Rediscovering Childhood Skills

As a child, I developed many habits that have stayed with me to this day. One of them is the art of doodling, often seen as simple sketches that capture fleeting thoughts. My mind’s eye frequently turns images into tangible realities, a trait attributed to my photographic memory. I have had eerie experiences, such as feeling the presence of a deceased loved one, which at the time seemed supernatural. Another whimsical aspect is hearing songs in my head, essentially an internal tape recorder, recording melodies that might have been absorbed throughout my childhood. I even have a remarkable ability to sense the direction of calls made from a call center, a talent that no one else had.

Flying Kites with TimeLESS Techniques

One enduring skill from my childhood is flying kites. Unlike the modern, fancy kites found online, I prefer to recreate the traditional kites from the early 1960s with my own hands. These kites were simple, affordable, and gave me hours of joy. The kites are made from sticks and paper, the latter sourced from various materials like newspapers, tissue paper, and specialized kite paper. The process of crafting these kites is straightforward and can be enjoyed by anyone willing to give it a try.

Here's a simple method to make a paper kite:

Buy sticks from a hobby shop. Choose your paper: old newspapers, tissue paper, or special kite paper. Secure the paper to the sticks with tape or glue. Attach a string to the top for the kite's tail. Fly your kite in a wide open space or on a windy day.

This reminder of my childhood joy has been passed on to my children and grandchildren, ensuring that the tradition of kites lives on.

The Paint by Number Set

Basketball and car shows weren't the only joys of traveling to the circus with my family. During the Christmas rush, we were handed out paint by number kits. No longer do I paint by numbers, but this experience ignited a lifelong passion for painting. One of my paintings features an old potato house, a structure built in the 1940s or early 1950s, a piece that captures the nostalgia of my childhood.

Painting today reminds me of the joy and simplicity of those early days. It's a great way to unwind and express creativity.

Inheriting the Art of Cooking

One of the most significant childhood skills I inherited was the art of cooking. This was passed down to me by my great grandmother, who ensured I learned the traditional Balkan phyllo dough from an early age. She started teaching me when I was about 4-5 years old, emphasizing the importance of treating guests with respect and excellent food. The recipe was meticulously detailed and had to be followed exactly as specified.

The phyllo dough was a crucial part of my childhood and remains a cherished family tradition. To this day, I follow the same method taught to me by my great grandmother. I will ensure that my children and grandchildren learn the same skill, passing on not only the love for food but also the respect for guests and the importance of maintaining family traditions.