Making Memories

It's been a day over a week since we arrived, and we continue to be amazed at all the history and culture available to explore. I'm not going to write too much, because I want to share the beauty of this place with you. We'll be here for awhile, and I'll be posting again.

Cheers!

The sun sets late here this time of year.

This photo was taken at 10:30 PM.

The forest at Gougane Barra forest was covered 

with these delightful little morsels.

The ancient stone circle in Kealkill.

We are having the time of our life!

This is the view from Goat Path.

More to come...be well.

My New Old Friend

Today was a very big day for me!

When I arrived in Harvard Square and called Fritzie, she was stuck in traffic. About ten minutes later, she called back asking where I was...and we kept asking questions of each other until -- TA DA!! -- there we were!! Yep, it's true, Fritzie and I met up and we had a great time together!! (I promise to post a photo, but need to get her permission first!)

We sat on a bench outside of a flower shop for about an hour and a half, talking about this and that and a little more of this and some more of that. It was like we'd just visited last week. It was as if we'd known each other for a long time. I felt right at home with Fritzie. Every time I think about this morning, I just start smiling!

And I got to meet her husband and her beautiful daughter, and she showed me a photo of Gabby!! Oh, we just talked about everything. I gave her a little "book of art" I made for her, something like the accordian book in my intro to this thread. She gave me wisdom and cheer and smiles and hugs and I'm not the same Mary I was when I left home this morning!

Today has been an awesome day, and this is just one of the reasons. 

I am a very, very lucky girl.

Lovely New Publication

Do you ever hear or read about something and know immediately you have to have it? I don't even remember how I found out about this publication, but just seeing a photo of its cover told me to GET IT! So, I did.

It's a magazine called Featuring: Art Journaling, Mixed Media & More... and Issue #1 is sitting right here beside me. It not only looks delightful, but it is large and smooth and cool to the touch and smells like good paper. So much thought has gone into this beautiful work of art, and it shows. I'm so happy!

There are several featured artists, of varying styles and backgrounds. A blogger is also featured, and they have an article on labyrinths. Did you know there is a web site for "World Wide Labyrinth Locator? There is a very long discussion with a legal expert on copyright (which I have not read). Some lovely artwork of an artist who worked in Swaziland is also shown. Plus there's a really interesting feature on doodling, with some tips to try! ATCs are given a nice 3-page shout-out, and this issue's Theme Gallery is "Cheering, Stomping and Applauding." Some really fun stuff! 

I would encourage you, if you have some extra mad money, to visit the web site and order yourself a copy.

I'm so happy I did!

So long ago, yesterday

Most folks don't remember. But we, we never forget.
It was the most horrible day of our lives. It was fourteen years ago.
One minute, watching television and sitting on my lap.
The next minute, gasping for breath. Not responding. Dear God.
Sweet Katie, Mama misses you! I always will, and will always remember you on this day.
But I remember you every day.
Save my space. I'll see you soon.
XO

You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.  --- Frederick Buechner

I just read this quote a few minutes ago, and cannot stop reading it. Of course, the first thing I thought about was the fact that I've been ignoring my family and best friends...or so they might feel.

This is my S.A.D. time. It sneaks up on me every year and I wonder what the heck is wrong with me, and then I remember. Oh, that's right. It's November... December... January... February... March... then the days start to get noticeably longer and the sun shines warmer and I get back to being me, and back to being the me that others want and miss. I'm not doing this to hurt anyone. I just don't know how not to do what I'm doing right now. You know who you are. Chances are, if you're reading this, you feel like I've been ignoring you. You have every right to be upset with me. I'm sorry if I've hurt your feelings.

I'm going to take a Mixed Media Collage class in the evenings this year, which hopefully will give me a bit of a new outlook on life and inspire me...maybe even motivate me! I am really looking forward to this opportunity at the Art Museum. Tomorrow at the museum is Flora in Winter, which is also a breath of Spring in the midst of the grayness we're surrounded by. I'm going (with a friend!) and am pretty excited. Just the scent of those lovely flowers, designed to match a special piece of art. Scrumptuous.

I'm here. I'm fine...physically. I'm still fat and sassy, just not willing to express that side of me right now. My family is all good. The three of us are also beginning to plan our trip to Ireland this summer. Time is getting nearer, and we are making definite plans! Yes, this is exciting! I have a lot to look forward to, though you wouldn't know it from being with me.

That's all for now. Please go back to the top and read that quote again. Know that I care about you. I miss you, too, but can't bring myself to do anything about it.That's just who I am, and I'm sorry.

See you soon. XOXOXOXO

 

Remembering Katie at 21

11/11/11 will be "what would have been" our daughter Katie's 21st birthday.
I spent all of October dreading November because it is the beginning of "sad dates" for me. So, when we found out on Monday that my husband has pneumonia, it did not sit well. Pneumonia is what killed Katie, at the young age of 7 years and 3 months.

So, tonight I was talking on the phone with my sister and mentioned the "11/11/11" fact. Her reply was, "Really? Oh, my God! That makes me feel so old!" Silence...disbelief...other thoughts unmentionable...

Then she said, "What do you think she would have been doing?" I responded, "Well, I'm not sure, but it would have been something and I would have loved to watch."

But then it was time for the Rachel Maddow Show, so my sister had to go because she could not miss the interview with Michael Moore from Denver. Whatever.

And my family wonders why I feel forgotten out here...will they remember on 11/11/11 that it is an important date - an especially difficult date - for me? Probably not. They haven't in the past. They probably just think we're over it.

Well, I'm here to say - once again - that YOU GET THROUGH IT, BUT YOU NEVER GET OVER IT.

And that is the truth. Remember your friends, and keep track of important dates and send them love. Especially if they are far away, without family support. They get tired of telling the story, and since you already know it, remind them that you do...and that you remember...and that you love them.
I'm just sayin'.

Happy Birthday, sweet Katie. I'm posting this early, because you deserve all the greetings I can muster for you on your special day. I miss you, and I love you, and know you are just fine.
Love, Mama

Inspired by the ocean...

A few weeks ago we took a day trip to the coast. We packed a picnic lunch and drove to Parker River Nat'l Wildlife Refuge. There are several beaches there. This day, hardly anyone was around so it was a real treat - especially since the weather was drop dead gorgeous. Here is a little photo blog of our time there. I love the ocean. It soothes my soul, inspires me and makes me feel whole. It was nice to have the space to really soak it all in this day. As you can see, the sky was incredibly clear and deep. The lines you see are all jet streams from a nearby airport. Isn't that fascinating?

After we left the beach, we drove to Newburyport where Jonathan got to spend some time with his friends who moved there last year. They had a wonderful time, while Warren and I sat in the sun in the Town Common.

On the way out of town we drove by the SSJE Abby to see if there was anything of interest in the way of foliage. This is the road we drove in on...and out on. Wow!

Driving back to Worcester, the traffic was horrid. But we listened to some great music and I kept looking at my photos, holding on to that beautiful day.