I'll see you all back here soon. xx

P.S Click on the photos to enlarge, but remember to go back to Cut and Dry to leave a comment! ;)

Have a wonderful weekend! xx

What Are Your Simple Joys in Life?

Life is filled with simple joys, the little satisfying effects you never really anticipate, but always take great pleasure in. There are, and always will be, simple pleasures and feel-good moments that still naturally calm the mind and lift the spirits.
I have at least a couple handfuls of simple pleasures. But one sticks out to me the most, bicycle riding in in the countryside. I love taking to the rural roads and hillsides on my bike. Countryside cycling is tranquil and wonderful; beautiful views spread out before you, and fresh, crispy country air fills your lungs.
It's nice to look at nature and get a break from technology.   

I'm pretty fond of sheep for some reason.

I am learning to appreciate all the simple things around us and make every moment meaningful.

What are your simple pleasures in life? I'd love to hear. xx

What Else? + Have a Lovely Spring Weekend

What are you up to this weekend? I'll be enjoying some beautiful spring weather, and will definitely making this light and fluffy unbaked cheesecake with cream, cream cheese, and cherry pie filling.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend (and I wish everyone that celebrates a very Happy Easter!)

In the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, Easter eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the Cross.

P.S. Life has been keeping me pretty busy. I haven't been able to do as much visiting as I'd like to! I may be a bit slow with my visits...my apologies. xx

Ghost-Like Flowers + Have a Rosy Weekend!

I'd like to share with you what made me happy today:

*Walking up, realizing it's the weekend, and curling up for another thirty minutes of sleep.

*Sitting by the window and savouring my favourite flavour of coffee.

*The joy of watching a baby smile.

*Finding music that speaks to my soul.

Speaking of which, here's a beautiful and inspirational song. "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life."
I hope you like it as much as I did.

Faded Rose.

What made you happy today?

Have an "everything is looking rosy" kind of weekend!

Beautiful Ranunculus. (Buttercups.)

I leave you with this one. Thanks to Marijke, bottom flower is (Buttercup) Ranunculus . (Mystery solved!)
I am pretty darn smitten with Ranunculus Asiaticus right now.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy Easter and Passover! xx

Five Likes Tuesday

So when I need a quick reminder I find quotations helpful.
My grandmother always used to tell me this: "If you have a lemon day keep sweet, and don't let the lemons get to you... maybe the next will be a glowing day!"

Tesco Snack Melton Mowbray mini Pork Pies. 

They are chewy, luscious, and dangerously delicious. Once you've tasted these pies, nothing else will suffice! 

A pork pie is a traditional British meat pie; it consists of chopped pork and pork jelly sealed in a hot water crust pastry.

It is normally eaten cold as a snack and it tastes really, really good! I could so fancy one now!

't Minnewater Tea-Room/Creperie in Bruges, Belgium. All I can say is that I seriously had one of the most delicious Blueberry waffles with Blueberry syrup there.

{At this point, just wanted to say that I like the way Americans mix sweet with savoury, so it is entirely normal to see chocolate pancakes with maple syrup served with bacon.
I just love American breakfasts!} 

Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese. This is so good; very flavourful and so delicious.

Not sure what this delicate flower is, but I sure love it!
Does anyone know?

What are your five favourite things from this past week? I'd love to hear. xx