Up for a Treat?

Nothing around that seems to suit?  Try mixing fresh whole milk with all natural Polar Gingerale (half milk, half gingerale)!  The taste treat of an ice-cream soda without the ice cream and the calories that go with it!  Yes, even in the middle of the winter!

Padiddle!

With all the talk these days about the dating rules in the United States of America -- the dating rules for for men and women --  Padiddle comes to mind!  What does Padiddle mean?  Padiddle means someone owes someone a kiss! A kiss?  Yes!  In the late 1950's, if a guy was out for the evening on a date with a gal, and the guy spotted a car with a burned-out headlightt, if he called it (shouted "Padiddle"), it meant he could claim a kiss from the girl he was with . . .

A wonderful young man who was out with Marash Girl one evening did exactly that:  he spotted a car with one headlight out, shouted padiddle, and claimed a kiss, but no way was Marash Girl going to allow Jimmy H. to kiss her, nor would she kiss him, padiddle or not.  He was just a friend.  A good friend, but a friend nonetheless.  Marash Girl reproved Jimmy H., and, of course, never heard from him again.

Too bad, because he was a really good kid.  Oh, and he was NOT Armenian!

Only God is Perfect

Recently, sitting on the sofa, gazing at the oriental rug covering the center of his living room floor, Raffi shouted, "Look, Ama!  There's a mistake in the rug!"  "A mistake?" Marash Girl queried.  "Yes, look!" Raffi insisted as he pointed to the  border of the rug, where there was one medallion that was different from all the others. "Look, they made a mistake," he insisted as he pointed to the one out of one hundred forty-seven medallions woven into the rug displayed on the center of his living room floor.  But Marash Girl was not alarmed.  Many years ago, Marash Girl had been forewarned by Arthur T. Gregorian that no oriental carpet could be perfect. . . by design, every hand-knotted oriental rug had to have in its pattern one deliberate error, for the rug-makers believed that "Only God is perfect!"

Cabbage Stuff

Cabbage Stuff?  This time with chick peas for protein!

Cabbage Stuff?  Sounds awful but the kids loved it, and that was the name they gave to this delicious dish which Medzmama created (don't know if it's a traditional Armenian dish, though she was Armenian from Marash, and traditional!)

Here's how you make it.

Peel one large yellow onion; toss the peels into the compost OR save for coloring Easter eggs;  (they wouldn't do too well in this dish . . )  and chop or slice the onion; fry up the onion in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.  (Marash Girl likes to add a chopped clove of garlic, but Medzmama says that  Armenian cooks from Marash never cook with both onions and garlic but use either one or the other.  Marash Girl breaks that rule every time she cooks!  Marash Girl doesn't like rules, as you may have guessed by now!)

When the onions are wilted, and hopefully lightly browned, add the cabbage and stir.  When the cabbage is wilted, add a can of stewed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes that have been skinned) and simmer for one half hour.

Serve over brown rice.

OR, if you are a meat eater, add ground meat after the onions are browned; brown the ground meat (usually lamb).  Then continue as directed above.

How to be Happy During the Depression

And speaking of being happy . . . Soon after Peter arrived in  the United States of America (he was born an American citizen and came to his homeland in the 1920's), the country had fallen into a deep economic depression. Living in Brighton, Massachusetts, in a three decker, one of 4 children, Peter saw happiness, but only one kind of happiness:  the happiness of the drunk.  Thus, when people asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, he would always answer, "I want to be a drunk!"

Are You Happy In The Lord?

Mrs. Corlian would love to approach Peter on Sundays after the church service, asking him (as they both walked out of the church) in a loud, accented voice, 

"Pitirrrr . . . are you happy in the Lord?"

"Yes, Mrs. Corlian, I'm happy in the Lord."

"But Pitirr," continued Mrs. Corlian, "Are you happy in the Lord ALL THE TIME?"

"Mrs. Corlian, only crazy people are happy all the time!"

Thank God He's Not A Protestant!

Born in Marash as Bedros, and grandson of the first Protestant minister in Marash (Sarkis Bilezikjian), Peter would love to tell the following story, a story that has particular significance when one is aware of the anger that was caused, the rift in families, when the Protestant movement reached Marash in the 19th Century (via missionaries from Boston, by the way)!

Neighbor Woman:  (snippily and sarcastically)  So, I hear your son has become a Poghokagan (Protestant)!

Marashtsi Mother:  No, thank God!  He got up this morning, late for work, drank a shot of whiskey, swore at me, and walked out of the house slamming the door.  Thank God he's not a Protestant!

Chamlian Armenian School on MLK Day

ASBAREZ

Chamlian 8th grade students participate in a talk with civil rights activist Bethel Charkoudian

GLENDALE—The Chamlian Armenian school’s eighth- grade class on January 12 hosted a Skype session with Armenian activist, Bethel Charkoudian, who participated in a Civil Rights Movement march led by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965.

Charkoudian (left) shared her personal story on her role with the Armenian Genocide and her experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. The 8th grade students had the opportunity to ask questions about what inspired her to participate in the movement and what emotions were provoked from the experience as the only Armenian-American present in the march.

The topics of conversation not only engaged the 8th grade students of Chamlian Armenian School, but also instilled in them the desire to continue on with the struggle for freedom and equality. Throughout the video-chat, the most noted appreciation that students expressed was Ms. Charkoudian’s impeccable ability to make important social issues seem relevant. She demonstrated that we, too, through awareness and sheer bravery, may be remembered throughout the pages of history as those who dedicated their time and effort in ensuring that we leave the world a little better than we found it for all of humanity.

Bethel Charkoudian (right) on Boston Common during the
1965 Civil Rights March on Washington

This educational Skype session was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Chamlian students to be exposed to someone directly involved in a pivotal and decisive historical event. Students especially appreciated the chance to not only ask their questions, but also to engage in conversation with Ms. Bethel. One of the most memorable moments was when Ms. Bethel urged the students not to be afraid by repeating the phrase, “Mi Vakhnak!” which translates to “Do not be afraid!”

This motto helped them understand that while taking a stand against injustice is not always the easy option, it will always remain our moral obligation. This truly was an educational experience for our students and sparked conversations regarding critical issues such as racism, sexism, and discrimination. As part of Chamlian’s school mission to embrace Armenian culture and heritage, we continue to be active participants in the Armenian community and gain greater awareness of the unique aspects of the Armenian culture and history while preserving the Armenian heritage.

Chamlian expressed gratitude to Charkoudian for what it called the “unforgettable opportunity and for sharing your inspirational story and encouraging us to fight for respect, dignity, and equality.” The school also thanked Verginie Touloumian, the Executive Director of the Armenian Relief Society Inc. for her support as well as efforts in organizing this memorable and unique experience.

http://asbarez.com/169884/to-mark-mlk-jr-day-chamlian-students-speak-to-civil-rights-activist/

"We Want You!" At the Airport in Washington DC several months ago

Marash Girl is so proud of her children and grandchildren who fight discrimination in whatever form.  

"No matter where you are from, we're glad you are our neighbors."

"IMMIGRANTS! We get the job done!"

Photos by Lorig Charkoudian taken yesterday evening at the airport in Washington, DC. 1/29/17

Beware the Mighty Raisin

Yesterday, Marash Girl paid $400 to a dentist in Boston for an emergency visit.  What was the problem?  She knew not.

What was the problem?  The dentist found it and removed it!  A piece of a raisin had lodged itself between the gum and the inner edge of a a back molar.

The charge?  $400!!!! And no insurance!

Should Marash Girl ever eat a raisin again?  Will Marash Girl ever eat a raisin again?  Doubt it!

"Keep the faith, Baby!"

DACA Participants Can Again Apply for Renewal, Immigration Agency Says

 DACA Participants Can Again Apply for Renewal, Immigration Agency Says, NY Times, 1/14/2018  

                         Note: Lorig Charkoudian in upper left corner of photo wearing white hat.

La Liberté Pour Tous - Boston, 1965

"Armenians for Freedom for All" at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Rally, Boston Common, 1965

Deeown D. Shaverdian tagged you and Verginie Touloumian in a post. Deeown wrote: "As soon as I saw the photo of Ms. Charkoudian participating in the Civil Rights movement with Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965, I knew she would be an inspiration and source of bravery for my 8th graders. After many weeks of planning and emailing and phone calls to the East Coast (where Ms. Bethel lives) and with the help of Ms. Verginie Touloumian, the Executive Director of the Armenian Relief Society in Watertown Massachusetts, this dream became a reality. What an honor it was to interview Ms. Bethel via video chat and listen to her discuss important issues such as discrimination, activism, sexism, history, and equality with our students. Truly, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank you so much for truly one of the most unique experiences we’ve ever experienced, Bethel!"  "Keep the faith, Baby!"

Free Advice

Whenever someone would say to Marash Girl's father, "Let me give you some advice. . ." he would smile and think to himself, "Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it!"

The Chopping of Onions - Another Test for the Worthy Dandigin

If you can't chop onions, you can't marry an Armenian man. . . at least that was the lesson Marash Girl learned when she was getting to know the family into which she was soon to marry.  So she learned to chop onions, carefully and finely, but soon the Cuisinart came along and the skill was all for naught!  Just throw the onion in the Cuisinart and you can pass any onion chopping test a future Armenian mother-in-law could put you to! (And anyway, what's the difference, once the food arrives in your stomach!)

How to Alienate a Non-Armenian Boyfriend

So here we go into Marash Girl's deep, dark past.   Today she's remembering how she shocked a then boyfriend (who was not Armenian), shocked him to the point of complete alienation.  Here's what happened.

Marash Girl was visiting a boyfriend in Washington, DC, on a day when he was expecting guests.  Expecting guests?  What does any self-respecting Armenian woman do when she is expecting guests? She does what her mother, her grandmother, her great-grandmother, her great-great-grandmother would do!  She empties the closest refrigerator onto whatever table she can find to welcome the guests in from the cold (or the heat, or the rain, or the snow)!  And what happened when Marash Girl's "hippie" boyfriend's refrigerator was emptied?  Nothing!  Nothing!  Nothing!  (i.e.,That was the end of that relationship!)

Cabbage Stuff!

Cabbage Stuff?  Sounds awful?  Wrong!  The easiest and most delicious winter meal you could prepare on a cold winter's day . . . that is, if you have green cabbage!  And here's how you do it.  (All credits go to Medzmama, Digin Azniv, of Springfield, Massachusetts.)

You'll have to have on hand a head of green cabbage, a large yellow onion, a clove of garlic (Medzmama says you can only use the onion or the garlic, never both, but Marash Girl breaks the rules and uses both), and a large can of stewed tomatoes.

Begin by peeling the large onion, slicing it or chopping it finely (your preference), and browning the onion slices on low heat in a good olive oil.  While the onion slices are browning, peel and chop one or two cloves of garlic, chop finely, and, adding to the onion slices, stir 'til lightly browned.  (If you or your guests eat meat, it is at this point that you would add ground lamb, and stir until well browned.)  Turn off the heat under the pot.
Back to the chopping block.  Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and rinsing off the cabbage under cold fresh water. Slice the cabbage into thin strips (spaghetti sized).  Add the chopped cabbage to the already browned onion mixture, turn on the heat under the pot, and stir until the cabbage is slightly wilted.  Add fresh very ripe tomatoes, or a the can of stewed tomatoes, stir and simmer for one half hour.

"Cabbage Stuff", my kids' favorite epithet for this meal, will be even better the next day and the next, especially when served over rice pilaf or bulghour pilaf.  (For recipes, see this blog, Marash Girl - bulgur pilaf for Thanksgiving - Nov. 27, 2013.)

Happy eating!

Uncle Manoog and Marash Girl's Leather Sandals

Years ago, when Marash Girl was living in New York City, she loved to visit her Uncle Manoog, first cousin to her Grandpa Moses, both born in Marash in the mid to later 1800's.  In those days, Marash Girl wore leather sandals . . . that is, hand made leather soles with a few leather straps to hold the soles onto her feet, very expensive sandals that had been hand-made in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and gifted to Marash Girl by her then artist friend.  That was the style, and very stylish it was (both the sandals and the friend).  But Uncle Manoog was unaware of the styles of the day, in that he was, at that time, in his late nineties, and rarely went out for walks along the Brooklyn boulevards.

As Stephanie reports the story, Uncle Manoog approached her with some money, and asked that she buy Marash Girl some proper shoes; he hadn't realized that his cousin's family was so hard up that their daughter couldn't afford a proper pair of shoes to cover her feet!

Separation problems?

Baking during these frigid snowy days?  What could be better?  Staying warm, staying productive, and hopefully sharing the product with your neighbors.  But . . . oh, oh!  Can't get that cake you just baked out of the baking pan?  If the pan is made of metal (NOT GLASS) and you've greased it well before pouring in the cake batter, no problem.  Simply do as Marash Girl's mother did.  After letting the cake cool slightly, using a knife, separate the cake from then edge of the pan; then turn the pan over and, using a metal tablespoon, or the handle of a metal butter knife, gently tap the back of the cake pan . . . if you tap evenly around the base of the metal pan, the cake should loosen up and fall out onto the table, so make sure the pan with the cake is only inches from the table when you are trying to separate the cake from the pan!!!! Otherwise . . .

What Better Armenian Christmas?

Yesterday, our wonderful daughter-in-law sent this photo along with an invitation to dinner; unfortunately, the weather and the distance prevented our flying to NYC to partake in the feast, but what better way to celebrate Armenian Christmas than to share in all the wonderful taste treats, the recipes and methods of preparations handed down to us from our ancestors?  Thank you, Meghan!

Remembering Our Past on Armenian Christmas

Illumination of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Hand-copied in AD 1711 by Yeghia Marsvantsi Elijah of Marsvan. Donated to the Armenian Museum of America (Watertown, Massachusetts) by Adele and Haig Der Manuelian.

Go West, Young Man!

It was on snowy, icy winter days like today that Grandma Yester Vartanian would call us from sunny southern California, begging us to move to LA.  She would not only laud the climate (weather), but the she would proclaim the thriving climate (business), both to be enjoyed, both to be had for the taking!  All one needed to do was to convert from the old New England mentality (suffer, suffer), to the mentality of the new LA (enjoy, enjoy)!

Snow? No problem!

Maple Avenue on the day of the first snowstorm of 2018. Photo Credit: Kate Walker 

Marash Girl used to love winter, but that was when she didn't have to worry about heating her house and keeping the pipes from freezing.  Her dad was a specialist in that field, and, in fact, was out and about many a winter night, helping folks whose oil burners had suddenly failed, more often than not, in the midst of a raging snow storm! And the next morning, Uncle Paul would head out and clear the snow off the car with his bare hands!

The Cardinal Brightens The Way

In the midst of a snowstorm, Marash Girl spied a cardinal sitting on the snow laden branches of the evergreen tree, the tree outside of her kitchen window.  That cardinal, if not the snow it was perching upon, put a smile on Marash Girl's face!  Sorry, but Marash Girl couldn't get to her camera fast enough!

California Beach Sign in the Midst of Snowy New England

Recently, Marash Girl accompanied her granddaughter to a local department store and there at the entrance to the dressing room was the above sign.  Talk about rubbing salt into the streets, or rather, rubbing salt into the wound!

Happy New Year!

Shnorhavor Nor Dari yev Sourp Dznount!