Hadel’s Corner – Poetry 2009-2014
“FROM THE HEART A Journey of Love”
by Hope and Life Press
Publication Release on
October 16, 2014 on Amazon
Background photo of the famous 6th Century Mosaic Map inside St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Madaba, Jordan where I was baptized.
Below images are of front and back cover of book.
SAMPLE POEMS …
UNCHANGING WIND
The wind hurls among the Olive trees
Unchanging its path through the brittle leaves
Murky waters unsettled by the sands
And red lobsters do their usual dance
The lonely wind makes a wave
As it passes the hallowed cave
Untouched by time and
No sound or chime
The reddish sun hides in the distance
Like the unchanging wind without resistance.
AM JUST TIRED
Am tired of everything around me
Am tired of everyone beside me
Am truly tired.
Am tired of living in this world of hate
Am tired of giving too much into fate
Am frankly tired.
Am tired of dropping my face
Am tired of hiding my race
Am honestly tired.
Am tired of the world’s double standard
Am tired of children being battered
Am simply tired.
Am tired of dogma used as a weapon
Am tired of God’s holy name used in vain
Am just tired.
Written and By Hadel S. Ma’ayeh
©Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved
Please note for my followers and friends; I had to remove all my previous poems due to the contract with my publisher. I am allowed to publish two of them (as shown above) that were already posted on two blogger’s sites. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Rupert Grech, Author, Writer and Musician
On a individual note, as a child I have listened to stories by my parents about family and life growing up in Jordan or in the Middle East in general especially during wartime.
Discovering another individual who is inspired by his surroundings and family stories is a rare find and to use a cliché, a kindred spirit. Rupert Grech is the sole owner of a box of treasures, but in this case, treasured memories.
Rupert Grech is a gracious author who generously shares his amazing narratives that are both comical and witty. He earnestly takes his readers into his personal life and everyday circumstances, and to use another cliché, life is funnier than fiction.
Rupert is a Maltese-Australian writer who earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Diploma in Education from the University of Sydney. Rupert’s careers have spanned several vocations from acclaimed school principal to landowner & farmer, café owner, Radio announcer and performed as lead vocalist & played the guitar or bass in various bands.
Rupert desired to learn more about his Maltese heritage so after years of employment in Australia as a teacher, he visited Malta for the first time. Later, settling both in Valletta, Malta and Blue Mountains, NSW (New South Whales) while trading equities on the Australian Stock Exchange, and developing property. In the meantime, he continues to write.
Rupert is a modest writer who relishes the chance to share poignant everyday occurrences in both worlds of Australia and Malta that are a side-splitting roller coaster ride for his readers who willingly participate along with Rupert in his antics and jests; a life “to do about nothing” can be a funny life after all.
I am delighted and grateful to have acclaimed author, Rupert Grech, to be part of my Arts & Entertainment Features and to personally thank him for his valuable time.
Tell us about yourself?
Well, if I died tomorrow I would be happy to have an epithet on my tombstone that read,
“Did OK for a Little Immigrant Kid from the Inner City.”
I have been fortunate enough, but I don’t say “lucky” (well, maybe a bit lucky) to be what I would call successful financially and in my career, as well as having successful stints at a variety of other things. My education comprised of a Bachelor of Economics (Hons.) and my substantive career was in public education where I finished as a school principal, ironically, in a community that had a similar socioeconomic status as did the place where I started my schooling.
At various times I have also played semi-professional football, played and sung in pub bands, farmed beef cattle, written a weekly newspaper column, been a radio announcer on commercial radio and developed property on a small scale (I subdivided my 114-acre farm into semi-rural building blocks).
These days I live for half of each year in Valletta, Malta and the other half in the Blue Mountains, a couple of hours west of Sydney, Australia, while I trade equities and ETFs on the stock market, do the odd musical performance in bars and where I have more recently embarked on this writing adventure.
Your recent published book, “Musings and Mutterings of A Maltese Misanthrope” is full of whimsical anecdotes with humorous sketches; Can you share with us more about the book?
The new book is a collection of thirteen short stories that I wrote over one summer while staying at my home in the Blue Mountains. This is the ‘blurb:’
“A grumpy, middle-aged man moves house and during the process gets his old record player working again, after it had been inoperable for many years. While listening to cherished LP’s of his youth and polishing off an entire bottle of good red wine, certain songs and record albums retrieve dear recollections of formative events in past times and memorable people known. Meanwhile, funny and frustrating days keep occurring in his contemporary life that often expose a very Maltese set of sensibilities. These memoirs and peculiar days are related in thirteen short stories that are sometimes poignant, often funny and always engaging.”
Who or what inspires you to write?
When I’m in the mood and I make a start on something, I find writing very easy. I’m a bit of a commitment-phobic though and that’s the rub. Usually, I get an idea for a story from something that has happened and think about it for a while (read, procrastinate) before actually committing to writing. Once I’m committed, it’s easy.
I believe there is a short story in just about anything. While writing Musings and Mutterings of a Maltese Misanthrope I was challenged twice and accepted twice to write short stories about single events. One was buying a pair of socks and the other was a particularly bad meal back in my student days.
As mentioned above in the blurb, this last book was inspired by a red wine infused late night listening to old LP records – that and recognising the funny and ridiculous nature of things in everyday life. My sense of the ridiculous has necessarily become more and more developed over the years. I like to joke that, “I used to be high on life…but I’ve built up a tolerance.”
I am always inspired when I read good writers. And daunted as well.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have always gained great satisfaction in writing when it turned out well, in the past, before I even thought about attempting creative writing. But that was all about reports, submissions, polices, programs and my column in the local newspaper which was about reviewing live bands. It was not until I enjoyed writing my first book so much and the subsequent publishing adventure that I thought that I may like to become a “proper” writer.
When did you write your first book and what’s it about?
My first book Stories My Parents Told Me: Tales of Growing up in Wartime Malta is about my parents as children during World War II on the small Mediterranean island nation of Malta. The reason I started writing that was to record a story my mother had told me about when she was a young girl in Malta during the war.
I always thought it was a truly amazing story but when I told it to people, I rarely got the reaction from them that I thought the story deserved. They would look at me in a peculiar way when I would start to tear up. I suspected that I must not be doing the story justice by telling it orally, so I decided to flesh it out and write it down as a short story.
I encouraged my parents to tell me other stories about their childhood during the war in Malta and wrote them down as well. It is very satisfying these days to hear people say how they were moved to tears by my mother’s story as this was the original motivation for writing it down. Mind you, editing was murder as I got teary every time I had to review the story!
What do you think makes a good story to write about?
I think a good writer can write an engaging story about anything. There are stories full of interesting characters and events all around us every day. Even a seemingly mundane event and the seemingly uninteresting person all have an interesting story in them somewhere. I am reminded in this of the Seinfeld sitcom motto “A show about nothing.” It is more a case of detailed and sensitive observation, along with how you tell the story, I believe.
What valuable advice, for potential authors, in how to become an established author or a better writer?
Gee, I’m not so sure I am in any position to offer suggestions or advice to other writers, but I can say what works for me. I think you have to be what Australians call “Fair Dinkum.” Broadly speaking, that translates to the genre of creative writing as writing from the heart, maintaining integrity and being honest to yourself. I do not try and write like anyone else and probably could not even if I wanted to.
I don’t think I could write for a specific target market, either. I know that I hate any kind of affectation in writing when I see it – or in anything else for that matter. The other thing I must do is read and reread my stories many, many times over and try to improve them as I go along. Sometimes it gets silly though and when you start changing things back to the original, then you know you’ve had enough.
If all possible, to have an excerpt from your newly published book, “Musings and Mutterings of A Maltese Misanthrope” for your readers to enjoy?
Here is an extract from one of my stories, “Music and Nostalgia” of the thirteen short stories:
“That night in the old house was an extraordinary night of music and memories. At some stage during that night’s journey into past sensibilities, I just had to play the LP record City to City by Gerry Rafferty. Most people recognize the second track on that album: the hit song and FM radio favourite Baker Street. It has that killer sax intro by Raphael Ravenscroft that is also the lead break after the first and second verses, combined with a screaming guitar solo by Hugh Burns after the middle eight; brilliant arrangement and mix. I have always felt a strong connection with that song.
I was working as a barman at the Café Royal at Piccadilly Circus, London, with an older Spanish guy called Pepe. He told me a story about when he used to work as a waiter in a famous Chinese restaurant on Baker Street (the name of the restaurant escapes me right now). He remembered Gerry Rafferty going in for a meal every now and then. He also told me about the rather large and muscular doorman who was a habitual womanizer and heavy drinker. This doorman liked to tell everyone how he was looking forward to the day when he would stop fooling around with women, make some real money and move on. He used to tell anyone who would listen how sometime soon, he was going to buy some land, give up the booze and the one-night stands, then settle down in a quiet little town and forget about everything. I have always wondered if that doorman ever achieved his dream and if he knew that the song Baker Street was written about him. I wonder what happened to that boozy, womanising doorman. I wonder if he sits in a little cottage somewhere in the English countryside, late at night, after his loving wife and young children have gone to bed, and listens to that record while wearing a big, fat, satisfied grin on his face. Or is he a lonely, broken man who could never give up binging on alcohol or chasing after women, and who habitually travels the pubs of Britain, drunkenly bragging about how a famous song was written about him to people who do not believe his story or know the song?
I think it would be interesting for anyone to write a series of personal short stories that were linked with famous songs. For instance, I feel sure that everyone who has ever even remotely enjoyed music and has also been in love, would have a good story to tell that is associated with a specific piece of music. I bet that everyone has a song that reminds them of a special time, person or event in their lives.
Pepe also told me a funny story about when the Rolling Stones went into that same restaurant on Baker Street to celebrate a birthday. The newly arrived Yugoslav waiter, who was serving them all night, did not know who they were. The waiter became so concerned over the expensive champagne tab that those dishevelled-looking young louts were building up that he refused to bring them any more bottles of the exclusive wine. The waiter could not comprehend that people who looked so unkempt could have that much money to spend. Pepe took the waiter to the Stones’ table and explained to him who the group of young ruffians were – right in front of them and much to the amusement of Mick Jagger and the boys.”
Learn more about Rupert Grech on his personal blog Stories My Parents Told Me
Book Trailer of Musings and Mutterings of a Maltese Misanthrope
Book available on Amazon and with Hope and Life Press
Written & Edited by Hadel S. Ma’ayeh, ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Images by Rupert Grech, ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Nicky Hari, Artist & Singer
When you admire and appreciate the art world from painters to musicians and singers to ballet dancers you take in language that is universal to mankind.
I am fortunate enough to meet such a young & lovely talented artist and singer, Nicky Hari. She is an inspiration for the Asian youth who too, inspire to sing dance or paint.
Nicky is from the booming city of Mumbai, India. Since the young age, Nicky has doodled in painting, sketching, and has personally enjoyed listening to Hindi singers on screen and off.
Immersed by her surroundings, Nicky desired to shift her interests into a vocation that she truly loves and rejoices in. Encouraged by her artistic mother, Nicky set out and was determined to earn an impressive degree in animation and as a visual effects (VFX) artist. On top of, continues to attend hard-core singing lessons in old-style Hindi songs & methods as wells as voice modifications in Hindi and in Korean languages. This led her to a remarkable journey of K-pop singing competitions that has compelled Nicky Hari to become one of Asian community’s idolized Hindi singers as well as abroad.
In this feature, I am confident, readers will take the time to listen to Nicky’s harmonic voice and naturally authentic tone that elevates one’s soul to dream, hope, and pursue their passions.
I would like to give a warm introduction to Nicky Hari a pictorial artist and soulful singer.
Tell us about yourself?
Thank you so much Hadel for giving me this great honor of being featured by you!
I’m twenty-three years old and I’m from Mumbai, India, the land of Bollywood and India’s City of Dreams. I knew in my heart that I was into all types of art forms so I earned a degree in animation and visual effects that led me to work on a few Bollywood films like Shamitabh, Chinese movie, Monk Comes Down the Mountain and Hollywood projects, including an episode of Game Of Thrones ( Season 5 episode 9 the Dance of Dragons), as a visual-effects artist.
At the age of nineteen, I also participated in Korean singing competitions. I loved singing on stage and discovered then that I didn’t get stage fright so I decided to seriously give professional singing a shot.
I joined a rigorous Indian classical singing class which involved voice modulation, correct pitching, Hindi pronunciation, and proper breathing techniques that really helped me widen my singing range.
Currently, I’m a professional singer who dabbles in visual effects, digital art, traditional art and a bit of creative writing on my blog.
You are a multi-talented individual, tell us about your artistic side?
I believe that life is too short so do everything you want to do.
Art is endless, it’s beautiful and what attracts me the most about art, that it is not definitive; art is freedom to me and I love it.
There are some days when I feel like painting with watercolors and then there are some days when I want to do riyaaz (singing practice) for hours on end. Other days I feel like painting fan art via digital media on Photoshop, or I like to relax with just a pencil and a drawing book.
Music inspires my artistic side; and I try my best to continue to practice both my artistic and musical side of my art forms.
Tell us about your extraordinary singing career?
Extraordinary is a big word, but I am extremely fortunate to have some of the opportunities come my way plus I’m constantly learning and working my way up.
I participated in the first ever all Indian & Korean singing contest, commonly known as K-pop (Korean pop), in 2012, I was a first prize winner which entailed a round-trip ticket to South Korea. It was my first time abroad and I had earned this myself; I felt ecstatic. Stage singing allows the performer to get an audience response instantaneously and that’s thrilling for me.
I also participated in a K-pop singing contest, again, in 2015. I came in third, a bronze winner. I was judged by actual K-pop stars and it was an exhilarating experience.
Korean singing is a niche in India and it’s still growing little by little.
I also realized in India to be a professional singer, you must have a strong command of the Indian classical roots so in 2015, I began taking singing lessons in this art form and I hope to continue learning the rest of my life.
Who or what influences you in the world of art & music?
In the world of art, I am influenced by my mother who was an art teacher for grades 1 to 4 and presently, she tutors art for kids between the ages of 6 to 10 years old; my mother has been a constant supportive figure in my life and I owe a lot of my art skills to my mother.
In addition to, I am influenced by hundreds of artists on Instagram and deviantART page sites. I know, I should’ve said Van Gogh or Leonardo Da Vinci, but what really strikes me about individual artists showcasing their artworks are their range of artistic styles. Each artist has their own unique techniques of drawing and painting that stands out from the rest and it genuinely makes me at awe with their art pieces.
Regarding music, I have been greatly influenced by evergreen Indian singers (singers and music from old Hindi movies) such as Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. They had perfect voice modulation, throw of voice and incredible voice acting, made me fall in love with old Hindi songs of the golden era.
I am also a huge fan of English music and pop singers. So another influence as far as singing is Beyonce, who I believe is the best performer I have ever seen in my life. I wish someday I may get to experience her talent live in concert.
Any of your recent artwork on display?
The world of social media has given self-taught artists like me a platform. On my art Instagram, @nicky_artworks, I have some of my pencil sketches and watercolor paintings on display. I also have acrylic paintings plus oil paintings of Hindu Gods Ganesha and Radha Krisha as well as some fan art of Angelina Jolie and Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and others.
Where have you performed as a singer thus far?
Apart from performing in Mumbai for regional levels and Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi for the K-pop competition finale, I have done a few corporate shows singing in Korean.
Recently, I sang a Hindi song at an auditorium, a tribute to late Indian singer Kishore Kumar on his birthday. Also, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity of performing for senior citizens on the occasion of Indian Independence Day, on 15th of August 2016.
Any good advice for your readers who has ambitions in art or music career?
I am not experienced enough to give advice, I’m still learning myself. However, the best tip that I have received from my teachers that I would like to pass on to the readers, CONSISTENCY and PRACTICE are key to success.
It’s definitely not easy, sometimes you will procrastinate; if you overcome those obstacles, if you consistently work hard, make connections and keep getting better at what you are doing then you will get opportunities and succeed. It’s all up to you!
Connect with Nicky Hari online at the following links:
Listen to Nicky’s Soulful singing on Youtube:
-In Hindi with English subtitles: Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki (Unplugged)
-On stage at a 2015 K-pop competition (in Korean): Contest India – Nikita Hariname
-Evergreen Hindi Song: Zara Haule Haule Chalo Cover
Written & edited by Hadel S. Ma’ayeh, ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Photos provided by Nicky Hari ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Saying -Full Circle
Life is not a straight path, but a full circle bringing us back to each other.
Photo & written by Hadel S. Ma’ayeh, ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Saying-Empty Heart
Commit with a clear mind not an empty heart.
Photo & written by Hadel S. Ma’ayeh, ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Ivan Kovalčik Mileševac, Iconographer, Painter, and Restorer
Ivan Kovalčik Mileševac
Icons are mandatory in all Eastern Orthodox Churches and are called the windows to heaven, since the belief under the Orthodox faith; icons are a glimpse of eternity with Christ. Icon means “image” taken from the Greek word “Eikon” and Icons usually depict Christ, Virgin Mary, Angels, Saints and significant details of their lives that the upholders celebrate during Orthodox holidays.
It takes a skilled icon painter with theological knowledge as a visual guide for the faithful to behold the unseen spiritual world interpreted through the artist’s tools, and paints in pure vibrant colors. Although most painters are gifted artists especially for Iconographers who must dig deep into their heart and soul to be able to…
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Ivan Kovalčik Mileševac, Iconographer, Painter, and Restorer
Ivan Kovalčik Mileševac
Icons are mandatory in all Eastern Orthodox Churches and are called the windows to heaven, since the belief under the Orthodox faith; icons are a glimpse of eternity with Christ. Icon means “image” taken from the Greek word “Eikon” and Icons usually depict Christ, Virgin Mary, Angels, Saints and significant details of their lives that the upholders celebrate during Orthodox holidays.
It takes a skilled icon painter with theological knowledge as a visual guide for the faithful to behold the unseen spiritual world interpreted through the artist’s tools, and paints in pure vibrant colors. Although most painters are gifted artists especially for Iconographers who must dig deep into their heart and soul to be able to paint masterpieces for the faithful followers; on the other hand, Iconographers are usually in a sense, spiritual artists who have the task to awaken religious emotions in the hearts of the observers and in accordance with the strict regulations of the Orthodox church in the presence of the glory of God and His Saints.
In Serbia, they have discovered a masterful Iconographer and painter by the name of Ivan Kovalčik Mileševac, who magnificently created beautiful icons for the Serbian Orthodox Churches, Monasteries, Museums, Bishops, and people from all walks of life.
Ivan is a professional artist and master builder iconography along with, a specialist in mural paintings, Iconostasis, wood carvings, gilding and stone mosaics.
Ivan was born on March 3, 1968 in Prijepolje, Serbia and under apprenticeship of Serbian teachers, painter Milan Minic and Professor Zoran Puric; he mastered the basic skills in painting and graphics. In a short time and with great commitment, Ivan is a self-taught Iconographer and he has a detailed eye to the fine study of the Byzantine rules of painting icons and frescoes to perfection; and he has become a prime master as an Iconographer.
Ivan brilliantly painted for the Serbian Orthodox Churches (SPC) in the Dioceses of Milesevo for over 25 years, such works as The Baptism of Christ, St. Archangel Gabriel, Nativity of Christ, Holy Trinity, St. Nicholas, St. Prophet Elias, Saint George and many more icons. Also, for over 30 churches and monasteries, Ivan composed icons for the church’s walls & altars, including church murals throughout Serbia and Montenegro.
With the generous support of well-known art critics and experts of Byzantine art, among them former director of the National Museum in Belgrade Mr. Jefta Jeftovic and Dr. Ivan Djordjevic, a professor at the Faculty of Philosophy Department of Serbian medieval art; and Mr. Slobodan Mileusnic, SPC Treasury Manager, Ivan’s Icons emerged from religious circles and opened up to the wider public. Before long, the Icons painted by Ivan, are not only hung on the walls of Serbian Churches, but also on the walls of many institutions, private collectors across the country and abroad. His lovely painted icons represent the word of God and the Gospel.
More importantly, Ivan’s involvement in significant projects of the restoration and construction of several Nemanjics churches and monasteries in the Raska region of Serbia under the supervision of Mr. Veljko Vuckovic from the Republic Institute for Protection of Monuments from Kraljevo, Serbia. Ivan has masterfully manufactured hand-painted frames and icons for Davidovica Monastery dating from the 13th century, and Kumanice Monastery dating from the 14th century, which graces the walls and altars until this day.
On top of, Ivan is skilled in wood carving and he has appended artistry of hand-made carved chandelier with 24 icons with the images of Serbian Saints for Davidovica monastery in 2000 and similarly, in 2016 for the Kumanica monastery. Likewise, Ivan produced a uniquely decorated coffin for St. Gregory of Kumanica as a gift to the Kumanica Monastery.
The most precious gem of all of Ivan’s frescoes and icons is a richly carved and skillfully painted Crucifixion in the Mileseva Monastery dating from the 13th century that still adorns the altar wall; a similar crucifix, but slightly larger, hangs in St. Nicholas of Zhicha located in Kolovrat, Prijepolje, Serbia.
Another exceptional and distinctive creation by Ivan is the hand-painted icons for the royal doors in the Church of the Nativity in Zlatar near Nova Varos, Serbia. A mosaic of Saint John the Forerunner of the same name as the church from the 9th century in Zaton near Bijelo Polje, Montenegro; and frescoes in the chapel of St. John the Baptist in the Kumanica Monastery. In addition to, Ivan has reproduced a number of times, well-known White Angel of Mileseva, of equal quality as the original fresco from the 13th century.
Since 2006, Ivan lives and continues to paint lovely Icons and frescoes in Novi Sad as well as working on the restoration and conservation of the frescoes in the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin from the 18th century, in Sremska Kamenica, Serbia along with colleagues, painters & restorers, Mr. Djuro Radisic and Mr. Mario Vuknic under the supervision of the Institute for the Protection of Monuments of Vojvodina.
Ivan’s Icons have opened the windows to heaven for the Orthodox followers. With such grand and angelic Icons such as these painted by Ivan, it is an extraordinary task that uplifts one’s spirit and heart. And so, I am grateful for Ivan’s exceptional gifts and graces in my lifetime & the great opportunity to view his artworks of Orthodox Christian Icons.
Moreover, Ivan has graciously permitted me to share his story and exquisite icons in my Arts & Entertainment features. Due to his busy schedule and demand as an Iconographer, this feature is not an interview.
List of Ivan’s major works by year:
1998. – The iconostasis for monastery of the Baptism of the Christ – Davidovica XIII century, in Grobnice at Brodarevo. (Nemanjic’s endowment)
1998. – Obeisance icon of the Baptism of the Christ – the Epiphany, the Davidovica monastery.
1998. – The Crucifixion of Christ on the altar rail Milesevo monastery, XIII century, in Milesevo near Prijepolje. (Nemanjic’s endowment)
1999. – Three icons (Deisis) – Icon of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin and St. Arch. Gabriel, 3m x 1m Kumanica monastery. (Nemanjic’s endowment)
2000. – Depicted chapel, dedicated to St. Filaret Merciful, into the Bishop’s Palace at the Diocese Milesevo in Prijepolje.
2001. -Obeisance icon of St. Basil of Ostrog and obeisance Crucifixion of the Christ for the cathedral in Prijepolje.
2002. – The iconostasis for the monastery St. Archangel Gabriel – Kumanica, XIV century, in Vrbnica near Bijelo Polje – Montenegro. (Nemanjic’s endowment)
2002. -Obeisance icon and carved coffin for St. Gregory of Kumanica in the Kumanica monastery.
2002. – Painted and handmade carved chandelier, with 24 icons of Serbian Saints, 30cm x 20cm, in the monastery Kumanica.
2004. – The iconostasis for the Church of The Nativity of Christ in Zlatar – Panorama near Nova Varos.
2005. – The iconostasis for the monastery of Holy Trinity – Dubnica, XIV century, in Bozetici village near Nova Varos. (Nemanjic’s endowment)
2005. – Procession icon of St .Basil of Ostrog, 2m x 1m, for the cathedral in Prijepolje.
2008. – The iconostasis for the church of the Presentation of the Christ in Rance Polje near Pljevlja, Montenegro
2008. – The iconostasis for the church of St. Archbishop Sava in Sopotnica – Jadovnik.
2009. – The iconostasis for the church of St. Nicholas of Zhicha in Kolovrat near Prijepolje.
2010. – The iconostasis for the church of St. Prophet Elias in Jabuka near Pljevalja, Montenegro.
2010. – Icon of St. Prophet Elias, 2.4m x 1.2m, above the entrance to the church of the same name at Jabuka.
2011. – The iconostasis for the church of Saint George in Guke near Pljevalja, Montenegro.
2011. – Icon White Angel, 1.2m x 0.8m, for His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej.
2011. – Icon White Angel, 60 x 50 cm, for the Prime Minister of Russia Mr. Vladimir Putin.
2012. – The iconostasis for Monastery of St. Joachim and Anne – Janja in Rutosi – Kokin Brod near Nova Varos. (Nemanjic’s endowment)
2012. – Four icons of the Old Testament Prophets, to existing iconostasis in the Church of St. Nicholas of Zhicha in Kolovrat near Prijepolje.
2012. – The icon of Saint George, 115 x 65 cm, for the Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic.
2013. – Icon White Angel, 60 x 50 cm, for actress Monica Bellucci, which was presented by the Prime Minister of Serbia Ivica Dacic, at the Film Festival “Kustendorf” of Serbian film director Emir Kusturica.
2013. -Chandelier with 12 icons of the Holy Virgin, 30cm x 20cm, in the monastery of St. Joachim and Anne – Janja Monastery, in the village Rutosi near Nova Varos.
2013. – The iconostasis for Monastery of Holy Trinity, located between Prijepolje and Nova Varos in Gornja Bistrica.
2014. -Three frescoes in the dining hall of the Kumanica monastery – Holy Mother of God of Jerusalem, The Last Supper and Our Savior Jesus Christ, 1.20 x 1 m.
2015. – Three frescoes in the hall of the spiritual center of the Kumanica monastery. Frescoes: The Lord Great Archbishop and the adoration of Saints – Deisis, 1.35 x 1 m.
2015 – The frescoes in the summer chapel of the monastery Kumanica, dedicated to the St. John the Baptist. Composition: Adoration of the Holy Bishops to The Lamb, 2.5 x 7 m.
2016 – The mosaic of stone and glass, of St. John the Baptist, above the entrance to the church of Sv. John the Baptist (IX century) in Bijelo Polje (Zaton) – The Republic of Montenegro, 45 x 90 cm.
2016. – Polyeleos (Horos) in Davidovica Monastery (XIII century), the Republic of Serbia. Hand-carved wood with 24 icons 34 x 20 cm. Acrylic on canvas lay on panel, 27 x 40 x 76 cm, with a diameter of 3 meters. (Nemanjic’s endowment).
To learn more about Ivan:
Written by Hadel S. Ma’ayeh ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Images and Bio written & provided by Ivan Kovalčik Mileševac ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
DEAD SEA (Tanka Haiku)
Wave of salt water
Smear face with saline fine mud
Hastily body afloat
A Mesmerizing blue marble sky
Hand in hand stroll gritty wet beach
Written by Hadel S. Ma’ayeh ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Images by Jordan Tourism Board ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Tommy Geraci, Social TV Correspondent
I enjoyed interviewing Tommy Geraci for my Arts and Entertainment Features … fascinating and entertaining … check it out!
Tommy Geraci at the Premiere of TV Land’s Sitcom Kirstie
Tommy Geraci, is a Social TV correspondent who carries out his assignments with finesse. In all sincerity, he is a down to earth gentleman. On top of, a person with a cause and a symbolic voice as an advocate against bullying, compassion for animals or helping the needy.
On the other hand, when looking at his distinguished smile as he poses for the camera, unless you read his personal blogs and interviews, you might simply think another “Entertainment Journalist.” However, that is not the case with Tommy, since he is admired by his peers, fans and celebrities for his gracious attitude and genuineness.
From Brooklyn, New York, Tommy grew up daydreaming about hosting red carpet moments like the Emmys, Oscars and Grammys; for Tommy, his imaginary mic was his muse and his inventiveness was the audience.
Tommy has wonderfully integrated…
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Tommy Geraci, Social TV Correspondent
Tommy Geraci, is a Social TV correspondent who carries out his assignments with finesse. In all sincerity, he is a down to earth gentleman. On top of, a person with a cause and a symbolic voice as an advocate against bullying, compassion for animals or helping the needy.
On the other hand, when looking at his distinguished smile as he poses for the camera, unless you read his personal blogs and interviews, you might simply think another “Entertainment Journalist.” However, that is not the case with Tommy, since he is admired by his peers, fans and celebrities for his gracious attitude and genuineness.
From Brooklyn, New York, Tommy grew up daydreaming about hosting red carpet moments like the Emmys, Oscars and Grammys; for Tommy, his imaginary mic was his muse and his inventiveness was the audience.
Tommy has wonderfully integrated social media with entertainment news, and red carpet events. In other words, the arts meet social media world and through Tommy, he has added an enticing flare for his viewing audience.
Tommy is also a contributor for an impressive array of programs and channels, such as Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, TV Land Channel and Freeform TV Channel (previously ABC Family Channel). Seeing that Tommy is a big fan of films and television shows most of his adult life, he enriches and respects talented individuals and the creative process that is involved in the making of motion pictures and films. In return, this is a reflection in the way he proficiently hosts celebrity interviews and the coverage of Hollywood events.
For me personally, I am grateful for Tommy’s positive demeanor with his approach on life and unequivocal daily words and advice he generously shares. Furthermore, I am especially thankful for Tommy, as he was one of my Editorial reviewers of my first published book of poems that meant the world to me.
Without further ado, I am privileged to have the amazing opportunity of presenting Tommy Geraci on my Arts & Entertainment Features:
Tell us about yourself?
This is always hard for me, I’m used to asking the questions but I’ve been forcing myself to get used to it more. I was always painfully shy, especially as a child. I mean, I was very outgoing around family and friends but in big crowds, even in school, I was quiet and reserved.
I really didn’t become outgoing until I discovered social media and was introduced to this whole world of events, friends, and gatherings. I have to say, sometimes the old me does try to come through to say he’d rather die than be so public but thank goodness he doesn’t win often.
I do still value my down time and can be totally happy staying home on a weekend watching reruns of the Golden Girls, Will and Grace, and catching up on TV while I clean, write, and read. I also value my time with family and friends. They keep me going, grounded, and help give me courage. Plus, I need to laugh about silly things as often as possible!
I think my involvement with NOH8 really started my journey of being more outgoing. I felt like it gave me my voice, made it OK to be ME, and even gave me a sense of responsibility to show others they can do it too.
How did you get started as an entertainment journalist?
I’ve always said, I was the kid who was pretending to co-host Entertainment Tonight instead of playing cops and robbers. I have always had a great fascination and appreciation for TV, Music, Movies, Actors, and anyone in the entertainment industry. I don’t really “fan” over people but I do value their talent and contributions.
I wouldn’t really call myself an entertainment journalist, more of a blogger who specializes in entertainment. It was a natural progression from my involvement on Twitter. My favorite thing to do in the beginning was to interact with my favorite actors, musicians, and entertainers. I had toyed with the idea of doing a blog dedicated to entertainment and social good and then, as often happens, a good friend suggested I let him help me set up an official blog. A spark always becomes a fire when someone else believes in you.
From the blog and through social media, I met so many amazing people and was invited to participate in the most awesome events like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, etc with Vanity Fair. I also developed a relationship with TV Land that I cherish. They refer to me as the ultimate Super Fan but truly, they have some quality shows that I have been privileged to see live when I’m in LA.
I have been very lucky that the progression has been so positive!
What is it like to be a red carpet reporter?
It is so much fun, so thrilling, and also very fast paced and usually HOT. Being a social media correspondent allows me to share with my community and give them a peek at what is going on through photos and videos. When I can interview an actor on the red carpet, even for a few seconds, it is surreal. I feel like I’m living out my childhood fantasy.
I am also a celebrity handler for conventions as one of my gigs so it is always so much fun to run into one of the actors I have worked with for a weekend when I’m on the carpet. It’s like seeing an old friend.
What is your most memorable moment as an entertainment journalist?
Wow, there really are so many moments and I know that sounds cheesy but it’s very true. I have met so many people that I admire and have had so many conversations in private with them. I think the private moments are the highlights and most memorable for me. The stuff I can’t share will live in my heart forever!
It’s the friendships that are most special.
If I have to give a moment, I would say my very first red carpet. I covered, The One Direction Movie premiere in NYC with The Insider and Keltie Knight was the reporter who was working the event. She really was so generous with me. I wasn’t sure what to expect being the social media correspondent but she walked me through what would happen and gave me a few tips. Once I had done that one, the rest seemed to come naturally.
Which entertainer or celebrity made you speechless?
I don’t get speechless often and I don’t really get star struck. I was nervous when I met Kirstie Alley for the first time but that went away very quickly. She is just so warm, with a big heart and fun to be around.
More recently, at the Young Hollywood Oscars party, Joe Jonas made me stutter a bit. He really is good looking but really cool.
Last year on the red carpet for the Young Hollywood party during Emmys week, I believe, Jack Falahee (How to Get Away with Murder) had me a bit speechless. He’s so well spoken and his eyes are just piercing. But again, very friendly and cool.
For those who aspire to be a journalist in the entertainment field, what valuable advice may you offer them?
In the beginning, expect to work for free, a LOT. It takes dedication and lots of hours of networking, going to events, and dressing up, even in the heat and rain. Put your best foot forward, always. It isn’t something to get into if you just want to meet celebrities or you want to fan over everyone. It also isn’t something you can go into if you want to act like you know everyone. Never lie about who you know or what you have done. If you’ve covered an event remotely, say that. It’s easy to get caught saying you were at something you didn’t actually attend.
Also, never steal other people’s photos who are actually attending an event and say they are yours. That’s a good way to get a bad reputation. When I am covering the Emmys or Oscars with Vanity Fair, I am at a party held at a different location so I never say I am at the actual event. The venues I am at during these award shows are just as amazing and glamorous but I would never want to deceive anyone. When I am actually at an event or on a red carpet, you know I’m really there.
It is always fun but there is always work that needs to be done, you have to be professional and mindful of that.
So far, to date, what has been your most exciting moment in the entertainment field?
Again, so many to choose from. The time I covered the Golden Globes red carpet was particularly exciting. There were so many big stars like Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Rob Lowe, and just about everyone who is anyone. I got some great photos that day! Hopefully the MOST exciting is still yet to come!
Through entertainment, how do you make a difference about important issues?
Anytime you have a platform and no matter how big or small it is, the best thing you can do is to find a way to be a voice for the voiceless. Find something you are passionate about and then find ways to advocate about that. The most rewarding thing is to know you have helped someone else. I have made some valuable connections just by speaking out about being shy, being bullied, and through my involvement with NOH8. There are young people from all over the world who simply need to see other people living their truth so they know it is OK to live theirs.
I tend to gravitate toward those celebrities who do the most charitable work like Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie Combs, Kirstie Alley, Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley (NOH8 Campaign), Jack Falahee, and so many others. If you follow them on Twitter, you’ll see all the great causes they advocate.
What up and coming projects are next for you?
The very next thing I’m doing is working Dragon Con in Atlanta as a celebrity handler. Dragon Con is one of the largest conventions, not quite as big as San Diego Comic Con but pretty large! I’m not exactly sure who I’ll be working with but I always have the best time doing it!
The week after, I’ll be at NYFW (New York Fashion Week) with KYBOE Watches. It’s always fun to see the new line for the season and the parties are amazing!
Then I’ll be heading to LA for the Emmys with Vanity Fair again and bringing you some great coverage of the amazing panels they set up for us. I love the way they bring in people from the television industry to discuss their craft with us. I really am an entertainment geek when it comes to all of that and I’m totally proud of it!
After that I have a trip to Gail Springs (a resort in Canada) where I’ll be bringing you information on their retreats and programs. I’m excited about that because it’s all about centering and bettering yourself.
I’ll also be at the Grand Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to bring you even more spa experiences in October.
In November, I have another celebrity convention in Atlanta and also EyeCon’s Return to Tree Hill convention in Chicago.
Do you have a personal blog or site that you share with your audience?
My blog is www.Teeco71.com, where you can find the interviews I do. I try to do them pretty regularly. There are so many interesting people to talk to, I could do that 24/7.
I also have the website www.SociallyDvoted.com which I am not as good at updating these days but I’m trying to find more time for that! I would like to use that to recommend TV Shows, Movies, and music to everyone.
Of course, you can find me on Facebook & Facebook SociallyDvoted as Teeco71 and on Twitter, Instagram, & Snapchat as @teeco71.
- Tommy being dressed by Tommy Hilfiger for NYFW (New York Fashion Week)
Images provided by Tommy Geraci and written (intro & questions) & editing by Hadel S. Ma’ayeh ©Copyright 2016, All rights reserved.
Coming soon follow up interview with Tommy Geraci … Stay Tuned!
“Hope and Life Press Presents Larisa Dmitrieva Micallef, Ph.D., and Hadel Ma’ayeh”
A personal interview about my Orthodox Christian faith and how God is part of my daily life & works with Hope and Life Press.
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