A giant, laminated map of the world hangs above my bed, reminding me of all of the places I want to go: South Africa, Botswana (almost anywhere in Africa, really), China, Greece, Romania, and about 1,000 other places. And yet, out of all the grand options available, something about Ireland always calls out to me. …
Dreaming
Today I am dreaming of County Galway and the Connemara Loop, channelling the spirit of Ireland to finish my memoir. Next week I'm flying to New York City to attend a pitch conference and will have the opportunity to pitch my book directly to the editors of some major publishing houses. Excited doesn't even begin …
The Hole of Sorrows
Dolmens, also known as portal tombs, generally consist of at least two upright stones that support a capstone. Rising dramatically above the limestone pavement of the Burren, Poulnabrone is the most widely photographed of all the Irish dolmens and dates back over 2,500 years. Found within its chamber were the remains of over 20 people, including …
Croagh Patrick
The day I visited Croagh Patrick, Ireland's most sacred mountain, clouds obscured its peak and tiny water droplets collected on my eyelashes. I hiked as far as the statue of St. Patrick, who overlooks the stunning waters of Clew Bay with a staff in one hand and three-leaf clover in the other. Had I continued …
Jet Lag
Irish travel log, day 4. My jet lag has been terrible this time. I didn't blog for the first two days because of the fog. I had to force myself to walk around Dublin and even to eat because I just didn't feel like it. Writing? Ha! Balls to that! (Irish expression.) So, what happens …
The Third Time is the Charm
I love how Irish people pronounce "Ireland". They say her name like that of a new lover with whom they have just parted ways, wistfully enchanted, possessed by a fondness that can never be fully realized. I have caught myself saying it that way too - love and loss rolled into three syllables. Ireland. Who …
The Dog Days of Summer are Almost Over…
Because of all of the attention I have been giving my book, I have neglected my Nikon. Sure, I see her sitting in the corner of my bedroom, alone and dejected, crying baby tears. Sure, I feel guilty about letting at least 24 GBs of memory go to waste. But, I have felt uninspired and …
The Long Ride Home
I went to Leavenworth, Washington on a camping trip with some friends in July. Not a huge fan of camping, I toughed it out for a few days before deciding to leave early - but that meant hitching a ride back with friends who had....gulp...children. Kids terrify me. They're too honest, ask too many questions, and bounce …
Where have 3.0 GBs of Storage Gone?
After two years on WordPress, I have used 90% of my 3.0 GB of free storage. Those GBs represent the bulk of my creative ideas and favorite photographs - the evolution of ME. At first I viewed blogging as simply a way to share the pictures I snapped on my cell phone, but it quickly developed into a daily …
