The Magical Island

 January was an exceptionally difficult month month for me, mostly due to losing an aunt and our kitten within less than a week of each other, but because of a fluke of excellent timing I was able to get away at the end of the month. And what a getaway it was! I was lucky enough to be able to go with my mom to Ireland to visit my brother and his family.

I think that Ireland is always a wonderful place to visit; the people are friendly, the temperate climate is a welcome getaway from the harsh highs and lows that we endure in Michigan, and it's always great to see my family there. This time was especially nice, though. To be able to reconnect with some old friends and make new ones, to visit places that both familiar and unfamiliar, and to just leave my grief and worries at home and be in a totally different place for a while was just what I needed!

The day after our arrival my mom and I visited the Rudolf Steiner- inspired daycare that my sister-in-law co-runs. Even when the space is full of small children it is surprisingly quiet and peaceful. While we were there we helped make St. Bridget's crosses for the children to take home.

One day we took a drive up the coast of Connemara, which neither my mom nor I had been before. It was a beautiful, clear day and we had a really wonderful time. I was surprised at how rocky the countryside was. I've been to the Burren several times, but the rocks here were very different; giant, sharp-looking boulders rather than the worn, soft-looking Burren stones. We took a walk on the beach during one of our rest stops and I had a great time gazing at the seaweed-filled tide pools. 

The oldest church that is still in use in the British Isles is located in Tuamgraney, a town very close to where my brother lives. The cemetery in the churchyard is filled with history.

Sometimes I find back yards more interesting than front ones. This was taken on one of our daily walks around the town.

Unlike Michigan, Ireland is dotted with flowers even in winter. This was an exceptionally large heather on the edge of someone's garden. I'm sure their yard is a showplace in the summer! Hopefully I'll be able to see the whole garden in full bloom sometime soon...