In the coming weeks, the Storque will be posting content about pets and animals. aegeansea offered the story of her Greek pooch DeeDee as a transition from the Gotta Travel On series to the Etsy Pets series. She included some of her surrealist pet collages too. Enjoy!

Born in a Greek village in the south of Greece, my dog DeeDee was gifted to me, and I moved her to northern Greece, where I now live.  She now calls Panorama, near Thessaloniki, her winter home.  She summers in Gerakini, our beach home located on the beautiful coastline of the Aegean Sea. DeeDee quickly adjusted to the northern lifestyle and became fluent in both Greek and English. Without a doubt, since she is a Griffon, I’m sure that her skills in French would be more than adequate, given a little exposure to it.



Living in a bi-cultural family, she is surrounded by English, my native language, and Greek, the language of her home-country and of my husband and sons.  Like many bi-cultural offspring, she has the opportunity to live and travel in two countries, and the advantages of both.  Recently, DeeDee had a great adventure visiting Texas.  She had a blast hanging out with the cowboys and horses (got a little dusty!), sampling spicy bbq (licked her paws!) and, of course, doing country western dancing!  Her new red kickers (boots) were the envy of every gal on the dance floor.  The day we spent in Canton, Texas, the largest open-air trade and craft fair in the world, was a highlight.  More handcrafts and artwork than one could ever hope for, in one location.   We had our share of lemonade and sausage links that day.   

Home in Greece, DeeDee is happy to be back in the "cradle" of civilization, and the "spring from which creativity sprung."    Since ancient times until today, Greeks have continued to create some of the world's most beautiful pottery, paintings, jewelry, woven fabrics, needlework, architecture, and the list goes on. Creativity knows no borders or language barriers.  Any world traveler knows hand-crafted artworks are as important as history, scenery and cuisine.  Even without a common language, we can understand the wonders of a culture through its distinctive ethnic creations.  

When you visit Greece, a world filled with antiquities, art, farmlands, mountains and Aegean Blue seas and sky, take every opportunity to see as much as you can.  Visit the markets, the villages and the gift boutiques, where DeeDee promises you will find the greatest of Greek Treasures, the handcrafted works and arts of this richly creative land.  You never know where you'll bump into DeeDee.  She's known to frequent the little shops with homemade marmalades and sweets. Each is a work of art. Or, maybe you’ll see her on the beach.
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Don’t forget your sunscreen and sun glasses.  You’ll need them in sunny Greece.  In the evening when it cools down, be sure to take a stroll and you’ll find the perfect handcrafted souvenir to remind you always of this beautiful country.  The nights in Greece are indescribable!  Stop by at one of the tavernas (local restaurants) and enjoy a delicious Greek salad with grilled fish or meat and a glass of your favorite wine, ouzo or lemonade.

As for me, aegeansea, I was born in the USA, near the Gulf Coast of Texas.  I have always loved the sand, surf and sun.  After marrying my Greek husband, we moved to the Aegean Coast of Greece.  It wasn't long before I realized my new homeland was a natural delight for my spirit.  Watching my energetic doggy run along the shoreline, I chased her and picked up as many seashells as I could along the way.   I could say DeeDee inspired me to begin my Aegean Sea coastal creations that opened the door for my Etsy shop.  She is my greatest encourager and sits beside me as I design and create.   Coastal shell chimes are her favorites, but we’re both excited about the doggy scrapbooks and collages.  The possibilities abound when surrounded by such a wealth of inspiration.

Yassas (so long), until we meet somewhere in Greece.

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