Killaloe and Ballina

Killaloe from across from David Rice's Hedge-School of Writing

                                                

(Click on the pics)




David Rice, author, teacher, photographer pondering the group shot from the banks of Lough Derg.  Note the palm trees.  




In March I had the happy privilege to attend the Killaloe Hedge-School of Writing.  It is hosted by David Rice and his collaborator, Kathleen Thorne.  Together they make a great team.  Participants varied from a teenaged boy named Patrick to folks of all ages--about fourteen of us in all.  From the school location on the Ballina side of Lough Derg we could enjoy the beauty of Killaloe across the way.  Lough Derg is a gorgeous wide place on the River Shannon at the eastern end of County Clare.

Here in Charlotte, I rub elbows each Monday with word lovers like myself.  Barbara Lawing, writer and editor, chairs the informal group and encourages us to write on-topic for a homework assignment.  At our weekly meeting we read our creations aloud to each other.  We then do a spontaneous free-write 'in class' on a topic or word, after which we see what we each came up with in 10 minutes.  It's fascinating to listen to the variety of viewpoints that emerge from one simple thought.  Everyone should free-write 10 minutes a day--minimum!  You'll be surprised what your inner self will reveal.  It's cheap entertainment, too.

Lahinch, County Clare

 

Lahinch, County Clare

Browsed the bookstore here in March of 2009.  I bought a book by Gemma Mawdsley about a cemetery visitation from the famine days.  Gemma is a 'graduate' of the Killaloe Hedge-School of Writing. (She makes mention of that fine group in her acknowledgements.)  See The Paupers' Graveyard

Also check out Killaloe Hedge-School of Writing

I dare not dwell too much on the famine times, because I become saddened at the thoughts of such privation and death.  Here I sit with a belly full, thankful, of course and very aware we are so blessed.

Today is Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2009.  It was a very good day with our sweet family here in Charlotte.  Rebecca and Luke arrived first, with the makings of green bean casserole and turkey gravy.  Then came Heather and Ben, with potatoes for Ben's famous mashed potatoes, drinks and ice cream.  They brought my favorite spumoni.  The bird was cooked to perfection (everyone said) and while it settled, the rest of the dinner came together.  Sweet potato patties, corn bread stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls and eventually pumpkin pie rounded out the menu.  Words can't quite describe the satisfied feeling inside my tummy.  Thank you, Lord. 

High Tor

High Tor

High Tor is my name for this place.  It happens to be the home of Salmon Poetry, where I once took a short course.  There, I--myself--met the publisher and workshop leader, Jessie Lendennie and exercised my brain a bit. Even her name sounds poetic, don't you think? Poetry, I have found, is either easy or difficult.  It depends on the day, my mood, my endurance or the author. Now you have guessed what a deep thinker I am.  Below, I hope you can click to find the link to Salmon Poetry.  Also, tap on the pic and see High Tor up close.  Sense the drama :) If you could turn to the right and see through the hillside you would be able to behold the magnificent Cliffs of Moher.  Then you could attempt a mystical leap to the left a few kilometers and you would end up in Doolin.  Happy imaginings!

Salmon Poetry

Back at the townhouse--Charlotte USA--we find an overcast day.  Squirrels frolic on a neighbor's split rail fence, over a leaf-layered landscape. Under all those oak and maple droppings is a bumper crop of acorns.  Winter is on its way. I'm still hoping for a buyer and will attempt patience (acquiring said long-suffering with God's help!)  (Philippians 4:5-7)

Today I plan to do stuff--pick up cleaning, retrieve slacks left at Anna's Alterations on highway 51 and perhaps, just perhaps, work on the sequel to Shannon Song. (Link to Shannon Song)

Let's see....

Kilfenora, Co. Clare

 Sunny March day at the chapel.

It's a good feeling to walk in the steps of the saints.  The cemetery and ruins were all mine with the exception of a few fellows who were digging a grave.  Like Quin Abbey, the cemetery is still in use.  After my peaceful stroll through the place, a busload of students from Galway crowded through the narrow entrance gate as I was leaving.  Good timing.  Check the link below to get info on the history and to see my cross, the famous Doorty Cross.  

 More on Kilfenora

The day is sunny and coolish here in Charlotte, NC.  I had 3 pears that needed to be eaten, so I did a fancy, schmancy recipe with white wine, poaching the pears and reducing the spicy liquid.  I think truly it was a waste of my Riesling.  Oh well, cook and learn.

Birthday Week

First a photo from Ireland.  This one was taken on the drive down from my digs at Moy, Lahinch, County Clare. If we had a magnifying scope we would see the Atlantic Ocean just beyond the horizon.  (Click the pic.)

Now a thought about birthdays, and one birthday in particular.  Rebecca likes to celebrate--period!  So when it came to her birthday this year, she and her 'loved ones' were drawn into a series of outings, lunches, dinners and miscellaneous finds at the local Good Will store.

If you tap on the title of this posting you'll see some of what I mean.  On Saturday, the 7th (her birthday) we met up at the Good Will.  She almost bought the fur she models. $25 seemed a bit high. She eventually bought name-brand slacks and a very nice ceramic piece. After shopping, we lunched at Trio, where the birthday dessert was baked Alaska.  No calorie counting was allowed.

Sunday the 8th, Rebecca joined me at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church for Sunday School and Worship, after which we met up with good friend, Gail, at the Monterey Restaurant.  Taco salads were consumed. We then parted with hugs all around.

Rebecca and I met up again Sunday evening at Buca Di Beppo's with Ben and Heather, who btw have been house hunting!  Our lovely dinner ended with another fantastic birthday treat--this time complete with candelabra.

Observation:  Birthdays are wonderful reminders of God's gift of life.  I'm so glad Rebecca Grace came to us when she did, back in 1963.  She balanced out our family beautifully.  We finally had a sister for Janice and another cute sibling for Stephen and John. And wow, what a bunch of talented, smart kids they were and still are!  They are outstanding human beings and fine Christian examples. Just ask anyone who knows them! :)

Quin Abbey, Quin, County Clare

 

Quin Abbey, Quin, County Clare, Ireland

Quin Abbey is an amateur photographer's dream.  You find yourself trying to capture the beauty and serenity of the place.  From the road where the car is parked, you enter a swinging gate and begin to walk the pasture towards the abbey ruins.  You may be sharing the space with a cow or two on the way.  Then you come upon another gate and a sign which tells of the 14th and 15th century history.  Through the gate you enter a still-used cemetery, and if you're blessed and there's a caretaker there, you may be allowed into the ruins.  Click on the picture to get a closer look or check the link below for more historical data.  Everytime I'm in Ireland, I manage at least two trips to Quin.  Besides my obvious love of the abbey and surrounding countryside, I always pay the folks at the Monks Well a visit.  It is situated just a short walk from the abbey and has the best seafood chowder I've ever had.  You can check with Becky or Janice or Sharon or Maura to bear me out.

Quin Abbey Facts

Meanwhile, back at the townhouse---Worship was good this morning at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.  I was challenged after hearing about an unselfish little boy who shared his lunch with Jesus.  Jesus took the gift and blessed the hungry folks with more than enough to eat.  The challenge being--what little we have to give to the work of Christ can amount to a great deal in the lives of others.  God does the miracles; we get to help.

All is still quiet on the house sale front.  It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out, for I think a special someone is looking for a place just like this one and will show up fairly soon to take possession.  I'll ruminate on that as I digest my lunch.  Becky, Gail and I ate at the Monterey and had a good visit.  Now for a quiet Sunday afternoon.  More later....

Ennistymon Cascades

Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland

The market town of Ennistymon is a for-real market village, with few 'touristy' trappings.  However, its authenticity is what makes it a wonderful place to visit.  There are chapel ruins, statuary of a famous Irish poet and a handy road  that takes you straight (well, not straight) to Doolin or off to the Burren.

Sharon and I spent July of 2007 there and got to know the area well.  We had the privilege to become acquainted with Mary at the library...as she helped two American Irish-wannabes.  In March 2009, I found myself in Lahinch, just a stone's throw away from Ennistymon and the Atlantic Ocean.

The cascades at Ennistymon send water down the river past the lofty Falls Hotel as it looks down upon the town from its quite superior vantage point.  Click on the above title.  It will link to more info.

This morning, November 5, took me to a Silver Sneakers workout at Bally Fitness.  Ah!  I feel better now. Then Becky and I met up at Wendy's for lunch and conversation.  Somehow we found ourselves walking the aisles of The Black Lion.  The lovely store is becoming a Christmas wonderland.

This p.m. I did an Arboretum run to pick up a light bulb and dog food.  Also cruised Michael's and Nine West.  It's time to thank the Lord for a nice day all 'round.  Sunny weather and good company will do that for you.  Time for a little supper.  More later...