Extreme Elfing

"My Fine Feathered Friends" - mixed media on wood, 6" x 18".  Inquiries.  Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.

It was a work day here in lovely Listowel.   The town is beginning to hustle and bustle as the holidays draw nearer.  Even the post office had a queue (line) today!  Now that we've sorted out the international shipping for our collaborative coloring book, I'll be the post office elf for the month.  It is rather fun to stand in a line here in Ireland.  Everyone is so patient and polite.  I can't imagine the same line in Fort Lauderdale without someone blowing a gasket.

Meanwhile, world news is a bit dodgy, so let's focus on the cheery local news, where elfing around has gone extreme.   We're on the front page of The Kerryman newspaper!  At least I am incognito, as they listed me as Janine Wall. Whew!  No one will be the wiser.  Shhhhhhhh!

Seriously, though, this is great press for Olive Stack and all the incredible Listowelians (is that a word?) who have created this holiday adventure.

After the gallery closed, I headed up the street to Allo's, an award winning restaurant just a few doors from Olive Stack's, for a delicious three course meal with some very special ladies.  

There is such deep connection and history between these women and the town.  All the Allo's staff knew them by name, of course, and even knew their preferred wine.  And the conversation covered connections between people towns away, years ago through today, in a web of community and history I haven't found in the states.  

I was feeling particularly fabulous in a gorgeous wool sweater I picked up from Chic Boutique. There will be no wool-wearing when I return to Florida, so I am going to wear it while I can (I may be the only one wearing cashmere while sleeping haha!)  Mary made me feel like a pampered princess, having figured out my particular style and stocking the dressing room with goodies to try on.  She's clearly the queen of couture! ​ She and her mother have more than thirty years running their side-by-side boutiques.  A legacy of luxury and fashion knowledge which is rare and wonderful.  When you're in Listowel (and I know you will be!) stop in and let them show you what Irish couture is all about. But hand's off the purple cashmere wrap - that one is mine.