I'm leaving on a jet plane...

Today I get on a plane and leave this lovely Island. But I know in my heart it won’t be the last time I see Ireland.


What has been most rewarding and enriching is the chance to have lived in Ireland rather than just visit. I don’t say this because of how long I was here but more for the opportunity I was given to be a part of a family and a community for awhile. I could’ve spent all my time running from ruin to dolmen to castle to stone circle (which in all fairness I did do for a bit). But instead I kept close to the little town of Mountshannon where I did my shopping, shared a pint, met the people, made friends, worked on an organic produce farm, had my first Irish breakfast and became enchanted by the place and its people. Pat and Jane at the An Cupan Caife (where I could count on a perfect Latte to take away), Anita & Helen at Keane’s Pub (a pint of ale, a litre of gas or a quart of milk - they had it all), Tony & Martina (my session mates), Rose Marie (her eyes were always full of mischief) even the ladies at the Top station all became friends whose memories I’ll bring home and keep safe until the next time I find myself on this lovely island. (East Clare Rules by the way... come on the banner!)

I'd most like to thank the family for making feel at home in their home. I'll miss the girls, and Paddy (the dog) and the lovely, mad, frenetic routine that was helping get everyone off and out the door each morning.

To be here in June is to be here as the summer festival season is just getting started here in Ireland. I attended many a Fleadh (flahv = festival) in Limerick, Ennis, Galway and, of course Mountshannon. I saw street performers, story-tellers, grand displays of art and everywhere I went, music! The sessions, the concerts, the singers all made my experience exactly as I had hoped and more! One of the most unique souvenirs I got was a picture of myself and some of the family in the County Clare magazine's spread on festivals - I WAS HERE and I can prove it!

I have only one regret; that I wasn’t able to bring each of you with me. To share this incredible, wonderful experience with those who made it possible. I hope that you all get the opportunity to someday live out a dream as I have.

Thank you, to all of you who were apart of the dream - from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Slan Na Bhaile
Lojo

ps. I still have a few stories to tell so I’ll leave this blog alive for a while to make sure I’ve had a chance to post them all.