Hearts Planted

"Inch Beach, Dingle" - mixed media on paper, 15" x 11".  Sold.

Yesterday was a perfect paint day.

Mild temperatures, no rain.  Bridget arrived mid-day and we created for hours and hours. Have I mentioned she is a natural abstractionist?  So much joy in the creating, so much sadness in knowing this is the last time for now.

The family hiked along the River Feale, through the park and the Garden of Europe and to the cemetery once more in search of long lost ancestors.

Sunset, Listowel

Fairies dropped gifts at the door last evening.  Packages appeared in nooks.  Gorgeous, thoughtful, generous.  My niece said it perfectly..."my heart hurts - how can you leave here?"  And so we won't fully leave Ireland, but will plant a piece of our hearts in this town, with these people, among the cliffs and patchwork hills and oceans and cows and rain.  

Revelers took over the pubs and streets last night.  It seemed every young person in Ireland was making merry outside the window.  It was a dramatic contrast to what we expect tomorrow, when the entire town will be closed for the day.  

This post is random, meandering.  My thoughts are in a swirl - so much left to do here, so much waiting when I return home in a few days.  So many experiences, such heartfelt connections.  My heart is full to bursting, and yet I want a little bit more.  

My family will enjoy one last tour today, through the Gap of Dunloe as the sun rises this morning.  They will chase the views, breathe the air, feel the wind on their cheeks as the ultimate tour guide, Damian Stack, does what he does best - connect hearts with this wild country.

But before I go through this entire box of tissues, there is time left!  Off I go to welcome this day, Christmas Eve in Listowel.  Wherever you are, I wish you the happiest of holidays and the fullest of hearts, and a hearty "ho-ho-ho" on your rooftop tonight.