Even though I wrote in my last post that I was having a more relaxing summer.. August has ended up being surprisingly busy for me! I say this because – like all the other businesses in Almyrida this summer – customers have been few and far between. August has always been my busiest month for sales and I am pleased to say that this year was no exception! In the current circumstances, I count myself extremely fortunate to have sold 54 Artworks in August, including a couple of sales on my Etsy shop – https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeashellBeautyinArt
A popular choice this summer – my Seashell Mosaic Collage of a Bougainvillea and Large Greek Urn – 20x30cms
More sales have meant more work at home though, creating more of the designs that I have run out of. My new beach design of the quote, ‘Always believe…’ – which is written in real sand – has flown off my display board every time I’ve made a new one!
Popular new design for this Summer – Inspirational quote written in real sand – 20x30cms
Then my Sister Karen and Niece Sophie booked a late flight to Chania and came to stay with me for a week on the 20th August. This was a lovely surprise because for the four days I wasn’t selling, I felt like I was on holiday too! We spent those days together, doing all the things you love doing on holiday, such as lunches at the beachside tavernas and cocktails on the Almyrida Residence Roof Garden. We ate Sushi at Unami – the new Asian Fusion restaurant that’s just opened in Almyrida. The food there was divine and so reasonably priced. I love that there is now such a variety of restaurants to choose from in Almyrida. On my selling days, we just ate straight from the beach, instead of going home to shower and change first.
With Karen & Sophie, enjoying early evening cocktails on the Almyrida Residence Roof Terrace
We also went on Yorgos’ Adventure Boat Trip again. I say ‘again’ because Karen has been on this trip before and I have done it many times over the years, with other family and friends. Sophie, however had yet to experience it and this is why we decided to go. It’s always such good fun! However, for me there were disappointments. Firstly I couldn’t show Sophie the cave where the Greek guy lived for many years before he met and fell in love with an English woman! Yorgos was not happy about us climbing up there when goats were constantly dislodging the rocks on the cliff sides. Fair play to him – our safety comes first. I am just glad that I was able to explore this cave at least a couple of times in previous years. But secondly, the sea was so choppy and every time Yorgos’ large speedboat hit the waves it was like landing on concrete! My stomach felt so queezy for most of the trip and I couldn’t wait to get off the boat when we all went snorkelling on the way back, which I think was the best part of the trip for me. Amazingly, Karen and Sophie had no such problem!
Relaxing with a glass of wine on my wonderful balcony as the sun sets, before we walk into Plaka square for the music festival.
There was a charity music festival in Plaka Square too, so we booked a table at Vangeli’s and had a right laugh that night! The week flew by so quickly, as holidays always do, but I was pleased that Karen and Sophie enjoyed a restful visit at mine and that I also managed to get 4 totally relaxing days in August, that I otherwise wouldn’t have taken. We were so relaxed that we barely took any photos either, which I regret now because I don’t have many to post up on here. I took Karen and Sophie back to Chania airport, came straight back home and started to work on my Seashell Mosaic Collages again – I still have much to do!
At the Gavalochori Music Festival
Talking of charity music festivals, On Saturday night I went to a really fab one held annually in the village of Gavalochori. It was a fantastic night with some really good bands playing – Change House, Carl Axon & the Rocking Rebels and U4oria to name a few. Really the music was exceptional and proves just how much talent is evident in both established and emerging musicians in the Apokoronas area of Crete. Lisa and I were up on the packed dance floor for most of the evening and I enjoyed every minute of it! It was also really good to see some old friends I’d not seen for a while. Live music gigs are the norm and are happening all the time here during the summer months, which is a good thing as you can’t beat them for a buzzing atmosphere and a chance to dance your socks off!
Lisa & I at the Gavalochori Music Festival last week
Meanwhile… I am eagerly awaiting news of the birth of my 3rd Grandchild! Zoe is already overdue by a week! I have booked my flight back to the UK for 1st October and I will stay for 3 weeks – mostly with Zoe and Rich but I will also have a few days with Emma, Ash, Ralph & Neve. At some point we will all get together for a weekend. I am really looking forward to it and cannot wait to meet the newest addition to my growing family!