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He is capable of being a cool-headed and subtle tactician, a player, an excellent actor who takes on the most varied roles when necessary. The complexity of this game is determined by his innate intellect. In all other areas of human relations, except for sex, he is sincere, well-disposed, responsive and kind.
Stumbled upon by chance - not new (from 2007), but artistically engaging - a 14-episode feature film "Ликвидация" (Liquidation), alternating between Russian and Ukrainian. The setting is Odessa, 1946 - that is, shortly after the war. The main storyline follows law enforcement agencies' struggle against organised criminal gangs in Odessa, contraband traders, document forgers and illegal gamblers. Running through it all are human relationships in the post-war period, when everyone carries their own life tragedy and the deaths of many loved ones behind them.
This month it so happened that, being right here in Latvia swept by autumn winds, we savoured Italy. Firstly, of course, the film "Eat Pray Love", where the character played by Julia Roberts travels to Italy to discover the Italian art of celebrating life. Secondly, photographs sent by Silvija from a trip through Italy. Thirdly, the Tuscany wine seminar organised by Larisa.
Quite by chance I came across a few interviews on YouTube from a private conversation with I. Godmanis. Judging by the interior, it could be a sauna. The range of topics covered is quite broad and the account is captivating.
The hours of natural light grow ever shorter. In the evenings there is a desire to light candles, stoke the stove or fireplace, curl up under a warm blanket and rely on movement as little as possible to preserve the body's warmth. So on one such autumn evening, curled up on the sofa searching for warmth and inspiration, I found a recipe online for a drink to enjoy on a truly raw, damp day. They say you wouldn't drink mulled wine yet - that's more of a Christmas drink - but one wants something to warm the insides. Well then, let's try it!
In the September issue of the magazine "LILIT" I read an interesting article by Jeva Karabeško titled "The Circle That Fulfils Wishes", which tells of a thing known to many - especially those interested in esoteric matters - the symbol and drawing called the mandala. I would not wish to agree with the invitation expressed in the article for everyone to create their own mandala in order to change their life. If you also want to create something and put it on the wall for the realisation of your wishes and dreams, then put up a proportional spiral formed in the golden ratio. Why? More on that below...
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At Michaelmas they say the winter gates are now open - meaning that from this day one must expect the cold to begin. Michaelmas is usually celebrated on 29 September, but this year on 25 September the Michaelmas Fair in Old Riga - on Dome Square and Town Hall Square - took place bathed in warm sunshine, and nothing at all suggested the approach of a harsh winter. Though wise folk say that an autumn as bountiful as this year's will certainly bring a winter equally bountiful and harsh.
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Libra's sexual potency is very great, but his opportunities to make use of it are meagre. He must be very careful in his choice of partner. Women are to him merely a sex object, so he is incapable of fully understanding and appreciating each one's distinct individuality. Only a few women can come to terms with such an attitude for any extended period, yet he firmly believes he has earned the right to receive what he wants and what life owes him.
While watching the film "Amaya," one's feelings can be loosely divided into three parts: at first an extraordinarily realistic portrayal of the environment and human relationships, an outlining of the plot and characters; then the subtle, almost imperceptible yet symbolic details characteristic of Eastern culture - rain outside the window reflected in Amaya's face like ceaseless tears, the ticking of a clock that dispassionately counts the moments of a human life, wind chimes set in motion this time by a fan rather than the free mountain wind, and so on; and finally a poignant sense of doom, sadness, satisfaction, pain and love.
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This time the idea comes from the wine courses, where the course organiser Larisa always takes care to ensure that we have tasty food and snacks suited to that evening's wines. What caught my attention was the spice-marinated cheese, so after the event I stayed behind to have Larisa share her culinary secrets. All things of genius, as ever, turned out to be wonderfully simple.