Alias Jones

Happy American Independence Day to everyone.  I hope you’re having a great 4th.

We just caught some evening fireworks shows from across the water in various parts of Istanbul.  No, they’re not celebrating the 4th.  Its customary at weddings around here.  Some really good shows, too… Big shows from the wealthy families.  So in this city of 18 or so million people, some rich girls get married every day.  And we get free shows.  Nice.

Say “Hello!” to Mom, eat some apple pie, maybe watch a little baseball and eat a hot dog or something.  Drive a Ford truck.  I think that’s what I used to do.  Or was that a commercial?  Hmm…

Fireworks… I recall the Bi-centennial celebration in 1976.  That was the big one.  It really made a 11 year-old kid think something special was going on in America.  Everyone seemed relaxed, relieved even… Breathing a little easier.  There was hope in the air… A certain renewed innocence. 

The Viet Nam war had just ended the year before, as did Selective Service registration.  The ecomony was doing alright recovering from the shocks of having left the gold standard a few years before, and the 1973-74 oil crises was behind us.  Watergate and Nixon were behind us.  Things were looking up, and most of the turmoil of the 60’s was far enough behind us that it didn’t seem very real, at least to an eleven year-old.  It seemed like pretty good days. 

I recall the tall ships parade in New York Harbor - spectacular.  And the fireworks display that night, as everybody for miles around lounged on the golf course at The Woodlands Country Club, were as good as any that I had ever seen.  Again, spectacular.

Belgin sends her Happy Independence Day wishes…

And you know, the bicentennial celebration gave us something else… It brought us a special sub-section of the beloved School House Rock on ABC’s on Saturday mornings.  This sub-section was known as America Rock.  One of the most-favored pieces that of the pre-amble of the Constitution put to music, and it was very well done.  Good shit, man…

The Preable to The Constitution

“We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, support the general Welfare and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The Preamble is often considered the “spirit” of the Constitution.  I’ll leave you to reflect on that…

(Belgin shot this photo…)

Peace, Love and All That is Universally Valid,

~ Alias

Ok… Communications-wise, things are looking up… Internet is now piped into the home (yes, Venetti, its true).  Woo-HOO!

I’m now settled in the island, and began writing last week.  I’m starting with a short book, 80-100 pages, targeted toward young people, say 15-25 years-old.  I have no idea what it will be titled yet.  The theme is… What every young person in the world should know about the world - at least according to me.  The vision is… something that any grandparent might read and would pass along to their grandchild. 

Yep, if I can write a book that Grammas and Grandpas will want to pass to thier young-adult grandchildren, then I’ll be very pleased.  I’m not sure how it will be published yet, but I’ll get it out there even if its a free web book.  We’ll see…

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Other news…

Most of you will recall Belgin.  I met her in Istanbul last year and we’ve remained close over the months.  We decided to make the move to the island together.  It seems that when I mentioned that the Prince’s Islands were an option as a place to settle for a while and write, that struck an island-bug in her because she had considered it before.   

Through a friend of a friend of a friend, we found a groovy little hippie pad about 120 feet above the water, out on the edge of this small town on this island of 1.500 year-round residents.  A few summer holiday makers pass by every day, but most of what we hear is ocean waves, seagulls, crows and a steady breeze.  It should be a good summer here.

As you would imagine… I have oh-so-many photos to post from the past month or so.  I think I’ll just make a slide show for you in the next couple of days.  Until then, I’ll trickle the photos out.  Today… the view from the hippie pad…

Let’s start with sunrise over Bostanci, from the back patio…

A mid-day view of Istanbul from across the Marmara Sea…

And sunset, as Belgin prepares her camera for more photos…

Yes, a good start to the summer indeed.

More to come, just wanted to get this out to you quickly.

Intentions of Peace and Love for everyone out there who happens to stop by…

~ Alias

Wow… its been a while…

Back from a great trip to Kusadasi and Bodrum.  Saw most of who I needed to see and missed a few.  Bıg fun and photos coming one day soon.

Now back on the island and beginning the writing effort in earnest.  Will keep you posted on how its going.

Back to you in a few days with some good photos - a few of which may please Pappy - if all goes well.

I mıssed you!!!

Muah!

Peace.  Love.

- Alias

All is well on the island.  Quite enjoying it.  Photos soon.

There is no internet cafe on the island, and I’m probably a week or two from having any at the house, so we’ll just have to make due.  This will be a great place to write, should my laptop hold out.  Don’t ask… I think the Universe is just having a little fun with me.
I’m planning to leave for Kusadasi tomorrow, then possibly Bodrum directly afterwards, so if you’re reading this, Tamer, know that I’ll be on my way soon and will let you know.

Oh… and my phone is back on for those who tried to call.

And oh… I know i’m way behind on emails, some months.  Please hang tight… I’ll be back to you soon… (week or two).

Peace, Love & Island Life,

~ Alias

Tomorrow I’m moving out to a nearby island, just outside of Istanbul.  It seems the Universe was happy enough with that option to put me in a real nice situation there. More on that another time.

I’m not sure when I’ll find internet hookups, but I’ll do my best.

Sometime early in the week, maybe Tuesday, I’ll run down to Kusadasi to see Sercan, Meric, Orkan, Burak and the boys… you’ve met them before.
At some point soon, not exactly when, I”ll be running down to Bodrum to see Mustafa, Lorrie, Antonella, Vince, Jim, Salih and quite a few others that you’ve met before as well.  We like reunions.  So as soon as i know when I’ll make it that way, I’ll be calling you all.

That’s it… gotta run.  This move, like every move, is a little bigger than I  expected.  But it will be worth it.

Screen play get ready to be written…

Peace, Love & Freedom,

- Alias