Homeward Bound

Today we leave Dublin and arrive home later tonight. It'll be nice to set down a suitcase and set my feet back on home soil. We've seen a lot of wonderful things. Here's some "artsy" things that I liked.

We saw the play Wicked at the Victoria Apollo Theatre. Simply Amazing. And if you haven't seen it, you must. Changed the way I see the Wizard of Oz and particularly the Wicked Witch of the West. All of this time she was really one of the good guys. Aside from that we saw some cool street art like this

and this

and this

We walked a lot, about 10 miles a day. And my sketchbook is bursting with new ideas. Watch in the next few weeks for updates and new work.

Thatched Cottage- A Lovely Sight

Happy Fourth of July!! (my favorite holiday)

Here is an image of a thatched cottage located at Kilmore Quay (Quay is pronounced Key) in Ireland. It's nice to see the cottages with the thatched roofs, it really gives you a feel of being somewhere else. From what I hear the Irish government provides grants to people who replace their modern roofs for thatched. They're beautiful, one can't help but stop admire them.

Ireland hasn't let us down, the weather as they say has all 4 seasons in one day. Today was lovely, about 70 degrees which has been the warmest day so far. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Bob's Boat

I thought I would put a photo up of something that was dear to my brother Bob. When we were here two years ago I had sent him a photo of this boat and he affectionately called it "his boat". He told me that he let the people here in Ireland think it was theirs.

As we drove up the road and I saw the little blue boat come into view it made me quite sad. So in memory of my dear brother Bob I am posting a photo of "his boat".

Where ever he is right now I am sending love and peace.

.

New Sculpture - What Should I Name Them?

I have started making a new variation of my little bird people.

I have been wracking my brain trying to come up with a name for the new work. They are human and they are bird and they need a name. If you think of a cute name for the creatures, please let me know, and if I like the name I will reward you with a FREE sculpture.

Please excuse my work table, I know it is a mess. As you can see in the photo I have been very busy sculpting and glazing. The new pieces in the photo are not fired, that is why their color is so pale. A kiln is about to be loaded, so fire up your imagination and help me name my creatures.

Magically Delicious

I am putting this photo up because I love the rainbow and what better place for rainbows than Ireland. This photo was taken at Rosslare Strand, County Wexford. It is beyond Happy Days I tell you.
We fly back to London on Wednesday and begin painting in the Venue. When I have artwork to show I will upload the images. For now, enjoy life and chase rainbows. (it's magically delicious)

Howth Head

We are winding down the time being spent here in Ireland. It is amazing how fast the time passes. While preparing for the trip I remember thinking how will I spend my time? What if there is nothing to do, where will we go? And then you turn around and it is a month later and where did the time go?

The photo which accompanies this entry was taken at Howth Head. For those of you who don't know, the city of Dublin is basically located on a bay. Situated at top of the bay is Howth and the bottom of it is Dun Laoghaire. Another perfect day as we watched the Irish ferries cutting through the water returning to port.

Life is good. For those of you who don't remember how good it is try to take the time and do something for yourself. Otherwise you may turn around and find that while you weren't looking life has passed you by.

Back in Dublin

We arrived back in Dublin today after zooming around the countryside. It is true every where you turn here there is a castle. One of my favorites so far was Johnstown Castle in County Wexford. While we were there the bridal parties and photographers were lined up. The grounds and gardens are absolutely stunning. The sound of peacocks and trickling waterfalls filled the air.

We also made a point of seeing Kells Priory. The ruins were breathtaking. The priory is situated alongside King's River beside the village of Kells, about 15km south of the city of Kilkenny. The priory is a National Monument. One of its most striking features is a collection of medieval tower houses spaced at intervals along and within walls which enclose a site of just over three acres. These give the priory the appearance more of a fortress than of a place of worship and from them comes its local name of "Seven Castles".

After we toured the grounds we headed back to Rosslare for a walk on the beach. The photograph was taken at sunset, which over here in the summer is about 9:00 PM.

Jody's Weekend Gigs

Jody is playing two gigs this weekend in Dublin. Tonight at the Concord in Edenmore, Raheny at 10:30 PM. Tomorrow night you can find him at Waterside, Clondalkin at 10:30 PM. So, if you know anyone in Dublin tell them to come out and support Jody.

The accompanying photo to this entry was taken on the Tower Bridge in London last week. On our way back home Jody may be playing a gig in London. I will update you when I know more.

Donadea National Forest

We had another lovely day. We went to the Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. While most of the artwork was good there were a few pieces I found to be a bit contrived.
But hey who am I to judge. It rained again today (there seems to be a pattern developing) so it was nice strolling leisurely through the museum. Afterwards we drove through the Phoenix Park. Which by the way is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe. It is amazing to see herds of reindeer grazing away in a park in the center of Dublin.

The photograph accompanying this post is of Donadea National Forest located 30 miles outside Dublin in County Kildare.

Dublin, Ireland Just a WEE Bit Cooler...

We are in Dublin, Ireland and from the moment we stepped off the plane there was just something in the air... I call it ICE!! Seriously, the temperature in Ireland is much cooler than what we had in London. I have been wearing a heavy wool jacket, sweater, two shirts and a scarf. Yep, summer in Ireland where you can experience 4 seasons in one day. So happy I brought that little bikini. I could use the top as ear muffs.

All kidding aside, it is so lovely here. And boys and girls we must remember, it is the rain which gives the Emerald Isle her lovely green grass, happy flower boxes, and ENORMOUS CROWS.

Jody and I got a wonderful tour of the Book of Kells yesterday from his friend Benny. (thanks Benny!) Tonight we are heading out to Brady's Pub (yes Denise, just like Days) for a pint tonight.

My Favorite Creatures

This is my favorite painting (as of now) in Slainte. When you visit the pub be sure to look for it. It features imagery from the Book of Kells.