If I could choose between a hope or a dream then I would always choose to dream!
Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen but expectation is the surest way to set ourselves up for disappointment because, realistically, everything is not going to be perfect. I am in no way a pessimist but I have, in the past suffered severe bouts of optimism that didn’t live up to my very, positive expectations.
I now class myself as a dreamy realist!
Because realistically a dream is tangible and can create powerful emotions within us; in our dreams we feel, we do. I know because I once ate a Mars Bar in a dream. Well it wasn’t actually a chocolate bar. In my sleep I was under the covers looking for a treat, then, in my dream, I started to chew on something.
Unfortunately the object of my desire belonged to someone else and we nearly ended up in A & E.
In her book “The Danger of Optimism,” Susan Kranz suggests that optimism can be dangerous. The idea that everything will have a good and happy outcome is naive and she states,
“It is important to recognize the reality of life—which is that it sometimes sucks.”
Case in point here being my discord with the imaginary Mars Bar. That incident had a bad outcome because, firstly I didn't get chocolate and there was no Happy Ending for the other party because…
This wee chick’s enthusiastic pecking spoiled the surprise for the unsuspecting victim!
My point here is, instead of expecting things to come along and bite you in the bollocks; go out there and realise your dreams.
Make them come true!
That’s exactly what Jen and Kastriot Gjini did.
Meeting 14 years ago in Greece they fell in love and like most young couples shared their hopes and dreams based on their shared passion for great service and authentic dishes. They had a vision of one day opening their own Restaurant based on their favourite Mediterranean cuisine. So for years they struggled and juggled different jobs as they scrimped and scrapped towards their ultimate goal; owning their own place.
They now have two beautiful daughters called Abbi and Emma who visit Greece with them every year to visit family and are continually inspired by both their girls and that beautiful country.
Now they have a new baby appropriately named Kastriots Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Bailleston!
Although it’s only been opened for a couple of months it’s definitely been claimed by the locals as their own. There’s a lovely, warm sense of homeliness and family that the community, the staff and The Mary and I love.
Tonight when we arrived Steven and other staff were so welcoming and greeted us on a first name basis giving me and The Mary a sense of belonging and relaxation. I actually knew what I was going to order before I left the house because it had been so good the last time! After a pleasant chat with the very charming Kastriot we were presented with, what The Mary described as, the best focaccia she has ever tasted ‘until now’!
Now, every time she says this I need to taste it, because, although it’s not my thing, she is teaching me the difference between crisp and firm, which she likes and flaccid droopy, which I'm used to!
This time, I have to say, neither of us are disappointed and it is light, crisp and seasoned to perfection.
I ordered the Lamb Stifado with pasta and I'll say again it was the best I have tasted since my last plate of orecchiette con sugo al pomodoro që nëna ime në ligj ka bërë mua në vitin 1998! The Mary had the chicken skewers with salad and pitta bread. All of it was faultlessly delicious!
The Mary spent ages talking to Kastriot about Greek stuff and rattled on about when she was in Greece and yacking about dancing and plate smashing. I felt right left out!
I might find a new pal for Mondays. She better be careful.
So, that’s about it for now but remind me to tell you about the time I woke up naked, on an exercise bike, in the middle of my living room. I was so disappointed to see my ex playing cards with a bunch of his pals because…
In my dream I had been cycling along a beach on the sparkling shoreline of Eoligarry on Barra like something out of a painting by Hope Blamire!
This Summer I'm going to make sure that dream comes true just like Jen and Kastriot did!
No matter what happens next I will always be an eternal dreamer with a realistic streak!
Mx
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