June 16, 2023

This week we're in Istanbul, Turkey as we continue with the fourth installment of our travels with Jim and Angela Gannon.

We then look at the upcoming summer solstice, its significance and how different cultures celebrate it.

Next, in our Artist's Corner we are catching up with one of our favorite Big Island of Hawai'i artists Calley O'Neill and her grand and significant mural project at the Kona Airport.

This week we're starting a new feature on the Harry Potter titles by J.K. Rowling where we'll feature special editions and supplemental titles from the Harry Potter series.

In our ever-popular Wellness section we look at Namaste-Nutrition.

In Wellness we also look at the nutritious fruit of the prickly pear cactus and ways that you can use it.

In our ever popular Pet's Corner, we are joined by a pair of royal and elegant cats from the upper east side, Martini & Manhattan.

In Reaching High, we celebrate the first ever summit of Mount Everest by a double amputee.

We'll also be celebrating the opening of a new tattoo parlor at basecamp.

Then we would also like to congratulate Scott Lehman and Shayna Unger, two deaf climbers who summited Everest this year.

Here we travel with Jim and Angela Gannon again. This time in the ancient city of Istanbul, Turkey. This week we will concentrate on the historic mosques and architecture around the Sultanahmet Square. Next week we will visit the awe-inspiring Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi palace museum in part 5 of Jim & Angela's travels. Next week, we will also share our publisher Beth's own trip to Epiphysis, Turkey.

Jim Gannon in front of the Hagia Sophia, a triumph of Byzantine architecture. Originally built in 360 AD.The present Hagia Sophia is the third, built in 537 AD. the Hagia Sophia was an Orthodox Catholic church until 1204 AD and then a Roman Catholic cathedral until 1261. It was converted to a mosque by Sultan Mehmed, the Ottoman ruler after he invaded and took Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453. It has operated as a museum since 1931.

Jim inside the Hagia Sophia. The interior of the Hagia Sophia features low-hanging lights under its enormous dome creating a glowing brilliance in the room and a sense of awe in the presence of a deity.

Jim and Angela in Sultanahmet Square with the Hagia Sophia in the background. During Roman rule of the city, Sultanahmet Square was the Hippodrome of Constantinople, a racetrack that served as the sporting and social center of the ancient city. Today it is a hub of tourist activity and features many of the most popular attractions in Istanbul. with the Hagia Sophia a its northern edge and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the Blue Mosque) at its southern edge.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue hue of its interior tiles. Its six slim minarets distinguish it from other mosques, which normally have two or four minarets. The mosque was completed in 1617 by Sultan Ahmet I and is still used as a mosque today.

The interior of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque, with is intricate tile work and stained glass windows.

The Galata Tower, officially the Galata Tower Museum, is an old Genoese tower in the Galata part of Istanbul. When it was built in 1348 it was the tallest building in the city.

Jim and Angela Gannon on the observation deck of the Galata Tower with a view out over Istanbul and the Bosporus Strait which connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

The Süleymaniye Mosque lit up at night. The Süleymaniye Mosque is the second largest mosque in Istanbul.

The white-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), also known as Smyrna kingfisher. photo: Lip Kee

What Is a Solstice and What Is an Equinox (and Why Should I Care)?

From: The Franklin Instiute, June 12, 2018

Astronomically, our planet’s seasons change on four particular days each year, two solstices, one in June and one in December, and two equinoxes (one in March and one in September). The particular dates are targeted by scientists at the boundary between our seasons because of a series of factors based upon the relationship between the Earth and the Sun, the tilt in the Earth’s axis and how those factors play out for all of us living here on the third rock from the Sun.

The solstices are celebrated across the world and are very important to many cultures. This week we're going to look at the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere which occurs on June 21st this year. In the Southern Hemisphere June 21st is the winter solstice. We will look at that next week. First, we're going to pull an article from The Flock archives. in the June 17th, 2022 issue of The Flock, we looked at how the Inca festival Inti Raymi celebrates the Solstice.

On the solstice, I was so impressed watching the collective joy of the Peruvian people who made very long foot treks into Cusco to honor ancient traditions. I also find it impressive the peoples have their afterlife bases covered: due to the Spanish cultural influence, they walk two afterlife roads, one of Christianity and one of paganism.

From Inca Trail Machu

The Inti Raymi festival in Peru is a feast of the Sun God and Pachamama (Mother Earth), the main Gods of the Inca civilization. These Gods were considered to be the creators of all that exists. They rule over the destiny of mankind and the universe!

This Inca festival of Inti Raymi is the most luxurious, large, and colorful celebration to be performed in Cusco as it was originally dedicated to an Incan ruler, considered to be a demigod for his people. The Sun was to be worshiped and offered sacrifices to avoid that it would leave the Earth and its children during its long journey while it ensures its return providing heat and joy.

The interesting question is when is Inti Raymi celebrated? It is because, it is held on the 24th of June at present time, while the authentic celebration took place on the 21st of June, a Southern Hemisphere winter solstice. It was moved on the 24th probably to prevent it would merge with other catholic feasts.

The Sun Dagger on Fajada Butte in Chaco Canyon. At summer solstice, a vertical shaft of light pierces the main spiral exactly at its center.

The solstice marks the beginning of summer. For farmers, it is the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting, and is the reason it is called Midsummer.

Pueblo people tracked, recorded and understood the movement of celestial bodies. Residents of Yellow Jacket Pueblo, a village in the Mesa Verde region, may have used a horizon calendar, noting where the sun rises and sets in relation to a geographic feature. Other places, like Hovenweep Castle, used solar calendars, human-made constructions which marked changes in the position of the sun. Lastly, there is a large spiral inscribed into a rock face at the top of Fajada Butte in Chaco Canyon. (Crow Canyon Archaeological Center)

WALL 1

E OLA KE ALOHA!  O WAU KE ALOHA!

LONG LIVE ALOHA! I AM ALOHA!

In a competition that included entries from over 300 artists around the world, Big Island conservation and cultural artist Calley O'Neill was unanimously selected on round one by the Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (HSFCA) to create a 300’-long mural at the Kona Airport. Their intent was to create an experience of aloha for the 3 -4 million people who encounter the mural each year.

The mural comprises eight 12’ by 40’ walls expressing the heart of the Hawaiian culture, ALOHA ĀINA and MALAMA ĀINA, love and care of the land. Calley is honored to be guided by highly respected kupuna (wisdom carriers) of the land, sharing 8 aspects of Mālama ‘Āina who are here to share an urgent message for the world: Now is the time to understand that our lives and the health of nature are one. It will take all of us to restore the living world and create a healthy future for all life.  MĀLAMA OLA! MĀLAMA KA’ĀINA!  Take care of the land! MĀLAMA KA MOANA!  Take care of the ocean!

Calley is a precious friend. An artist to be admired not only for what she has produced to date, but for what she has in progress. She's a spiritual interpreter, she's a healer who makes her own potions to help build health and spiritual wellbeing. I encourage you to follow her on her website on an ongoing basis.

From: calleyoneill.com

Calley is known for exceptional quality draftsmanship, a crystalline mastery of glaze painting, stimulating diversity, relentless experimentation, and her love of the Earth and humanity. Her paintings are visual prayers and Feng Shui cures, having a positive effect on one’s feelings. Having lived for over 30 years in Hawai’i, O’Neill’s themes have centered on the Hawaiian people, their relationship to the Earth and to Ke Akua Nui ~ The Great Mystery.

Writers have described her as ‘a way-finder’, ‘wise woman’, ‘a healing force’ and ‘a force of nature.’ A thoroughly skillful design consultant and design team facilitator, Calley sparks innovative thinking and leading edge design solutions, for the purpose of bridging the gap between economics and ecological sustainability, beauty and efficiency. 

The titles below expand on the Harry Potter series of books by J.K. Rowling with beautiful illustrations.

The beloved first book of the Harry Potter series, now fully illustrated by award-winning artist Jim Kay.

Award-winning artist Jim Kay illustrates year two of Harry Potter's adventures at Hogwarts, in a stunning, gift-ready format.

I encourage to to look at Aparna's website.

From: Namaste-Nutrition, By: Aparna Kohli

Healthy should be delicious as well! 

​One of the main things working with my clients and patients is to guide them with food options that sound appealing to them. I believe that food should not only be healthy, but it should also look and taste good.

The fruit of the Opuntia cactus contains health-boosting nutrients like amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants like betalains, polyphenols, and flavonoids. In traditional medicine, Opuntia engelmannii/prickly pear fruit is used for the treatment of burns, wounds, edema, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and catarrhal gastritis.

From: Simply Recipes, By: Garrett Mc Cord, October 19, 2022

What Is Prickly Pear Fruit?

Known to few, the fruit of the nopales cactus (cacti with beaver tail-like paddles), are actually quite edible. Called prickly pears, these neon fruits provide delicious juice that tastes like a cross between all-natural bubble gum (if indeed there is such a thing) and watermelon.

How to Use Prickly Pear

Prickly pear juice is often used to make jam or candy, but it also works wonders in cocktails and in vinaigrettes for salads.

I've used the juice from prickly pear to flavor cream cheese frosting for a lime flavored cupcake and have seen others boil cactus pear down with a bit of orange and lemon juice to make a sauce for fruit salads and cheesecakes.

Below are several delicious and easy recipes that you can make using the nutritious prickly pear.

Prickly Pear Vinaigrette

From: Cooking on the Weekends,

By: Valentina, October 17, 2014

This Prickly Pear Vinaigrette is full of lemony, raspberry-like flavors, and it's subtly sweet. Prickly pear recipes are so unique and delicious, and this one will elevate any salad!

Prickly Pear Muffins

From: Zesty South Indian Kitchen,

By: Swathi, September 27, 2021

Delicious prickly pear fruit muffins made with prickly pear juice, melted butter, sugar, lime zest and lime juice and perfumed with cinnamon.

Prickly Pear Lemonade

From: Little Sunny Kitchen,

By: Diana, June 12, 2018

This Prickly Pear Vinaigrette is full of lemony, raspberry-like flavors, and it's subtly sweet. Prickly pear recipes are so unique and delicious, and this one will elevate any salad!

In this week's Pet's Corner, we're joined by a couple of royal and elegant cats from New York City, Martini & Manhattan. Mom and dad are longtime friends, Kathy and Jack Morin. Momma Kathy is the recipient of many academic awards and dad Jack is a talented litigator.

From Indepndent TV, By: Holly Patrick, June 1, 2023

A former Gurkha soldier who lost both his legs in Afghanistan has become the first double above-the-knee amputee to reach the top of Mount Everest.

Hari Budha Magar arrived at the world’s tallest mountain on 17 April, exactly 13 years since his legs were destroyed by an improvised explosive device.

From: Climbing.com, By:Owen Clarke, June 12, 2023

As what is likely Everest’s deadliest climbing season wraps up, some less disheartening news has reached Climbing from the slopes of the world’s highest mountain.

The 26-year-old tattoo artist Nima Dorjee Sherpa has opened a tattoo parlor in Everest Basecamp (17,598ft). It is now the highest tattoo parlor in the world. Nima Dorjee also works as a barber, offering haircuts and shaves for crusty mountaineers, tourists, and EBC’s ever-present travel influencers.

From: CNN Travel, By: Lilit Marcus, June 16, 2023

How do you sign if you’re holding an ice ax? Do guides refuse to work with you if you can’t hear? What happens if you can’t see each other signing at night?

Those are just some of the issues that American adventurers Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger have addressed on their YouTube channel, which documents their experiences as a Deaf couple working their way to the peaks of the world’s tallest mountains.

I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our second year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story.

shared by Violet Kasser

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

520-818-4433

View as Webpage