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Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day
A lovely day
Bill Withers, "Lovely Day"
We didn't believe we could do it. But it's Ireland, and so we did.
Two days of touring, sunup to sundown. Over 300 miles in the magical Stackmobile, in which the travel music, candy and jokes (oh, the jokes!) provide an almost irreconcilable contrast to the views. How do these even go together? The combination is ultimately utterly perfect.
We started out in the Gap of Dunloe, a valley cut by glaciers in County Kerry. In between hopping in and out of the car to catch breathtaking views as the frigid wind whipped our faces, there was a sheep-chasing incident (they are such uncooperative models) which resulted in a lot of photos of wooly backsides.
Off we flew to the Black Valley, which was the last place in Ireland to have electricity. Wild, unspoiled. Waving at folks hanging out laundry in the cold, admiring cyclists who labored to climb the hills...and at last, a willing woolen model. At the top of Moll's Gap, a delectable early lunch. Bowls of sugar cubes delighted me. Who can resist?
A random road along the way led to a gorgeous sheep farm at the base of a rugged mountain. The owner was happy to chat and I believe was willing to sell us the farm, which suffered bitter winds running across the lake through the gap. One of her dogs was not so sure about us. The muted purples and greens in this valley were breathtaking.
Chasing the daylight (which lasts until half past four), up, up up the mountains on winding switchback roads - wait! A white donkey! STOP THE CAR! Sigh. Isn't it cute? Back in the car to the tippy top where a copper mine from the 1800's stands like a silent sentinel. Warning signs of abandoned mine shafts and the very, VERY narrow road with no guardrails and a complete MANIAC of a driver (whoops! Did I say that out loud?) who actually did get us safely up and down the mountain...
And now a pause for a random moment of bliss. A latte and a fruited scone at a Buddhist retreat tucked away in the Beara Peninsula overlooking the ocean.
But the mist falls heavily as the light begins to fade, and we have one last run to make, up the Healy Pass, a famine road connecting Cork and Kerry Counties. As darkness falls and little lights wink on in the isolated farms nestled in these hills, I feel again the tears mixing with frigid mist and wind on my face. So beautiful, so unspoiled. A lovely day.
But the mist falls heavily as the light begins to fade, and we have one last run to make, up the Healy Pass, a famine road connecting Cork and Kerry Counties. As darkness falls and little lights wink on in the isolated farms nestled in these hills, I feel again the tears mixing with frigid mist and wind on my face. So beautiful, so unspoiled. A lovely day.
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Glanteenassig.
Waterfalls whisper soothingly to lakes of fragile glass
Rivers run red.
Cheeks glisten in softly falling mist
and tears.
Indescribable beauty.
Waterfalls whisper soothingly to lakes of fragile glass
Rivers run red.
Cheeks glisten in softly falling mist
and tears.
Indescribable beauty.
Old stones
hold pagan secrets
speak codes; unravel ancient mysteries
ogham, sundial, cross
Kilmakedar
hold pagan secrets
speak codes; unravel ancient mysteries
ogham, sundial, cross
Kilmakedar
Saint Brendan
navigated frigid waters
a floating coracle bound for new lands
discovered America
navigated frigid waters
a floating coracle bound for new lands
discovered America
Overwhelmed, exhausted travelers
chowder, brown bread, pub
elusive words, poor weary heads
excess bliss disorder
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"Aingeal" - mixed media on reclaimed wood. Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
The flat is bursting with creativity as my first guest has arrived! Writer Avery Caswell (aka Leslie) is here for the week to experience the magic of Listowel and its long history of writers, poets and storytellers. Within the first 12 hours, we already had an adventure involving a chair, a stool, a lightbulb and a potato. Oh and some wine. I am calling it the "masterful use of a potato" adventure. Let your mind wander a bit on that one.
The theme of excess continues...this time it isn't too many breakfasts, but too many pastries! The counter is stacked high with goodies, including gorgeous cupcakes from Mary, eclairs from Damian, scones from Olive and a lovely banana bread from the farmer's market. I'm not going to eat them this week. I'll just stuff them right inside my clothes because, one way or another, I am wearing them. Listowel is not for dieters.
The flat is bursting with creativity as my first guest has arrived! Writer Avery Caswell (aka Leslie) is here for the week to experience the magic of Listowel and its long history of writers, poets and storytellers. Within the first 12 hours, we already had an adventure involving a chair, a stool, a lightbulb and a potato. Oh and some wine. I am calling it the "masterful use of a potato" adventure. Let your mind wander a bit on that one.
The theme of excess continues...this time it isn't too many breakfasts, but too many pastries! The counter is stacked high with goodies, including gorgeous cupcakes from Mary, eclairs from Damian, scones from Olive and a lovely banana bread from the farmer's market. I'm not going to eat them this week. I'll just stuff them right inside my clothes because, one way or another, I am wearing them. Listowel is not for dieters.
Sunday morning found us up early and out in a misty rain.
I believe I've found my next career. Who doesn't want to work in a castle?
I believe I've found my next career. Who doesn't want to work in a castle?
We hiked down to the cemetery to commune with a flock of rooks and jackdaws. They clearly own the area, and refused to give way to a couple of wandering tourists.
The rain passed by and left us with a double rainbow and gorgeous sun shining through water-drenched branches.
We ended our morning's adventure with breakfast at the Maid of Erin, where beans are served with breakfast. It makes me smile, so why not?
Bright sunshine was perfect for painting and writing while customers popped in the gallery in search of Listowel's now famous coloring book.
To top off Leslie's first full day, a gorgeous dinner at Eabha Joans (pronounced AVA JONES) and her first ever Guinness at John B's, where the one and only Billy Keane was there to greet her. The magic of lovely Listowel!
Bright sunshine was perfect for painting and writing while customers popped in the gallery in search of Listowel's now famous coloring book.
To top off Leslie's first full day, a gorgeous dinner at Eabha Joans (pronounced AVA JONES) and her first ever Guinness at John B's, where the one and only Billy Keane was there to greet her. The magic of lovely Listowel!
The church tower at the end of the cemetery stands crumbling. Built in the 1700's on top of the ruins of a 13th century church, it beckons you to come closer and learn its secrets.
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"Janine" - mixed media on reclaimed wood, 33" x 5". Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
The wood! The wood! The grooves in this piece make my heart sing! Gold gesso inside the grooves and as the underpainting give everything a luminescence perfect for the holidays. I love this cherubic sweetheart. Many thanks to "Bridget" for all these yummy hunks of wood!
There were big happenings in Listowel this week, with an 80th birthday party that was out of this world! Here's a peek:
The wood! The wood! The grooves in this piece make my heart sing! Gold gesso inside the grooves and as the underpainting give everything a luminescence perfect for the holidays. I love this cherubic sweetheart. Many thanks to "Bridget" for all these yummy hunks of wood!
There were big happenings in Listowel this week, with an 80th birthday party that was out of this world! Here's a peek:
Held in the glamorous Feale Room at the Listowel Arms Hotel, this party included friends from around the world, incredible music, food and dance. The "6 to 9 Club" was there, along with some pub theater celebrities and even an Elvis! Once more, I was overwhelmed at the warm generosity and sense of community in this town.
I don't ever go to parties alone. Walking into this one by myself was another first (when in Ireland, wear your big girl pants). But here's where things become truly magical...within ten minutes, seeing faces I knew from my last trip here, receiving welcomes and hugs and smiles - I realized I knew more people in that room than I knew in my own neighborhood at home. It might have been Carol's birthday, but the greatest gift was surely mine. Her invitation (spur of the moment, generous and welcoming) allowed me to count the blessings I've received as result of this residency in each of the familiar faces and smiles.
I don't ever go to parties alone. Walking into this one by myself was another first (when in Ireland, wear your big girl pants). But here's where things become truly magical...within ten minutes, seeing faces I knew from my last trip here, receiving welcomes and hugs and smiles - I realized I knew more people in that room than I knew in my own neighborhood at home. It might have been Carol's birthday, but the greatest gift was surely mine. Her invitation (spur of the moment, generous and welcoming) allowed me to count the blessings I've received as result of this residency in each of the familiar faces and smiles.
Now I have no way of knowing the real story behind this event, which occurred outside our "Window Theater" at about 6 o'clock the next morning, but it seems to me someone might have had one too many adult beverages that night...our beloved sign and holiday music speakers are now leaning precariously. We may have to ask Santa for a new one.
- Published on
"Semblance" (series of four) - mixed media on aquabord, each 6" x 6". Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
“The children looked like remnants of themselves. Spectral. Some were naked to the waist. Many of them had sores on their faces. None had shoes. He could see the structures of them through their skin. The bony residue of their lives.” - writer Colum McCann
When I began this series of paintings, they were intended to become vibrant abstracts. The colors were there, the movement, the texture. And then I began to see the faces. A bit haunting, not fully formed but wanting to be seen. Earlier in the week, when visiting the artist Alan Hall, I had the chance to peruse the book The Truth Behind the Irish Famine, by Jerry Mulvilhill, which Alan had on his dining room table. I found the illustrations gritty and disturbing, perfectly suited for the subject and the raw emotion it creates. I think they were lodged in my subconscious when I began painting.
There is evidence of the famine throughout Ireland. It wasn't that long ago, really. The mid 1800's, almost 100 years after America's independence and just a few years before the Emancipation Proclamation. The Irish continue to examine and research and process the famine similar to how the U.S. continues to struggle with the legacy of slavery. Some things cross over generations, and the weight is palpable.
My own mother was of Irish descent, and her father's family fled Ireland on one of the famine ships, Standing here in the land of my maternal ancestry, I can feel the sadness fill up my boots and root me to the ground.
“The children looked like remnants of themselves. Spectral. Some were naked to the waist. Many of them had sores on their faces. None had shoes. He could see the structures of them through their skin. The bony residue of their lives.” - writer Colum McCann
When I began this series of paintings, they were intended to become vibrant abstracts. The colors were there, the movement, the texture. And then I began to see the faces. A bit haunting, not fully formed but wanting to be seen. Earlier in the week, when visiting the artist Alan Hall, I had the chance to peruse the book The Truth Behind the Irish Famine, by Jerry Mulvilhill, which Alan had on his dining room table. I found the illustrations gritty and disturbing, perfectly suited for the subject and the raw emotion it creates. I think they were lodged in my subconscious when I began painting.
There is evidence of the famine throughout Ireland. It wasn't that long ago, really. The mid 1800's, almost 100 years after America's independence and just a few years before the Emancipation Proclamation. The Irish continue to examine and research and process the famine similar to how the U.S. continues to struggle with the legacy of slavery. Some things cross over generations, and the weight is palpable.
My own mother was of Irish descent, and her father's family fled Ireland on one of the famine ships, Standing here in the land of my maternal ancestry, I can feel the sadness fill up my boots and root me to the ground.
- Published on
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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"Rainy Days and Mondays" (a diptych) - mixed media on yupo, each 8" x 8". Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
When I grow up, I might want to be a farmer.
Farmers have cows, dogs, automatic feeding stations, TRACTORS (ooooooooh what fun!) and stacks of wood to be reclaimed by roaming artists. They also have the most gorgeous views AND they are allowed to tromp through the mud.
When I grow up, I might want to be a farmer.
Farmers have cows, dogs, automatic feeding stations, TRACTORS (ooooooooh what fun!) and stacks of wood to be reclaimed by roaming artists. They also have the most gorgeous views AND they are allowed to tromp through the mud.
A dear and precious Irish friend (let's call her Bridget, shall we? At least, that will be her name in the movie that is sure to be following this adventure) whisked me away first thing in the morning to experience a bit of farm life. How could she have known it is one of my very own dreams?
Raising cattle (for beef and for dairy) in Ireland is very different than in the U.S. The farm grass is harvested, pickled for silage and fed to the cows over winter. They are pasture grass fed, rotating fields, during the warm months. The manure is gathered for fertilizing, and the cycle starts over again. Dairy cows rest during the winter instead of receiving hormones to boost milk production. There is a rhythm to the process. Some things are automated, but mainly it is a family operation, carried out year-round.
Imagine for a moment being so connected to your food source - to have invested your own labor, love and energy into a process intimately connected with land and beasts. There is such beauty and joy in this. And a deep reverence for the circle of life.
Raising cattle (for beef and for dairy) in Ireland is very different than in the U.S. The farm grass is harvested, pickled for silage and fed to the cows over winter. They are pasture grass fed, rotating fields, during the warm months. The manure is gathered for fertilizing, and the cycle starts over again. Dairy cows rest during the winter instead of receiving hormones to boost milk production. There is a rhythm to the process. Some things are automated, but mainly it is a family operation, carried out year-round.
Imagine for a moment being so connected to your food source - to have invested your own labor, love and energy into a process intimately connected with land and beasts. There is such beauty and joy in this. And a deep reverence for the circle of life.
Nothing is wasted. Thank goodness. Because the scrap heap was a joy for a prior artist who needed metal to weld, and the lumber pile was another Christmas morning for me! I am giddy with press (cabinet) doors and odd pieces of hardwood piled in the studio waiting to be painted.
I asked Bridget how much one of these calves weighed...take the Red Friesian (a highly desirable breed) on the right in the photos. Bridget is not a fan of the technical details, so answered me (tongue in cheek) with "4 pounds" The head farmer in charge cleared that up later (more like hundreds of pounds) but we had a great chuckle and "4 pounds" is now my answer for everything, including how many acres of land are on this incredible farm and how many layers of wool socks are needed for a farm hike.
There was coffee at the end, along with biscuits (cookies) and treats, including a Penguin candy which is my new favorite (move over, wine gums! I love these Penguins, too!) and the warm joy of a turf fire in the heating stove. We simply must visit a bog together this trip, dear reader!
Top it all off with a lift on a tractor, a hike up the paddock road and the opportunity to twirl in a field, and there you have the ingredients for a halcyon day. Sigh. Ireland - it's what dreams are made of.
I asked Bridget how much one of these calves weighed...take the Red Friesian (a highly desirable breed) on the right in the photos. Bridget is not a fan of the technical details, so answered me (tongue in cheek) with "4 pounds" The head farmer in charge cleared that up later (more like hundreds of pounds) but we had a great chuckle and "4 pounds" is now my answer for everything, including how many acres of land are on this incredible farm and how many layers of wool socks are needed for a farm hike.
There was coffee at the end, along with biscuits (cookies) and treats, including a Penguin candy which is my new favorite (move over, wine gums! I love these Penguins, too!) and the warm joy of a turf fire in the heating stove. We simply must visit a bog together this trip, dear reader!
Top it all off with a lift on a tractor, a hike up the paddock road and the opportunity to twirl in a field, and there you have the ingredients for a halcyon day. Sigh. Ireland - it's what dreams are made of.
- Published on
"Bláithín" - (pronounced Blaw (rhymes with flaw) Heen) mixed media on wood, 18 x 6". Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
The town is overrun with elves.
These are "behind the scenes" elves during the week, busy preparing, improving and adjusting the Lartigue Monorail and Listowel Polar Express experience for the girls and boys who will be magically transported on the weekend.
Today was a studio day for me, and it was delightful to share the space with some of the most industrious elves (including Olive) and get a glimpse into their outrageously busy lives. It's enough to make a girl want a nap.
Despite the crisp temperatures, sunlight was streaming through the studio skylights today. A perfect setting for an all day paint-a-thon. Also a good day for laundry, replacing lightbulbs, stocking the refrigerator and all the other less glamorous things that need to happen during a residency. Are you surprised? It isn't all touring and Irish coffees. A girl needs food and clean clothes.
The town is overrun with elves.
These are "behind the scenes" elves during the week, busy preparing, improving and adjusting the Lartigue Monorail and Listowel Polar Express experience for the girls and boys who will be magically transported on the weekend.
Today was a studio day for me, and it was delightful to share the space with some of the most industrious elves (including Olive) and get a glimpse into their outrageously busy lives. It's enough to make a girl want a nap.
Despite the crisp temperatures, sunlight was streaming through the studio skylights today. A perfect setting for an all day paint-a-thon. Also a good day for laundry, replacing lightbulbs, stocking the refrigerator and all the other less glamorous things that need to happen during a residency. Are you surprised? It isn't all touring and Irish coffees. A girl needs food and clean clothes.
The gallery was busy with customers picking up copies of the coloring book and asking for autographs. Now most of them said these were for their grandchildren, but I suspect more than one will be unable to resist sitting down to color a few pages themselves. Santa would approve.
Before settling in for the evening, I couldn't resist a frozen stroll about the streets, gazing into beautiful shop windows.
Before settling in for the evening, I couldn't resist a frozen stroll about the streets, gazing into beautiful shop windows.
A close-up of this train...made entirely of sweets!
The train runs around the dress in this bridal shop...now this is art!
Congratulations to all the shops who coordinated their displays to mirror the Lartigue Monorail for the polar express experience! Read more about the monorail here.
Congratulations to all the shops who coordinated their displays to mirror the Lartigue Monorail for the polar express experience! Read more about the monorail here.
- Published on
"Abstracted Feale" (a triptych) - mixed media on yupo, each 8" x 8". Inquiries.
Day three and I was up early and off on the first of many whirlwind adventures across the beautiful country of Ireland. Neither wind nor rain nor spilled Irish coffee shall deter me from touring!
Twelve hours of zipping along from one adventure to another. I am still catching my breath, but let's get started, shall we?
Day three and I was up early and off on the first of many whirlwind adventures across the beautiful country of Ireland. Neither wind nor rain nor spilled Irish coffee shall deter me from touring!
Twelve hours of zipping along from one adventure to another. I am still catching my breath, but let's get started, shall we?
To my great delight, one of the first stops was my most favorite place, the Kerry Bog Village. Owner John was as welcoming and wonderful as ever, with warm Irish coffee and cake in my hands before I could blink. My favorite donkey, Bubbles, was out to pasture with the horses, but I met a new love, Dolly the pony. Also a new Irish Wolfhound pup who was all playfulness and kisses. We toured the newest edition to the village, an authentic shebeen (an illicit bar during the famine) which was moved from its original home and reassembled piece by piece at the bog village.
Daylight is limited in the winter, so we were off toward the sea along the Wild Atlantic Way almost before a warmed Bailey's and cream was thrust into my hand (and this is before 10 am, mind you lads!) My prior theme of excessive breakfasts is being replaced with endless warmed toddies.
We pulled over along the highway to scramble up a slope to see old train tunnels in the mountainside. Then views of the Dingle Peninsula when we faced the other direction. The slick slope became a slip and slide, which was not in our original planning. Fortunately, Damian's touring vehicle is like a magic handbag and contains everything a person could need. More wine gums, anyone?
Down the winding roads in the rain we sped. The rain stopped just in time to climb this 2,000 year old fort, where the wind nearly shoved us over the edge! It was worth every heart-racing minute to catch the views from the top. Read more about Cahergall Stone Fort here.
Fast forward to the 1800's and the only cathedral not named for a saint. It was gorgeous. To understand why Daniel O'Connell is so revered by his countrymen, click here.
There was a lovely lunch in here somewhere. Next to a warm fire. Perfection.
Then we sped off for an experience that only happens in Ireland. For John at the Kerry Bog Village had mentioned a sculptor we should visit. We didn't know the man's address or even remember his name, but Damian Stack managed to find the man's house many towns away and we stopped in like we had an invitation. Which we did not. Alan Hall saw us pull into his driveway, came out of his studio, told us to go on into his house and wait for him. Where he promptly gave us a tour, served us coffee, regaled us with stories of art and international politics, posted for photos, showed us his own brilliant headstone (which he pre-carved for himself), gave Damian a piece of art he'd admired and sent us on our way 90 minutes later. Now if strangers showed up at my house wanting coffee and a tour, I'd be dialing 911! But Alan was the most congenial of hosts, and I was once again mesmerized by the kindness and community of the Irish.
Then we sped off for an experience that only happens in Ireland. For John at the Kerry Bog Village had mentioned a sculptor we should visit. We didn't know the man's address or even remember his name, but Damian Stack managed to find the man's house many towns away and we stopped in like we had an invitation. Which we did not. Alan Hall saw us pull into his driveway, came out of his studio, told us to go on into his house and wait for him. Where he promptly gave us a tour, served us coffee, regaled us with stories of art and international politics, posted for photos, showed us his own brilliant headstone (which he pre-carved for himself), gave Damian a piece of art he'd admired and sent us on our way 90 minutes later. Now if strangers showed up at my house wanting coffee and a tour, I'd be dialing 911! But Alan was the most congenial of hosts, and I was once again mesmerized by the kindness and community of the Irish.
Off we went to climb the Kerry Cliffs in a pelting rain and wind. There is a wild beauty to this country that makes my heart sing and lifts my soul. The misty haze, the crashing waves, gulls soaring around the cliffs. I pondered for the hundredth time the strength and tenacity of people who worked these wild hillsides to create a living and a life.
Chasing the sun down winding roads toward the sea to catch the sunset over the water...I wish you could stand here with me, in this brilliant moment - swifts rushing homeward, sun falling behind wild mountains, wind and rain lashing our faces, a feeling of hush and awe and gratitude pricking my eyes with tears. This place, these people. There aren't words.
- Published on
"Queen Maeve" - mixed media on wood, 18" x 6". Inquiries
I'd forgotten how boisterous the pub crowds are on the weekends. As they pass underneath the windows of the flat, all kinds of unruly activities, conversations and occasional shouting matches take place. Free entertainment! And perhaps less sleep than I'd planned. Which means more time for painting.
So, right off the bat, the stack of wood provided by my favorite art enabler (Ann) is calling my name. This queen, named after one of Ireland's famous feisty royals, is the first finished piece. Maeve (also spelled Medb), is known for insisting on equal wealth with her husband, and for starting the Cattle Raid of Cooley after discovering her husband had one stud bull more than she.
I'd forgotten how boisterous the pub crowds are on the weekends. As they pass underneath the windows of the flat, all kinds of unruly activities, conversations and occasional shouting matches take place. Free entertainment! And perhaps less sleep than I'd planned. Which means more time for painting.
So, right off the bat, the stack of wood provided by my favorite art enabler (Ann) is calling my name. This queen, named after one of Ireland's famous feisty royals, is the first finished piece. Maeve (also spelled Medb), is known for insisting on equal wealth with her husband, and for starting the Cattle Raid of Cooley after discovering her husband had one stud bull more than she.
Sunday is a late opening day in Listowel, so there was plenty of time to grab coffee with Mary O Flaherty (owner of Chic Boutique) at Lynch's Bakery in the morning. The view from our table (which I like to think of as Mary's annex office) was perfect, wouldn't you say?
The big festivities for day two included the lighting of the Christmas tree in the town square, hours of being a rain-sodden elf, and a little stint involving elves in a dark alley and a clandestine furniture acquisition...unfortunately for you, dear reader, elves are sworn to secrecy on clandestine activities.
The excitement began in the afternoon, where I was the assigned elf at Woulfe's, the local independent book store (read all about them in this article from Writer's Week). It made me think, "hey, this elf gig is pretty fun". So when Olive asked me to elfabetize myself again in the evening, I was delighted.
The crowds gathered in the town square at 5 pm, where a local hero and Dancing With the Stars celebrity was to officially light the tree. Five elves gathered with baskets of treats, happily entertaining the kiddos and posing for photos while everyone waited for the news crew to arrive.
As luck would have it, the crew was delayed, the rain began to fall, and temperatures dropped. But elves are made for frosty work (even in the jingly equivalent of bedroom slippers and layers of tulle) and so we made merry nonetheless.
The excitement began in the afternoon, where I was the assigned elf at Woulfe's, the local independent book store (read all about them in this article from Writer's Week). It made me think, "hey, this elf gig is pretty fun". So when Olive asked me to elfabetize myself again in the evening, I was delighted.
The crowds gathered in the town square at 5 pm, where a local hero and Dancing With the Stars celebrity was to officially light the tree. Five elves gathered with baskets of treats, happily entertaining the kiddos and posing for photos while everyone waited for the news crew to arrive.
As luck would have it, the crew was delayed, the rain began to fall, and temperatures dropped. But elves are made for frosty work (even in the jingly equivalent of bedroom slippers and layers of tulle) and so we made merry nonetheless.
Apparently, it is best to dance, mug for the cameras and act elfish only if you are NOT from Listowel. Elves, you see, don't get to be anonymous like Peppa Pig (also at the festivities).
After a beautiful rendition of "Hallelujah" by some talented local boys, the tree was finally lighted and we sailed off to the Lartigue Polar Express for a national television spot and fame and fortune.
The filming was hilarious, as one young kiddo giggled loudly every time they began to roll film. Eventually, he took his giggles to another part of the monorail museum so the crew could wrap up their work. But there is nothing quite like uncontrolled laughter to put everyone in the best of moods. :)
The elf costumes are now hanging up to dry until later this week, when the polar express will again delight and dazzle the young folks of Listowel and surrounding towns. If you're in the area, purchase your tickets here. Santa wants to see YOU!
The elf costumes are now hanging up to dry until later this week, when the polar express will again delight and dazzle the young folks of Listowel and surrounding towns. If you're in the area, purchase your tickets here. Santa wants to see YOU!
Today was just a tiny glimpse into the months of preparation, collaboration and coordination required for a small town to pull off a mammoth undertaking like this month-long holiday event. There is so much love in the people behind this. It is the best kind of art.
As you follow along on this Irish adventure and find yourself smitten with Listowel, you might be wondering feverishly how on earth you'll stay connected here once December ends...have no fear! Follow the local happenings (including recent pics of all the fabulous holiday windows) by subscribing to the Listowel Connection.
As you follow along on this Irish adventure and find yourself smitten with Listowel, you might be wondering feverishly how on earth you'll stay connected here once December ends...have no fear! Follow the local happenings (including recent pics of all the fabulous holiday windows) by subscribing to the Listowel Connection.
