I first started reading Roddy Doyle’s books as a young adult.  I can’t remember if my sister, Sharyn, recommended one of them, or if the movie The Commitments came out and I became an instant fan of his.  Either way, his writing along with other authors such as Frank McCourt, Maeve Binchy, and Edna O’Brian had me long to visit Ireland.

After a good many decades I made it here.   That is where I am as I write this in a hotel in beautiful Killarney Town.  Today as we drove around the Ring of Kerry seeing spectacular views on one of the few clear and sunny days, my breath was taken away again and again.  Even tonight, I was able to enjoy my first Irish sunset.  Previous nights the clouds obscured any variation in color.  Gray was the prominent hue throughout. 

So, rather than tell you about this trip, which has been delightful throughout, I am sharing some pictures from my phone-wielding photo app. 
 

Thanks for taking the time to see a snippet of what I saw. 

Self-Care Tips:

·      Enjoy reading or listening to a Roddy Doyle novel.  Funny & moving. 

·      Find a version of “Danny Boy” that you favor.  Here is one blog with a number of versions:  http://21essays.blogspot.com/2013/01/ten-great-recordings-of-danny-boy.html

·      Think of books, music, and art that have influenced choices you’ve made in your life.  It could be travel, recipes, occupations, friends, or anything else.  Always important to see how the arts affirm us and change us.