There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.

-- Martha Graham

Turkish Cooking

Today we learned how to make mercimek sorbasi (lentil soup), prepare patates salatasi (potato salad), and bake Kunta Kinte (chocolate cake). Last time we had karniyarik (stuffed eggplant), pilav (rice), revani (meal pudding).

Since I was the only man in the group of 14 people, I was given a lot of encouragement by everyone. It felt like I suddenly acquired several mothers or mothers-in-law, except for five, who appeared to be younger than I was. Anyway all of them were slouching most of the time. One white-haired woman accidentally leaned against me and apologized profusely as soon as she realized what she had done. I smiled and assured her she didn't have to worry because I don't usually get excited very easily. The older the crazier, she added quickly and everyone laughed. However, two of the younger and prettier women were making me nervous because of the way they looked and smiled at me. Nevertheless I tried to keep my composure all the time, avoided flirting with anyone of them. Instead I did my best to peel the potatos as quickly as I could.

The food tasted very good. I had two servings of the chocolate cake while some of the women, especially the four black ones, took home slices of the cake.

Midnight Express Movies

Still Life

Anything you do might cause pain and sorrow. Intended or not. If there is no intention to harm there is no need for worry and fear. But be careful anyway.

Paper Engineering

Your Money ... from fear to sufficiency