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Another Time, A Magical Place

Voice of Engin's FriendsⒸ

"It is perhaps childhood that comes closest to real life" ~André Breton

The Magic Dust of Mont-Saint-Michel

Magical Mont-Saint Michel, a childhood memory of author Aude-Marie Pape
I invite you to a special tale; during this special time of year. Let’s not extinguish the heart’s magic and wonder of a child’s soul. This season is conducive to memories burrowed deep in our senses; those that we keep under pillows to reassure. I share with you a vivid childhood memory; an evening at Mont-Saint-Michel. This little corner of the world, nestled between Brittany and Normandy, anchored in a bewitching bay facing the Channel Islands. A journey I would enjoy with my grandfather in my early childhood.
During winter, bare trees raised their bleached skeletal remains. At the end of a long road traveled, windy and beyond the misty groves, the Mont-Saint-Michel shone with its full light. It stood there, plural work by its trinity: sea-sky-earth and aroused as many sensory pleasures in vernal colors. The Mont-Saint-Michel, a Gothic bastion of granite, anchored on a rock beaten by the winds and waves, stood strong with its arrow to the sky.
Originating from spiritual influence of the Middle Ages, during Christmas he released a magic dust, reviving the mystery. This luminous Gulliver swallowed us like the Whale in Pinocchio.
On the ascent to the Abbey, my grandfather preferred crossing the gardens to get drunk on the scents of conifers. Fir trees distilled their perfumes and adorned with a thousand fires, gleams of mystery were projected on the walls; rains of gold dust. Their gigantic shadows encouraged me to snuggle up to my grandfather, clutching my little glove tighter against his.
As we walked, we shared the magic of years’ end celebrations. My eyes fluttered that evening; my gaze never ceased to turn from discovery of imaginary animals formed by nature on this ancient village. My mind and soul were elsewhere. I could hear the bells and the sound of singing in the distance, with scents of cinnamon, cloves, orange and mulled wine crossing the medieval alleys.
This memory of my grandfather, who taught me to cultivate all these little joys, stays with me. Dear Engin, dear friends: I express my best wishes for you and your loved ones and wish for you the magic of this special dust of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Aude-Marie Pape
Paris, France

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MESSAGE IN A [CYBERSPACE] BOTTLE

Voice of Engin's FriendsⒸ

"I think the greatest sound in the world is the human voice" ~Miles Davis

My Not-So-Secret Story

Secret Story Album Cover c1992
Pat Metheny©

Click 'play' to hear a clip

Fareen: Creator, Dreamer, Storyteller, Entrepreneur,
Artist, Mother, Optimist, Doer, Sister Soldier
There is one thing I hope to reach Engin Bey.

Secret Story. I have owned it on four continents, multiple countries and traveled with it every single time since it was published. I remember buying the concert ticket to see this tour when the album was released. There, sitting on a blanket under the cool night’s stars, the entire crowd joined in unison by the magnificent artistry of Mr. Metheny and his 27-string guitar –became one. This is what you have done Engin Bey, except it’s not a crowd full of music enthusiasts – it’s people from every corner of the world, transcending borders, united by you.

Secret Story, is a collection of music by one of the most diverse musicians I have ever known. Rightfully recognized, Pat Metheny has won 20 Grammy awards, all in 12 different categories. I would love for you, Engin Akyürek, to experience this ethereal yet eclectic album composed collaboratively with numerous orchestral ensembles, despite being pegged as a contemporary Jazz album. It is SO much more than that.

The opening features a Cambodian spiritual song that is hauntingly beautiful and I cannot count the number of times it has instantly, almost on cue, launched me into a mode of calm, peaceful centeredness that I needed at that very moment. I have rollerbladed for teens of miles along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, every one of the Great Lakes in Michigan. This musical journey has even traveled with me to Europe. Listening to every track as intended, in its proper order is the most enjoyable form, in my opinion. One time, I drove the entire infamous Route 66 and passed through Metheny’s hometown – Lee’s Summit, Missouri. We stopped and took photos in front of the roadway sign, in typical “album covers fashion”.

I have turned to Secret Story over lost relationships, happy moments, times of severe grief or just when I needed a solitary breath of reflection. Sometimes, this album is for none of that – rather just to clear thoughts, breathe and meditate. To the many friends of Engin Akyürek reading this, it will resonate with you because we often turn to Engin Bey in times of happiness, grief, momentary solitude – or just to breathe easy and “reset” with a smile.

I think this music is something you will enjoy and appreciate, given your keen sense of calm and your sharp observant nature. You, Engin Bey, I am sure will love this album as much as I have over the years.
Fareen E.
Michigan, USA

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