tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495334659342878092024-03-13T03:35:47.441+00:00Child of DanúRóisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-25662679887114515582012-07-07T17:30:00.000+01:002012-07-07T17:30:32.379+01:00Some not-so-ugly ducklings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1yWddP83oU/T_hiZ9QVrpI/AAAAAAAACWM/XQQWfXSszjM/s1600/1341313645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1yWddP83oU/T_hiZ9QVrpI/AAAAAAAACWM/XQQWfXSszjM/s400/1341313645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>© Brenda Long</i></div>
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Right, so I promised I’d start blogging about something
other than my lack of blogging today, so here we go. I’ve a folder full of
lovely things I’ve encountered in my travels through cyber space which are just
dying to be shared, but instead I thought I’d kick things off with <a href="http://donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/inishowens_miracle_cygnets_" target="_blank">a wee story</a>
I was working on for the paper last week <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which warmed my cockles, and I hope it will
yours too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t what you’d call
earth-shattering breaking news, but it was one of those little tales that fills
you full of warm fuzzy rainbows and sunbeams<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:)</div>
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As any of you in the British Isles will know, summer has yet
to grace these shores. Aye, it’s been fairly warm, but it seems like everywhere
is taking turns at been washed out of it, and here in Inishowen it’s been no
exception. Around two weeks ago we had a month’s rain in one day, with flash
flooding in many areas. One of the places to be quite badly hit was a little
local island called Inch, which is home to a beautiful lake and wonderful
wildfowl reserve.</div>
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The reserve itself is a sanctuary for many migrating birds
and other aquatic animals, such as ducks and otters, as well as hundreds upon
hundreds of swans. Usually they make their nests off the beaten track and are
best viewed from the observation huts dotted around the lake, but this year one
of the swan couples built their little home right alongside the main causeway
road into the island, in full view of all the passing locals. As anyone who’s
ever witnessed it themselves will know, swan couples are really very sweet and
endearing – especially the way the cob is so attentive and protective of the
pen and their eggs – so as you can imagine the small community on the island,
who had been watching them build their nest and grow their brood for weeks,
became quite protective of the young family. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYnVAt6frj0/T_hiqfmoOUI/AAAAAAAACWU/kL9wNr25F5s/s1600/17746510150909375026313377056198o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYnVAt6frj0/T_hiqfmoOUI/AAAAAAAACWU/kL9wNr25F5s/s400/17746510150909375026313377056198o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>© Chiara Boyle </i></div>
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Then disaster struck – during the recent rains the lake tide
began to rise and the nest was in danger sinking. The eggs were actually
floating away! Thankfully, someone spotted what was happening and called in the
help of two local men who braved the torrential weather in attempt to save the
unborn cygnets. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rescued the eggs
from the water and built a pallet for the nest to float on, and after a nervous
wait the mother even sat back atop of it despite the interference. At that
stage it was still unclear whether her babies would make it or not, though,
because the eggs had been ice cold by the time they were put back in the nest. </div>
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That was yesterday fortnight ago, and on Monday morning I
got a phone call from one very excited Inch resident – the eggs were hatching! By
the time I went up only two of the six had hatched, and while there were fears
not all would make it, anyone I was talking to was just so happy any had
survived at all. Eggs had perished in years past due to bad weather because
people couldn’t get to the nest in time to save them, so you can imagine their joy
this time. I was especially pleased for the local children – there was a
pre-school nearby and the teacher had been taking her pupils down daily to
check on the nest and to teach the kids about wildlife, so they were especially
concerned then excited to watch the whole thing unfold. Then there was the
proud swan mammy herself – she kept lifting up her wing to show us the two
little cuties, as if she was boasting ‘look what I did!’ (I realise she was
probably just giving them a little air, but don’t ruin my fantasy.)</div>
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It got better too. On Thursday a local man – David McCauley –
sent us in these beautiful images of the proud family. Yup, all six cygnets
hatched safe and well! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLhPU9_cK3M/T_hjFZMSQ0I/AAAAAAAACWs/LqHKb2iIOnA/s1600/DSCF4168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLhPU9_cK3M/T_hjFZMSQ0I/AAAAAAAACWs/LqHKb2iIOnA/s400/DSCF4168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>© David McCauley</i></div>
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As I said, it’s not the most hard-hitting news story I’ve
ever written, but I challenge anyone to go up and see those little fluffy
babies, and talk to those locals who are still brimming with pride, and not be
cheered up. Go on, tell me you’re heartless!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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At this point I’d like to say thanks to Brenda Long, Chiara
Boyle and David McCauley for the wonderful photographs. I have some of my own
but yours were so much better.</div>
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<i>[For more on the story, you can read it on our paper’s
website <a href="http://donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/inishowens_miracle_cygnets_" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/alive_and_well" target="_blank">here</a>.]</i></div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-21432237798009258512012-07-07T16:12:00.000+01:002012-07-07T16:13:17.434+01:00The Internet should come with a breathalyser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2v36vE9A0rg/T_hRnly2VWI/AAAAAAAACWA/Cnw3bafixT0/s1600/Digital+Journal+-+tea+and+butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2v36vE9A0rg/T_hRnly2VWI/AAAAAAAACWA/Cnw3bafixT0/s400/Digital+Journal+-+tea+and+butterflies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Following on from that oh-so-cringesome theme of my last post, I have a wee confession
to make today – I didn’t remember that I’d actually written it until I came on
here this morning! That’s sounds really
bad, doesn’t it? Hear me out: I’ve been insanely busy at work this past while;
long gone are the days were the weekends were for anything other than sleeping for
15 hours at a time, with beer being replaced by copious amounts of tea and
books. It’s not exactly rock’n’roll, but that’s how I like it. (I’m an auld
woman now, you know.)</div>
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It’s not that I was ever the biggest drinker in the world,
but these days I can really see where that old cliché about getting drunk at
the smell of alcohol comes from. I’m totally and utterly useless! So you can
imagine what I was like last Saturday when I went on my friend’s hen night, of
all things. I knew I was out of practice, as they say, so I was pacing myself
and trying my best to take it easy. In fact, if you had asked me at the end of
the night I would’ve told you I was totally sober , it wasn’t until the next morning
that I realised I’d been away with the fairies! And then to come on here today
with the intention of making my first post in months, only for the cold
realisation to hit me that I’d been on that night… Well, let’s just say it was
unsettling. I completely remember writing it now (I wasn’t that bad), but
still. I suppose it could’ve been worse, I could’ve done one of those soppy ‘I
love you guys’ posts like I’ve been guilty of in the past. </div>
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Anyway, I’m not quite sure why I’m even drawing attention to
it since I’m a tad embarrassed by the whole thing and should really just let it
pass and hope no one noticed. I think it’s a compulsion of mine to point out
things that I really should try to cover up. I also wanted to explain why I’d
wasted both yours and my own time with yet another one of those whiney ‘I’m
sorry I’ve not posted anything in ages’ tirades, put it behind me, and resume
with regular ‘normal’ blogging. I’ve a post lined up for this afternoon and
everything! </div>
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By the way, the image I’ve used with this post (and the last
couple) is a page from my digital art journal, which I’ve not been updating as
much as I’d like but which I’ve not totally abandoned. I’d just thought I’d
point that out because it’s the type of thing I used to blog about before I got
in the habit of making these pointless posts. This is the last of them,
promise. Expect a return to the randomness of old, whether it’s some silliness that’s
been on my mind or some loveliness I’ve encountered online. </div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-27398611396023838052012-06-23T03:37:00.000+01:002012-07-07T16:00:46.524+01:00Bless me bloggers for I have sinned…<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/6742850439/" title="Digital Journal, week 2 by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Digital Journal, week 2" height="351" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6742850439_2b1efdd1f9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/sets/72157624929777145/with/6742850439/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Art journal? I don't have an art journal!</i></span></a> </div>
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…It has been two months since my last post. The biggest sin
of all is that in that particular post I promised I’d be back soon! Obviously I
was in an optimistic mood that evening. Said post was sincerely intended to be
a preliminary, re-introductory set-up to my return to the blogosphere, just as
this is now. Lessons have indeed been learned that post, however. </div>
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Tonight I do not mean to make any more unfulfilled promises
of regular postage – I’ve learned to accept the fact my free (i.e. blogging)
time has been sucked into a vacuum of local intrigue and mundane mystery – but I can tell you the compulsion to return to
this weird and wonderful world of whimsy and marvel has been growing. </div>
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The intention behind the last failed post was to rekindle
the addiction which in the past had me dependent on my dashboard, and hooked on
the hokum. (You’re all some craic!) Like an alcoholic sipping the nectar of the
gods for the first time in a decade, I expected the lingering taste to consume
me once again, filling me with the unquenchable desire to log in and cop out,
just as in the glory days of old. </div>
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Yet it came and waned, too easily ignored my liking. I have
many friends in this little corner of cyberspace (you all know who you are),
and just like my friends in whatever the non-cyberspace alternative is (some
people call it real life, but personally I find that a tad philosophically contentious),
I have neglected you all for the sake of everyday survival-esque pseudo-necessity.
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Sorry about that.</div>
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But you don’t want to read yet another guilt-ridden apology –
I’ve already said sorry for not having called by to say hello so many times I’d
imagine it’d be insulting to ask for forgiveness yet again. Instead
I’d just like to say ‘hello’. ‘hope you are well’, and ‘promise I’ll be back
tomorrow’. (Whoops, didn’t mean to do that!)</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-4505240346773628322012-04-20T21:12:00.000+01:002012-07-07T16:00:27.022+01:00Back Soon<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/7077445043/" title="Digital Journal, week...? by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Digital Journal, week...?" height="352" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7077445043_21948f9b5a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't know if anyone's still around to notice, but the blog's been on a bit of a hiatus for a while. Too many things, people, too many things. Anyway, just thought I'd check in and let you all know I haven't fallen of the edge of a cliff somewhere (yet!), and I haven't completely given up hope of getting back to blogging something this century.<br />
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I do still have a few online hideaways, and have been a little less neglectful with my <a href="http://childofdanu.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/">Flickr</a> pages if you're bored and fancy a nosy/catch up.<br />
<br />
Also, if any of you are local to the North West of Ireland, or just want a wee glimpse into the often weird and wacky world of Donegal news, call on over to <a href="http://www.donegalnow.com/">www.donegalnow.com</a>.<br />
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It's the parent page for the news paper I write for and I'm a regular contributor myself :) We're not long on the go, so if any of my lovely local followers - or any of you equally-lovley international ones who know any Irish expats - could spread the word that would be fantastic!<br />
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You know, I didn't intend to come here to give the website a shamless plug, just thought I may as well when I was here ;(<br />
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Oh, and if you're wondering what relevance the above image has to any of this, the answer is very little. It's just the latest in my very-much flagging digital art journal project - yet another one of my hobbies which has sadly been abandoned in recent times. Hopefully that'll soon change, though; many of the extra-cirricular activities I've been at since Christmas are coming to an end in the next few weeks and I'll be back in business then. Well, hope everyone's doing wonderfully and have a lovley weekend!Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-18646023146147618802012-01-09T19:21:00.000+00:002012-01-09T19:24:40.434+00:00A pretty paper dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gSqJ0pJ6uA/Tws-ABWZHNI/AAAAAAAACV4/FRsyoaF0iyE/s1600/WebHarlequin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gSqJ0pJ6uA/Tws-ABWZHNI/AAAAAAAACV4/FRsyoaF0iyE/s640/WebHarlequin2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://carrieannschumacher.com/harlequin.html"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> © Carrie Ann Schumacher</span></i></a></div>
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I keep forgetting I've actually returned to the world of blogging and therefore actually have somewhere to share some of the loveliness I find on the web. Like this beautiful paper creation from artist Carrie Ann Schumacher, which I came across the other day. Ain't it just beautiful? Wouldn't it be just perfect to wear to a fancy awards do or something like it - well, as long as it didn't rain. Find more of her wonderful work <a href="http://carrieannschumacher.com/">here</a>, including an <a href="http://carrieannschumacher.com/Alice.html">equally exquisite Alice dress</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqcDXzo-zgM/Tws8uLcdRHI/AAAAAAAACVo/xwTfuz6dZyU/s1600/PortfolioPage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqcDXzo-zgM/Tws8uLcdRHI/AAAAAAAACVo/xwTfuz6dZyU/s200/PortfolioPage.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrKV5ZPRFiQ/Tws8jW90lBI/AAAAAAAACVY/70fTVBh98nE/s1600/canvasgf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrKV5ZPRFiQ/Tws8jW90lBI/AAAAAAAACVY/70fTVBh98nE/s200/canvasgf.png" width="133" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKXsyW68ih4/Tws8n_Y85pI/AAAAAAAACVg/VlNlt7oScSg/s1600/canvass.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKXsyW68ih4/Tws8n_Y85pI/AAAAAAAACVg/VlNlt7oScSg/s200/canvass.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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<br />Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-21001743100475346442012-01-01T02:52:00.003+00:002012-01-01T03:24:40.516+00:00And just like bloody buses…<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/6610094739/" title="Digital Journal, week 1 by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Digital Journal, week 1" height="358" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6610094739_1f241163c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">…you don’t get a post for months then two come along at once. You see how committed I am to my promises in the previous post? I had parties to go to tonight, people to kiss and hug and spill beer on, but nope - I just told them they could keep their champagne and sing-songs, I had a blog to resurrect! (It has nothing to do with the fact I’m shattered and my old back complaint’s playing up, honest it hasn’t.) <br />
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Anyway, this is another of my resolutions for the new year. This time last year I committed myself to keeping an art journal. Well, I did, but the results weren’t always great. I’m not the most tidy person either, so any time I made a page I usually made a mess too. (Glitter glue and paper everywhere - my room usually ended up looking like it was hit by a playschool class on the sauce.) So, since I spend most of my time at a computer, and since I’m a little bit more adept on Photoshop than with hands-on arts-and-crafts, I set myself a more manageable target this year - <i>digital</i> art journaling. This is my first go, I’ll post another one each week. <br />
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Happy new year folks!</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-67206535443996572392012-01-01T02:17:00.001+00:002012-01-01T03:33:56.403+00:00New Year, New Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2kfBp06TzFQ/Tv-6KndzYUI/AAAAAAAACUw/jUjY3BjQvBk/s1600/newyear5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2kfBp06TzFQ/Tv-6KndzYUI/AAAAAAAACUw/jUjY3BjQvBk/s1600/newyear5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://antiques.about.com/od/holiday/ig/New-Year-s-Postcard-Gallery/Auld-Lang-Syne-Postcard.htm">image source</a></span></i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Well, not really. I’m still the same old me, just a little older since I’ve last been here. Though not much wiser… So then folks, how the hell have you been?! All’s well this end, I’m glad to report. Happy to back in this weird and wonderful land of fanciful findings and frivolous fantasies. Where’ve I been without you all? As soon as I logged in here and saw those familiar names scrolling down through my dashboard I felt like I’d never been away. It’s really rather comforting.<br />
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Anyhoo, to answer that rhetorical question to myself, I’ve not been anywhere particularly special. Just hanging out with the neighbours, in a virtual metaphorical sense. Spending too much time on Twitter and Tumblr, to put it more literally. In the past wee while I’ve gone beyond my lingering guilt at committing cyber adultery on you guys and fully embraced my micro-blogging addiction. Hence my total abandonment of this, my true internet home.<br />
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So - and you may have guessed this already - I’ve made it my New Year’s resolution to do something about that. I’ve already started giving the place a bit of an early spring clean (it’s not finished yet, I’ll get my blogroll and other wee foottery things back up soon enough), and I’ve decided to take a new approach to how I blog here, too. My addiction to Tumblr and the like isn’t hard to figure out; I’m pretty well occupied in my real life at the minute and only have the time and enthusiasm for popping in briefly, throwing a few posts up, and making a quick and quiet exit.<br />
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Tumblr makes that easy with its anonymity - on Blogger I’ve always felt an obligation to respond to each and every comment left here by visiting that person's page. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE catching up with you all since you’re all so damn lovely and have the bestest blogs ever, but that’s exactly the problem! I’ve been lucky enough to meet so, so many wonderful kindred souls on here over the past year or two that I always have a lot of loveliness to catch up with. And because of sense of duty to visit you all every time I post… well to be honest it puts me off posting. Not because it feels like a chore, but because I know how long it’ll bloody take! Not a bad complaint, I know. Just an impractical reality of my (previous) Blogger blogging habits.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnGSnLJjsqI/Tv-68J8gHFI/AAAAAAAACVI/0MEMgIUR8xI/s1600/39854325c8361cc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnGSnLJjsqI/Tv-68J8gHFI/AAAAAAAACVI/0MEMgIUR8xI/s320/39854325c8361cc2.jpg" width="201" /></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><br />
I think it was the lovely <a href="http://aspectacularmess.blogspot.com/">Kathy</a> who, in her infinitely witty wisdom, once told me blogging buddies should be like the people you talk to at the supermarket. You like them, enjoy and even look forward to hearing what’s been going on in their lives or whatever, but you don’t think they’re terrible and throw a huff if they’re in a hurry and don’t have time to stop for a chat. (Well, not unless you’re slightly insane.) It makes sense, for an analogy in which blogging is groceries. So, from now on, I may not always be able to stop for that wee natter, but then again I might have loads of time for a good auld chin wag… What I’m trying to say is I might not stop by your blogs every time I stop by my own, but I will get around to say hello eventually!<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://dayslongone.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html">image sorce</a></span></i> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Then there’s that other issue I need to address - POSTS LIKE THIS ONE!!! When I haven’t been on in a while I feel compelled to spend ages posting a big warbling apology for not having posted in a while. And just like with my self-imposed visiting obligations, the longer it’s been since I’ve posted the longer I’ll spend apologising for not having posted - sure just look at the length of this post! No more of this carry on, is what I’m saying.<br />
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Shorter posts, but more of them; meaningful catch ups not obligatory visits; blogging because I want to, not because I feel I have to; and no more months on end of random apologetic posts! That’s my blogging resolution for 2012. Well, hope you all had an excellent night. Good thoughts and best wishes for the coming twelve months! </div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-58996694922346406802011-10-31T20:15:00.000+00:002011-10-31T20:15:59.950+00:00Just a little note…<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/6292659183/" title="A witch and her cat by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="A witch and her cat" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6292659183_8189e97dde_z.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">…to say hello. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve put the blog on hiatus for a little while. Too many other things on the go at the minute I’m afraid. Anyway, I couldn’t possibly let this - the most wonderful night of all the year - go by without popping in to wish you all the happiest Samhain’s Eve. I’ll be back again soon but until then, oíche mhaith.</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-70314363235849628122011-10-10T19:56:00.000+01:002011-10-10T19:56:34.240+01:00Pretty Paper Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLdqP2J-FqY/TpM9Bl2_RYI/AAAAAAAACSQ/e3zNdyiCvqU/s1600/art-2-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLdqP2J-FqY/TpM9Bl2_RYI/AAAAAAAACSQ/e3zNdyiCvqU/s640/art-2-large.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.whitepaperspress.com/?portfolio=art">White Paper Press</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I was planning on doing a wee catch-up post this evening, complete with my usual apologies for not stopping by in a while, but now that I’m here I just couldn’t be arsed. Sorry, but it’s been a long day and my poor wee brain can’t handle any more words. Instead I’m going to share some of this beautiful hand-cut paper art from <a href="http://www.whitepaperspress.com/">White Paper Press</a>. I haven’t posted these before have I? I thought I hadn’t but when I wrote those words there now I got a terrible sense of deja-vu… Apologies if I have posted them before. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRpys2bMntw/TpM9iZxrFcI/AAAAAAAACSU/Bbh9dSXVJnE/s1600/art-6-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRpys2bMntw/TpM9iZxrFcI/AAAAAAAACSU/Bbh9dSXVJnE/s400/art-6-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7R3safPRJpo/TpM-RDgM_4I/AAAAAAAACSg/_TdmiIp8Y0U/s1600/art-5-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7R3safPRJpo/TpM-RDgM_4I/AAAAAAAACSg/_TdmiIp8Y0U/s400/art-5-large.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuHGivM8-jo/TpM-GvpL41I/AAAAAAAACSc/gmt8oJoZNFg/s1600/art-4-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuHGivM8-jo/TpM-GvpL41I/AAAAAAAACSc/gmt8oJoZNFg/s400/art-4-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjsDJj5zEYk/TpM-fkCMAhI/AAAAAAAACSk/Hb1DalTiKME/s1600/art-7-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjsDJj5zEYk/TpM-fkCMAhI/AAAAAAAACSk/Hb1DalTiKME/s400/art-7-large.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJ0zYOarsVA/TpM-rKmDE9I/AAAAAAAACSo/6Ma41u7fUiA/s1600/art-10-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJ0zYOarsVA/TpM-rKmDE9I/AAAAAAAACSo/6Ma41u7fUiA/s400/art-10-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eahac6oYN2I/TpM_J88A11I/AAAAAAAACSs/SSnO5CBkHy4/s1600/art-11-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eahac6oYN2I/TpM_J88A11I/AAAAAAAACSs/SSnO5CBkHy4/s400/art-11-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue64LLFpMv4/TpM_hhHquRI/AAAAAAAACSw/W1pxjlo80bM/s1600/art-9-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue64LLFpMv4/TpM_hhHquRI/AAAAAAAACSw/W1pxjlo80bM/s400/art-9-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-7796801493704905012011-10-01T21:49:00.002+01:002011-10-01T21:52:57.721+01:00And the winners are…<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/6038804686/" title="Textured Tree Branches by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Textured Tree Branches" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/6038804686_0cd82e1308.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Random unrelated photo to brighten the post up.) </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Hello strangers! How’re you all doing? Once more I’ve set a new record for blog neglect, but at least I gave advanced warning about it this time. Anyway, I’m back now and I’ve plenty of posts (and possibly another giveaway) lined up for the month ahead. Which, it turns out, is October! I love October.<br />
<br />
First things first though, time to announce the winners of my giveaway. Thank you so much to everyone who entered, and for all your kind words and wishes too. All went well with the op, I’m glad to report. But enough about that! Winners…<br />
<br />
So I assigned everyone some numbers depending on the amount of entries they had in and then submitted that to that random number generator thingy. I have to say, everybody had at least two or three in there - there were 36 different people in with 106 entries. Not bad going, eh? The first number who came out won the first photo, the second number the second photo and third etc etc. Ok, so here’s how it all ‘went down’, as they say:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">*drumroll*<br />
<br />
And the first winner is…number 62 - <a href="http://rinnisplayground.blogspot.com/">Pabkins</a>!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5928083424/" title="Moon and Trees and Stars by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Moon and Trees and Stars" height="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5928083424_6919a8b903_m.jpg" width="160" /></a><br />
<br />
Next up we have number 82 - that’s <a href="http://artstymagic.blogspot.com/">Kristin</a>!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5885253940/" title="Trees and Stars by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Trees and Stars" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/5885253940_a07f9ebee5_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
And the third and final number out is 77 - the lovely <a href="http://missghome.blogspot.com/">Mademoiselle G</a>!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5884690599/" title="Moon, Tree and Stars by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Moon, Tree and Stars" height="180" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/5884690599_5af5d6c731_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Congratulations ladies, I’ll be contacting you soon to get your postal info. I actually feel really quite guilty now that I only had three prints to give away. I wanted everyone to win! As I mentioned earlier though, I may be holding another giveaway in the very near future. And this time it’ll be something from someone who knows what they’re doing, namely my very talented little sister and her boyfriend. So check back soon for more details! Hopefully I’ll manage a post or two in the next week as well, I’ve no excuses this month. <br />
<br />
Anyhow, thanks again to everyone who entered and I hope everyone’s doing well. Must get a good catch up with you nice blogging folk very soon! </div></div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-83937247912055906742011-09-04T19:54:00.004+01:002011-09-04T20:16:12.555+01:00Moons, trees, stars and a giveaway.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5928083424/" title="Moon and Trees and Stars by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Moon and Trees and Stars" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5928083424_6919a8b903_z.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh look, what a surprise. Last time I checked in I said I’d be back in a couple of days and here I am over a week later wracked with guilt as usual. Ok, maybe ‘wracked’ is a little strong, but I do sort of feel as if I’ve been cheating on you guys with those floosies over on Tumblr and Twitter. Serial blog adulteress, that’s me.<br />
<br />
So here I am with the proverbial bunch of flowers, hoping to earn some small iota of atonement for these weeks of neglect and excuses... There I go with the drama again, but you get idea. Anyway, it's time for the previously promised giveaway! <br />
<br />
Especially for my Blogger friends, I have one A4-size print* of the picture above and each of the two below to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to be in with a chance of winning. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5885253940/" title="Trees and Stars by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Trees and Stars" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/5885253940_a07f9ebee5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5884690599/" title="Moon, Tree and Stars by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Moon, Tree and Stars" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/5884690599_5af5d6c731.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That’s three prizes, so three winners. Unless by some freak of chance someone gets picked out thrice. That’d be a bit heebie-jeebiesish. Unlikely as it may be, it could happen, though, for I’m going to stick with what appears to be blogger tradition and allow extra entries. Just do any of the following:<br />
<br />
- share a link to this giveaway on your own blog;<br />
- follow this blog; <br />
- follow me on <a href="http://childofdanu.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>;<br />
- follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/child_of_danu">Twitter</a>;<br />
- or add me as a contact on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/">Flickr</a> (alternatively, to be fair to those who don’t use Flickr, you can just tell me which of my photos over there is your favourite).<br />
<br />
Shameless self-promotion, I know. But sure you can’t blame a girl for trying ;) Anyhow, in your comment let me know if you’ve done any of the above and for each one you’ll get an extra magic ticket in the random-number-generator hat. And don't worry, all you lovely folk already following here will automatically get an extra entry. I realise a lot of you are already following me elsewhere on the web too, but I’m a bit scatter-brained about these things so don’t forget to remind me! <br />
<br />
Now for the timeline. Since I’ve giving up fooling myself and accepted that I just don’t have as much time to blog these days as I used to, I’m going to leave this giveaway open for a little while. I’m due in for surgery in a couple of weeks too and, while I’m expecting it to go well and be back on my feet pretty sharpish, I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep. How does a month sound? <br />
<br />
Ok, so I’ll leave it open until the end of September and on Saturday October 1st I’ll announce the winners. Thanks folks and best of luck to you all - though I know that’s a wee bit impossible. Believe me, if I had lots of money I’d send you all something :) <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*The photos seen here may be slightly cropped in the printed version</i></span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-34567175365253021582011-08-27T17:59:00.001+01:002011-08-27T18:09:58.781+01:00Days of happy nothingness.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookeshaden/6066118356/" title="the path under the sky by brookeshaden, on Flickr"><img alt="the path under the sky" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6066118356_c34da15a6c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookeshaden/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Brooke Shaden</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seventeen days - that has to be a new uselessness record from me. Where-oh-where has the time been slipping away to… Ok, better not continue with that train of thought or I’ll end up sounding like my granny. So people, how the hell have you all been doing? I wish I had lots of riveting tales of adventure and excitement to fill you in on, but to be honest it feels like about five seconds since I last checked in here. I’ve literally been doing nothing. It’s been good nothing, though.<br />
<br />
Anyway, to make up for my current bout of blog neglect I’m planning a little something for the week ahead. Yup folks, I’m going to host my first ever giveaway! It’s about time really, I’ve won so many lovely things from much-too-kind bloggers over the past while it’s about time I reciprocated the love. More details on that in the next couple of days. For now I’m going to leave you with some images from one of my favourite photographers on the net, LA gal Brooke Shaden. Find many, many more of her hauntingly beautiful pictures <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookeshaden/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookeshaden/5958136018/" title="the world above by brookeshaden, on Flickr"><img alt="the world above" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5958136018_4f2ec79d68.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookeshaden/5977864919/" title="finding the road to neverland by brookeshaden, on Flickr"><img alt="finding the road to neverland" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5977864919_bdca629848.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookeshaden/5824348875/" title="the buoyancy in drowning by brookeshaden, on Flickr"><img alt="the buoyancy in drowning" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5239/5824348875_ba12e933f8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookeshaden/5703500485/" title="losing power in the wind by brookeshaden, on Flickr"><img alt="losing power in the wind" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5703500485_d6da7553ae.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
p.s. I forgot to mention that I’ve recently succumbed to the ways of the modern world and finally got myself a Twitter account. My user name is <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/Child_of_Danu">@Child_of_Danu</a>, I’m in much need of new people to follow so stop by and say hello!</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-74994494393652364172011-08-10T21:18:00.000+01:002011-08-10T21:18:04.640+01:00Best. Greetings cards. Ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fnF24wImiDc/TkLlzLlwAOI/AAAAAAAACR0/qE3hS5cwZyY/s1600/il_570xN.226001364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fnF24wImiDc/TkLlzLlwAOI/AAAAAAAACR0/qE3hS5cwZyY/s640/il_570xN.226001364.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmFn1iyy9SY/TkLl-SzL_VI/AAAAAAAACR4/_iNhHIzmWSA/s1600/il_570xN.226008821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmFn1iyy9SY/TkLl-SzL_VI/AAAAAAAACR4/_iNhHIzmWSA/s640/il_570xN.226008821.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iQj_1KmQmk/TkLm9-Ez9eI/AAAAAAAACR8/-NeoQ6JDUlo/s1600/il_570xN.226009589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iQj_1KmQmk/TkLm9-Ez9eI/AAAAAAAACR8/-NeoQ6JDUlo/s640/il_570xN.226009589.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><br />
Don’t you agree? They’re from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopsaplingpress?section_id=7914391">Shop Sapling Press</a> on Etsy in collaboration with <a href="http://dearblankpleaseblank.com/">Dear Blank, Please Bank</a>. Check out the shop for more!Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-48187742113780726222011-08-06T23:13:00.000+01:002011-08-06T23:13:43.291+01:00The Joys of Local Journalism (or How I Discovered I Was Heir to the Throne of Camelot)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hGEbMOIeUs/Tj25KFfqU7I/AAAAAAAACRo/u2w6G8JPcmc/s1600/king-arthur-tapestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hGEbMOIeUs/Tj25KFfqU7I/AAAAAAAACRo/u2w6G8JPcmc/s400/king-arthur-tapestry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Local Man Arthur O'Neill</i></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I mentioned a while back that I’d recently found a new job. Well I haven’t lost it yet, I’m glad to report. It’s up at my local newspaper, where I’ve worked on and off over the years. I love where I live and I love being a journalist so it’s pretty much perfect really. Especially when you get stories like the one I wrote last week; the one where I found out that not only was King Arthur actually an honest-to-god real-life person, but he was from Inishowen! And there’s more - it turns out there’s even a chance I’m descended from him. You could be too! Seriously folks, <i>the</i> King Arthur. <br />
<br />
Let me explain. According to new research by English historian <a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/irisharthur">Dane Pestano</a>, Arthurian legend may very well have originated from a historical sixth-century High King of Ireland. Said king being Muircertach MacErca, who ruled from An Grianan and was the great-grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages. For any of you not familiar with him, Niall was a legendary Ulster king who was apparently quite the ladies’ man. Genetic studies have found that around 20% of males in the north of Ireland and south-west Scotland carry his Y-chromosome and it’s believed up to six million people in the world today could be descended from him. As I said, he must’ve got around a bit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BmhaOds3hw/Tj25fsCfVeI/AAAAAAAACRs/F1csWD7CzTE/s1600/An+Grianan+of+Aileach+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BmhaOds3hw/Tj25fsCfVeI/AAAAAAAACRs/F1csWD7CzTE/s400/An+Grianan+of+Aileach+b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>An Grianan- the original Camelot? </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That means there’s probably a fair chunk of the population round these parts who are related to MacErca too. Until recently not much was known about him, but a few years back Mr Pestano uncovered a lost tale in an old manuscript which led him on his Arthurian adventure. In his short book, Dane explains how the life MacErca, who also ruled from Grianan, almost exactly mirrors that of the man the Welsh and Britons knew as Arthur. Drawing upon both historical record and old folktales, here are just some of the links he identifies:</div><ul><li>MacErca was supposedly the first Christian king of Ireland and ruled at the same time as the mythical Arthur;</li>
<li>His name can be translated as ‘Arthur’ and his wife’s name mirrors that of Gwenevere when translated into Welsh;</li>
<li>As a child he was fostered by a driud;</li>
<li>He conquered Gaul and assumed sovereignty of Britain, The Saxons, Scotland, The Orkneys, and Denmark;</li>
<li>He was in possession of the Lia Fáil (the Stone of Destiny);</li>
<li>There was a Merlin-type character, the bishop Cairneach, who guided him in his conquests and who could apparently perform magical feats;</li>
<li>The idea of Morgan LeFey may also have originated here since there is one folktale which tells of a fairy woman who tried to seduce then murder MacErca;</li>
<li>Finally, according to legend MacErca succumbed to the symbolic ‘triple death’.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;">MacErca was also the grandson of Eoghan, whom Inishowen is named after, and he was the uncle of another famous local lad, St Colmcille (aka St Columba), who had the gift of prophecy and was a bit of an Irish Nostradamus. I think the Glastonbury tourist board are going to have to review their brochures because if MacErca is indeed Arthur then his links to this area are incredible. When I was chatting to Dane on the phone about his work he said that Bettina over at <a href="http://unknownswilly.wordpress.com/">Guarding Grianan Aileach</a> may even have discovered the actual Round Table at the ring fort. How cool is that! <br />
<br />
I think by now you lot know how much I love history and folklore, especially anything to do with Grianan, so you can imagine how excited I was about this story. I’m such a geek I was as thrilled working on it as someone else might’ve been if they’d gotten to interview their favourite actor or singer or something. Niall and Arthur are like celebrities to me :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHAdGcVrdk4/Tj26NahHiKI/AAAAAAAACRw/DEikpXa4kYQ/s1600/320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHAdGcVrdk4/Tj26NahHiKI/AAAAAAAACRw/DEikpXa4kYQ/s1600/320.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I think everyone at the paper thinks I’m a wee bit loopy for getting so excited about it, but I’m not just saying this - I think it’s the most fun I’ve ever had writing a story. I even discovered a new favourite word, toppling ‘troglodyte’ from it’s long-held first place spot. It’s ‘Galfridian’, as in ‘pre-Galfridian’ meaning ‘existing before Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote his famous twelfth century work on Arthur’. Nice, isn’t it? The stories about MacErca are pre-Galfridian. <br />
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Dane’s introductory book, ‘King Arthur in Irish Pseudo-Historical Tradition’, is available to download or order <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/king-arthur-in-irish-pseudo-historical-tradition/16347801">here</a>. It’ll soon be on Amazon etc too and I’ll add those links as soon as I get them. He plans to publish a full edition next year so watch this space.</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-5004705640230067762011-08-01T23:07:00.000+01:002011-08-01T23:07:28.217+01:00Normal Service Has Resumed (I Hope)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKhKcTGcA6I/TjchjlsYh1I/AAAAAAAACRQ/080vACDHaeg/s1600/photo3w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKhKcTGcA6I/TjchjlsYh1I/AAAAAAAACRQ/080vACDHaeg/s640/photo3w.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://vanessie.nl/index.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Esther Vershoor</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So it turns out July ‘11 was my worst blogging month ever. Not only did I post very little indeed, but I’m only realising now how long it’s actually been since I called to some of your blogs. It’s going to take me all week catching up! Stick with me though, I will get there.<br />
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On top of that the bookmarked folder where I save the little bits and bobs I come across in my travels through cyberspace is bursting with stuff I didn’t get time to share. Plus, I’ve a couple of thank-you posts to make in the next couple of days, along with some very exciting news that, for reasons I shall reveal in good time, I have to keep back until tomorrow. At least<i> I </i>think it’s exciting news, those out there not as geeky as me probably won’t be inclined to agree with that particular adjective. Though something tells me you folk may very well be just as geeky ;) <br />
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Anyway! What I’m trying to say is that I’ve plenty of posts lined up for the coming days so hopefully I’ll be able to breakout of this post-a-week habit once and for all. <i>*sigh*</i> I miss my days as a daily blogger, so long ago now…<br />
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Right, to get started I’m going to begin offloading some these links in that aforementioned bookmarks folder, namely in the form of these slightly creepy but altogether utterly fantastic creations from <a href="http://so%20it%20turns%20out%20july%20%e2%80%9811%20was%20my%20worst%20blogging%20month%20ever.%20not%20only%20did%20i%20post%20very%20little%20indeed,%20but%20i%e2%80%99m%20only%20realising%20now%20how%20long%20it%e2%80%99s%20actually%20been%20since%20i%20called%20to%20some%20of%20your%20blogs.%20it%e2%80%99s%20going%20to%20take%20me%20all%20week%20catching%20up%21%20stick%20with%20me%20though,%20i%20will%20get%20there.%20%20on%20top%20of%20that%20the%20bookmarked%20folder%20where%20i%20save%20the%20little%20bits%20and%20bobs%20i%20come%20across%20in%20my%20travels%20through%20cyberspace%20is%20bursting%20with%20stuff%20i%20didn%e2%80%99t%20get%20time%20to%20share.%20plus,%20i%e2%80%99ve%20a%20couple%20of%20thank-you%20posts%20to%20make%20in%20the%20next%20couple%20of%20days,%20along%20with%20some%20very%20exciting%20news%20that,%20for%20reasons%20i%20shall%20reveal%20in%20good%20time,%20i%20have%20to%20keep%20back%20until%20tomorrow.%20at%20least%20i%20think%20it%e2%80%99s%20exciting%20news,%20those%20out%20there%20not%20as%20geeky%20as%20me%20probably%20won%e2%80%99t%20be%20inclined%20to%20agree%20with%20that%20particular%20adjective.%20though%20something%20tells%20me%20you%20folk%20may%20very%20well%20be%20just%20as%20geeky%20/;%29%20%20%20Anyway%21%20What%20I%E2%80%99m%20trying%20to%20say%20is%20that%20I%E2%80%99ve%20plenty%20of%20posts%20lined%20up%20for%20the%20coming%20days%20so%20hopefully%20I%E2%80%99ll%20be%20able%20to%20breakout%20of%20this%20post-a-week%20habit%20once%20and%20for%20all.%20*sigh*%20I%20miss%20my%20days%20as%20a%20daily%20blogger,%20so%20long%20ago%20now%E2%80%A6%20%20Right,%20to%20get%20started%20I%E2%80%99m%20going%20to%20begin%20offloading%20some%20these%20links%20in%20that%20aforementioned%20bookmarks%20folder,%20namely%20in%20the%20form%20of%20these%20slightly%20creepy%20but%20altogether%20utterly%20fantastic%20creations%20from%20Esther%20Verschoor.%20Ms%20Verschoor%20actually%20uses%20real%20animal%20skulls%20for%20her%20little%20dolls%20which%20she%20sources%20from%20a%20local%20taxidermist%20-%20they%20all%20died%20of%20natural%20causes,%20don%E2%80%99t%20worry.%20Cute,%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20you%20say?%20But%20in%20a%20dark%20sort%20of%20way.">Esther Verschoor</a>. Ms Verschoor actually uses real animal skulls for her dolls which she sources from a local taxidermist - they all died of natural causes, don’t worry. Cute, wouldn’t you say? But in a dark sort of way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAIs8ZUigG0/TjciE2QB7wI/AAAAAAAACRU/yQupq2-ZHvw/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAIs8ZUigG0/TjciE2QB7wI/AAAAAAAACRU/yQupq2-ZHvw/s640/photo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BPcUX8TsIc/TjciSF2onWI/AAAAAAAACRY/BDPhdbuPIo0/s1600/photoss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BPcUX8TsIc/TjciSF2onWI/AAAAAAAACRY/BDPhdbuPIo0/s640/photoss.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrgxkM7enCE/TjcizMwwfsI/AAAAAAAACRc/f3jaRRgj-7M/s1600/photoddd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrgxkM7enCE/TjcizMwwfsI/AAAAAAAACRc/f3jaRRgj-7M/s640/photoddd.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R11aku3oglE/TjcjMIaE4fI/AAAAAAAACRg/TERPPWlLl1o/s1600/photoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R11aku3oglE/TjcjMIaE4fI/AAAAAAAACRg/TERPPWlLl1o/s640/photoc.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-34330567793667737152011-07-19T23:46:00.000+01:002011-07-19T23:46:24.159+01:00Aoibheann Inis Eoghain<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5788149450/" title="The Battery Field by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="The Battery Field" height="281" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/5788149450_71d6c5f359.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Howdy folks! (‘Howdy’, a word I really should use more often.) How’re you all keeping this evening then? I took a little longer getting back to you than I’d planned, you can blame Tumblr for that one. It’s so much easier on the head to just click buttons and ogle pretty pictures than it is to sit down and write a post. Too easy really, the lazy person’s way to blog. But still, I think I’ve earned a little lazy time lately.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2z_j6-cQIog/TiYIZ4qKYDI/AAAAAAAACRI/9B8Vx53O7v4/s1600/The+Battery+Field+II.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2z_j6-cQIog/TiYIZ4qKYDI/AAAAAAAACRI/9B8Vx53O7v4/s320/The+Battery+Field+II.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>I seem to have taken on what feels like a million new endeavours all at once, including starting in a wonderful new job and finally getting back to learning to drive (yup, I’m a 29-year-old journalist who doesn’t have a full driving licence, that probably explains the difficulty I’ve had getting work!). And then there’s that other thing I’ve been doing which, now that I’m here, I feel a little reluctant revealing. I’ll explain why in a moment.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">In my last post I mentioned I had exciting plans for the weekend. Well, my excitement was justified because it all went splendidly. You see, my friends, last Friday night saw the opening of my first ever photography exhibition! When I say ‘my’ I mean me and the rest of the local camera club I’m a member of. It’s being run as part of a local music and arts festival happening in my town at the moment. <br />
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Then, last night, we had an opening of another one. Yes another one! Sadly I couldn’t go because my old back trouble was playing up. But still, two exhibitions on the go at once? I would say I’m proud of myself, only the truth is I’m more than a little embarrassed about the whole thing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lqt1UCI148/TiYI4KSwmRI/AAAAAAAACRM/5L0iZPptrzQ/s1600/Path+to+the+Waterfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lqt1UCI148/TiYI4KSwmRI/AAAAAAAACRM/5L0iZPptrzQ/s320/Path+to+the+Waterfall.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know I have a Flickr account and regularly share my photos here, but there’s something different about hanging them up on an actual wall in a proper exhibition and asking people to look at them. I feel like such a fake wannabe! Especially when you see the quality of work that’s hanging all around me up there - a talented bunch of lovable eejits, that camera club crew. <br />
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You’re all such a lovely bunch of bloggers who only ever have kind words of encouragement regarding these things so I know I shouldn’t feel so self-conscious telling you about the exhibition. I think it’s because I’m also aware that many of you are very talented artists and photographers, while I’m just a pretender with a point-and-shoot and Photoshop. I’m always paranoid when I know people with a background in these things are looking at my work. (I even felt funny giving the prints to my aunt and uncle to mount since they’re professionals.)<br />
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Anyway, I know I’ve no doubt posted some of them on the blog before but the images in this post are the ones I submitted for display. I’ve said before that I hate posts without pictures and thought these were probably the most appropriate for this one. <br />
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I’ve another busy week ahead so I probably won’t be back on here again until Saturday or Sunday, which is when I hope to resume regular blogging again! That’ll include getting a proper visit to all my blog buddies; I popped by a lot of your places the last day but connection trouble and my increasing shortage of time meant I couldn’t leave many comments. I’ve a whole day set aside at the weekend to make up for that :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5787563261/" title="Fairy Junction by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Fairy Junction" height="334" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5787563261_f0cf183a5d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-50346016130046948852011-07-13T23:26:00.000+01:002011-07-13T23:26:16.092+01:00Northern (Irish) Lights<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markfnolan/5490451676/" title="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5088.jpg by markfnolan, on Flickr"><img alt="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5088.jpg" height="331" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5490451676_7e1b914467.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://inishowenphotography.com/"><span>©</span> Inishowen Photography</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I just read over my last post and had a wee chuckle to myself. What a difference a week makes! So much for laid back summer evenings, I think this is the first night I’ve actually been in my house since I posted that. It’s been hectic, but in a really good way; I’ve some exciting plans for the weekend ahead but I’ll tell you about them on Saturday. Which, incidentally, will be the next evening there’s even a hope of getting back on here. <br />
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Since I’m long overdue a nosy round all your blogs I’m not going to waste anymore time rambling on with my usual inane drivel. Instead I’m going to share some pictures of fair Inishowen at her majestic best. I came across these photos by accident on Flickr the other day and presumed they were taken in Scandinavia or somewhere, not just down the road! We do get to see the Northern Lights sometimes round here, but only every so often and then only if the clouds allow it. <br />
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Which, if you ask me, is what makes these images all the more fantastic. They were captured in March this year in Ballyliffin by photographer Mark Nolan. For many, many more of Mark’s beautiful images of the area check out is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markfnolan/">Flickr</a> and <a href="http://inishowenphotography.com/">webpage</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markfnolan/5498103718/" title="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5080.jpg by markfnolan, on Flickr"><img alt="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5080.jpg" height="331" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5498103718_d46a346291.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markfnolan/5498104086/" title="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5097.jpg by markfnolan, on Flickr"><img alt="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5097.jpg" height="331" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5498104086_8a1f053f85.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markfnolan/5490451306/" title="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5081.jpg by markfnolan, on Flickr"><img alt="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5081.jpg" height="331" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5490451306_ab098a380a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markfnolan/5498104648/" title="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5102.jpg by markfnolan, on Flickr"><img alt="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5102.jpg" height="331" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5498104648_d0660983be.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markfnolan/5490450724/" title="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5073.jpg by markfnolan, on Flickr"><img alt="20110301Ballyliffin_Aurora-_DSC5073.jpg" height="331" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5490450724_5f926fd6aa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">p.s. While I’m here I want to say a big thank-you-very-much to two amazingly generous bloggers - Evelyn at <a href="http://theartofevelynsantiago.blogspot.com/">Through The Looking Glass</a> and Carolyn at <a href="http://littlegreteldolls.blogspot.com/">Littlegretel Dolls</a>. I’ll explain more when I get back to proper blogging on Saturday but for now I just wanted to acknowledge their loveliness :)</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-52837770462392767472011-07-05T21:18:00.000+01:002011-07-05T21:18:07.412+01:00Shades of Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YH-DRMLygNs/ThNvDcNmRpI/AAAAAAAACQo/xXxv27qZnEA/s1600/1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theaterclouds">By Theatre Clouds on Etsy.</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hello boys and girls. How’s everyone doing this evening then? It’s been a while, hasn’t it. Too long really. I think I needed a bit of a break after last week’s blog hopping siege; I don’t know about you lot but that carry on really took it out of me! Great fun though, well worth it. Anyhoo…<br />
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So it seems summer has finally arrived on these blustery shores. I’ve been spending my afternoons dandering and daydreaming, taking pictures and collecting sea shells - basically just making the most of the fine weather and my free time while I still have some (<i>finally</i> got myself a new job, woo hoo!). It’s been really rather lovely. I would share some snaps but I feel like I’ve been saturating this blog with my mediocre photos recently. Plus, there’s simply no way any of my own pictures could ever convey my present mood as beautifully as these:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cyJh5qbN1M/ThNvcF_U_OI/AAAAAAAACQs/grTUhXaxVh8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cyJh5qbN1M/ThNvcF_U_OI/AAAAAAAACQs/grTUhXaxVh8/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOBhIFUY6vQ/ThNviOpbtlI/AAAAAAAACQw/pv2lO100juQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOBhIFUY6vQ/ThNviOpbtlI/AAAAAAAACQw/pv2lO100juQ/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m155Z9WlCHo/ThNvrA46onI/AAAAAAAACQ0/DyhKusmHHBM/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m155Z9WlCHo/ThNvrA46onI/AAAAAAAACQ0/DyhKusmHHBM/s1600/6.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The work of Canadian artist <a href="http://ellymackay.com/default.aspx">Elly MacKay</a>, the images you see before you were created using hand cut painted paper and photographed in a miniature theatre. I just adore the light, airy feel to these fairytale-esque scenes. So fitting for how I feel right now, like walking on clouds made of marshmallows. Incidentally, you can find many more instances of Ms MacKay’s heart warming work at her aptly named Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theaterclouds">Theatre Clouds</a>. Eye candy for little girls of all ages :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0W4vCyhO8E/ThNv-02eW5I/AAAAAAAACQ4/ua1WqS0LX9M/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0W4vCyhO8E/ThNv-02eW5I/AAAAAAAACQ4/ua1WqS0LX9M/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exUEoj3p35g/ThNwDE5U5rI/AAAAAAAACQ8/MFJLrJhjKps/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exUEoj3p35g/ThNwDE5U5rI/AAAAAAAACQ8/MFJLrJhjKps/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jI1IenPtBgA/ThNwPfHLIiI/AAAAAAAACRE/u5u4NEFrmC8/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jI1IenPtBgA/ThNwPfHLIiI/AAAAAAAACRE/u5u4NEFrmC8/s1600/8.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">p.s. I’ve only just discovered she has a Flickr page and a blog too, where you can find even more dreamy delights! Check them out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellymackay/">here</a> and <a href="http://ellymackay.wordpress.com/">here</a> respectively. </div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-60911278693927840552011-06-25T14:46:00.062+01:002011-06-29T02:54:24.498+01:00Time For the Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5869906608/" title="Tea Party, Part I by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Tea Party, Part I" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5115/5869906608_8660f99b84.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbrR0UYaGS4/TgYaErd201I/AAAAAAAACPU/qmHSZK_07Lk/s1600/t2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbrR0UYaGS4/TgYaErd201I/AAAAAAAACPU/qmHSZK_07Lk/s1600/t2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqcTzMb8-fw/TgYajmUNujI/AAAAAAAACPY/GGQmggM9C3U/s1600/Tea+Party+d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqcTzMb8-fw/TgYajmUNujI/AAAAAAAACPY/GGQmggM9C3U/s400/Tea+Party+d.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0QVzqPnMEw/TgYbZ6hoUoI/AAAAAAAACPc/7rzxERMrg8c/s1600/t1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0QVzqPnMEw/TgYbZ6hoUoI/AAAAAAAACPc/7rzxERMrg8c/s1600/t1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I kept getting interrupted all afternoon so this post has taken much longer preparing than I anticipated. No matter, I’m here now and ready to party on down (dude)… </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBMaZqKSW7A/TgYclkH_h4I/AAAAAAAACPo/uwj_hnXbAqQ/s1600/t3Sd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBMaZqKSW7A/TgYclkH_h4I/AAAAAAAACPo/uwj_hnXbAqQ/s400/t3Sd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5869336527/" title="Tea Party, Part III by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Tea Party, Part III" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/5869336527_2897bc7407.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh9KF3Jnums/TgYcSiHmLHI/AAAAAAAACPg/paMlCwCUmRE/s1600/Tea+Party+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh9KF3Jnums/TgYcSiHmLHI/AAAAAAAACPg/paMlCwCUmRE/s400/Tea+Party+b.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5869345435/" title="Tea Party, Part II by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Tea Party, Part II" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5869345435_ebb4df191f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScBvjykG0I/TgYcaBA3itI/AAAAAAAACPk/KoDjhgxAn2Q/s1600/t3S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScBvjykG0I/TgYcaBA3itI/AAAAAAAACPk/KoDjhgxAn2Q/s400/t3S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to give a big shout out in gratitude to my sister for sitting for the photos here. Hosting a tea party outside in the middle of the Irish summer wasn’t one of my most inspired ideas ever. There were other guests invited, but I could hardly fault them for not turning up considering the weather. Put very simply, it was raining. It’s always raining here. Even now when it’s not raining, it really is raining. It’s just not as noticeable. Anyway, thanks so much missus! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBMaZqKSW7A/TgYclkH_h4I/AAAAAAAACPo/uwj_hnXbAqQ/s1600/t3Sd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBMaZqKSW7A/TgYclkH_h4I/AAAAAAAACPo/uwj_hnXbAqQ/s400/t3Sd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5869330725/" title="Tea Party, Part IV by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Tea Party, Part IV" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5073/5869330725_9d7fc4a320.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BMbi-5Jr7c/TgYehAQOMBI/AAAAAAAACPs/szrTnFKqVSs/s1600/c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BMbi-5Jr7c/TgYehAQOMBI/AAAAAAAACPs/szrTnFKqVSs/s1600/c3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmj8v4Ebzqk/TgYjXtKdktI/AAAAAAAACQU/EE1Eliap7DY/s1600/c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmj8v4Ebzqk/TgYjXtKdktI/AAAAAAAACQU/EE1Eliap7DY/s1600/c1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhFOiZHlZ-I/TgYe6D8UxlI/AAAAAAAACPw/wY7F08Ukcf0/s1600/Tea+Party+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhFOiZHlZ-I/TgYe6D8UxlI/AAAAAAAACPw/wY7F08Ukcf0/s400/Tea+Party+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5869326843/" title="Tea Party, Part V by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Tea Party, Part V" height="334" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/5869326843_0cc77c6634.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlhloJQEuYg/TgYfOXAqYFI/AAAAAAAACP0/xnV99JTKuew/s1600/d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlhloJQEuYg/TgYfOXAqYFI/AAAAAAAACP0/xnV99JTKuew/s1600/d1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vEjji7Deas/TgYjhkMxsYI/AAAAAAAACQY/e7eMWnLG8VA/s1600/g1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vEjji7Deas/TgYjhkMxsYI/AAAAAAAACQY/e7eMWnLG8VA/s1600/g1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScBvjykG0I/TgYcaBA3itI/AAAAAAAACPk/KoDjhgxAn2Q/s1600/t3S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScBvjykG0I/TgYcaBA3itI/AAAAAAAACPk/KoDjhgxAn2Q/s400/t3S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We started off in the garden and later, when it looked like there might be a little respite from the rain gods, decided to move the shenanigans to the park. Sadly said rain gods were enjoying toying with us a little too much and gave us just enough time to sit down and poor a brew before opening the heavens on us. Charlie was really starting to enjoy himself too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBMaZqKSW7A/TgYclkH_h4I/AAAAAAAACPo/uwj_hnXbAqQ/s1600/t3Sd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBMaZqKSW7A/TgYclkH_h4I/AAAAAAAACPo/uwj_hnXbAqQ/s400/t3Sd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UskxYgP68A/TgYg4yWQkAI/AAAAAAAACP4/UJZzsRGpV5c/s1600/c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UskxYgP68A/TgYg4yWQkAI/AAAAAAAACP4/UJZzsRGpV5c/s1600/c6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-pRgv4YzPE/TgYhAkW6b-I/AAAAAAAACP8/Lnzo4fFRkWI/s1600/c5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-pRgv4YzPE/TgYhAkW6b-I/AAAAAAAACP8/Lnzo4fFRkWI/s1600/c5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4u7DFTTvB0/TgYhZ6ob-aI/AAAAAAAACQA/7qc8V_1T2_8/s1600/c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4u7DFTTvB0/TgYhZ6ob-aI/AAAAAAAACQA/7qc8V_1T2_8/s1600/c9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScBvjykG0I/TgYcaBA3itI/AAAAAAAACPk/KoDjhgxAn2Q/s1600/t3S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScBvjykG0I/TgYcaBA3itI/AAAAAAAACPk/KoDjhgxAn2Q/s400/t3S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all it was a brief but enjoyable sort of do. Definitely worth getting a little soggy for the sake of all those tasty treats! Mmm, Jammy Dodgers… I’d forgotten how nice these are dipped in tea so that the biscuit goes soggy and the jam is all chewy. I hope I have some left in the cupboard actually, I could do with a cuppa to accompany me on my imminent trip around the mayhem. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxtOWL7rSUc/TgYp4Ofqy5I/AAAAAAAACQk/Nn4KZYy1jHo/s1600/t3Sd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxtOWL7rSUc/TgYp4Ofqy5I/AAAAAAAACQk/Nn4KZYy1jHo/s400/t3Sd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98WR9QLSe3o/TgYh5-36_uI/AAAAAAAACQE/ESePELIFNos/s1600/i2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98WR9QLSe3o/TgYh5-36_uI/AAAAAAAACQE/ESePELIFNos/s1600/i2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj__4oQSi74/TgYiPhl818I/AAAAAAAACQI/DpO7cP0dzC4/s1600/j3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj__4oQSi74/TgYiPhl818I/AAAAAAAACQI/DpO7cP0dzC4/s1600/j3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5biO5wSusrU/TgYiaBS3i8I/AAAAAAAACQM/NAAMs1JCpWA/s1600/Tea+Party+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5biO5wSusrU/TgYiaBS3i8I/AAAAAAAACQM/NAAMs1JCpWA/s1600/Tea+Party+c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpaLE-sQhKE/TgYintPNnvI/AAAAAAAACQQ/2u8sRtYUmbk/s1600/h1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpaLE-sQhKE/TgYintPNnvI/AAAAAAAACQQ/2u8sRtYUmbk/s1600/h1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2f19jUzkC6M/TgYjrqiZn7I/AAAAAAAACQc/2JfcHk8TYIU/s1600/j1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2f19jUzkC6M/TgYjrqiZn7I/AAAAAAAACQc/2JfcHk8TYIU/s1600/j1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScBvjykG0I/TgYcaBA3itI/AAAAAAAACPk/KoDjhgxAn2Q/s1600/t3S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScBvjykG0I/TgYcaBA3itI/AAAAAAAACPk/KoDjhgxAn2Q/s400/t3S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well my friends, now that’s done I’m off to join in the rest of the festivities. Can’t wait to see what everyone’s come up with! First thing first, however. Kettle, on, now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, and I almost forgot, thank you so much to <a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/">Vanessa </a>for being such a fantastic host! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxaZXG-wj-8/TgYkXLK0m9I/AAAAAAAACQg/ZdBc0k-oWnw/s1600/t3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxaZXG-wj-8/TgYkXLK0m9I/AAAAAAAACQg/ZdBc0k-oWnw/s1600/t3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-49580168944824909202011-06-24T17:34:00.003+01:002011-06-24T23:05:28.135+01:00Let the Partying Begin!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5866364245/" title="Tinkerbell in the Woods by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Tinkerbell in the Woods" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5866364245_97d7035ae4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ooZYm9VVr8/TgS566laMNI/AAAAAAAACO4/uQGX3c-4z5I/s1600/Glenevin+Waterfall+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ooZYm9VVr8/TgS566laMNI/AAAAAAAACO4/uQGX3c-4z5I/s320/Glenevin+Waterfall+II.jpg" width="213" /></a>Right, so at this very moment, as I type, a large proportion of the people I know are on their way to rock it out at an honest-to-god actual real life festival. The rest are either off sunning it up somewhere, or at least making plans that involve going outside at some point over the weekend. What am I doing? Preparing for my busiest blogging weekend since last Halloween’s madness. And do you know what, I wouldn’t have it any other way. <br />
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When they’re all waking up in their stuffy wee tents, on a soggy Donegal beach, with the mother of all hangovers, I’ll be sitting right here sipping tea, fresh as a daisy in my dressing gown and slippers, lapping up all the fairytale delights set to grace the land of blog over the coming days. Before that, however, there are a couple of matters to attend to. The first being my party post for today’s fae gathering!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvv7Oxg6phw/TgS627qSyuI/AAAAAAAACO8/cNn51YfY2JU/s1600/Gnarly+Tree+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvv7Oxg6phw/TgS627qSyuI/AAAAAAAACO8/cNn51YfY2JU/s320/Gnarly+Tree+II.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
I had prepared a totally different post for this, to be honest. I’d it all ready to go last night and everything when I had a change of heart literally at the eleventh hour - or to be more precise the twenty third… Anyway,<i> it was late</i> yesterday evening when I decided to abandon my post on fairy fools and other unseelie types for something a bit more light hearted. This is a party after all, lets leave the darker side of fae till another day. <br />
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The result of this, though, is that I haven’t had much time to prepare any sort of a coherent post. Instead I’ve just put together a collection of some of my fairy-esque photos and things which (to the best of my recollection) I haven’t shared here before. Hope you like them!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5866895926/" title="Fairy Silhouette by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Fairy Silhouette" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/5866895926_5c05b77755.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5866894600/" title="Textured Fairy by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Textured Fairy" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5866894600_c28dbe945e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5405729875/" title="Only those who believe can see them! by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Only those who believe can see them!" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5405729875_9a7a08c9a9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5111660229/" title="Garden Gnome by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden Gnome" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/5111660229_d27f4e3afe.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, all of the above I either dug up from old folders or had already uploaded to Flickr but I sat up late last night making these digital collages especially for the party :) Sorry, the little quotes on them are fairly corny but it was very late and, as I pointed out in my last post, my brain goes into shut down mode when I’m tired. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5866350869/" title="Vintage Fairy Collage by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Fairy Collage" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/5866350869_e1c1fba276.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5866348529/" title="Vintage Fairy Collage II by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Fairy Collage II" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/5866348529_aeeb124b8b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
p.s. I have to go out now but I'll catch up with all the party posts as soon as I get home. Hope you're all enjoying the festivities! <br />
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p.p.s. I'm home now and I was just about to set out on my party adventure when I remembered I forgot to post this! You've probably seen it before but I only came across it the other day. Proof, my friends, proof.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xGZJFK7-R0A" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-12608204261287991042011-06-21T21:54:00.001+01:002011-06-21T22:00:26.925+01:00Midsummer Dawn<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5856897741/" title="Solstice Sunrise II by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Solstice Sunrise II" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5856897741_fd5ee81ca1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GV5ZX07YSE/TgEBrZDoscI/AAAAAAAACOQ/EE2TVZz1bGA/s1600/P1090306b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GV5ZX07YSE/TgEBrZDoscI/AAAAAAAACOQ/EE2TVZz1bGA/s320/P1090306b.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You’ll have to forgive me this evening if I’m not too chatty. When I’m tired my brain tends to turn to mush and basic things like constructing a sentence can be a challenge. So I’ll be keeping the words to a minimum tonight since I’m just the tiniest bit exhausted from traipsing about the countryside at all hours of this morning. <br />
<br />
A few of us from my local camera club set out at ridiculous o’clock so we could catch the dawn of the solstice sun. And not just from any old place, from the home of the sungods themselves, <a href="http://childofdanu.blogspot.com/2011/03/fort-on-hollow-hill.html">An Grianan of Aileach</a>. During daytime hours you can drive right up the fort, but at 4.30am the road was closed and we had to climb (ok, walk) a large part of the 800ft hill while still rubbing the sleep from our eyes. (It’s at this point I want to add that, cliches bedamned, I’m just not as young as I used to be!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5856896729/" title="Midsummer Dawn by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Midsummer Dawn" height="282" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/5856896729_4c39b2fe49.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5857451346/" title="Solstice Sunrise by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Solstice Sunrise" height="282" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/5857451346_f5c1659d29.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5857450456/" title="5am, 21st June 2011 by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="5am, 21st June 2011" height="282" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/5857450456_f1a9d1313a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-errqHZH9BSE/TgEC393gABI/AAAAAAAACOU/d3pwjankjao/s1600/P1090328x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-errqHZH9BSE/TgEC393gABI/AAAAAAAACOU/d3pwjankjao/s320/P1090328x.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was well worth it, though, and we were even lucky with the weather for once. It was raining all yesterday evening, and then all afternoon today, but at dawn this morning the clouds parted just long enough for the sun to peak its proud head over the hills so we could get our snaps. After that it was all tea and biscuits and picnic blankets- at five o’clock in the am, on the solstice, at a millennia old site of sun worship. I could think of worse ways to pass a few hours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well folks, I hope you’re all having a lovely Midsummer and now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to conk out somewhere…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBJOVKQC_uE/TgEDiVhJrPI/AAAAAAAACOY/6ehq_1_lRqU/s1600/P1090336s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBJOVKQC_uE/TgEDiVhJrPI/AAAAAAAACOY/6ehq_1_lRqU/s1600/P1090336s.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eA80qrLpQ0/TgEDqtKX5bI/AAAAAAAACOc/nAc0Sx1OwGo/s1600/P1090334s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eA80qrLpQ0/TgEDqtKX5bI/AAAAAAAACOc/nAc0Sx1OwGo/s1600/P1090334s.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAy5B5Gh8gY/TgEEVro4snI/AAAAAAAACOo/zcLZJQVJIr8/s1600/P1090357d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAy5B5Gh8gY/TgEEVro4snI/AAAAAAAACOo/zcLZJQVJIr8/s1600/P1090357d.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOuGPMfvv0w/TgED67RjVYI/AAAAAAAACOg/yISllLAsnq0/s1600/P1090319df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOuGPMfvv0w/TgED67RjVYI/AAAAAAAACOg/yISllLAsnq0/s1600/P1090319df.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CN0fwuYvpZs/TgEEXh8D5dI/AAAAAAAACOs/oS9wmSrvC-o/s1600/P1090370s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CN0fwuYvpZs/TgEEXh8D5dI/AAAAAAAACOs/oS9wmSrvC-o/s1600/P1090370s.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMPR0EOosp4/TgEEaflNYGI/AAAAAAAACO0/5SVNYkHkgbI/s1600/P1090390e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMPR0EOosp4/TgEEaflNYGI/AAAAAAAACO0/5SVNYkHkgbI/s1600/P1090390e.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>p.s. Is anyone else having trouble viewing their dashboard? I swear, Blogger’s really beginning to try my patience!Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-51468692385916941052011-06-19T21:15:00.001+01:002011-06-19T21:26:48.207+01:00Helping<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5846670596/" title="Textured Red Rose by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Textured Red Rose" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5846670596_3f6c3673e7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hi folks! Hope you’re all having a lovely Sunday. I’m just calling in briefly this evening to share a link which I implore you click. Maybe it’s the raw human sadness of this woman’s story and the fact that it touches on one of my most innate fears, or maybe (and most probably) it’s because the concept to help her is just so friggin’ beautiful, but since reading this post this morning I haven’t been able to get it out of my head:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://bottlebellphotography.blogspot.com/2011/06/helping-one-person-heals-world-calling.html">Bottle Bell Photography: Helping One Person Heals the World</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
It really is a beautiful idea, isn’t it? I don’t have much I can contribute myself, I’m just going to send a couple of my Flickr snaps I think, but I know what a talented and kind hearted bunch you lot are. So please, take the time to read the post. I promise you’ll be as moved as I was. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-56199245567803943972011-06-16T17:23:00.000+01:002011-06-16T17:23:17.453+01:00Papier Fantasy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRUD4M5SG20/TfopBUD6xrI/AAAAAAAACNo/62zZb_3DqFc/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f1dcf008834-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRUD4M5SG20/TfopBUD6xrI/AAAAAAAACNo/62zZb_3DqFc/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f1dcf008834-500wi.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://merveillesenpapier.typepad.fr/portfolio/2007/05/portrait_eng.html"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Laetitia Miéral </span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don’t know about you lot, but when I hear the words ‘papier mache’ my mind instantly conjures up images of wallpaper paste and messy primary school children. Of course I’m aware that in the right hands it can be put to much more creative use than glittery Hallowe’en masks and pencil cup holders, but I certainly never imagined it could look as beautiful as this: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYKJjEfesLc/Tfopptw-AWI/AAAAAAAACNw/D6mXKZ8MY0Y/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e2010536122844970b-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYKJjEfesLc/Tfopptw-AWI/AAAAAAAACNw/D6mXKZ8MY0Y/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e2010536122844970b-500wi.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__iLQ9w2D_k/Tfopk9zF0uI/AAAAAAAACNs/FAahDDhNf4o/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__iLQ9w2D_k/Tfopk9zF0uI/AAAAAAAACNs/FAahDDhNf4o/s320/3.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">These whimsical wonders are the creations of a young French lady by the name of <a href="http://merveillesenpapier.typepad.fr/portfolio/2007/05/portrait_eng.html">Laetitia Miéral</a> - paper artist, fairytale fan and daydreamer. Mademoiselle Miéral is the girl who never grew up, and thank the Light for it. In her own words:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>“Ever since I was a child I have been drawing, painting and creating the characters from my dreams and imagination. I grew up with the fairy tales of Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, Lewis Carroll, Perrault and Mme d'Aulnoy. I work with paper, a never ending inspiration for me. I create carrousels, mobiles, grimoires, sculptures, marionettes, paper dresses, doll houses…”</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Io-GLmKXo3c/Tforu-BUHsI/AAAAAAAACN4/DSJH-jz_V4c/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e200e5524d10dc8834-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Io-GLmKXo3c/Tforu-BUHsI/AAAAAAAACN4/DSJH-jz_V4c/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e200e5524d10dc8834-500wi.jpg" width="250" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ltn4vJHz6o/TforplbEjBI/AAAAAAAACN0/De5eMOm_MXs/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f1df5318834-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ltn4vJHz6o/TforplbEjBI/AAAAAAAACN0/De5eMOm_MXs/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f1df5318834-500wi.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofk_XK2jfIg/TfosYrhft2I/AAAAAAAACN8/FVo4oEUg_ts/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f0a01188833-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofk_XK2jfIg/TfosYrhft2I/AAAAAAAACN8/FVo4oEUg_ts/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f0a01188833-500wi.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14UmDKwigiE/TfoshXljR-I/AAAAAAAACOA/Z7eG2rS-WAA/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f09f5d18833-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14UmDKwigiE/TfoshXljR-I/AAAAAAAACOA/Z7eG2rS-WAA/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f09f5d18833-500wi.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>“…I made my first marionettes in papier mache when I was seventeen and fourteen years later I am still making my paper dreams come true…”</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmK1DYsE5-E/Tfos8n78SII/AAAAAAAACOE/lzeVJMBcqW0/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f09cacf8833-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmK1DYsE5-E/Tfos8n78SII/AAAAAAAACOE/lzeVJMBcqW0/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f09cacf8833-500wi.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75AZWary1lE/TfooUOlHobI/AAAAAAAACNk/fW8RaMNbCf0/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e201053612287f970b-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75AZWary1lE/TfooUOlHobI/AAAAAAAACNk/fW8RaMNbCf0/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e201053612287f970b-500wi.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>“…I'm inspired by the 18th century, the baroque era, horror films, botany, operas, illustrators of the 19th such as Gustave Doré, Arthur Rackham, and also Fussli, Bosch, Brueghel.”</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5J0vvA8glug/TfotJg8VoII/AAAAAAAACOM/1jnYHUByShI/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e20105361a7093970c-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5J0vvA8glug/TfotJg8VoII/AAAAAAAACOM/1jnYHUByShI/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e20105361a7093970c-500wi.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ilSoXrCqtI/TfotFEx34dI/AAAAAAAACOI/R9nLIiZz2nE/s1600/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f1df02e8834-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ilSoXrCqtI/TfotFEx34dI/AAAAAAAACOI/R9nLIiZz2nE/s320/6a00d83451e49b69e200e54f1df02e8834-500wi.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Ms Miéral’s work is on display at La Maison du Roy in Paris, though those of us not lucky enough to be able to pop in for a nosy can check it out on <a href="http://merveillesenpapier.typepad.fr/portfolio/2007/05/portrait_eng.html">her website</a>. And if you’d really like to treat yourself it’s also for sale online <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/merveillesenpapier">here</a>. <i></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-57890976474756675982011-06-14T22:48:00.000+01:002011-06-14T22:48:32.839+01:00The Fairy Folk of Donegal, Part II<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5832963116/" title="Two Green Trees by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Two Green Trees" height="333" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/5832963116_9d0d7e8d50.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally! I’ve managed to find some time to post these. It’s been a mad sort of a week, albeit a very, <i>very</i> fun one. I would explain, but that’d take too long and I’d probably end up putting these off for yet another ‘day’. (If you haven’t figured it out already, ‘day’ actually means ‘week’ in Donegal dictionaries.) Anyway, so here they are. The fairy stories I promised for my friend Laura about two Donegal days ago. <br />
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They were gathered as part of <a href="http://www.clonmany.com/mcglinchey/manuscripts.shtml">1938 The Schools Manuscript</a>s project, when every teacher in Ireland was issued with a booklet in which to record local history and folklore given to them by their pupils. These particular entries were collected from the area surrounding the village of Clonmany, where Laura is from and where the images in this and the last post were taken. You can read more from the Manuscripts <a href="http://www.clonmany.com/heritage/folklore/index.shtml">here</a>, and you can see more of my photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/">here</a>. Enjoy! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Excerpt I</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OcRJ3lJggM/TffTde3dbbI/AAAAAAAACNU/NJLDUydZ3cM/s1600/Dappled+Light.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OcRJ3lJggM/TffTde3dbbI/AAAAAAAACNU/NJLDUydZ3cM/s320/Dappled+Light.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One day a woman went out for a can of water. She had a little baby lying in the cradle asleep. When she came in her child was away and another child in its place. Every day when the woman would go out the child would play, play a fiddle. When she would come in the child would be asleep. The woman went to the priest. The priest told her it was a fairy and when she would go home to hold it over the smoke. The woman went home and held it over the smoke. The baby let three cheers and went up the chimney.<br />
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<i>Mary McCarron, Cloontagh 21/7/38</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Excerpt II</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbj7fEK4cL0/TffUfg5jEII/AAAAAAAACNY/TtdbZFd7nAs/s1600/Path+to+the+Waterfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbj7fEK4cL0/TffUfg5jEII/AAAAAAAACNY/TtdbZFd7nAs/s320/Path+to+the+Waterfall.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When the fairies had a certain amount of mystical control in lonely or mountainous districts, some of my own ancestors, tried to win their favours by sharing their hospitality with them on certain occasions, e.g. on the occasion of a wedding feast or of a christening feast, a good share of the "Spirit" was left in a vessel outside the house so that the "Wee Folk" could make merry and put "Good Luck" on the subjects of the feast. There is no need to say that the vessel was always empty in the morning, and to explain further would only rob this little story of its flavour.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<i>Winnie Diver, Tiernasligo</i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I’m not sure if this one is from the 1938 manuscripts or not. </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Excerpt III</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_FK7poZ4Ek/TffVDR1pgJI/AAAAAAAACNc/Ykx4S7y7bJ0/s1600/Textured+Stream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_FK7poZ4Ek/TffVDR1pgJI/AAAAAAAACNc/Ykx4S7y7bJ0/s320/Textured+Stream.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a rock above Cleagh which is called Carna. One day a girl was playing on it and a fairy came out and followed her. A man called Ned was nearby and the fairy said to him, 'catch her for me'. One day a girl was playing on a rock above Straid and she heard beautiful singing. She ran till she was at home. It is said that there is a 'cave' in a field of Mr Bradleys at Cleagh and that the fairies come out every night and sing there. If you go down into this cave you will not get out until you reach Crossconnell as there is an underground passage from it to Crossconnell.<br />
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<i>James Bradley, Cleagh, Clonmany 12/5/38</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh, and while were on the subject of fairies, I would like to invite you all to a fae-tastic little shindig taking place the weekend after next. On Friday 24th June, that’s the day before the annual Mad Tea Party, the lovely Jorgelina is hosting a ‘Day of the Fairies’ fairy gathering. It sounds wonderful, so run along over to <a href="http://todassomosreinas.blogspot.com/2011/06/fiesta-virtual-dia-de-las-hadasvirtual.html">her blog </a>to check out the details. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549533465934287809.post-57105497806949847362011-06-08T22:27:00.000+01:002011-06-08T22:27:54.121+01:00The Fairy Folk of Donegal, Part I<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/childofdanu/5787563261/" title="Fairy Junction by Child of Danu, on Flickr"><img alt="Fairy Junction" height="334" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5787563261_f0cf183a5d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"The Fairies" </span></b><br />
<i>by William Allingham (1824-1889)</i><br />
<br />
Up the airy mountain<br />
Down the rushy glen, <br />
We dare n't go a-hunting,<br />
For fear of little men; <br />
Wee folk, good folk,<br />
Trooping all together; <br />
Green jacket, red cap,<br />
And white owl's feather. <br />
Down along the rocky shore<br />
Some make their home, <br />
They live on crispy pancakes<br />
Of yellow tide-foam; <br />
Some in the reeds<br />
Of the black mountain-lake, <br />
With frogs for their watch-dogs,<br />
All night awake.<br />
<br />
High on the hill-top<br />
The old King sits; <br />
He is now so old and gray<br />
He's nigh lost his wits. <br />
With a bridge of white mist<br />
Columbkill he crosses, <br />
On his stately journeys<br />
From Slieveleague to Rosses; <br />
Or going up with music,<br />
On cold starry nights, <br />
To sup with the Queen,<br />
Of the gay Northern Lights.<br />
<br />
They stole little Bridget<br />
For seven years long; <br />
When she came down again<br />
Her friends were all gone. <br />
They took her lightly back<br />
Between the night and morrow; <br />
They thought she was fast asleep,<br />
But she was dead with sorrow. <br />
They have kept her ever since<br />
Deep within the lake, <br />
On a bed of flag leaves,<br />
Watching till she wake.<br />
<br />
By the craggy hill-side,<br />
Through the mosses bare, <br />
They have planted thorn trees<br />
For pleasure here and there. <br />
Is any man so daring<br />
As dig them up in spite? <br />
He shall find the thornies set<br />
In his bed at night.<br />
<br />
Up the airy mountain<br />
Down the rushy glen, <br />
We dare n't go a-hunting,<br />
For fear of little men; <br />
Wee folk, good folk,<br />
Trooping all together; <br />
Green jacket, red cap,<br />
And white owl's feather. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s only dawned on me that I’ve never actually posted that poem before, which is mad considering it’s probably one of the most famous fairy poems ever and it’s by a Donegal man about Donegal fairies! Granted, Mr Allingham was from the other end of the county but that’s still just down the road really. And sure don’t I know the area well. I even spent a lovely long summer as a teenager down with the fairy king in verse two there. I can tell you, ‘tis an otherworldly place indeed. <br />
<br />
Anyhow, this isn’t actually the post on Donegal fairies I’d intended on. I still have those folk tales for my friend Laura I said I’d post over a week ago. I did consider tacking them on at the end here but that’d make the post just far too long. Plus I’m lazy. So I’m sorry missus, but I hope it’s ok if I put them off just once more. Tomorrow, I promise! </div>Róisínhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221357100369170369noreply@blogger.com11