Loch Seaforth, Scotland creates the border between The Isles of Lewis and Harris in the Western Hebrides, Scotland. Its extensive meanderings create much of the beauty and magic of the sacred landscape that centers around the Callanish Stone Circles. I have vowed to return. I also realize there is so much more for me to research and learn.
Read MoreIt is rhododendron season, both here in the Finger Lakes of New York and in Ireland. Sadly, I can’t be in Ireland this spring, but I am fortunate to see a few of these beautiful bushes around my hometown.
Read MoreThis week it was warm enough and dry enough for me to walk my favorite local labyrinth. It sits high on a hill overlooking Canandaigua Lake which brings joy as well as serenity to my visit. This labyrinth is made of well-groomed grass. I get the added pleasure of seeing clover blossoms with the occasional bee buzzing around as I walk it (in shoes and socks). The only place I like better is a labyrinth along a white sandy beach where I can walk barefoot.
Read MoreThree Wee Gems is the title of the presentation I will be giving for Books Sandwiched In. This talk highlights three books about Ireland written by New York state authors that I especially enjoyed. All three have a deep and lovely sense of place, rich characters, and engaging stories. In very different ways, they each capture Ireland and the Celtic spirit that I so enjoy, enjoy writing and enjoy reading.
Read MoreI live in the beautiful hills of the Finger Lakes, an idyllic piece of New York that looks a lot like Ireland or the Scottish Highlands. Although our hills are not green for as many months a year as in Celtic lands, this time of year they make up for it by bursting into resplendent color.
Read MoreThe Celts saw Nature and God as One and saw themselves as One with Nature. The elements brought both calm and storm. Neither was taken for granted, both calm and storm were part of life. Both the inner and outer world were also One. The elements brought messages through the calm and the storm. The individual and community embraced these messages and learned from their experiences. There is such wisdom in such a perspective on life.
Read MoreWe all need “soft days in the fresh” to take stock, ground ourselves, and connect with Nature. Sometimes Nature and the Universe hand such a day to us on a platter. Other times, we need to seek out that place. Perhaps, a walk into a woods, perhaps an old-fashioned lemonade under a shade tree, or dipping one’s toes in the water.
Read MoreOne of the things that makes Ireland and the British Isles so magnificent is the Light. These islands may have a reputation for constant rain. However, as you might hear in the country: “When ye have the weather, sure there is nothing better”. The light creates the myriad shades of green of the landscape, the moody purples and blues of the mountains and the glistening surface to the waters of sea and lake.
Read MoreThere is so much going on in the world, so much causing stress and destruction. We must look for signs of hope and carry sweet songs like this in our heart.
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