Miracles exist!
SOME SPACE IN my ruin has already been cleared…some weeds removed.
There are two window openings with thick walls. I take shelter from the rain in one of them. Everything was soaking wet, except my little window nook. I sat there, happily daydreaming, while the rain drummed down on the stones and earth.
Now and then a crash of thunder. How cozy!
And after rain, the sun always returns. Thank goodness!
We live just ten minutes from Phaistos. We’d been planning to go there all week. And all of a sudden we were there, It’s an archaeological site showcasing a highlight of Minoan civilization—an ancient Minoan palace. Unlike Knossos, here the ruins have been preserved as they were found. You can see foundations, walls, staircases, and open courtyards. A stunning place, with a magnificent view over the Messara Plain, and to the north, the mountain range with Mount Ida towering at 2,456 meters.
With the dramatic setting, you can almost feel and hear the footsteps and songs of men and women worshipping their gods and goddesses (1900–1450 BC).
Mmmmmmm…!
It’s amazing to walk in our present time across these ancient flagstones. I feel so small, but also deeply moved by the beauty. The importance of beauty. It’s reflected in the structure and the materials, how they used and transformed them with care. For this ancient culture, it must have been second nature.
And then I recognized the stonework of the walls. They are just like in my little ruin!
That gives my place a whole new meaning. Realizing that this same structure has endured since so many centuries before Christ makes me even more grateful to be able to connect with such an ancient culture.
Across from us is a taverna, run by the very kind Helen and Christos. I spoke with Helen. She gave me little jars with lids so I could make orange marmalade, and also a tip for how to make limoncello (my other burning wish): just use raki. Raki is, of course, available everywhere on this island—by the liter!
There’s a lemon tree right in our garden. Orange trees grow wild along the roadside. All I have to do is stretch out my arm and pick the fruit. What a gift!
A few days later, I found a box of empty jars at my doorstep—this time from Christos. He’d heard from his wife that I could really use them. I thanked him and gave him a jar (a premiere!) of my homemade orange marmalade.
During our chat, I told him about the ruin, and how it had completely stolen my heart. He told me it had been on the market for a long time, but the three families who own it haven’t been able to agree on a sale price.
He looked me straight in the eyes and said:
“You’re dreaming. And you never know. Keep dreaming. Don’t push. Who knows what might happen. I know the owners… you never know.”
I walked home, deeply content and in awe.
You never know…
Miracles exist.