My little corner of the woods

Odessa

2011-06-07T13:35:00.001+03:00

I recently got back from a business trip to Ukraine.
this beautiful but poor country got so much to offer, but in my eyes it didn't change much in the past twenty years or so, since the USSR fall apart.
Although Odessa is a city in Ukraine, the citizens of Odessa doesn't consider themselves to be Ukraine's or Russian, in there definition they simply "Odessiti".
It seems that right they are. Odessa doesn't look like any other city in Ukraine. it's big, stunning, with rich Jewish history and unbelievable architecture.
the promenade of the black sea was just outside of our hotel, so was the statue of the author and poet Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin.
I just loved my visit in Odessa.

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Decent work

2011-04-29T14:28:00.000+03:00

My great-grandfather was a Butcher.
It was back in the days when it still considered to be a respectable and needed profession.
Unfortunately, in our days with the industrial development Butcher is considered to be just a job. unskilled labor.
making a living back than was much easier, every work honored the man doing it.

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Wonderful Days

2011-04-24T15:06:00.001+03:00

It's wonderful days for some time outdoors, hiking.

we were hiking too, at the Ella valley, where according to the believe David fought Goliath.

Beautiful

2011-04-17T19:55:00.001+03:00

Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, i saw debris
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today

-

A matter of gravity

2011-04-12T13:15:00.002+03:00

Life is a magic, the biggest magic there is.
we try to rule and train them, sometimes we try to manipulate them but eventually we are all equal in the presence of gravity.

-

Hunter

2011-02-02T21:31:00.003+02:00

We hunt for the things we need to survive.

food, drink, health, love and the feeling we belong.

part of a flock.

After The Fire

2011-01-29T17:19:00.002+02:00

We walked upon ashes instead of land, what once was green is now gray and dark.
The fire on mount Carmel at December 2010, destroyed one of Israel's beautiful reserves.

-

Solo

2011-01-20T18:05:00.002+02:00

As for myself, i prefer to be part of pair.

-

Back to the USSR

2011-01-08T13:49:00.000+02:00

There were something very strange about sitting next to a giant sculpture of the Russian revolution Vladimir Ilyich Lenin in Kiev.
Looking at it, was was like looking over a part of history that once changed the world, and influenced on so many people, including my own family.

When i walked the streets of Kiev and Harkov i couldn't help of wondering if my grandparents once walked the same streets, sat on the same benches as i. it made me feel very close to them after so many years.

What kind of life did they have under the Communist regime and what kind of life they could have other otherwise, in Israel for example.
Sitting so close to Lenin made me wonder about my personal past and the future of the Former USSR.

Even today in the 21st century you can't ignore Lenin.

Clowns

2010-12-12T21:00:00.002+02:00

As a child i used to be afraid of Clowns.
they always had big shoes, white scary face and a fake giant smile.
All of them, look the same, like an army.

Till this day I'm not really sure, how they suppose to make kids laugh.

Painting

2010-12-01T19:35:00.003+02:00

I could never learn how to paint. it doesn't matter how hard i tried, i just could never get it. i guess, it wasn't "in me".
In some point i decided to look for worthy substitute.
I started to photograph.

-

Saturday Outdoors

2010-11-20T16:52:00.004+02:00

We used the wonderful weather outside and went hiking near the The Latrun Monastery, which is located on a rise with a fabulous view of the Ayalon Valley, where God made the moon stand still (Josh. 10:12)

We parked our car in a little winery and went all the way up to a twelfth-century castle on a spot called La Tour de Chevaliers (“the knights’ tower”).
The legend has it travelers believed the name was connected to the Latin word latro (thief) and saw this site as the home of the “good thief” crucified next to Jesus (Luke 23:40-43).

I just love to spent our Saturday's outdoors, hiking.

Busy

2010-11-12T14:45:00.003+02:00

It's been pretty busy lately.
Time of changes and new Beginnings...
May we all hear only good news.

Balcony

2010-10-16T12:21:00.003+02:00

I just love balconies!

There's is something very romantic about sitting in your balcony after hard day at work or on a Saturday morning.
Sip your cup of coffee, chat with your friends over the phone, and while doing all that, just look underneath you and observe the routine of people- coming and going on with their life's.

You exposed on the balcony, everyone sees you as well, sometimes taking your picture without you ever knowing about it.

Sure thing balcony is outstanding thing!

Fall

2010-10-08T14:51:00.005+02:00

After the switch to winter time, we can see first signs of the fall.
the Squill is blooming along the roadsides, knowing it's time.

The night's getting much chilly, and today- the first rain washed everything away leaving behind the smell of fresh air after the rain.
there is nothing that smells so good!

May we have timely rain all winter, we sure do need it!

Hiking

2010-09-26T20:47:00.004+02:00

Few days ago, my wife and i decided to travel up north and hike the Banias reserve.

It's holiday time, and of course we weren't alone there. the reserve was full with kids and their parents, i wish i could say that they were well behaved, but they didn't, and surprisingly enough I'm talking about the parents.

But if you overlook all that, it was a wonderful trip a long the Banias river, we enjoyed mother nature and the company of each other.

Rosh Hashana

2010-09-08T11:52:00.007+03:00

עוד יש מפרש לבן באופק
מול ענן שחור כבד
כל שנבקש לו-יהי

A part of old song by Neomi Shemer-

"There's still a sail in the horizon

With a heavy black cloud above

let everything we ask- come true"

Happy Rosh Hashana everyone, may all of our wishes come true in the upcoming year!

Safe Landing

2010-09-01T14:18:00.006+03:00

Speechless!

Cloudy Days

2010-08-26T19:57:00.002+03:00

Even when it's cloudy and it seems that nothing is going right, you must remind yourself that behind the clouds the sun is waiting to come out and shine.

-

New York

2010-08-20T11:50:00.005+03:00

I just love New York, and i miss it so much.

There is that feeling when you in New York, like you are a part of something much bigger than you ever thought.

I love Canal st. and the 5th avenue in Manhattan, and oh my god, i just love Brooklyn, and don't get me started with Central park.

If it was up to me, i would have taken tomorrows flight there.

I have good friends there whom i miss.

you can't imagine how much i miss New York.

And as the song says:

"When you get caught between the Moon and New York City
I know it's crazy, but it's true
If you get caught between the Moon and New York City
The best that you can do ......
The best that you can do is fall in love"

Mankind VS. Nature

2010-08-13T12:31:00.004+03:00

In the past few weeks it seems that the weather has gone crazy.

In Russia the extreme hit caused fires and the lose of life and property, parallel central Europe is flooded as a result of unstopping rain.

here in Israel the hit is unbearable as well, and the temperature keeps getting higher and higher.

It seems that in the battle between man and nature, nature has the upper hand every time.

Some will say, for a right reasons to, that now it's our turn to pay for crimes against nature.

There is an honest concern in my heart, if mankind is a matching rival against such strong force as nature.

I guess only time will tell.

Rules of the game

2010-08-07T16:39:00.005+03:00

There are times, when i find myself feeling like a child in a grown up world.

Things looks so big and serious, and although I'm all grown up myself, i refuse to participate in the grown up game.

I want to play and i want everything to remain as it is.

It's not much of a secret that I'm not a big fan of changes.

Yes, i know it's the way of the world and the rules of the game, but sometimes, i don't want to play by the rules, i just wanna play.

Staying Home

2010-07-31T13:10:00.003+03:00

In such hot and steamy days like today, i catch up on my reading and watch some t.v.

I spend time with my favorite people and mostly I'm happy, that i don't have to be outside in the hit.

No doubt about that, in such hot days i prefer to stay home, in my shell.

Freedom

2010-07-25T13:42:00.002+03:00

I guess everyone interpret freedom in a different way.

Some love to take long walks, some love to travel abroad and some just love to "hang" between heaven and earth.

Seen them "left hanging" there, reminded me a line from Janis Joplin's "Me and Bobby McGee" -

"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to loose."

Hanging Out

2010-07-18T13:50:00.005+03:00

I just love to hang out with my friends, over a pint of beer or a cup of coffee.

Around the poker table and in our balcony, it's never boring.

Sometimes i wait for the weekend just so we can hang out.

Dry Days

2010-07-09T13:16:00.010+03:00

The summer is undoubtedly here.

the kids are on summer holiday, the beaches are full and the malls are the only place you can find a decent air conditioning.

world cup is almost over (at last)!

It's gonna get more warmer and warmer.

Sure thing to assume, Dry days are ahead of us.

Butterflies

2010-07-01T20:18:00.010+03:00

In some way in all of us lives a butterfly craving to come out, and as Elton John wrote once, "butterflies are free to fly".

Forever dare and do those things you meant to do your entire life, but yon never found the right time for it.

No matter what, never live in regret.

Awareness

2010-06-19T21:03:00.005+03:00

Sometime it's necessary to look in the mirror.

you never know what person you will find there, looking so familiar.

we change every day. the surroundings changes us, our friends and family change too before our eyes.

I look in the mirror from time to time, trying to evaluate what has changed in me, is it for the best?

Am i a good friend, son, husband, brother?

I keep asking, so i could always aim to improve.

Grandperents

2010-05-28T14:25:00.005+03:00

In the past week our family mentiond two years since my grandmother past away.

sadly, every time i see a senior person, i outomaticly think of her, and i just want to hug them.

I sure do miss having grandperents.

Sense of humor

2010-05-18T12:23:00.005+03:00

I just love people with a good sense of humor, they can really bright my day.

I just can't imagine this world without sense of humor, it would have to be such a gloomy world.

sometimes people don't understand sense of humor and get offended by it.

i really don't get it- seriously, people have to stop take everything so hard, and start be more light with life.

Laugh, no one died yet from a good sense of humor, on the contrary, it makes life much easier.

The King

2010-05-11T22:09:00.033+03:00

I was barely six years old when I first heard him sing
But somehow I knew, from that moment on...
That it would be a lifetime thing
And I'd stand in front of a mirror...
Day and night
And I'd listen to every one of his records
And I'd repeat every word...
And every note...
... till, somehow, I finally got it right...

There was man

Who gave the world his song
And the world stood still
To hear him sing...

A simple man
Who took his faith along
While all the world
Proclaimed him king...

Now the King is gone...
And, oh, what a reign...
And the crown on his head
Will remain

The king is gone\ Ronnie Mcdowell

Decisions

2010-04-30T13:34:00.001+03:00

It's seems every way we turn in life there's a decisions ahead.

something is waiting for us to decide.

the minute you done deciding something a new decision is straight before you.

Sometimes it's stressful you know, it's seems to much.

I wonder times, why decide now when i can decide later-

i cross the bridge when i get to it.

Step in the right direction

2010-04-06T12:51:00.006+03:00

The way to the place you seek to go, is always begins with little steps.

you just can't start without them.

In the long run you discover that the first steps are the significant once in your life journey.

treasure them, and never forget how you started.

Vegetable garden

2010-02-28T23:30:00.003+02:00

-The soaker rain in the last couple of days, ruined all hope i still had to save my vegetable garden in the balcony.

My poor Bazilikum didn't make it unfortunately, all of my efforts to keep it alive had officially failed.

-

More than words

2010-02-13T17:46:00.006+02:00

Exactly today, a year ago, i asked who was than my girlfriend, the most serious question a man can ask his lover- "Would you marry me?" fortunate, She said "i do", and today I'm blissful to call her my wife.

I lover her more than words.

Happy Valentine's day everybody.

15th of shevat

2010-01-28T17:24:00.003+02:00

15th of Shevat is a tree planting day in Israel (ט"ו בשבט).
people from all over the country celebrate this special holiday by planting trees and plants.

but more than everything this holiday known as a children's holiday.
School's and kindergarten's takes the kids to a special day outdoors, to the Israeli forests and national park's, to plant trees, eat dried fruits and also, of course to see the blossoming of the almond trees.

I used to love this holiday as a kid. it was and still is, the most innocent holiday there is.
there is something very heart-moving, seeing all the kids wearing white clothes, so happy they go on their way to feast together with nature, it's birthday.

I wish i could feel this holiday once again through the eyes of a child.

Five years after

2010-01-12T21:19:00.009+02:00

In the end of January, i will be marking five whole years since i was discharged from the Israeli army, IDF.

I can't believe it's been already five years since then.

How can it be five years, when it seems like only yesterday i stood out side of the recruiting center, both so happy and confused.

i really didn't know what to do with all of the sudden freedom i was given after three years in the army.

Five years, waoo, i can't believe it!

Saturday

2009-12-19T14:23:00.010+02:00

There is nothing like Saturday's - walking in park, reading the weekend newspaper, spending time with your loved once, meeting friends for coffee, catch up.

Release yourself after nothing but a tense week, and get ready for another one, just like it.

it's a fortune that we have this one day, to be ourselves and just have fun for a change.

It's to bad though, you wait for this day the entire week, planning, craving, and it passes by so fast.

20 years to the down fall of the Berlin wall

2009-12-05T13:33:00.009+02:00

It's been twenty years since the Berlin wall was demolished by the crowd, and Berlin east part was united again with it's west part. the event symbolized more than everything the ending of the cold war.

I took this picture few weeks ago in Rome, during an exhibit that had marked that special event.
it was a wonderful celebration of the human spirit, freedom and hope.

where ever there are undemocratic regimes there is always hope that the human spirit will eventually win. it just must.

"Danke Gorb" -reference to Mikhail Gorbachev, USSR former president who made the necessary reform, and brought democracy to his country.

Haifa Bay

2009-10-08T23:43:00.006+02:00

I took a trip this week to Haifa.

I just love Haifa. i spent my early childhood there, so neutrally, every visit there always awakes some hidden emotion i have. everything in Haifa reminds me of something- the streets of the Carmel and observation points in the Louis promenade that observe the city, the old bus station, down town, where my father found his first job in Israel as a tire changer, (no need to say that my father is an engineer). The old buildings in my old neighborhood and the playground, where now different kids take there first steps in life.
but mostly, i just love the smell of pine trees after the rain.

Sometimes i look back, and it seems to me that i been through so much, yet it's not enough. it's never enough.

I always cherish the present and look forward to the future with great expectation. and even thought, i must admit that i miss some things i lost along the way, to little somethings called Time.

old friends and old family members, old memories that faded.

I swear i didn't meant this post to be so melancholic, but the words came bursting out of me, with no control.

"Tzabar"

2009-08-30T22:39:00.014+03:00

When we arrived to Israel, about nineteen years ago, we had a neighbor, Avraham was his name. he was pensioner teacher and he was my first friend in Israel.

Avraham use to tell me that when i grow up, i will be a "Tzabar".
i didn't understand than, what was the meaning of "Tzabar", and why should i grow up to be that someone i never heard about.

During my growing up years, i didn't gave any thought to the things my friend Avraham had told me. recently i remembered him.

"Tzabar" is a nick name that was given to those who were born in Israel. rough and thorny from the outside, and from the inside they are soft and sweet .

Even thought i wasn't born in Israel, i think Avraham was right. i grow up to be a "Tzabar", and it isn't as bad as i thought it to be, once, nineteen years ago, when i was only 6 years old.

-

Summer Time

2009-08-07T13:26:00.003+03:00

It's summer break and everyone is busy going places, spending time on the beach, getting suntan, eating ice cream.

the streets are full with teenagers buying things, hanging out, so happy together.

youth sure is a beautiful thing, despite the fact it can deceive you, thinking it could last forever.

It's sight for sore eyes, seeing all the beautiful girls, in tiny dresses, tourists from all around the world, happy couples holding hands, and all that, right here, under the burning Israeli sun.

There is no doubt, the summer is in his peak.

Question Of Identity

2009-07-18T23:03:00.004+03:00

Many times in my life, i had asked myself how do i identify myself?

Jewish? Israeli? Zionist?

I had changed the order of my answer many times, but lately, the more i got to think about it, i found the right combination.

First of all, I'm Jewish. i was born Jewish, my family has been Jewish generations by generations in diaspora, i believe in the God of Abraham, Moses and Jacob, the god of the Jewish people. i celebrate Jewish tradition and holidays.

Than I'm a Zionist- i love my country. i served my country for three years in the army, i love it's landscape and the history it holds. i truly believe it's the only country that can protect the Jewish people from yet another Holocaust, and the only country Jews, from all over the world, can call proudly- home of the Jewish people. i don't think anyone has the right to give up parts of this country to anyone else. history will never forgive him.

last but not least I'm an Israeli- there are some things in Israel that i just can't tolerate- the hit in the summer is unbearable and humidity too, i don't fond the neighbors so much. The Israeli leaders, all of them, don't deserve the title "elected representatives". the people, are the last thing on our leaders minds. they don't understand the true needs of the people, they care only about the position they take.

the variety of people, food and culture is unequalled.

We resurrected from ashes of the ethnic pursuit and death camps to say to the world, loud and clear- never again- AM ISRAEL HAI - THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL ARE ALIVE.

Clear Skies

2009-07-08T23:11:00.010+03:00

Sometimes you need to get away from the pressure of the city and just relax. spend some time with good friends, laugh and enjoy the clear skies above you.

The last time i can remember myself doing just that, enjoying perfect night outdoors, watching the endless carpet of stars, i was at the desert.

Last week, we decided to spend the whole weekend at the sea. sleep in tent's, light up the fire to keep us warm, and enjoy the company of each other.

When it was too late (or too early) to go sleep, i took the camera and wandered with it along the beach for a while. it was a full moon night, and the moon lighted up the the shore beautifully. i just couldn't resist. there are some things in life, you learn to appreciate every time, as if it was the first.

There's nothing that feels just the same, as the excitement from a first experience.

(i can count some: first kiss, first time away from home, first time you drive a car, first disappointment, first love).

I isolated together with my thoughts, and enjoyed the sound of silence of the waves, and the way the stars lighted up that specific night.

Looking above, i imagined, that every star has it own meaning, which i hope, one day, to discover.

Sunrise

2009-06-28T21:45:00.007+03:00

Every day, when i get up to do my morning exercise, i get to see the sunrise coming up from the mountains of Jerusalem.

It's true wonder.

Every morning it looks different.

the colors never stays the same, it's surprising and bold. unexpected.

There are some things in life you can't stay indifferent to.

Things, that are usually taken for obvious, and they never should.

Every new day is a present, and we better treat it as one.

Say at least one time a day, two simple words- THANK YOU.

Nave Zedek

2009-06-19T14:50:00.004+03:00

There's a place in Tel-Aviv, in which if the alleys could talk, they sure had allot to tell us.

what they had heard and saw in their life time, can provide and inspire hundreds if not thousands of stories, books, poems and of course pictures.

The old crumbling houses holds secrets of true love, happy moments and powerful memories who could last forever.

Some stories already have been written, and they sit there, on the shelf 's in the streets, waiting.

Childhood Summer Memories

2009-06-15T20:43:00.009+03:00

When i was just a little boy, we used to drive the whole family, every Saturday to the beach.

At that time we just arrived to Israel, and my parents bought red colored old Volkswagen bug, with two front doors.

We lived up high in Haifa, and used to took with us my grandfather. i remember my father starting to drive, before my grandfather even had the chance to get into the car. he in response first use to shout, and than to laugh, with the rest of us.

It was very crowded there in the back, not to say hot. i sat on my mother's knees, in the front were loaded bags of fruit and food, and we began the way to "Dadu" beach.
it was simple magic times of pure innocence fun, and i used to wait for it the whole week long.

Me and my brother, used to jump every time the waves came towards us, and my mom used to peek me up, so i won't swallow any salt water.

We all had our Saturday games, and i never stop believing i could dig up in the sand, the whole way to a different country.

Even today, i can remember myself crying, every time it was the time to had back home.

i knew at that moment, that a new week of expectation is waiting, just for me.

Israeli Scouts celebrating 90

2009-06-11T23:46:00.012+03:00

Last week, the Israeli scouts celebrated their 90th anniversary, in big event they organized in Tel-Aviv.

all the "young" scouts and the bigger once, took place in this big party.

Until few years ago, i couldn't even imagine myself between the sea of khaki that were there.

but then i spent two years as an educator in the scouts, and you can say more or less, it was love from first sight.

I miss working there, the people, the atmosphere, and especially i miss the kids.

it was great to see so many scouts. it made me feel very proud to belong to such a big family.

For many more years to come.

Tired

2009-06-05T16:32:00.006+03:00

I've been so tired lately that it seems i could fall asleep just about everywhere.

Between work and all kinda house chores, together with the need to accomplish as much as i can, in one day, combined with my privet wish to do just something FUN before the day ends.

All that lives me breathless and with one desire in my heart- get some good night sleep, and if it's possible, add a couple of hours to the clock.

Vintage

2009-05-20T21:38:00.008+03:00

It seems everything is coming back. People call it "retro". but it seems only right for people to want back some of their past.

Things that once meant the world, are a constant reminder of who we once were, and what we wished to become.

what were our dreams, and the endless question- did we fulfilled them?

Sometimes we get another chance to fulfill our little childhood dreams, through the help of some old vintage, that we couldn't get than, but we sure get now.

Yet it feels just as good, as we once used to dream, every night, before going to sleep.

From the village to the city

2009-05-15T11:30:00.003+03:00

Few weeks ago we moved to our own apartment in Modi'in, not far from Tel-Aviv and not so far from Jerusalem. half an hour from work on the train.

It's our first time on our own, facing been grown ups and all. we moved all of our things with the help of some close family and good friends, and we made the apartment very cozy and warm. It feels like home.

I must admit that it was hard for me at first, to move from a small place, like my Village, where i know allot of people, to a new place, which is not by chance is a big city, and everything looks kinda strange to me. i constantly think i gonna bump in to someone i know... and i almost never do.

Our apartment is on the 15th floor, and you can check the view from our balcony for yourselves, naturally in the picture above.

If you ever in the city you're welcome to stop by.

With A Little Help From My Friends

2009-05-08T14:11:00.006+03:00

"What would you think if I sang out of tune
Would you stand up and walk out on me
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
And I'll try not to sing out of key

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

What do I do when my love is away
Does it worry you to be alone?
How do I feel by the end of the day
Are you sad because you're on your own

No, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends."

with A Little Help From My Friends/ The Beatles

Summer Lovin'

2009-04-22T21:09:00.003+03:00

The nights still kinda cold, but it's getting warmer.

Nothing is quite GREAT in this world like the LOVE between two people.

Two days up north

2009-04-14T13:17:00.004+03:00

Two days up north, everything is blossoming as you can see, and you can feel the summer in the air.

Go outside and see for yourselves, just sniff the air.

My Valley

2009-04-11T13:14:00.008+03:00

Changes.

Everything is changing around us all the time.

We grow up, fall in love, get together, we separate when that time comes.

We constantly pray for it never to come.

Sometimes our heart get's broken by others.

We shake the dust, and some of the memories, and with the backpack on our backs we continue the journey.

there's always a place for us to go, place and new people who's waiting just for us.

We get to keep the endless memories, that once made us happy as we could be. and yet they still makes us smile from time to time.

My Valley is changing too.

"Once there were green fields kissed by the sun
Once there were valleys where rivers used to run
Once there were blue skies with white clouds high above
Once they were part of an everlasting love
We were the lovers who strolled through green fields

Green fields are gone now, parched by the sun
Gone from the valleys where rivers used to run
Gone with the cold wind that swept into my heart
Gone with the lovers who let their dreams depart
Where are the green fields that we used to roam..."

The Brothers Four- Greenfields

-

Minding Their Own

2009-03-27T15:55:00.011+03:00

Lately, it's hard for me not to notice, how everyone is minding their own, very self centred.

I guess, everyone likes to talk about themselves, but the question is for how long are you willing to to that, minding only your self.

It seems to me, that even people who i considered to be close to me, are not as close as i thought. Some of them didn't stood by me, some of them look the other way when i needed them the most, pretending they don't see me.

We use to be a quite a big gang of friends, but with time i found out, that not everyone would to for me, what i was willing to do for them.

Sometimes, everyone is so busy with themselves that they tend to forget everything else that matters, or use to matter, for that thing.

supplement:

you can walk on the beach and say how clean the shore is. but only those who makes the effort and clean the beach, knows how dirty he really is.

-

Early Spring

2009-03-10T19:39:00.008+02:00

It's early spring, and everything is revival after what was supposed to be winter.
but it wasn't.
In less than a month i turn 26.
hard to believe how fast the days goes by.

I'm not a big fan of birthdays, i tend to get all nostalgic, read old greeting cards that i got once, from people who no longer taking part in my life.
I miss some of them, the time we spend together and the memories we will continue to share.

that's life for you, one giant puzzle and we choose the the pieces we put.
god knows, sometimes they are the one who choose us.

Happy spring :)

-

Done*

2009-02-10T13:25:00.010+02:00

Well, that's it.

I'm done with all my exams in my bachelor's degree.

yesterday i took, what i hope will be my final exam.

I can't believe three and half years has past since i started my studies.

I look ahead and there's still a long way to go until i will get my official certificate, that will say that i can practice law.

But for now, i can rest for a while, but not for a long time.

* Like i said.. long way yet ahead of me.

A Children's Game

2009-01-22T14:38:00.012+02:00

Sometimes, it seems to me that we are so busy doing what we think to be important that we tend to forget what really matters in life.

Our Health.

Our Families.

Our Friends and Loved once.

Everything else in life is no more than a children's game.

we should keep that in mind where ever we go and never forget.

Sailing

2009-01-18T18:20:00.016+02:00

One of my favorite songs, for as long as i can remember.

I am sailing, I am sailing.
home again, 'cross the sea.
I am sailing stormy waters
To be near you, to be free
I am flying, I am flying
Like a bird 'cross the sky

I am flying, passing high clouds
To be with you, to be free
Can you hear me, can you hear me
through the dark night far away
I am dying, forever trying
To be with you, who can say

We are sailing, we are sailing
Home again 'cross the sea
We are sailing stormy waters
To be near you, to be free.

I Am sailing/ Rod stewart
-

Happy New Year 2009!!!

2009-01-01T20:42:00.010+02:00

I couldn't find a Christmas tree, and i wasn't at some glorious party with friends...
we welcomed the new year in a circle of family, wishing that the up coming year will bring us all joy, happiness and most of all- good and strong health.

i wish you all the same :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Not A Single Drop

2008-12-18T19:10:00.012+02:00

It's almost the middle of December, and it hasn't rained yet!

the nights are cold, the days are hot, it's almost hard to follow up on the crazy weather.

I'm waiting for some real winter to stop by here, give us some rainy days that are also, almost every time, is a fine reason to stay home and wrap oneself up.

I guess the absence of the winter, like the one's we use to have here, is yet another result of the global warming we be hearing so much about in the past years.

it's a reason for great concern, and we should all do what we can, in our privet homes, to reduce the warming that threats all of us.

I sure hope that the winter is on his way here...

-

-

Almost there

2008-12-08T00:26:00.008+02:00

-

I just have to finish my degree...

Not much more to go yet still, after three and a half years i just want to get there.

-

Ain't always easy

2008-11-17T22:39:00.011+02:00

Sometimes it's seems that life isn't what our parents told us as we were growing up.
it ain't always easy, and the good guys don't always win.
theirs disappointment, worries and anxiety, and the worst part is you can't escape any of it.

I miss the days you could run to your mom, she would kiss the pain, scare the monster away and made everything look O.K, and for a while it was.
i miss the simple days when everything looked safe and promising, like nothing could ever hurt you, penetrate the close circle of your loved once.

Back then you knew who to trust, who will be there for you, no matter what.
you had listen to your parents and knew you can believe them.

As time goes by i dream more and more of the growing up years and relay on the memories.
I look for the future in hope that like my parents once said, and yet saying, that everything will be just O.K.

Looking From Above

2008-10-31T17:10:00.007+02:00

-

To the memory of a dear friend of mine, and a wonderful and outstanding person,
that i had the honer to know ,Sigi Yaakobi, who past away suddenly few weeks ago.

The mind can not even start to believe you really gone.
The heart is flooded with burst tears.

May you always stay in our hearts, guiding us like no one but you can. with your simple unconditional love and understanding, and your conqueror smile.

I miss you and our conversation, i miss the thought you always here, phone call away.
It's unbearable to wake up to realty without you in it, taking a part.

תהיה מנוחתך עדן
may you rest in peace.

-

Don't Stop Me Now

2008-10-09T17:24:00.004+02:00

-
After two years in the Israeli scouts i started this week a new job, in a book store.
Yes, yes, in a book store.
I don't know why, but i always wanted to work in a book store, even if it's not for long period of time.
I just love books, and theirs something very romantic about working in a book store, surrounded with famous authors, adventure, romance, history.
the people are also nice, so i enjoy myself and I'm relaxed now, more than i ever been in the pats two years.
so far, no "fat woman came to the book store today", when it will be my "come home" line, than i will know it's time for me to move on.
right now, if you were wondering, I'm reading The History of Love by Nicole Krauss.
real great book. if you will have time do yourself a favor and read it.

-

New Years Prayer

2008-09-27T22:56:00.018+03:00

New year is always the sign for a new beginnings, for new wishes, new planes, checkpoint if you like, to overview the past year and opportunity to cross out things we wish to leave behind, and indicating what things we wish to take with us, towards the new year.

It's also a wonderful opportunity to recognize the good things in our life's and thank for all the things we tend to take for granted all year long.

I pray that the upcoming year will bring with her, first of all, peace to this country, peace that starts between ourselves.

i pray that we will know how to accept opinions and ideas that are different from ours, and accept people as they are.

i pray that people will stop dieing on the roads of this country and drive as humans.

On more personal level, i pray for joy, happiness, success and good and strong health to all my close family and friends. may the sunshine will always keep you warm, and a roof with the company of good friends will keep you safe. may the smile replace the tears, and wise people will always show you the right path. may we all learn from our mistakes, and treat others the way we want others to treat us.

"My Little corner of the woods" is celebrating it's first birthday :) just wanted to mansion it out!

Happy new year to all of you, may all of our prayers be answered.

Sweet Dreams

2008-09-14T18:04:00.008+03:00

I try to keep my dreams rather simple, enjoy my hobbies, the company of good friends on a cold pint of beer and the mighty outdoors.

Hike more.

Sit back and chill.

Leave all thoughts behind.

Don't let anything trouble my mind.

I honestly don't remember when was the last time i had nothing on my mind.

it's always something.

In my simple sweet dreams I'm in New Zealand and i have everything going by the book, as i planned it. their is no mean people and no fears, just my loved ones and all that nurture around. Not from a long distance when the sky is clear you can see the blue ocean, and when the wind blows you can even smell it.

I close my eyes and i can almost see it, can you?

Excitement (and some worry)

2008-08-27T12:12:00.008+03:00

-

After almost seven years, in which i published my manuscripts and poetry in the New Stage web site with many others talented writers, i decided to turn on a new road and opened my own authors page. leaving my old work behind on New Stage, but starting new, without needing anyone to authorize me except myself, and all of you of course.

It's hard and frightening to start new, gain new public of readers, knowing that not everyone will continue to visit my new site and commenting my work, and yet it feels right and good to stand on my own, as if i earned it.

My hope is, you all find the time and the will to read more of the things i write, and i promise to update frequently as i can.

My new page: http://mzats.blogspot.com/

Hope to see there also.

-

The Sunshine of my Life

2008-08-08T15:47:00.022+03:00

"You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always be around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you'll stay in my heart
I feel like this is the beginning
Though I've loved you for a million years
And if I thought our love was ending
I'd find myself drowning in my own tears

You must have known that I was lonely
Because you came to my rescue
And I know that this must be heaven
How could so much love be inside of you? "

Sweetheart, you are the sunshine of my life.
Happy Birthday baby, may all of your wishes come true.
I love you.

-

Summer Camp

2008-07-28T23:54:00.011+03:00

While everybody is planning their vacation abroad, and thinking how they gonna spent some time away, relaxed from all the worries and the mess of all year. sitting with an open book or a magazine on beach chair, one hand is holding a soft drink or an ice cream, getting a perfect tan, enjoying the sun, and the voice of the waves or a song you been dieing to hear in past weeks. smile is covering your face. you almost forgot how it feels to be away, disconnected with your thoughts, enjoying what you have honestly deserved.

While you be doing all that, I'm gonna be working in scouts summer camp, living 7 days and 6 nights in a forest, "enjoying" the humidity, the endless hit of Israeli summer, and most of all wishing i could be there with you, on that beach.

see ya all soon :)

Poetry

2008-07-08T23:02:00.006+03:00

I first started to write when i was in the nine grade, thinking i could impress the girls this way.
well, i was wrong. it didn't get me anywhere with the opposite sex.

The years went by, and i found myself writing poetry all my growing years, during the army period and after. i read some place, long time ago, that if you write poetry during your youth years while growing up, your not really a poet. the saying is, that all teenagers write, constantly, about first love, first kisses, first brake up and the ideal life with a perfect twosome. dreams mostly. and then at once they stop, after scratching the heart, experiencing life all over, the words have tendency to vanish, move on. never leaving a trace. were the words ever really written?

Sometimes i read some of the things i wrote way back, never believing i was the one who wrote it. it amuses me. once, i also wrote about love, break ups, wonderful roads who accepted me, as simple as i am. and today I'm grateful to them.

Lately, I've slowed down the rhythm, wanting to write more, but with the crazy and busy beat of life not finding the time. i sure miss it.
i guess it is time for me to make some priority changes.

Long Days

2008-06-26T14:19:00.010+03:00

-

The semester ended, at last, few weeks ago, and the exams isn't making my life to be any easier.
my desk is full with law books, pile of papers and one big massive headache.
the days are suddenly longer than usually, sometimes they seems to be endless, i guess academic life together with the preparation to the scouts summer camp, just isn't a good recipe.

I'm waiting for some things to be over, and make a room, so new, more exciting things could begin. it will take some time, but goodies come to those who wait.
i have to admit, patience isn't one of my strongest personal qualities, yet, i do have my exceptions.

-

So, this is goodbye

2008-06-01T23:24:00.007+03:00

-
Last week, on a Sunday morning, i got early a telephone call from my mom. it was around 6:00 a.m, when she told me that my grandmother past away, peacefully in her sleep after everything but peaceful journey she went through in the past year or so. her last year.

It took me some time to digest the thought, and really realize she's gone. we always said in the family, as a joke of course, that she gonna outlive us all. than, last year she had a massive stroke and we had to move her to a nursing home, not far away from our home. my mom and me, visited her 5 days a week, feed her and talked to her, even when we didn't know if she really understand anything of what we saying. on the other hand, their were other days when she reacted, knew what holiday is in May 9, never believed she's 91.

One thing though, never changed in all of that time- she recognized me every time i came to see her, could mumble my name and reference me as her grandson, when i asked her if she's happy that i came, she always said "very much", and when i used to leave she looked at me and cried.

all of my life we didn't have simple relationship, she constantly tried to enforce on us, her close family, her opinions, her way of life and her way of thinking, and when she didn't succeed, in some way she choose lonesomeness upon family. i could never understand it.

The past year, gave me a chance to bury the hatchet and make peace with her in the last time.

We brought her to burial with the close family and friends around.
i think, in her way she was a wonderful grandmother, as best as she knew how.
and for "all the good things", as she use to say, i loved her.

to her memory.

-

Independence Day

2008-05-18T09:48:00.009+03:00

It's Israel 60 independence day.

A big day that many didn't believe would ever come.

it were 60 years of continual struggle to survive when so many of our neighbors wants us out of here at any cost. we built this country, established big army and said to the world- never again.

It is my privet wish, that the next 60 years, would be years of great hope and vision, of fine education to our children, belief, leadership, and making friends instead of enemies, years of peace and prosperity.

it's a great country we built here, and still building, there still always some room for improvement, but we really do have all the reasons to be proud.

-

Zofim

2008-05-04T22:34:00.014+03:00

It's a big privilege to educate teens in their first meaningful voyage in life.

it's what they remember from this voyage they eventually turn out to be.

To help fellowman, responsibility, to serve your community, and love your country because you have only one, no matter what. respect.

I have much criticism of the way parents this days raise their children, and what values they give them.

It seems more than ever, the time and the place for youth movement to step in, and fill the blank. theirs so many of it, sometimes i don't know where to begin.

It's two years now I'm doing my best in the Israeli scouts.

sometimes its hard, and you don't always enjoy the benefit of the hard labor you put in to it.

but in the long run, i know, it would be all worth it.

When I'm 25

2008-04-13T23:51:00.009+03:00

-
I turned 25 last week and it's very hard for to get. suddenly people around me start their real life, when it seems only yesterday we dreamt of been grown up, and to stuff grown up do. like, leaving home and renting an apartment, getting married, planing ahead and most of all being busy with Carrier and family. well, now it's all here on my door step, waiting and staring at me, i stare back, trying to avoid and delay, when i know the game has sold out, I'm grown up too. I'm at that point of my life, when things gonna change, sooner or later. i soon finish my Bachelor of Law degree, i share my heart and my life with the most amazing person ever, my better half. life is waiting and its scary and exciting all at once.
i look at my past, my teen years and i don't want to let go. it was quite a ride and i don't wanna it to end, but in some way it already did. nobody, i guess has the heart to break it to me. yes, there's nothing like being 17 again, as the song said. And i get it now, all the times my parents told me I'm gonna miss high school, and i do.
On the other hand, i look at the future and i can hardly wait, living on my own, the independence, share my life, being a dad say and do all the things dad suppose to. and maybe, fulfill some dreams i haven't fulfilled just yet.
my youth will always be a part of me, as the word of Gertrude Stein "We are always the same age inside" .

Fresh Start

2008-03-25T23:55:00.003+02:00

Fresh start every year, and almost every time in the same place. you only think you know what to expect, but the beauty- indescribable.

It's that time again, spring is here with all of his glory, and he's calling to go out there and hike all around.

Religion

2008-03-12T23:28:00.005+02:00

There is a belief, saying if you lack of answers you can find them in religion, in god. the joy of life and the peace of mind is hidden somewhere between the holy literature, yourself, and your god. lately, i find myself asking question i didn't ask before, question about the meaning of all of us here, rushing towards what eventually seems like a dead end. always in a hurry, constantly in competition with others, seeking the love of strange people we never gonna see again.

I'm missing the gaudiness of close people who can accompaniment me, show the bright side of things, who can listen and not judge. a kind of mentor if you would like. someone who can answer some simple questions and survive.

everyone is so busy with their life's, with the daily routine, doing everything and ending up with nothing.

all it takes is one minute. taking the time, go deep within yourself and bond with the surroundings. i wish i could find so easily the answers to the state of mind I'm in.

religion will live after us, she gives us the roots and the meaning.

religion seems so far and yet she remains in the reach of hand.

you can always choose to grab.

The Storm Is Coming

2008-02-17T20:30:00.007+02:00

The storm is already on her way here, the big people on the news said its the gonna be the biggest storm this winter seen so far. they said something about cold air coming here all the way from Russia. i can't help wondering, what the hell does air from Russia doing here, the long way, so it seems doesn't bother it. it's here for the next 48 hours and its gonna get messy.

To be honest, i can hardly wait.

I find myself writing to much about the weather lately, and i have to say i like it. I'm more of a winter Pearson myself, since young age i just loved staring at the rain. its gonna sound funny, but, i have discovered very important rule about the rain, don't be surprised if you know it already- the rain always gonna get stronger before getting weak and stop completely.

The big people from the news (a.k.a weatherman) also said its gonna snow in all of the mountains in Israel.

Last week, it was snowing at mount Hermon, everything froze, like in a childhood game. i was there after the blizzard, and it was just spectacular.

Night Playground

2008-02-12T23:28:00.007+02:00

Not many can stay awake long enought after daylight hours to get to know night playground. it's just waits their, peaceful, day by day. usually, you don't need any one else beside you, and anyone to talk with, the night says it all for you. the true colors of the night reveal themselves like shadows that were waiting the whole day to get out, and when they do, you wanna be there to see it all. everything looks so familiar and yet diffrent, almost unreconcilable. their's a world waiting to be discovered. you do need patiences thow, see it all, blend into the slow rhythm of the night playground that waits for no one. before you even begin to understand, you realize that the light of the day, is already here.

good morning.

If I forget Thee O Jerusalem

2008-01-14T23:01:00.000+02:00

The famous saying about Jerusalem is that " If i forget thee o Jerusalem may my right hand lose its cunning".
i spent some time in Jerusalem in the past month, walking in streets of the old city, between the walls and out doors. along with me, there were thousands of tourists, that were just getting to know the city. for me, however, it's not the first time I'm there and yet I'm excited as if it was so. i think, that in a way, it is my first time there. every time I'm in Jerusalem i discover new places that i haven't seen just yet.
Every year i find myself in Jerusalem, every time its different circumstances that bring me there but the places remain the same. breathtaking.
i love riding in Jerusalem, visit little coffee shoppes, that i know I'll never visit again. there is something in the cold air of January, that feels very different then any place else i could be at. i find Jerusalem inspiring, my desire to write increases when I'm there, and my camera never rests.
all the resent talks, about splitting up Jerusalem makes me mad. going back almost 40 years, giving up so many of what we achieved. you can almost feel the history of Jerusalem just by being there and seeing her, especially at night, surrounded with all of her lights of glory. there ain't one city in the world, i think, that combines so much past, present and future like Jerusalem.
i just love that city and i had to say it.

Cast away

2007-12-19T22:50:00.000+02:00

This week i found myself working alone, after my co-partner decided to leave work and went back finding herself some place else. when she first told me the news about her leaving i wasn't all sad cause i believe that if you wake up in the morning hating your work, and hating the fact you need to go their, i think, maybe, you don't belong their.

so she left, and i found myself scratching my had up and down thinking what should i do first.

i batter say it now- it ain't easy working with teenagers that almost never appreciate the things people do for them. words like "thank you" doesn't exist. every thing is taken for granted. i find myself asking questions about my own future in this job, and every time i do that i come back to the same conclusion, that no matter what, i can't fail and if i do quit what kind of example would i set for them. it isn't OK to quit just cause its hard, you don't just give up. i love those kids and i think they are great. they missing values that others fail to give. maybe cause it was hard and they quit also.

that board isn't for me just yet.

Good night, at last

2007-12-11T20:43:00.000+02:00

I'm finely on my way to sleep after few days that were kind of hard on me.

i try to find comfort in the funny circumstances i meet some people from my past in the most unexpected places. life can sure surprise you. its always nice to meet people you know and think you forgotten all about. they really brought smile to my face and sweet memories. regards, from long over periods in my life.

good night.

Back From The Desert

2007-11-20T23:38:00.000+02:00

I spent the last weekend in the desert, hiking up and down the dead streams of the unknown land. it's the second year i find myself hiking their, enjoying the emptiness, from one hand and the wild nature and old trade roads from the other. more than everything, i love the dark sky's at night, you can see all the starts their is, dream about far, far away galaxies that suddenly looks so close to you, not out of reach. its just overwhelming seeing all that amount of shooting stars, and make one wish after another. in the desert you can hear only yourself and your deepest and secret thoughts that you usually forget. desert can be a wonderful shrink. i found myself singing some old songs i know, but this time the lyrics had a different meaning than before.

i came back home all dusty and tired, but it sure was worth it.

Oh How I Wish It Would Rain

2007-10-31T23:49:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow is November first and their is no sine for rain yet. only the nights got much colder, but the days remain the same. hot, sometime to much hot. the fall of the leaves in in the streets more and more seems like an illusion of rain that got stuck somewhere behind. i sure would like it to rain, theirs nothing like the standing air after the rain, it cleans your had. for me, however, rain takes me back to sweet childhood memories of the winter of 92' in Haifa when from the living room window you could see valley of streams. now, instead of the valley they built yet anther shopping mall. i was so sad to see it.
at least i have the memories, and nobody could take them away. if i would ever get the chance i would like to go back to the winter of 92' even for a couple of moments, just enough to see the valley as it once were.

The Little Things In Life

2007-10-23T00:22:00.000+02:00

its been a while and yet "unexpectedly" things did happened. it would be a lie if i should say that those things didn't matter, cause they did. for real. its seems in the past week i couldn't find the time to the little things in life like writing here about the trip to Barcelona, the week before, which was just amazing and the return to yet anther year in college, almost the last one. but most of all, the past week was all dedicated to work with no air in between. pressure and pressure again, it was like i have no other thing in life. i hate it like this and frankly speaking it sucks. the pile of things in the "to do list" ain't getting any shorter. and god knows i try.
the real sad thing that happened is that, a true friend disappointed me, he just weren't there for me, instead saying the obius he switched the subject, and that it hit me- he weren't happy for me and the bitter taste was hard to swallow. i shot this picture in a small town in Spain.
the freedom of the birds did something to me.

Man's best friend

2007-09-30T00:26:00.000+02:00

Ever since i can remember myself i always was a dog lover. there something in that harry beast that makes me wanna spend hours with it.

until few years back i had a Schnauzer by the name of Rada, after she went to a doggie paradise at the age of ten, i just knew that it wont be so simple to get a new dog. in the past month or so, i find myself more and more missing to have a dog, a best friend to take everywhere, walk with, brush, feed and yes even sometimes to talk with. cause in the cornet moment I'm still living with my parents, i know that it isn't even an option. people who are close to me say, i wont have the time to take care of a dog and suggested me to take a cat. honestly, i like cats, i really do, i admit that there are some cats that scares the sheet out of me, but i just can't even start to imagine replacing me wanting a dog by a cat.

Crowded

2007-09-25T22:36:00.000+02:00

There are some days when i feel exactly like that. so crowded, without air in my had, constantly surrounded with so many things waiting to be done, so many people i promised to meet and talk with soon. some of them were a big part of my life in some point. i wish i could just stop in the middle of cause and just laugh without a drop of worry in my mind.

sometimes it's so crowded that i just wanna breathe. it rained yesterday for a couple of minutes, strong rain for the first time after the long summer.

there is nothing in this world like smell of the standing air after the rain. the mind suddenly wonders , nothing seems so urgent and crowded any more. i should tho, find the time to whats really important in life friends, family, people i care about.

Yom Kippur- Forgiveness

2007-09-23T00:38:00.000+02:00

last Thursday i participated in a all-night tour in Jerusalem, a tour in which you suppose to ask for forgiveness for all your sins in the past year. you doing it in the most holy places in the world. its very difficult to describe the sights as well as the feeling, when you hearing the stories and walking throw something very strong that will probably will stay their forever. strong like nurture.
it seems that nobody slept in Jerusalem that night, where ever we went, we weren't alone, their were thousands of people asking god only one simple thing- forgiveness.

The funny thing in the story, is that with out any doubt, i just know that everyone who ask for forgiveness this year will be there next year too. probably asking for forgiveness for the same things. yes, there are things in life that will never change.

personally, i found it very difficult this year to ask for forgiveness, not because I'm "clean" from all sins but because i couldn't found the specific things that maybe I've done and it made someone suffer. i try to do good and that's what guides me throw life, but if in did i made someone sad, hurt, or any injustice, than I'm sorry. i really am, and i don't need a holy place to ask god for forgiveness, i do it in my heart each day before i go to sleep, and in the morning trying not to do it again so i wont have to ask for forgiveness for the same thing twice.
hopefully, ever again. that's, in my opinion, the real meaning of forgiveness

for more pictures from the tour click here

Happy Rosh Hashana

2007-09-20T00:13:00.000+02:00

happy Rosh Hashana to everybody.

i guess this is the place to start, and there is no better way than doing it in the beginning of a new year. i shoot this picture in the train station in Tel-Aviv, the old lady name is Golda and she's 95 years old, she's their not to collect money but to wish good health and a good year. gotta love her for that. Golda is 4 years older than my own grandmother but i can't really compare the situation. my grandmother is 91 years old and she suffered from a massive stroke in the past year. from one hand i wanna wish her health for many years to come, from the other hand she's not gonna feel much better than she is right now. i see the old people in the home she's in. i just cant seem them old, so tired. i imagine them young for a few moment. the end of the road sometimes is just unbearable.