This ashtray was given to me by my aunt Mina (short for Salome). Mina is my mother's younger sister and lives in Athens. Her voice is exactly the same as my mum's. We used to be very close. I slept in her spare bedroom for many a months when I was preparing for the MFA exams. She loves flowers and her balcony is a colourful oasis from the hassle and bustle of the big city. She is also the best cook in the world! The woman has talent! Nothing is beyond her abilities, Greek, Italian, Asian, sweet, savoury, you name it, she can make it and make it mouthwatering good!
In the past couple of years we drifted apart. Life sometimes can be very cruel and Mina knows that very well. I'm not going to go into details. The only thing I'm going to say is that in order to overcome the difficulties, sometimes we have to bend our rules a little, become more flexible and not be afraid to ask for help from those who love us.
