Of Lads, Boots and Bonnets

"How About Mary?" - mixed media on reclaimed wood

The first of the large pieces on wood from the replica Jeanie Johnston ship.  The dress is made of watercolor painted rice paper collage.  Acrylic, charcoal and china marker used for the rest of the piece.  And she so makes me smile!  Again, huge thanks to Ann for providing the wood!  Only one piece remaining to be painted.  I may have to start begging for wood in the town square.

Yesterday was halcyon.  Sunny, clear, breezy and warm.  We stashed away our raincoats and sweaters, and made every excuse to go outside.  So when local legend Damian Stack asked if we wanted to go touring, we didn't hesitate.  Diane threw her painting gear in the "boot" (the trunk) just in case it became paint o'clock.

First stop, a local store where Winegums were on sale.  Second stop, a famine cemetery which I previously saw at night, this time made perfect for photos by the setting sun.  

From this point forward, the next three hours were a blur.  Careening around blind curves at a million kph as we chased the sun once more, we leapt in and out of the car for pictures, dazzled by the shadows of 16th century castles and churches.

Another stop for "Taytos" - a cheese and onion potato chip that is wicked nasty and yet delicious.  Our guide said "hello" to every person inside and out of the shop, with a smile and a conversation for each.  Then "come on lads, we're off" as he ushers us back into the car.

We're getting used to being called "lads", which is a genderless term over here. Somehow it makes me feel tough and scrappy - perfect for Taytos and Winegums.

A brief tutorial on car parts as we zipped toward Lislaughtin Abbey - learning about "boots" and "bonnets".  Damian telling Diane she locked his keys in the trunk at one stop.  Ever the prankster.  We'd seen the Abbey before, but on a rainy day.  This time we were dazzled by the sun's glow through pane-less windows, mimicking the stained glass which was there long ago.  Read more about the abbey and about Ballylongford village here: Irish Treasures

There was only one other person on the abbey grounds.  Of course, our guide knew her by name.  Helen, a photographer who makes postcards, showed us some of her tricks of the trade and gave us a handful of her beautiful cards.  Sweet!

We followed her to a local pier, just in time to catch the most brilliant sunset we've seen since our arrival.  

We had little time to spare if we were to catch the sun from up high, so we hopped back in the car and sped up the mountain toward Ballybunion.  Under a nearly full moon, on a clear night, with the sounds of Lorne Green singing "Ringo" as our soundtrack, we made it to the cliff side to view the last of the sun. With lighthouses winking and wind whipping, we said goodbye to the day and sighed with delight.