tragically beautiful

Cold weather might scare away the masses and drive them to set up shop in the warmer areas concentrated closer to the globe's equatorial divide.  But for those relative few who either by chance or choice come to dwell in the colder regions closer to the Poles instead, there are some advantages such as the ability to enjoy four distinct seasons every year.  Take, for example, the island nation of Ireland. 

There's hardly a better place on the planet to see such brilliant shades of Autumn colors come to life.

A wonderfully rich history full of Celtic tales and modern-day noteworthies, the Emerald Isle is truly a gem of tourist and historical exploratory delight.

Despite these allures, recent buzz has put Ireland in the limelight with its  notoriety for economic woes and stories of mass emigration in search of work elsewhere.  Perhaps it's these very factors, however, which have helped shape its tragically beautiful charm. With a tiny population of just about 4 million residents, there's plenty of untouched, undeveloped land to roam about and think about the world from a different perspective.

 

follow the rainbow

 Tiny might be the Leprechaun, but more clever and more wealthy than the rest of us they are as well.  A well known character of Irish mythology, Leprechauns have fascinated the child in all of us throughout history.

Lauren Allen captures a bit of the fun that she and her friends had while exploring the quirks and curiosities of the Leprechaun Museum in Dublin, Ireland.

 

Visitors to this charming little museum can play and let their imaginations run wild as they learn about the history of the mystical little shoemakers which have brought huge fame to the Emerald Isle.  And unlike real life, the Leprechaun Museum allows visitors to follow the rainbow to its very end  and, for once in their lives, reach the dazzling, fantastical pot of gold that they've always dreamed of.

http://www.leprechaunmuseum.ie

sunday funday

Despite the infamous Ireland cold which lingers throughout most of the year, many of the Irish--especially the youthful crowd in Dublin as pictured here--know how to make good of the precious, rare moments of decent weather... 

Why can't every day be a Sunday Funday?

red sock friday

What memories do you hold dear?

Which family traditions fill you with pride?

What tales with childhood buddies do you tell over and over again?

Which causes ignite your soul?

What makes you feel happy? Angry? Sad? Blessed?

"Red Sock Friday means all of that...it means remembering your family, your mates, the life that you are afforded to live and the energy you carry with you knowing that others are remembering

 those same qualities in you!"

To learn more about the story and charitable mission of
Red Sock Friday, go to:

   http://redsockfriday.com/

play and make noise

Must life be so black and white?  Is it possible to stray from the norm, the expected?

The work of Carly Moffitt, an aspiring artist in the heart of Ireland, offers a a refreshing perspective:

"Any reality can be embraced.  High flying art that encourages and fosters a strong relationship with pleasure and self-indulgence is a good thing.  You should feel free to play and make noise..."

check out more at http://www.nothingtodowithbuttons.blogspot.com/

moooove along please

It's in moments like these that I try to put myself in the other person, umm creature's shoes...

I wonder what the hell she is thinking of me, as I invade her space on this warm and sunny day in Ireland's Connemara region.  As I snap the camera, is she wondering if I will harm her?   Maybe she's in protective mode for her friends down below? Or is she as curious of me as I am of her? 

Or maybe she's just annoyed and wishes she knew enough human speak to tell me to get a life and  moooove the hell out of her way.

fancy things

Moseying through the busy outdoor market on the tiny city centre streets in Galway, my eyes widen as I gaze onto this handpicked medley of different textures and tastes. All the gorgeous colors drawing me closer...The look of old woman selling her produce takes me back to medieval times...The simple-clothed peasants in the village selling their wares, with the sound of the heavy steps of the mighty King's men and their horses trampling through en route to the Castle. My attention is drawn to the tiny quail eggs. For whom are these little luxuries intended? Isn't it the wealthy elite who always dine on these fancy things? That's what I remember from watching the Tudors, anyway.