Music

Hi everyone!

So I have a few music pages which I am and will be updating more regurlarly in the next months. If you could follow/like me it would be much appreciated =)

Here they are:

Facebook Page   
Soundcloud Page
Bandcamp Page   
Reverbnation Page


You can download my one and only available song (I am working on adding/recording more) for free on Soundcloud and Bandcamp or for a price you name on Bandcamp. If you download from Reverbnation 50% of earnings go to Fender Music Foundation. I will change this charity regurlarly.

I am currently based in Ankara, Turkey so if you would like to get in touch send me an email at melissaclissold@gmail.com

Missing Rose - Kayıp Gül

Recently I picked this book up on my way back from Turkey - "Kayıp Gül" or "Missing Rose" by Serdar Özkan. I finished the entire book on one 3 and half hour plane ride. It has been translated into 39 different languages and is available in over 50 countries. Described in the book and on
the website (Available

here) as :

“Compulsory reading for all who are thrilled by The Alchemist, The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull.”

Air Beletrina - SLOVENIA

it is a book that was close to my heart. Set in San Francisco and in Istanbul it is a novel about the spiritual and personal journey of a young woman in her 20s. Yes, many see the Alchemist as cheesy, but it it is loved for the very reason that it does make us feel uplifted and inspires us to do more with our life and try to discover what we really want to do in this short but sweet life. This book does the same thing - it makes us question our motivations and our decisions. It allows us to truly remember that 'better late than never'. I would recommend this book to anyone of all ages who enjoy a bit of fantasy and are open to new ideas!

One chapter got me thinking about the observation that the protagonist makes (don't worry this is not a spoiler!) - If you entered a cafe and ordered two of your favourite cookie but they only had one so they put another cookie next to it on a plate - would you eat your favourite one first or second?

I decided I would eat mine second, but might take a bite from it first! (Delayed gratification versus instant? or wanting to seize the day versus being too full to eat the second?) If you have any thoughts or comments feel free to leave them! I'd be interested to know.

Epic Lentil Soup

How to make awesome and SIMPLE lentil soup (Turkish style)

- I know this from my mother and it can be played around with a bit.

INGREDIENTS:

1 large onion

2 cups of red lentil

1 potato

1 carrot

1 1/2 or 2 litres of water

2 tablespoons of oil or butter

1 tablespoon of tomato puree or 1/2 a can of tomatoes

1 tablespoon of flour

2 vegetable stock cubes (or chicken stock goes really well)

Chilies, salt, pepper and cumin to season (to taste)

STEPS:

1. Chop the onions and brown in a pan with the oil. Once softened add the flour and mix well.

2. Chop the carrots and potato and add them to the pan, continue to mix.

3. Soak the lentils in water and get rid of the starch (white water) then also add to the pan.

4. Add the water, stock cubes and tomato puree/or canned tomatoes.

5. Let water boil and simmer for around 20 minutes or so (or until all the ingredients are mushy)

6. Add seasoning and voila!

Serve hot with a wedge of lemon and crusted bread and it will get you through the winter days!

Enjoy!