A minute with: Koula Hadjitooulou, author, poet
Where do you live?
I live in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with my husband and our rescue dog, Cheetah.
What did you have for breakfast?
Yoghurt with half a banana, almonds, walnuts, dates, and muesli. Whole grain toast, a boiled egg, and coffee.
Describe your perfect day
Have breakfast, take Cheetah out for her walk, and immerse myself in writing for the whole day! In the afternoon, we take Cheetah to her favourite place for a longer walk, and at night, we go to White Spot for burgers and fries.
Best book ever read?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is an inspirational book about the importance of listening to one’s heart, pursuing one’s true purpose, and dreams. It suggests that the universe conspires to help those who follow their hearts and pursue their true purpose. It talks about love, courage and the interconnectedness of all things. The journey in The Alchemist symbolises personal growth and the alchemy of transforming oneself.
Best childhood memory?
My dad holding us (my sisters and me) in his arms after encouraging us to reach the top of a hill and embrace all that was there on a colourful and buzzing-with-life spring afternoon.
What is always in your fridge?
Greek yoghurt and eggs ????
What music are you listening to in the car at the moment?
I Sotiria Tis Psixis by Alkistis Protopsalti and Bohemian Rapsody by Queen on repeat.
What’s your spirit animal?
The penguin-known for its resilience, unique adaptation to different forces (land, ocean) and its social behaviour of huddling together in groups to protect itself, its eggs, and chicks from predators and the elements.
What are you most proud of?
Returning to school at the age of 31 and graduating from the European University Cyprus with a BA. Reclaiming my passion for writing, and writing my first book Water Your Flowers With Love.
What movie scene has really stayed with you?
Life Is Beautiful. Guido (Roberto Benigni), as a waiter in a German concentration camp, plays his wife’s favourite song, The Tales of Hoffman: Barcarolle, while they are both held in separate sections of the camp. I love this scene as it shows the infinite love this man has for his wife, trying to do everything possible to ensure that she listens to the music and knows that he is alive. It symbolises the power we all hold inside for humanity, love, compassion and courage.
If you could pick anyone at all (alive or dead) to go out for the evening with, who would it be?
I would choose my dad, who passed away when I was ten years old. Spending the evening with him would be a blessing. I think I would probably ask him a ton of questions, or perhaps I would just look at him all evening and savour our moments together.
If you could time travel when/where would you go?
To the future. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of our inner selves, and the light that exists within each of us. We, together, can create a better world.
What is your greatest fear?
That history will repeat itself.
What would you say to your 18-year-old self?
Keep going.
Name the one thing that would stop you dating someone.
Lack of kindness.
If the world is ending in 24 hours, what would you do?
I would travel with my loved ones to Cyprus to be together with the other members of my family.
Koula Hadjitooulou is a Cypriot author and poet based in Canada. Her most recent publication, Water Your Flowers With Love: A Collection of Poems can be purchased through Amazon. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with updates in regard to her upcoming book signing and launch event