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Sláinte!

11/24/2017

11 Comments

 
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Gelli plate prints, acrylic on dish wrap paper.

There is a push and pull to packing for a long journey.  In my head, it is not dissimilar to the pushing and pulling of creating a well-composed painting.  We strive for a balance between too much and not enough.  And yet, where I feel most alive is when I risk taking too little, trusting the universe to provide exactly what I need, knowing deep in my psyche that I cannot possibly anticipate everything.

I am taking less on this trip to Ireland.  Less on my back in this backpack, less in my suitcase.  Less in my head.  The benefits of having traveled here before are many, but this one, the knowing a little better what to expect, allows my thoughts to freely wander elsewhere and to enjoy the journey more.  

This time I shipped ahead (from Jacksons, an art supply store in the U.K.) a plethora of art supplies.  But again, I didn't over plan.  There will be things I am missing, but it will push me to create with what is there, to be present, to push boundaries. Because what is the point in traveling so far just to recreate what I already have at home?

The universe conspires with me this day, as I finished the last pages of Mark Nepo's Seven Thousand Ways to Listen just in time to leave.  And how perfect, this part:  "So being here involves more than just reacting to the things that come at us.  It requires that we initiate a love affair with all that calls to us, seen and unseen; that we run with open arms into questions and moments of living as urgently as we do burning buildings to retrieve who and what we love." I run with open arms into this journey.  Surely it is no secret that I am wildly in love with Ireland. 

There are nearly five weeks stretching before me.  It feels bountiful.  A feast of time and exploration.  But this I know: I will wring every second out of every day, because time is a fickle wench who races by and laughs at me when I turn and see that she is gone.  Right now, this moment, as I board for the final leg which will land me in a misty, verdant landscape at 6 am, I will enjoy the thought of days and weeks of adventure and delight and the magic which only Ireland, only Listowel and its inhabitants, can bring.  Sláinte!

11 Comments
Dotty Seiter link
11/24/2017 04:25:48 pm

Jen, I am just agog with excitement as you run with open arms into this journey. Agog.

This from Anne Lamott:
“Traveling mercies,” the old people at our church said to her when she left. This is what they always say when one of us goes off for awhile. Traveling mercies: love the journey, God is with you, come home safe and sound.

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jen
11/24/2017 04:29:25 pm

Dotty! I can hardly type this! Waiting for my overnight flight at JFK now...I know one passenger who isn't going to sleep all night!

traveling mercies...yes please. And I have brought the book you recommended. I expect it will inform some of my art later this month!!

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Dotty Seiter link
11/24/2017 04:31:25 pm

awesome, awesome, awesome—everything about your trip is awesome!

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Patti Bryan link
11/24/2017 09:14:35 pm

My precious friend, I am so happy for you! Go replenish your tired soul, listen to your heart, love your sweet self fully and deeply. Give to yourself the way you give to others -- full out! I love and adore you!

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jen
11/25/2017 04:19:03 am

Patti!!!!! Thank you, sweetling. I will. Love and big hugs to you!!!

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Carol Edan link
11/25/2017 12:39:07 am

"because time is a fickle wench who races by and laughs at me when I turn and see that she is gone. " Oh how great that is! I am going to add to my list of quotes. Enjoy every moment. Stay safe and warm! Can't wait to see and hear your adventures. Love those prints!

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jen
11/25/2017 04:18:20 am

Carol! I am tickled that you like my phrasing. :) Adventures are beginning!!!

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Niki Gilmore
11/25/2017 07:20:58 am

Excellent! We shall ride along with you because you choose to invite us! Thanks for sharing!

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jen
11/25/2017 08:59:40 am

my pleasure, Niki! Thanks for following...it is sure to be a month full of adventure and delight!

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Melissa Vlahos link
11/25/2017 09:48:17 am

I’m so excited to see what transpires in your 5 weeks there! Your outlook on the journey ahead is sure to awaken something new to explore! Happy creating and BEing

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jen
11/25/2017 09:58:27 am

Thank you, Melissa! Just being here is an infusion of inspiration! xoxo

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  • Home
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