Welcome to the blogspace!

Click on the post title to view and to leave comments. Thank you!

Published on
"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.
Picture
Picture

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.
6 Comments
Moss Mahony - 8 years ago
Your last day in Listowel for this year. You have brought Listowel into the lives of so many people with your wonderful writings. Listowel might have left it's mark on you, but you have certainly left your mark on some of the people in Listowel. I'm sure they are much the better for it. We will miss you but look forward to seeing you back in Listowel again. Safe travels and no ugly tears. F&W
jen - 8 years ago
Moss! Thank you for your kind and generous words...I cannot promise a thing about tears, for they are certain. But I will return soon! F&W
Carol - 8 years ago
This is perhaps the hardest part of your visit. You have touched the hearts of all will remain there as well they will remain in yours! Love the windy seas with there color and movement! Merry Christmas! Have a safe journey!
jen - 8 years ago
Thank you, Carol!!!! We are here for Christmas Day, then off to the states. I can't believe this journey is nearly done. :(
Dotty Seiter - 8 years ago
Inch Beach, Dingle—the title and the painting and, I assume, Inch Beach itself: each a song.

Raising a cup and a cheer to your wholehearted way of being in the world, Jen.
jen - 8 years ago
Thank you, sweet Dotty! Raised cup and cheer to you! And yes, Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula. The names here are so melodic...

Author

Lola Jovan

Picture

Learn more about Lola!

Get Mail!

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp