Thursday 25 December 2014

FAREWELL CHRISTMAS EVE





FAREWELL CHRISTMAS EVE


Sleepy eyes, and yawning now
My Christmas work is done..
Time to rest and dream awhile
To prepare for all the fun.
No children here to greet the dawn
Nor to scream with sheer delight
For they have stepped to adulthood
Just the two of us tonight…


A quieter time it is for sure
But that won't last for long
We'll gather all the Christmas gifts
And go to join the throng
Of family waiting to welcome us
With smiles and hugs and lovely wishes
Great thing about getting older
You get the fun, but not the dishes!

© Crissouli Dec 24 2014



Tuesday 23 December 2014

A CHRISTMAS GIFT







A Christmas Gift

Just a little scrap of paper that blew upon the wind 
But it held the dates of Granpa's life
And simply can't be binned.
And there, upon the southern wall, my Granma's looking down
Maybe she's read the notes behind
And that's why she wears a frown!




There are many dusty photographs, a lot that are unnamed
Some have faded quite a bit, 
And some are nicely framed.
There are boxes there of letters, all dated and nicely tied
With ribbon that looks inviting
And with lots of facts inside.

Oh, and on the shelf just to the side, the family bible rests
It has names of many generations
And even some bequests.
Notebooks belonging to my Pa, in which he's written every day
Chronicle his many moves 
And what his family had to say.

Of course, this is all a fantasy, a dream, a fervent wish
It's what I'd like for Christmas
I wish, I truly wish!!!

© Crissouli 2007




Sunday 21 December 2014

A LONELY CHRISTMAS




original (c) The Guardian




A LONELY CHRISTMAS

Two little faces pressed against the window pane
Eyes so wide, hopes so high, for all that they could see
Their weary mother, misty eyed, quietly sighed, again.

She hugged the children gently and bade them hold her hand
They slowly walked beside her, lost in a world of dreams
No words at all were spoken, they were too young to understand.

Their Daddy wasn't coming home, he was too far away
But a mother's love and hope would give her strength
To make them smile on this lonely Christmas Day.

Warm baths and lots of cuddles, then the children were in bed
She carefully wrapped two little gifts and wiped away a tear
At least they were together and she knew they would be fed.

Little rest for her that evening and soon the day did dawn
The children came to hug her, rubbing weary eyes
Then yelled with great excitement as they looked out at the lawn.

A bright and shiny cubby house was there for all to see
There was laughter as they ran out outside, their mother was amazed
In the middle of the garden was a sign "From you and me".

It was then that they all saw him, their Daddy had come back
He'd somehow found a job again and saved so very hard
And a mate with ute had helped him bring the cubby down the track.

The family was complete again, for he was home to stay
The little tree did look so different, the stars were shiny bright
The house was full of hope once more on this special Christmas Day.

(c) Crissouli Dec 2014

Monday 8 December 2014

MISTS OF COUNTY CLARE





Image Credit: Unknown




MISTS OF COUNTY CLARE


How can you miss what you have yet to know...
How can you long for the fields of green
or the mists that spray upon the Cliffs of Moher..
Do you long for the majesty of the River Shannon
that wends it's way to the might
and sometimes fury, of the North Atlantic?

Not even the years of famine that wrenched at the very heart of Clare
could break the bonds that tie the people to the land.
So many left in wooden ships to build a life anew
knowing not what lay ahead
but longing for all they left behind.

From these broken hearts, came determination..
and courage and persistence.
The Irish spirit survived, as did the very essence of Clare
and back they came - to the land of their forefathers
to revitalise and build again.

The heart of Clare remains within the heart of all who long for her
those who returned, those who visit to walk the paths of their ancestors
those who cry out to know from whence they came.
As the mists of Clare roll over the Burren
so do the heart connections waft through the mists of time.

© Crissouli 2013

Saturday 29 November 2014

FOREVER FRIENDS

(c) unspecified

FOREVER FRIENDS

 When you and I are old and grey
There'll still be times for us to play
times to chat and times to sit
times to laugh, or cry a bit...
Still we'll be forever friends
for love and caring never ends...


(c) Crissouli 29 November, 2014

Thursday 20 November 2014

I CANNOT SAY GOODBYE








I CANNOT SAY GOODBYE


(c) M. Catsoulis 1981



So many memories over so many years
yet there will never be enough
for you are my very being, my heart and soul
for it was your love that created me. 
You gave me life and love and purpose
you taught me about caring
about love of family and friends.
You believed in me and taught me to believe in myself
When I was hesitant, you encouraged me
When I was scared, you protected me
When I was sad, you comforted me.
I have that comfort always, within my heart
and in my very soul, for I will always love you.
I can say we will meet again
but I cannot say goodbye.



(c) Crissouli Nov. 20, 2014








Tuesday 11 November 2014

WHERE'S MY DADDY?



WHERE'S MY DADDY?


Each night, she waits and watches
as the stars do light the sky
she cannot help but wonder
if he'll be home, 'bye and 'bye..
'tis morn and chores take over
as she dresses her small child
"Where's my Daddy, where's my Daddy?"
her daughter once again, had cried.

"Today we'll lay some flowers
right here by our front door
so that when your Daddy sees them
he'll know he's home once more."
They gathered all the daisies
and a bright red poppy too
and as they laid them on the step,
they heard a soft 'yoohoo'...

The child was so excited
as she ran to grab the mail.
She didn't see her mother's face
as she stumbled and turned pale.
For she'd never seen a telegram
and was completely unaware
that the news within was shattering
more than anyone should bear.

They found them in the morning
still sitting near the door
half covered in the daisies
as they wait for ever more.

 (c) Crissouli November 10, 2014




 In memory of all the daddies and mummies 
who never made it home. 

May they Rest in Eternal Peace.

Sunday 26 October 2014

MEMORIES OF MY DAD



(c) Crissouli September 12, 2014



MEMORIES OF MY DAD

Years ago, when I was small, 
how I longed to hear it all
All the tales of long ago...well, 
10 or 15 years or so....
For those times, then, I could not conceive, 
what a memory you had, hard to believe...
For, in my young world, times were far away, 
if they had happened before yesterday!

But now, with grandchildren of my own, 
both babes of mine have long since grown -
I tell them tales of long ago, 
just a mere sixty years or so.
I tell them tales of what our family did, 
way back then, when I was just a kid
Of living beside a great big lake, 
with fish and crabs that we could take....

Tales of climbing high up in a tree, 
to read, or sometimes, just to see
To watch the people of our town, 
Mrs. Mackenzie, maybe Mrs. Brown.
Under the tankstand - a land of dreams, 
with a dressup box, clothes worn to the seams...
The violets, dahlias, nasturtiums, that our Mum grew... 
piles of wood, mostly chopped by you....

When they are older, there'll be lots more to share, 
of a family always taught to care
of how friends and family are all that matter, 
how there's nothing wrong with a darn good chatter
They'll learn of all we love, both near and far; 
how, in a loving family, there's no shining star.
Rather, they'll have learnt, from their Great Grandad, 
what a wonderful life there is to be had...

For you've set an example, we're proud to follow; 
a promise made will never be hollow...
They'll learn about honesty, about being kind; 
they'll always help others, and never mind.
For this is what you have taught all of us, 
just get on with life, no need to fuss...
Work hard to make your dreams come true...
for if it is to be, it is up to you.

Dad, my pride in you is there for all to see, 
we had a special relationship, you and me
I remember trying, as hard as I might, 
to match your long strides, and keep you in sight.
I remember your hugs, warm and strong… 
safe in your arms, nothing could go wrong.
But what matters most is you did always care
and that for all of us, you were always there.

 With much love and gratitude,

 Chris 

©crissouli October 2014





Saturday 25 October 2014

THE BLUE CANDLE for DAD






The Blue Candle

Just a simple candle to remember
The times we used to have
Though we cannot touch your arm
We still can touch your heart
As you still touch ours.


Vince (Vincent) Catsoulis



Vince (Vincent) Catsoulis was born in Aberdeen, NSW on 12 Sep 1923. He was the 10th child of Theodore Haralambos Catsoulis and Chrisanthe Coroneo, both Kytherians from Potamos. Theo came to Australia on 21 November, 1904, followed by Chrisanthe,  a few years later. It must have been very hard for them to be separated as they had married in Potamos in April of 1904. 

With his parents and siblings, Harry,  Mary , Con , Nita , George , David , Peter , and Sim they moved from Aberdeen to Urunga, in 1927. One brother, Menedimos, born between Peter and Sim, had passed way in 1921, aged just 13 months.

 (There is so much more to his story, which I will write at a later date and post the link here.)

Vince married a young lady by the name of Margaret Swadling, known to all as Peg, in 1947, at St. Thomas's Anglican Church at Port Macquarie. They were the proud parents of three children, grandparents of five and great grandparents of two.


Vince had a life well lived, known, respected and loved, for his generosity and kindness, his willingness to help all and sundry, and his great love of family and friends. His door was always open and the teapot was always at the ready…

Vince passed away on Saturday, 18th October, 2014 at Regis Anchorage Aged Care Home at Salisbury, Brisbane, Queensland, surrounded by his loving family. His funeral service was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, Edmonstone Street, South Brisbane on Wednesday 22nd October, 2014. He rests with his beloved wife, Peg, at Mt. Gravatt Lawn Cemetery, Mains Rd, Mt. Gravatt.

Though sadly missed, he will always be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father and a darn good man.

( You can read the Blue Candle for Peg... at 





Sunday 12 October 2014

LOVELY BLOG AWARD 2014


LOVELY BLOG AWARD  


As a blogger and writer, I often wonder whether anyone will actually read my posts other than to skim through. It is always appreciated whenever someone leaves a comment, so you can imagine how delighted I was to be among the list of bloggers nominated for a Lovely Blog Award from a blogger whose work I truly admire ... Pauleen ( Cassmob) from Family History Across the Seas





You can read Pauleen's list of nominated blogs here

While I am familiar with a number of the nominated blogs, I look forward to familiarising myself with the rest.  Thank you, Pauleen, for including me and this particular blog, in your list. 




The suggestions for passing on the award, if you wish to do so, are as follows... 


  • Thank the person who nominated you and link back to that blog.
  • Share seven things about yourself – see below.
  • Nominate 15 bloggers you admire –or as many as you can think of!.
  • Contact your bloggers to let them know you’ve tagged them for the One Lovely Blog Award...



It’s not the easiest thing to do to write seven things about yourself and what I love… but, here goes…in my own way…seven lines.



SEVEN LINES OF ME

 A love of books is in my blood, for writing and words form my soul..

to reach out to people, and share in their dreams, I’ve made my lifetime goal…

I love the raindrops on my face and the clear blue skies of spring…

and rainbows with promises of elusive dreams and children who laugh and sing.

I’ve a passion for fabrics and needles and thread... and flowers that dance in the breeze.

I’m also intrigued by those who have passed, just wish I could find them with ease!

So here’s my offer to you, a glimpse of my life, it’s simply a minuscule tease…

                                                © Crissouli October 12, 2014




Many of the bloggers I admire have already been nominated, so while you may know some on my list, I hope to also be able to introduce you to some new blogs and bloggers... I would like to have nominated many more, but you can see others on Blogs I Like...

Thank you to all who put so much effort into their work... and bring such pleasure, as well as educating us.. you all deserve the One Lovely Blog Award...




AncestorChasing      Kerryn

A Rebel Hand          Frances

As I Roved Out        MairĂ©ad

Becoming Prue        Prue


Clare County Library Blog   Clare County Library 

garden delights        Arija


Heritage Scrapbook  Michelle



martinebrennan.com     Martine

Pastlinks   Katrina