- Published on
Bleary-eyed. It's 5 am when I arrive in Shannon. Which is past my bedtime, I think, in Florida. My mind is a blur, everything is moving in slow motion. Coffee. Yes. It's quiet here in the airport. No rushing about or jockeying for position. Soft voices, kind faces. Even the public announcement voice sounds friendly. And then a familiar face appears (Listowel's ambassador extraordinaire, Damian Stack) and we are off chasing the sunrise on the way to Listowel.
There was a bit of light snow on the roads along the way. A dusting of Christmas, better than a red carpet welcome.
Waiting for me in the flat is a copy of Christmas in Listowel, a coloring book collaboration with illustrations by Olive Stack and story by yours truly. It is the first time I've seen it in print, and it is a beauty. An auspicious beginning, and a real honor to work on a project like this with Olive.
The shops in Listowel are all decked out with holiday decorations following the theme of the Lartigue Monorail and Listowel's North Pole Express (more on this later). A wonderland of coordination among the local businesses. I am already delighted. When it stops raining, I'll head out and get some photos. Um, oh yes, it doesn't stop raining here. I'll just grab my raincoat then, shall I?
My bags are unpacked and the water is boiling for tea. But first, a pause to put my feet up and enjoy window theater, the best seat in the house with views of shopfronts and of the hustle and bustle of Listowel. The lights are just coming on, shop owners are unlocking the doors. Day one is unfolding.
10 Comments
On how wonderful! It's almost like I am with you. I love taking shots from windows where I stay. Lovely quaint and picturesque! Happy day!
Carol! Hooray! That is the goal....to make you feel as though you are here, sitting with me, watching life happen through the window. :)
Sounds like day one is off to a fine start. Enjoy the tea and the stroll with your camera. Looks like an absolutely charming location!
Carl!!! Thanks for following along! I am so excited to be here that 24 hours without sleep isn't phasing me yet! ha ha! But I am sure to collapse in a heap this evening.
Hey you; sounds like a lively to begin an Ireland adventure! Happy to be along for the ‘ride’
oooooh welcome, you!!!!! Thank you for venturing to the interweb and commenting!!! :) xoxo
Jen‼️, wishing you a FAB return visit to Listowel 💓💓💓🤗🤗🤗‼️‼️‼️Looks like you are off to a great start and will settle in in no time as if you never left👍👍👍‼️‼️‼️Looking forward to seeing your journaling and art👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤗🤗🤗‼️‼️‼️Please give my BEST REGARDS to Olive and Damien and thank them (for me) for taking such good care of you🎊😨🎊🤸♀️🤸♀️💓💓💓‼️‼️‼️
Pat! Thank you sweet friend! I will pass along your regards....and ZIP! Off I go!
Jen, while my dad was on assignment in London for four years I lived in London as a high school senior, and traveled back to the British Isles from college in the States many times over the following three years. We did much exploring of the United Kingdom. I feel such a palpable and delightful homecoming as I read your blog.
Oh gosh, Dotty, I am so happy my little journey has given you a homecoming of sorts. :) It is such a stunning part of the world. I particularly love how easily people connect, converse and enjoy each other's company.
