Little Star*

Rain, Rain Go away...

2012-01-29T21:27:00.000+01:00

photo via here

The January rain & sleet is here and the last few days have been dull and wintry in Dublin. This weekend has been a time of reflection, reminiscing about our teenage silliness and our new friendships and relationships as we've grown older. My group of friends have said goodbye (again) to another close friend heading away to New Zealand. The pull of a new life, better standard of living, an amazing job opportunity and much sunnier climes means that I don't so much envy those friends who have left this Island but salute their sense of adventure & bravery to head to new places. It is of course sad that they are thousand of mile away, however the consolation is as one friend put it: with the Internet, facebook, Skype and email , really the world is a smaller place! I do know that they will return at some point in 2013 for a wedding so in essence the goodbye is only for now...until next year!

So to cheer ourselves up, myself and 2 of the ladies headed for brunch, chats and a little wander around the shops. I've been gazing at websites and console myself that even though I'm a poor student at the moment, I'll have plenty of time to work, earn money, travel etc when I finish this Masters course.

For your perusal and weekend fashion fix - here are some of the pretty items I've been missing from my wardrobe:

Pennys/Primark Floral dress - pretty!

Lovely Spring H&M finds:

And how about a few beautiful bits from Topshop:

So hurry up Spring and get here so the frocks & frills can return...to replace wool coats, hats and many layers.

Have a good week ahead,

A*

Music for a rainy Sunday night:

Snow Patrol 'This isn't everything you are'

Warpaint 'Undertow'

Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Scar Tissue' Live at Slane Castle

Don't make me laugh, it hurts!

2012-01-10T23:56:00.000+01:00

Wow-what's with all the prolific updates of the blog this week:

It can only be 1 of 2 things really:

A - I have fallen back in love with blogging and have decided to give it an honest go for 2012.

B - I have project work due soonish and I'm deciding to dedicate my precious time on said blog!

In truth - it's a little from both, it's true I do have to get back on the M.A. bandwagon and do some project work but I've also fallen back in love with blogging, reading blogs and generally trying to expand my mind through the creativity & wonder of others on the web.

I read through 2 of my favourite things today...even though I didn't have a baking plan, reading these two gorgeous books soothed my mind. I've been very apathetic lately...ok so I need to take it easy after the surgery but still I need to do more than wander the house in my pj's! Sophie Dahl's recipes in both these books are simple, but hearty. Appealing but not so out of your league that you would need to head to Donnybrook Fair to get the ingredients! She writes in an inviting way that's interspersed with anecdotes about where some of her family recipes come from as well as her long and wonderful love affair with all things foodie. I love her books most of all due to her frank and realistic approach to health & diet. She stresses the importance of eating better and balance is important. It's a touching personal collection of tasty delights and both books I'd highly recommend. Her banana bread has been a winner here as is the Bircher Muesli in the summer. Seasonality is a main theme in both and it's lovely to search for a light soup/salad or go for a heavier stew depending on which of the 4 seasons you may find yourself in.

Images taken from here and here.

I went for a lovely walk earlier too before it got dark - to the local park with a great friend and after, we walked to her apartment for a good old chat with tea & chocie biscuits :) Moving is good, low seats not so much.Chicken pasta and peppermint organic white - win! Laughter is good, internal stitches not so much :(

My mother thought me saying , ' Don't make me laugh, it hurts' is a good play title...hum who knows!

Earl Grey, Strictly Ballroom and some mind time...

2012-01-09T18:05:00.004+01:00

Twinings Tea - it's soothing loveliness in a cup :)

Via here!

Over the weekend-with some lovely ladies we giggled our way through this classic. Tea, cake, chatter, Skittles, Popcorn and other fun nibbles were had. It was a great cure for me being fed up with this stupid healing process...I was in quite a bit of pain again and it makes you realise how lucky you are when in the full of your health. Anyway I'm taking it easy again - I think that I have overdone it in the past few weeks when I should have been not so active. Bending...damn you! It's still eluding me, as is many bending related tasks.

I got to have a weekend of peace & quiet, to drive to the city on Sunday. Eat in one of my favourite new places - fresh fruit, maple syrup & buttermilk pancakes! Just delicious accompanied by a lovely pot of earl grey tea. Simple pleasures.

Some Mind Time - to plan, write, read, create.

2,000 Suspended Dandelions by Regine Ramseier

via This Colossal

Rainbow Toy Car Installation Made from 2,500 Cars

via This Colossal

- Happy Monday -

Another beginning...

2012-01-05T01:08:00.001+01:00

and another ending...

Christmas is cosy
Wrapped up in warmth
Knits and rosy glows
Spices and warm wine
We laugh
I clutch my sides
It's so good to be free
From stress and strain
Just to be around candles
Chatting about our plans.

Family, family, family
We tired of ourselves so quickly
Behaviours no one really has the time
To understand
Or the patience to cope with
Yet I still smile to see you all here.

No drink for me this festive season
I'm healing
It's been an odd run up to the Holidays
Hospital trip, operation
Falling over and being pushed about
Embarrassed by my youthfulness in a
Wheelchair
Drips, physiotherapist, stitches
Bandaged up, and after 5 days
HOME

My bed - I cried with relief to be back.

I've work to do, plans to make
People to watch and things to see.

2012...better than last year for making plans...I hope!

Something I discovered on this FAB website and below I'm going to try and start doing 'The Photo A Day' for 2012 Challenge...we're on day Five so lets see...

Day 5: Something I wore...was my black butterfly sequinned H&M top...on such a dull grey day you need some SPARKLE! terrible photo...but it's late and I couldn't be super bothered ;)

Here's some music tracks I've been listening to lately quite non stop:

Florence & The Machine - Never Let Me Go and Take Care (Drake/Rihanna cover) from BBC Live Lounge.

Bon Iver - Wash. and Holocene

Warpaint - Burgundy, Stars, Krimson...

Rihanna/Calvin Harris - We found love

Jay Z / Kanye/ Beyoncé - Lift Off (Watch The Throne album)

Gemma Hayes - Oliver, Don't Let Them Cut your hair & There's only love.

So let's end on a happy note for first post of 2012, here's lovely Gemma to sing us out!

A*

** The photos in this post are uncredited as I can't remember where they came from - apologies for that.**

Dear Universe,

2011-10-20T16:01:00.000+02:00

I'm writing this to ask a few things...

OK here's the deal - I would love a theatre-related part-time job please (Dublin based :-D )

I would like the Autumn/Winter to be Productive, Surprising, Active & full of fun.

I would very much like family Harmony this coming Christmas season...for various reasons and that my lil' sis who is now residing in Spain will have an amazing life experience over there.

I wish for health for my family & friends-when the weather turns, being ill is the most unpleasant thing to cope with.

Let me be more appreciative of all those around me and grateful for the many opportunities seen/unseen that present themselves.

Thanks,

A*

Music of the moment:

Lisa, Lana, Jarle... you're all so amazing in your unique ways!

So long Summer- Hello Autumn...

2011-09-19T00:39:00.000+02:00

Sunset today over Dublin from Killiney Hill

I forget how great the coastal area is!

View from the Guinness Store House

Music nights out...

My amazing Nana who turned 80!

Festivals in the city

Two dear friends who have recently relocated to NZ and got engaged!

So much change this Autumn
I'm leaving work to pursue a Masters in Theatre...
Scary and Exciting of course!
Looking forward to having more time free to do & explore other things, events, jobs...

1 more day at work to go - and then... who knows!

A*

Music of the moment:
Bon Iver - Wash, & Michicant - Both Live and amazing!

Not afraid to admit...

2011-09-04T02:00:00.004+02:00

...that I haven't much of a clue about life...where I'm drifting to next...I do know that I'm taking better care of myself...feeling better about things - I have worries but they come & go.

I look like you

Feel like you

But I'm different

On the inside - my head flies, swarms with thought

Not better, good or more interesting

Only to me unique

Feeling more

Opening up again

After a sleepy phase

Two years...really it's been that long

NOW

Off again...to the country, to the city

New people - I hope that we click...

Autumn approaches-back to study

Finally I can give up the 'day job'

Get out of the bad atmosphere

Get on with living for me

Doing what I love anyway

Whatever it may come to be

I'm forward looking

Heart is aware again

It's been a long road back to finding myself

It's been tough

Alone and yet

Friends and family always

Swirl

There & back

In focus at points

I know there's a net

To catch

I've made friend's become - closer

Some more so than others

I just have to go with the tide

Missing some of them

Now

More than before

Some are no longer within arms reach

Technology keeps us close

I drive along

Window down

I sing and I like the feeling of

Moving again

The air in the evening catches me

It's getting darker

But I don't mind

Moving to the music

I'm happy

Songs of the moment:

Warpaint Burgundy, Beetles, Stars

Bon Ivor Perth, Holocene

Gemma Hayes Keep running, To be beside you, Ruin

What your parent's don't ask you...

2011-06-20T01:29:00.000+02:00

I'm figuring things out - what we need are questions...

Where are we going - really...

What is the country's destiny-at least for my lifetime?

What do we want to see - what do we want to change?

What do we need to discover, correct and try again?

There is only so much story to go around-after that what can sustain you?

I don't know why you can't engage all the time - keep the intensity, say what you mean, be impulsive, take the risks and subvert the reality...

It's a big ask - can I really expect myself to do these things?

However - why should I slink away from it...let 'others' attend to this...

...because there really isn't anyone else to rely upon.

The system is a system of shadows-fleeting shapes that once directed us and now we are compass-less...we swim down the plug hole one after the other and no one really knows when the bottom will hit.

You can default on payments but you cannot default on a whole country - on people's lives...

This responsibility is now what should guide us - to get back on track, be proud, dig our way out - and yet... How?

Because I know this - we are not to be defeated by those shadows, by the black, by the fog of misery that we have let seep in and take hold.

Steady your hands, take up the position and persist.

I have to believe that there is something better than before - better like good days before the madness took over and greed devoured our brains.

What we need now is this:

Plays & politics in bed-ripping each other apart...until the truth is revealed in its guts & glory.

Till someone says sorry and you know what, we get the fuck on with really living and embracing each other.

- music of the moment:

Keep Running - Gemma Hayes is on repeat this week as is Bon Iver's Minnesota, WI.

2011-06-11T01:15:00.000+02:00

Confused...always!

Not really so sure of what I should be doing these days-I'm off to sleep and hopefully feel a bit more together! New favourite tune at the moment:

Bombay Bicycle Club - Always Like This

Oh she can't wait for
What I can give
She knows what I am
But she won't believe me
Is it all ok?
Well I come off the lightest

I can't believe it
It's always Like this

Like this...

Kept it at bay
Yes you kept you word
It's there on your mouth
But it's not what I heard
If I follow the light
That I deem the brightest
I won't believe it
It's always like this

No No No No No

I'm not whole
I'm not whole
You waste it all
(Repeat 3 more times)
Ohhhhhhhh
But I'm not whole

Oh you can't wait for
What I can give you
Know what I am
So you know how I live it
Try to look proud
But your not in the slighest
It's happening now
But it's always been like this

(Like this)
I'm not whole
I'm not whole
Oh you waste it all

But I'm not whole

Your songs remind me of swimming...

2011-06-10T23:06:00.000+02:00

Today...I felt like writting something...well over due but how and ever!

Florence + the Machine 'Swimming' - such a gorgeous song

Your songs remind me of swimming,
Which I forgot when I started to sink
Dragged further away from the shore,
And deeper into the drink

Sat on the bottom of the ocean,
A stern and stubborn rock
Your songs remind me of swimming,
But somehow I forgot

I was sinking, now I'm sunk
And I was drinking, now I'm drunk

I tried to remember the chorus,
I can't remember the verse
Cos that song that sent me swimming,
Is now the life jacket that burst

Rotting like a wreck on the ocean floor,
Sinking like a siren that can't swim no more
Your songs remind me of swimming,
But I can't swim any more...

It's December, it's the Winter of the Soul...

2010-12-08T02:04:00.001+01:00

Round My Hometown...


View of the first snow on my street

The dog had a chocolate bar in its mouth!

Cold, clear and the air cut like ice-but it felt refreshing

I've been in a reflective mood this past while.

I'm in fluxus

I always write here when I feel a bit 'off kilter'

Maybe its because I think that sharing these thoughts will help when I put them out

To float

In the ether and I've off loaded into the universal bubble.

I've been wondering what I am doing

I've been feeling the pain and shame of this mess my country's in

While hearing the Proclamation at the rally in the city centre

The worried faces all round,

Young and old

They looked at me with the same confusion and panic

The question written on their faces,

Asking ' How did we get this far into the mire?'

I felt helpless and saddened

This winter of my soul - I felt the icy grip of uncertainty and the anger

All round

What is the solution?

I don't mean budget cuts or bank bailouts...

I mean the solution to heal the immense damage done to the people

We who are left behind to rebuild, carry on and bare this weight

Will my kids be paying this all back ?

And what emotional baggage will they carry for past mistakes?

As a wise teacher told us again and again:

Those who do not study History are destined to repeat it.

What would my founding fathers think of this?

As I stood on that street with the words ringing out to call us to action

I felt those who abused the power-abused the people

They pillaged the good we had and have just left us to burn.

The Sovereign People

The ordinary people

Me, my family, my friends, my relations

We did nothing wrong

But ride the wave of good times

Made ourselves-big enough to compete with everyone else

Only to have the rug pulled from under us.

No one is accountable.

No one goes to jail

Being disgraced in the papers is a lightly sentence

Public Ridicule

Is easy to bear when you've taken millions from the banks/country and

Fucked everyone else over.

These soul-less Criminals-sleep soundly in their

beds at night

Knowing that they are now far from persecution.

Why are we so powerless?

What a sorry mess.

Tear stained I watch the news

There are some good people out there

I believe in the goodness and good will of people

In this country

All of the people

Who were born here

And those who are here with us all the same since the Boom

And before, to perhaps see us through this

Rough patch

I don't know what to think anymore

The fun feeling that I once felt constantly

The buzz of this place

Has been drained

Bad news and bad news

Everyday

Sucks the life force

We need to get up

I agree but where do you get

the Strength?

What are people now living for?

Their families, their kids, their future?

What will that future be like for those staying here.

Options feel many mile away

A job - if you have one

Cling to it like the mast on a sinking ship

I can't swallow that I am tied to what I do

I need to keep moving

I feel that there are blocks in the way

Insurmountable

that make me

stand, stock still waiting

waiting

for something to happen.

This song is exactly how I'm feeling at the moment-being here and not feeling attached to the place I come from (looking outside, in) and yet I could only come from here as I have known nothing else but to be Irish, growing up here, my identity, my native language, my family heritage. I love this country, there is so much good here, so many talented people, the fantastic resources, the landscape and the people I've met and know. The wonders of my world.

We need to show that we are united and that shit is not going to stand - Adele puts it so well xx

Adele- Hometown Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXG0YMv5Fvk&feature=channel

I've been walking in the same way as I did
Missing out the cracks in the pavement
And tutting my heel and strutting my feet
"Is there anything I can do for you dear? Is there anyone I can call?"
"No and thank you, please Madam. I ain't lost, just wandering"

Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world

I like it in the city when the air is so thick and opaque
I love to see everybody in short skirts, shorts and shades
I like it in the city when two worlds collide
You get the people and the government
Everybody taking different sides

Shows that we ain't gonna stand shit
Shows that we are united
Shows that we ain't gonna take it
Shows that we ain't gonna stand shit
Shows that we are united

Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met

Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world

Autumn is here...

2010-10-18T23:04:00.000+02:00

I haven't been on for quite some time...I know I've said it before but life gets in the way & I just don't get online to update this poor site :( The summer was good. I got away back to Salzburg and also traveled West to my relations. It was a summer of weddings & engagements for friends & family.

Back to Salzburg & the Salzach river...

On the bridge with Pipi, Csilla :)

All smiles

Sligo - on Streedagh Beach

Out on the Burren

Driving to Strandhill in the dusk

Life is OK though- I have many things to be thankful for and recent events make me even more thankful for my petty pathetic complaints when I realise that I have nothing to moan about.

Work is going ok-busy, steady and still keeping me on my toes!
I've started a Directing course - also very enjoyable. I've been going out to lots of theatre shows & the cinema more often...meeting more people & trying to stay in the theatre/arts loop!

The Bank Holiday weekend is coming up and I'm hoping to make another weekend trip away with some friends down to Wexford...all will be revealed. Last weekend was spent with my extended family in Wicklow for my Uncle's 60th-great craic, funny stories, songs & music, toasts & speeches and a Wig!

As for style related things...I have 2 fab scarves from Vero Moda...thinking of getting some fingerless gloves soon-the temp has DROPPED! Ugh...light fading so quickly in the evenings and the mornings are getting harder to crawl out of the cocoon that is my bed. That's Winter for you...again nothing new there or to complain about really.

I've been thinking about what's important to me recently and I have to make a list and soon-things that are over due...a magic To Do list for my life and things to help people/things in my life. Help put it all in perspective in the run up to the festive season and the New Year.

What would be on your to do list...for the Winter?

Keep well,
A*

Music of the Moment:

Bon Iver - Roslyn, Blood Bank...

Kings of Leon - Beach Side, Pyro..

Tired Pony - Point me at Lost Islands, Good Book...

Summer thoughts...

2010-06-01T20:13:00.009+02:00

A summer wedding...I had this beautiful silk dress hiding in my wardrobe since 2008-designed by Helena Christensen for Monsoon. 'Dramatic' was one word used by one of my friends to describe it! It was comfy and seeing as it's a maxi right on trend for this summer. Thursday 24th was kind of humid but the dress wasn't too heavy - perfect! Worn with blue swede wedges, cream pashmina & cream fascinator-all glam for my friend's big day. And doesn't the bride herself look absolutely gorgeous! We had a wonderful day & night, lots of chatting, dancing, the food was delicious and the hotel was perfect setting.

Big changes ahead- the absence from the blog was part un-interest and the other was apathy.
I'm hoping to make some changes to my life - go back & do a course this September.
Move to a new place, make new friends, travel & take a break and stretch myself.

I should be on here a bit more!
Have a great weekend.
A*

Some times I wonder...

2009-12-03T22:33:00.003+01:00

...what other cultures represent -ok so some of you might know that the above beautifully shot photo is from The Sartorialist of one of Dublin's fresh faced beauties...

I saw this shot recently as the lady in question was doing an interview for The Irish Times Magazine I think & that the posts below the entry revealed what other people think of you...

Sometimes I wonder what it means to be from a certain place. Many times my perception of myself, my family and my nation has been challenged, changed for good & bad but also made me see what I would like to change about being a 'representative' of my country.

Going in to a new decade, a new year & I feel for myself a new phase of my life things should be going forward, motivating all those things you want to achieve for yourself, want to become - better, kinder, fitter, happier in another area of you life - positive things.

I have lots of things I'd like to change and I don't want this post to be another resolutions post just an open awareness that a new year heralds a new start and it's a good time to take stock & start to make a new path.

I am always coming back to themes - fear or being afraid of certain tasks come to haunt me time & again - I'm not brave by nature & I have had to fight & work hard to get somethings I've achieved. I just wish for more bravery in 2010 as I want to go back to university - do a Masters course in Directing for Theatre and go from there to achieve great things...

Here I leave you with a few items I bought recently...I love the floral print & the pale ruffle top to go with - to remind me that Spring is around the corner...have a great New Year's wherever & with whomever you will spend it with :D

A*

Some thoughts...to warm your Winter heart!

2009-12-01T00:23:00.005+01:00

I've been thinking about volunteering...again.

As if there was something in the ether last Thursday when I spoke about a yearning to return to Salzburg...next day I got an email from a friend in Ukraine saying that she and my Norwegian EVS friend wanted to organise a REUNION for next August 2010 in Austria to re-unite all the crazy, wonderful EVS participants of 2007/2008.

Brilliant! I have also been better at contact people lately on facebook/emails.

I think that I went through a lazy phase for the last few months - realised that I can actually do other things in the evenings instead of watching Lie to Me or Misfits!

Anyways...haven't formulated anything just yet...but I've put in motion something that makes me smile and just warms my heart in these cold times & I'm not speaking meteorologically!

I'm not going to say much more right now - we'll just see what happens...

Below something I spotted a while back but goes with the sentiment of the post - enjoy!

Ten Truths For Being Human

You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it’s yours to keep for the entire period.
You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, “life.
“There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The “failed” experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately “work.”
Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.
Learning lessons does not end. There’s no part of life that doesn’t contain its lessons. If you’re alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.
“There” is no better a place than “here.” When your “there” has become a “here”, you will simply obtain another “there” that will again look better than “here.”
Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.
What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
Your answers lie within you. The answers to life’s questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.
You will forget all this.

Taken from Le Craic blog.

Currently listening to Paolo Nutini's Coming up Easy & Pencil Full of Lead - soulfully good.

Night,

A*

Recent Wish List items for a cosy winter...

2009-11-24T20:01:00.007+01:00

'Ginger' blouse from Peter O' Brien for Awear...vintage feel & glamour!

A Carrie Bradshaw fun tulle skirt from A-wear which is only €20!!! Frou frou fun!

This beautiful black dress & the next 3 items below ( a cream version of the red Ginger blouse) and a gorgeous cosy knitted cardi are all from the very final Peter O' Brien collection for A-wear which I will try & invest in before they are all gone - so beautiful cut & made with couture fabric at non-designer prices...I think it's worth it!

Below is a very chic puffball flannel coat from A-wear...love love love it! I've just bought a winter coat from Monsoon but I think I might just have to get this too - very practical. I'm all for bright colours in clothes but I find black the most practical for winter & in coats as it hides any fluff or small marks that might on end up on your lovely coat from rain, contact with other garments & public transport!

Lace - who knew...I remember having very similar clothes growing up in the 80's [ok not as nice as the dress below but my mother is to blame for my childhood facshion disasters!!!:)] I even remember having a dress with deep purple velevt with sleeves made of lacy material & high victoriana collar - I loved it but the collar wasn't the most comfortable!

This dress I am digging & it's also come in a purple version however the grey appeals to me more

And now to Urban Outfitters where I went for a drool-a-thon over their stuff...like this Silence & Noise dress below - it's a 2-in-1 blouse skirt combo as a dress. Very cool, practical & day to night friendly.

I love flats & ballet pumps - I have one problem though...I have very weird thin ankle bones at the back of my feet & since the dawn of time I have NEVER (sob sob) been able to wear a slip on shoe...unless like the little beauty above they are elasticated. I will be skipping to Urban Ottfitters over the weekend I hope, to see if these are in my size...I have been searching for ages in vain to find a cute, jeweled pair of flats that will stay on my foot!

Grunge-tastic...I again already have a pair of studded ankle boots purchased recently but these beauties called to me...

These suede mamas are on sale for 20STG...god only knows may €25/28 or there abouts...I do hate being fleeced in the Sterling versus Euro conversions from shops like Topshop etc...anyway love the cosy ankle cuff - toasty feet for winter :)

Recently animal print is something I thought I would never ever like. I bought a skirt with a grey & not too bold animal print on it & got lots of compliments - quel surprise!
I think that my firm youthful memories are of Bet from 'Coronation Street' Soap (sorry if this makes no sense) in animal prints - sometimes head to toe that made me always think it was cheap & tacky looking. However this sexy number disproves my theory. I think it would be a great winter dress teemed with tights & boots & in summer bare legs & pumps. Throw a cardi on or a bolero & you're away...

That's all for Tuesday...feeling more energised (weirdly) after a full day back at work.
Hope that some nice person gets you something on your Wish list for Christmas.

A*

Just for fun...

2009-11-23T17:18:00.004+01:00

Christmas is coming! I limped down to DL yesterday to see the lights being switched on but due to the horrific stormy weather it was postponed. Pity...anyway you get the idea from the photo above. I am not a very Christmas crazed person - I don't have to buy a trillion presents & I don't usually go anywhere special...but with my friends we have good craic. They truly make my Festive Holiday. We are already planning a special Christmas meal together where we all cook something for the 22nd Dec. Things like that make me happy - just spending time in good company- simple happiness.

I look forward to seeing my relations & catching up. We all now tend to see each other less and less - everyone is so busy with their lives as we get older. Also I like to bake things this time of year & I love the smell of Christmas baking & the real tree we always buy. Pine mixed with spices, cinnamon, cloves, Port, Guinness, cherries, dried fruits all mixed into the aroma. It's intoxicating - I promised to make/ bring Mulled wine Salzburg style to the party. This is making me salivate!

What are your favourite things about Christmas - that make you happy at the smell, touch or taste of something? and why those things?

Wrap up it's chilly out...

A*

Below is a little questionnaire that I saw on some favourite blogs of mine - I thought that anyone should do it to...so feel free to copy, paste & fill in :)

1. Where is your phone? Upstairs on my bed
2. Your hair? Tied up
3. Your Mother? studying & full of questions
4. Your Father? curious & fixes things
5. Your favorite food? I can't decide
6. Your dream last night? I don't remember...but I didn't rest too easy :(
7. Your favorite drink? a vanilla latte (iced or hot)
8. Your dream/goal? Directing theatre & having my own theatre company
9. What room are you in? Computer room
10. Your hobbie? yoga & swimming
11. Your fear? Not reaching my full potential & making bad decisions.
12. (is missing)
13. Where were you last night? sofa with my feet up
14. Something that you're not? not always punctual...but I'm getting better!
15. Muffins? Yes please - blueberry or chocolate.
16. Wishlist item? A beautiful dress with lots of tulle in a 50's style.
17. Where did you grow up? In the Emerald Isle, close to the sea.
18. Last thing you did? eat a yogurt & drink some water
19. What are you wearing? A warm cream knitted cardi, black bottoms & a t-shirt I got in Ljubljana (good memories).
20. Your TV? off at the moment
21. Your pets? none
22. Friends? wonderful & funny
23. Your life? slow moving
24. Your mood? tired & in a bit of pain
25. Missing someone? Granny F
26. Vehicle? my feet, bus, luas, bike...
27. Something you're not wearing? slippers
28. Your favorite store? hum... Awear or H&M
29. Your favorite color? Mix of blues or purples...
30. The last time you cried? Don't recal a few weeks ago I guess.
31. Whens the last time you laughed? Saturday
32. Your best friend? Mag wheels
33. One place that I go to over and over? The National Gallery
34. Facebook? Not used very much
35. Where do you eat? Everywhere...but usually at a table.

Listening to Aqua Lung 'Strange & Beautiful' & Snow Patrol's Up to Now Album.

Overhaul...

2009-11-23T15:28:00.007+01:00

I haven't been on this for a good while now...

That absence is down to a few things - in general work as I have been working full time & I never realised how work could take over your life like it has up until now.
Often my friends, family (& even collegues) at times have commented how I can end up over doing it & working too hard or just too much - spreading myself thinly over different places & projects. It's only healthy when this happens once or twice but not always as it seems to.

I have some time to think recently...about what I want for myself. I think that people are now struggling against things that their parent's generation had never faced - yes it's true each generation creates & has to face their own demons.

I haven't felt creative enough to give this blog a proper go...I have been so caught up in work that after coming home in the winter darkness I mostly cosy up with the fire & tv. It's very sad. I wish that I had a clearer idea of what the future holds. Because I have decide & I thought it was all mapped out but now I've gone fuzzy again.

I blame my stupid sense of duty to my work. I blame my silly sense of loyalty to the company. Ok so these are things to be admired in employees but not when you realise that I am only running myself into the ground & I get very little out of it at the end - I am my own worst enemy.

Recently a dear friend of mine said that I chose work over having fun.
This remark cut deep. First I was angry - how dare someone judge how much I work - I take pride in the jobs I've had & would always want to been seen in a good light.
It cut deeper on second thought because I knew this to be true.
I never seemed to say no or switch off properly from work. I was always 'on call' per say.
I swung from extremes of jumping through hoops of fire for projects to the other end of being so over burdened that I get ill with stress & lock myself in bed or just have a teary, angry rant at friends or family about it. I haven't yet seemed to manage a balance.

For my future I want to balance things - not end up the dog chasing it's tail in futility. I want to be someone who can go out have a good time, enjoy life not let it slip by because I was tethered to my desk.

So I resolve to be kinder to myself - to enjoy my life. It's the dash on the headstone that counts! It's what I did between the dates that matters the most & if I don't make it count I am wholly responsible. I hope that November it treating you well. As we near Christmas & family times I wish that this year I can find peace of mind & between people.

A*

Listening to Snow Patrol 'Just say yes'

Autum approaches...

2009-09-12T19:28:00.000+02:00

Autumn approaches...

Yesterday the date was celebrated & commemorated...
I celebrated my father's birthday
Half the world remembered
Sang Hymns, lay wreaths, wept a little less than before.

I saw Beckett come alive
Ate a Vol au Vent
Drank cold Sauvignon Blanc
Met an old friend
Outside a re-vamped haunt

The clear skies held a cold breath
The stars up high offered no warmth
The leaves crunch
Wrap my scarf tighter around
March home to music
In by the midnight hand.

H & M - my cosy picks for Autumn...

Boots - laced up & tough or grey & glam

Denim for those comfy days

Check shirts - for Saturday brunch

I love this jacket from A-wear...I love the frill edges, asymmetric zip and long cuffs...

Below is one of a few tunics that I have bought recently...worn with leggings & flats, braved the wind & salty rain on Lehinch Strand a few weekends ago when I spent some time in Ennis visiting family.
My thoughts turn to leaves...the various hues of gold, brown, mocha, grey and taupe.

I like the crispness of Autumn - it suits my love of wrapping up & kicking through the fallen debris from the trees :)

Have a great Saturday,

Coco Avant Chanel - simply superb!

2009-08-02T01:32:00.009+02:00

Today I went to the pictures!!! Something that I had been waiting to come to the cinema is this wonderful film with one of my favourite Actresses, Audrey Tatou as Gabrielle ''Coco'' Chanel. It is a fascinating story of young Coco's life and how Chanel came to be. I admire the strength she had - that love was not something she sought out but to make a life for herself. To find her true self after an orphaned upbringing.

Go and see it if you like Biopics tales, if you like strong women, beautifully shot scenes, decadence from another era, clothes that will blow you away, attention to detail that dazzles and if you have ever wondered how on earth do French women have such an impeccable sense of taste! The photos below give you a small idea what the film achieves - visually stunning and the acting is superb. It certainly makes me want to go out & but some Chanel clothes :) What a phenomenal & elegant Lady.

This film made me while away this evening in a wonderfully pleasant way. I was with two girl friends & we had a great time.

Last night's party went well enough. I was spiritually drained from the funeral - the service was sad but an amazing testament to my friend's mother. I had been on another planet all day and was glad when work was over. I eventually turned up at 10pm and stayed for 3 hours or so. Met some old school friends, we drank cocktails, I had flowers in my hair & good conversation flowed. It was fun but I was exhausted & got to my bed round 2am.

In the brighter light of day - reflections kick in.
Not everyone is taking the 'new couple' news well.
I just wonder what will happen in the long term.

This weekend is a Bank Holiday - I plan to take it very easy. I have my Nana staying so I will be spending some quality time with her. maybe go to the park market.

In other fun news...I am thinking of doing a wee shopping trip into Dublin on Monday to check out the new & absolutely HUGE American Apparel store. This maybe old news to those of you who have AA in your country ages - but it's our FiRsT store & apparently the LaRgEsT in Europe! I can hardly believe it...I'm dying to see all the colourful pieces in store.

Our new gigantic store! woop woop :)

And so ends this post...have a great weekend tout le monde!

A*

Soft & hard...a fragile frustrated railing against the state of things...

2009-07-31T02:14:00.005+02:00

H & M's current collection - my pick of the Ballerina soft nude pallet mixed with the harder Blackened edgy accessories...this reflects my current mood - softly confused while darkened thoughts cross my mind.

I don't understand many things.
I don't understand why illness claims so many good people much too young and with so much more to give.
I have a funeral to attand to tomorrow.
I am pretty pathetic when it comes to the somber events such as funerals/removals/wakes.
I can not cope - emotion that strong rips through my being and I am usually a teary mess.
The thought of losing someone just makes me so completely dispair.
Saddness on that scale (which I have expereinced too many times already) is hard to deal with when you are already a very sensitive person and suseptible to being upset.
Plus I'm a Picean...tears flow easily.
The woman who passed away was a mother and a creative lady - she was much too young to die and had a lot more to do with her life.
I think that cancer is the scourge of this century (amongst other things) but because there is no cure as yet it continues to claim lives that should live on for many years to come.
Wealth can be made.
Health can be lost.
Of the two you can't buy your health back.
I wish her family peace of mind to know that she has stopped suffering now.
Still none of these words make up the pain she endured and the pain the family now continue to bear in her absence.

On another note - I am trying to learn all the time how to deal with people.
Life always throws things at you that you never really expect.
In light of the paraghraph above this topic seems trivial but the other surprising (and not in a good way) event that happened this week.
Two of my friends are going out. I rail against this because she is on the rebound only a month after breaking up with someone and he is a massive flirt and never far from some bit of skirt.
I also expected to be told like everyone else. They seem not to value me as a friend like other people in my circle and have decided to leave the huge elephant in the room.
I don't know whether now to make a comment or just leave it.
It can't be left unsaid either...but I want to come away from this with my dignity intact & not be ridiculed for being affronted that they didn't tell me.
Humour as a defensive weapon can rub me the wrong way when I am having the piss taken out of my felings which happens with this particular guy on occasion.
So any ideas?
I have to go to a big party where they both will be tomorrow and I don't want to do the 'I'm 16 again on the gossip merrigoround' that behaviour is done & dusted in my book. I just need to get my head around it as their pairing is so out of the blue with no indication whatsoever...

Tomorrow is going to be difficult for many reasons.
Here's hoping I get through it ok...

Night, A*

In love with that floaty feeling...

2009-07-26T00:17:00.013+02:00

Peter O' Brien's new Summer '09 Collection for A-Wear

The dress above is from the regular A-wear collection & I am intent on buying this very very soon. The dress below I bought for €10 a few days ago - wore it out last night for the first time and it seemed to go down well!!! The Peter O' Brien pieces are stunning and I hope to buy some of them - I am in love with the floaty feeling of summer and wearing flowing dresses - it's freeing and uplifting.

I have a song on repeat - Blood Bank by Bon Iver...
Thoughts of late - don't expect too much from people. Rely on yourself, your instinct, try & keep your judgements to yourself - or just be open to everyone. Situations can change and frowns soon turned to smiles by a positive thought, a stress releasing smile. To be so quick to make your mind up about everyone - people are so alike underneath each exterior.

I had a line stuck in my mind for writing something - ''Today I discovered my mascara was not tear proof and the eyes were blackened by the salty drip down my earlier beautification and the present emotional mess...things come to a head and are open in the light''...

I think about being a writer of verse and other times I just think.
I think wonderful things and then get to that point - how? when? where? why? and not only these worryfilled questions barge into my mind but the permanent doubt battle - being creative means being so incredibly vunerable and who would want that for their life's vocation?

I do - but in so many ways. Work for me is going ok at the moment and I guess that last night's chance meeting with an old college friend was brilliant timing. I believe in that - chance coincidences and timing being written in the stars...she has asked me to get involved with a theatre production and to direct the play.

I can barely believe this and yet - it's right that I get back to my roots.
With a clear mind, passion, energy and love you craft something from start to finish - you get on that path and who knows where it will go but you do it anyway as I have long know that the rehearsal journey is the most informative and amazing part of directing that keeps the creative fires burning in the minds of those who love theatre.

I am also doing another stint as Stage Management/ Directing for production for the Fringe in Dublin this September...not too much I can give away but I am very excited by this prospect and the Fringe festival shows as a whole.

There has been a good few things to report since my last post - I had Cash visit - a friend from my Salzburg travels - in the photo he is in my kitchen eating freshly baked scones & coffee with my Mum before he headed to the airport on the last day!

The weather has been cloudy, wet and yet warm and sunny...typical Irish summer

Killruddery House, Co. Wicklow is a new place for me to discover & as part of Bray Summer Fest they hosted Lisa Hannigan - 22 July. It was an amazing venue and the music was gorgeous

Last night's party...till 4.30am it was wine filled laugh a minute fun!

Below photos from the last few days at The Iveagh Gardens at the Carlsberg Comedy Festival for Lisa's Birthday - so much fun :)

Random silly self made photo!

On that note - time to retire for the night and to think on what I want to do in the future...'that secret that we know, that we don't know how to tell'...

Happy here...

2009-04-27T03:58:00.003+02:00

I've been away and well there's a gap.

Click below for the sweetest song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe38GIGYsAY&feature=fvw

Some recent words...

About Jim:

Bloom comes
Straw boaters sail
Those hats
Bristle in the breeze

The long skirts
Brush bare legs
Ladies clutch cardigans
Eyes smile
Special event
Celebrating
The local hero

The tower
It's granite flecks
Sparkle
The swell below

Forty foot deep
And boundless blue
Stand and salure
On that roof
Encompass the view
Circle boundary
Take it in
Breathe the rock, salt & history

So words
How you make & break
Poets & writers alike
Play like waves
Crash in or creep away
Take from the pool
and place it
Here
Pages of sand

Meaning and form
Sit like castles
And then blow away
grain by grain

Just let the flow
Bubble up!
Don't judge
Rather let it work
through
Those light fingers

Is that what Jim did?

Life is not so strange
Yes - there is much to know
but a day can be averagely wonderous...
Here's to Buck & Dedalus.

n.2 . . .

In the midnight heat
these crooked words
flow
To write
To myself
The only subject I know
This life
Living the way I do
I feel caged
Shouldn't this be more?
Less of me, me, me
More universal
Doing what I should
THinking not what I out
Making a mess
Spilling over
Rage, joy
Balance imperfect
Just human.

Playing catch up...

2009-04-27T01:57:00.015+02:00

Here's a mash up of recent March & April events...I'm trying to become less verbose and more concise!

I'll try...

My fav pendant necklace from Monsoon...

The new cut & colour...

Margy's Birthday...flowers, cards, Pink lemonade & kimberly bikkies!

Some of the creative team behind La Locandiera: James - Stage Management, Nina - Producer, Tara - Costume Designer & Me - Assist. Director & SM on the roof top of Port House on the final night!

Myself & Claire (Mirandolina) on our Wrap Party night out...Connolly - in the way as always!

Easter Sunday 2009 - 6.30am on Killiney Hill to watch the sunrise - beautiful.

Slightly exhausted but well worth the effort. Alve & myself take in the panorama...

Walking back to Dalkey village - past the Purple House!

Some kind random man took the photo above & below :)

Easter morning back at the Curran abode for the most delicious breakfast of fruit, juice, coffee, pain au chocolat, croissants & mini Easter eggs!

April when the sun comes out = Ice cream weather!

Sandycove, the 40foot and Joyce's Martello tower.

Margy :D

Enjoying the Spring sun...

Hanne's Birthday & House warming party...

The crazy ladies - me & Margy !!!

Vodka jelly...so old skool!

Amazing home made chocolate Birthday cake for the Birthday girl :)

Vodka Jelly maker & the Birthday Gal :)

DUFF Beer :)

Opps - that fell out!

Another perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday - in the park on the grass watching the world go by...

Drumming workshop for the kiddies!

And so for the summary of life of Littlestar - I have a new job! I am blessed/thankful/lucky/a jammy fecker that this opportunity has come together. I do not give myself enough credit for things that I have accomplished but I do also acknowledge that I have been extremely lucky in my life to have been offered the work that I have done to date in the Arts industry. I have many balls in the air at the moment : the new job is alot to take on but I am slowly learning the ropes, La Locandiera has tour dates for this year & I will hopefully go on tour many dates with the show, I have a meeting with PBN on Wednesday in town & I may perhaps be involved in a show in May in the Project Arts Centre. That's the work front!

On a personal level I have started to feel more settled and happy. I have amazing friends and from the above photos we have been making the most of our weekends and good weather lately...I had forgotten how much I love Spring. I have been buying wonderful dresses, taking care of myself more & more, buying shoes and feeling energetic and more assured. I was chatting with my Estonian friend on Saturday and we will definitely meet in Salzburg or in Brussels (where she is moving in early May) in the coming months. Having a secure job & salary means that I can travel again. I also have the promise of a friends coming to stay over the summer: my Welsh and American friends :) Right now I have fewer worries - I can feel that the future ahead is mine for the taking and that this year will bring many changes for the good.

3 addictions in one photo: MP3 player, laptop and one (of too many) bags I have! I can't go a day without any of them!

I am magazine addict!

The remanants of numerous recent shopping trips!

A peak inside my room...

Having a tiny room does not bode well for hanging dresses...

GUNA Deas!

I hope that the week ahead is fun & productive for one & all. I will try & update this neglected blog more often...I'll do my best!

Hugs,

A*

Currently listening to 'Bryn' Vampire Weekend & 'Blow Ins' by Bell X 1.

Just a wee test...

2009-04-21T20:57:00.003+02:00

My amazing Easter morning....more to follow...just testing the 'email your blog' entries option!

A*

Moving through a cloud...

2009-04-01T17:25:00.002+02:00

Presently - listening to BellX1 'Light catches your Face', Wallis Bird 'The Circle'.

Recent ramblings...

We'll see
Wait and
Fill the time
Chat, tea, emails.
Shops, pub, home.
Friends - old & new
Wait till
So many paths
Collide.
Do I need
This
Or want the
Other?
Future undecided but flexible...

My life for the past 3 months since returning from Salzburg has been like moving through a cloud - at time like a dream, quiet repose and finding myself again and other time like moving through turbulence, rocky, fearing failure and many difficult moments.

And now...now it feels like a crossroads has been reached again. Sometimes I want to step down from taking the direction I should and let someone else decide - but if I don't participate in my own life I'll go somewhere I won't want to be - what's the point in a life lived half heartedly?

Now the show is over. It ran it's course and time to move forward once again. I had a job interview on Monday which I think went well but again I feel I'm just holding my breath...waiting to surface once the result is known.

I have had strange dreams too. Seeing a past love in an embrace - I just wake up wondering what they are up to? A phone call from another past friend ( and past life) conjures up these thoughts and plants the idea in my mind?

I feel out of the loop - my base, my room is so up side down - and the apathetic mood of late helps me in no way. I want to clear away the clutter and not feel like I am just waiting to throw it all into bags & move and yet...I still have this desire to travel again. But money and timing and the world in which we live in do not sem to afford that chance to me at the moment. I miss my far away friends and I know can see how little I cherished my previous time away - I should have thrown myself into things much more and yet working through myself contained problems didn't lend itself to breaking out of my cotton wool shroud.

I am not unhappy.
Just a little off kilter and unbalanced when life is a haze before you - grasping at the air & not knowing whether I will fall or float on.

A*

La Locandiera...the whirlwind experience of theatre!

2009-03-16T02:50:00.000+01:00

I've been away for more than three months from this...

Being home since December 21st...below is a photo journal of what I've been up to. Creating & working my ass off for La Locandiera show here in Dublin's Port House. I'm not going to go into all the little stories that made up the journey so far but it's been fun, crazy, laugh out loud, some times draining, exhausting, late nights, copious cups of vanilla caffe lattes, running up & down stairs, on the phone, talking with dead eyes, meeting new people, partying, sleeping all day on Sundays, fixing wigs, washing linen, having my routine flipped upside down, feeling lighter, buying new clothes, feeling fantastic and feeling alive.

The Photoshoot at The Powerscourt Town House Centre for the show...

It's after 2am and I can't seem to sleep...

Just thinking about many things at the moment - how things are for me now 3 months into being home, I saw my sister for the first time properly in two months tonight & that was strange, I discovered more about how the world is folding in on itself as the money dries up all around in the economic downturn, how having a job is now more sacred than ever, that the youth are not aware of the implications of the history they are in the middle of, how connecting with people opens you up to happiness and also disappointment, how many facades of someone you reveal each day you spend with them, comfort eating is not the answer to any troubles, how beautiful Dublin can be when you walk the empty streets at 8am of a Sunday morning after a fantastic night out with the sun blinding you as you walk to the bus stop to discover the first bus is not for an hour - so you sit on a Georgian step, hat & scarf on listening to music while you watch people set up St. Patrick's Day Festival Funfair and sit there tired but happy and a little sad to think that the show will wind up soon & 'real life' will come barging in & all those wants & needs will overflow my mind - but that's for another day.

So now it is Margy's Birthday - we have a lunch date later and then drinks in Dalkey. I need to talk with her - she is my rock & such a great friend - someone who always me smile :) My room is a messy mess and I feel completely uninterested in tidying up everything. I just need to make a plan for the next few months - do I just get a job and move out and start 'living' or do I work a little and then try & get into the MA course? I have options but I want to have financial security and a life on my own terms & move out...I just don't know which way to turn!?

Listening to Wallis Bird...The Circle & Counting to Sleep - How apt!

Night - Hugs,

Amy*

Thinking of home...

2008-12-13T18:07:00.020+01:00

This is where I live...and where I shall return to in a eight days time...

One of my favourite shops in Dun Laoghaire...beautiful jewellery and home furnishings!

Harry's Cafe: My favourite place for peppermint tea, pancakes with maple syrup & an amazing home-made muffin for a hangover brunch or food any time of the day...

View of the East Pier with the harbour & Howth in the distance...

Aerial view of Dun Laoghaire with the arms of the East & West piers protecting the harbour...

'Sails' sculpture by the Harbour plaza...

View from the Esat Pier...

Sandycove: You can see the round Martello tower thatis now The James Joyce Centre as this was where his famous Ulysses was begun...

Falung Gong pictured - August 2008.

As part of the Dun Laoghaire 'Festival of World Cultures' each August, the festival takes over the streets, pubs & venues of the town & hosts many free musical gigs & workshops. Amazing!

Christmas lights on the main street!

My trip home 29th Nov - 2nd December...some memories above!

Dalkey is now home to my best friend and 2 other friends of mine..their new house is beautiful and I hope that they all enjoy their time together...I love the 'smoking' sign that Chris has in the hallway!

The Fox clan celebrating my Mum's Graduation with her degree from UCD - Congrats Mum!

Flying back to Salzburg...some final photos above!

I think that you can see whay I am really looking forward to heading home...it is where my family & friends are based (well most of them!) and there is something I miss so much when I am away from the sea for so long...

On the mug: 'Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.' So true :)

Here's another verse or two:

I realise
We are just
Figuring out
How life does
Not
Go to plan
The way you
SEE it
In your mind's eye.

Some days,
Crazy
Laughing fun!
Others - cold
Alone days.
Lazy hazy
Slumber filled.

Pilled up pillows
Water & juice
Pajamas that
become your
Daywear
Where are those
Comfy days?

With a good book
Blankets aplenty,
The phone near by
for evening calls
To rouse from the bed
to plan the evening
ahead?

Had I worked too much?
Too long, too many
hours in Dublin?
A slave to priority
over fun?

I can't say objectively,
But I think I learned
many important lessons
A work ethic,
a sense of pride in
My work.

Talked with family
It's snowing here
and colder than I
remember.

Christmas market,
The waft of mulled wine
and spices.
Oranges with cloves,
Vanilla candles.

Music on a couch
Soft, heads tilted
Eyes begin to close.
Laughter slip-slide
through and on
Up the streets
back to the haus.

Familiar faces
I cook,
I eat cake
and retire to bed.
Lists and ideas,
wander my head.

NB: Many of the photos of Dun Laoghaire I used for this post are un-creadited as I just did a huge search of images on the the internet. So they are not my work but I thank those photographers from flikr & various sites that had their beautiful images online to share with you...but the collage images are mine!

Hope that you enjoyed the photos...I am off to cook dinner, chat with friends, drink some vodka and have a giggle on a Saturday night! :D

Have a great weekend,

Snow days, Christmas Market & a Jazz band...

2008-11-26T01:53:00.012+01:00

The snow has arrived here to Salzburg & with it the scent of gluehwien, ginger & cinnamon, the crisp cold air whips at my pale skin, I wrap in layers & layers, scarves & gloves - the weather is so different to that of the sea climate I am used to...Last Saturday Nov. 22 myself & 3 of the EVS posse went to explore one of the Christmas Markets. In the cold & snow we muffled up & wandered round the stalls having some mulled wine & strange sweets...a good adventure :)

Only a few days to go before I head home to Dublin for a short but highly anticipated trip :) I will get to party, enjoy a gig in Vicar Street with my sisters, see my Mum Graduate, see my relations & friends - a jam packed 3 & half days is what I am expecting :) I'm sure that many silly, funny photos will be taken...watch this space!!!

This collage is mostly of the sights & delights to be found down in the Altstadt market at Dom Platz...there are 2 more markets in Salzburg, another at Mirabell Platz and a little further out at Hellbrunn...once I am back from this Dublin trip I will take the time to investigate both & try out the mulled wine & hot treats on sale...the decorations available are nice but unfortunately not things that I can take home so easily...I have to watch how much baggage I can take home! But I'll have the photos. The sepia photo is of Tini Trampler & her Combo band that we (the EVS gang) saw on Sunday Nov. 23 in Jazzit...it was fun, Tini was amazingly funny & kooky and the band were a mad mix of musicians - couldn't think of a better way to spend a sleepy & chilled Sunday evening :)

This main photo is me in my office after reaching work after the market on Saturday...good to be out of the cold but not so great to be working on a Saturday! I like the fact that there is a mini disco ball over Markus' desk...I guess sometime I forget that the staff at my project do have a fun side - but only sometimes! hehe!!

And so on to the 'Leaving Salzburg' issue...well I had German today & told my teacher and then later I met my Coordinator & she has been totally sympathetic to my choice - so all I can say is that I have to speak to my boss tomorrow and start getting things in order...

When I return next Tuesday I have to start organizing my Farewell Party, the Christmas Party & all the paper work, the funding and to arrange the moving out of the haus, closing my bank account here and other such logistical bits & bobs. But you know - it's all good...as I have realized I had to pack up and leave here at some point it will happen a month earlier but what odds?

I have also been applying for jobs at home & being pretty pro-active...fingers crossed! I also found another Postgrad course that I could start in 2009...so many options:D When I felt only a month ago that there was a dark road ahead of me with endless boring days until February I though that fading into a state of submission and dismal apathy was the plan - BUT NO! If I just 'waited' for things to come to me I guess many things I have achieved would never have materialised. So I guess I am taking the 'bull by the horns' - and making a choice to really set the wheels turning to find work & a Postgrad course for Sept next year!

I already felt that I had wasted too much precious time.

Sometimes,

I need to grow up!

Take the reigns,

Grab my Life

By the throat

Saying:

You are working for me

Not against.

You are floundering

Drowning in in-action.

I am here to save you.

With one step, one decision,

You take Life back,

Rescue is here!

And now - no more unknown.

Smething clicked inside,

Last month.

I guess it took longer

To realize:

Leave - Finish.

Time to move on.

Wheels are in motion.

Write my own Life,

Own it.

Make it.

Do all those things

I have wanted for a long time.

And try all those things

I have yet to know about.

Motivation,

Motion,

Movement,

Momentum.

Music of the Moment:

Kate Nash - Mouthwash (courtesy of Szilvi :D)

Bon Iver - Skinny Love

Van Morrison - The Way that Young Lovers Do.

Until the next post - smile!

Making choices...

2008-11-18T01:54:00.010+01:00

I wrote the following 'stream of consciousness' back in September:

A month has past,
Three weeks at home,
Walking streets & roads
I know,
Seeing those that know me.

Eating out, drinking a little,
Making dinner.
Ordinary days,
Amazing events.

Seeing new born loveliness,
Seeing those that are
creative beauty in motion.
Hearing new sounds,
News, gossip & jokes.

Hearing those laughs,
Seeing the sea.
Smelling that damp salty air,
Rain on my skin.

Wearing heels and dresses,
Being alive and drinking tea.
Spending time with my relatives,
Making statements,
Understanding incidents.

Wanting information
- Glossy and new.
On-line, in papers, magazines,
Soak it all up.

Wandering 'Chapters'
Going to Leargas:
The walls have not changed their width.
Friendly faces.

The gorgeous cafe with Tom.
Coffee & books,
Dates & my diary -
my travel companion.

Days in my pajamas,
The smell of woodchips
and new paint.
The home 'under construction'.

Harry's cafe for Brunch,
Wallow in the tea, minty.
The maple syrup soaked
friendship in that corner.

The smiles on people's lips.
My owner inner smile.
Dun Laoghaire -
For many glorious reasons
I don't tire of you.

You are part of my make-up.
Dislike,
of you as a whole
Would tear myself in two.

Those shops, old & new,
Wander, wander.
Those three weeks were
My own time.
My bed - rest.
The road - no noise.
The radio - so many new songs.

I have a feeling
That I may never know
All I want to.
But if I risk more,
Be less afraid,
I could do a little more?

Perhaps oportunity would knock
more often?
Stretch myself
I'm too self contained.
I feel that urge to
Break my own mould.

The Inspiration List:

To dance, dance, dance!

Sing,

Paint,

Knit,

Swim,

Draw,

Write poems,

Read plays,

Write a play,

See an all german language play,

Attend more work related events,

Travel more,

Meet more people,

Enjoy each day,

Wrtie this blog regularly,

Find stylish clothes,

Cook more,

Bake more,

Learn to drive,

Own a moped,

Plant herbs & flowers,

Wear fresh flowers,

Own a wee shop

full of books & trinkets,

That would sell cupcakes & iced tea!

Live with friends,

Take walks on a beach

Or in a forrest every weekend.

- Making Time -

Having a person in my life,

to love & love me back,

To take care of each others souls.

Having a bunch of beautiful children :)

Living in Kerry for some time,

Owning a car,

Visiting Christianaia,

Visisting my far flung friends,

Going on sunny walks,

Staying up till dawn

to watch the sun in silence

And then sleep in it's shade.

Going to Cuba with my elder sister.

Road trips with both of my siblings,

Supporting my parents.

Trying to be better,

More calm,

Collected & less stressed.

Trying to care less about poisionous people.

Having a 'Mucha' inspired dress.

Living in Paris for some time.

Watching films that changed the era they

were filmed in!

Being happy with my health & body.

Accepting change - all types.

Writing more letters.

Having a get up & go attitude every day!

Keeping my morals at all times.

Having a good breakfast each day.

- There is no one to impress, that is a fools game -

Being myself & making people comfortable

and smile.

Being honest - always.

Being money wise.

Saving for something really beautiful...

Being open to the world.

Looking after my hair & skin.

- If in doubt, go with your instinct -

Looking at the sky & stars,

they tell us much more

than we'd like to admit!

Be wise and share wisdom with the inexperienced.

Try to be less judgemental of

People, status & situations.

Keep my brain active.

- Optimism is a virtue as is patience, have bucket loads of both for everyone! -

Love the small silly things,

Laugh till I cry & can't breathe.

Rest when I can,

but be pro-active.

Be thankful for all my blessings.

Love myself & know that

it will be wonderful.

- Trying everything is the key -

Try to do all of the above!!!

(I can cross off some already - yay!)

Sometimes the full story is only revealed after a lengthy prologue...

...here's the exciting news:

I have come to the conclusion that I will leave Salzburg in December & not return for the remainder of my project into Feb 2009. I have been struggling with making the choice for a long time but I am ready to leave Austria and head home. My work has not been what I expected and with the many bizzare issues & difficulties I have faced in the past 10 months I feel relieved that I can now stop struggling with my life here. I have talked with close friends like Pipi & DaGang in the past few days and they also agree with my decision as do my family.

I feel that a weight has been lifted...I now just need to get the wheels in motion to complete paper work & the nitty gritty details but everything should be fine.

Ok, so I have yet to inform my work about the choice but that will all come together soon. I have been appliying for jobs at home & I have my fingers crossed for one in particular.

It is very exciting as I now have about 5 weeks to go before I leave - only a few people in my haus know so things will be very quick. I think that is better as I don't want a fuss or a long drawn out farewell hullabaloo. I will return home to Dublin in less than 2 weeks for my Mum's Graduation & take as much stuff as I can with me then - really looking forward to my 3 days at home.

I feel happy and I know that it is the right decison even if it is hard one.

Soon I will be back to this :)

Music of the Moment : Snow Patrol - Crack the Shutters.

Have a wonderful week!

A*

I hate goodbyes...

2008-11-13T20:28:00.019+01:00

My sister arrived Thursday 6th Nov...she made it to Salzburg via München with a few small mishaps - missing trains etc. But she arrived in one piece with all her bags (she doesn't know the meaning of travelling light!!!)

Dani and Georgia at Pipi's Farewell party :)

Georgia's amazing tasty chocolate cake for Pipi...

Striking a very theatrical pose whilst Pipi starts to cut up the iced chocolate cake of deliciousness!

I had more photos to put up but I think this is better:

And so - these photos tell a thousand words of the last week with Piret, having fun with my crazy sister, drinking, singing, laughing, crying - saying goodbye.

Piret wrote : Volunteers are love in motion - Poetic and apt I think. I miss her alot :(

I hate saying goodbye to those people I have grown close to. Also when Dani left the following day I had to focus hard not to cry as her train pulled off...no more Dani or Pipi.

Luckily some of the other volunteer have done a great job at keeping me amused and up to mischief. I don't want to come across as a spoilt brat - needing people around me all the time to entertain me at a moments whim. I miss my friends as would anyone knowing that it may be many months before we meet again. Going from seeing each other every day & hanging out to just emailing is a big change!

There is some exciting news for the next post...but for now, I leave you with this:

Music of the moment -

Snow Patrol: Please just take these photos from my hands, Lifeboats & The Golden Floor.

Lenny Kravitz: I'll be waiting, Are you gona go my way.

Radiohead : Nude, 15 Steps.

The Flight of the Conchords: Jenny, Bret,You've got it going on & Frodo, don't wear the ring!

Take care!

Back track...end of October, Halloween & beyond!

2008-11-07T16:47:00.011+01:00

Daylight is so short now...the sun has vanished by 4.30pm each day - its getting more & more wintery! The warm coats, hats & scarves are out and the summer clothes are left behind for another few months.

Oh Time, where do you go to ?

Ponderment - I think I should do less of this...it causes me to have a full mind of fishbowl thoughts that swim about and usually go nowhere fast. I feel a bit odd at the moment - a little lost, without purpose & a bit un-motivated.

"Time, there's always time, on my mind" - Older Chests by Damien Rice 'O'.

I have been listening to this song & many other slower songs recently...to suit my ponderment mood. I feel perhaps I am a croos roads with my life - A 'where do I go from here' kind of mood. I also feel the sharp jab of nature & it's transient ways...Time slipping away, day by day, while I feel that there is so much I can do & yet I don't fulfill this potential within myself. I need to do something but I haven't quite put my finger on what that 'something' is.

And so to backtrack the events of recent merriment:

On 24 Oct was a Singer Songwriter gig at my work - I invited 4 of the EVS girls to come along!

Me and Georgia!

Next day on Saturday 25th Oct. my favourite French friend had his EVS Farewell party -good fun : wine, space cake, shadow drawings, singing - all in all a very chilled out night ;)

Shadow drawings...

29th Oct - Classical concerto in the Festspielhaus with the EVS volunteers...gorgeous music and amazing musicians!

The EVS girls also headed to Jazzit Thursday night 23rd Oct for some salsa dancing & beer - good fun :)

Myself & Szilvi at Jazzit where she works!

Georgie and Anne Katrine...on the dance floor :)

Last weekend I had another visit from DaGang (quick explanation - DaGang is a tenor who studied for 6 years in Salzburg's Mozarteum and has just moved recently to Germany to work with an Opera company in Heidelberg - we lived on the same floor & is good friends with me, Csilla & Piret).

Pipi & DaGang at one of my favourite cafes having an early dinner...

Piret / Pipi is leaving to head back to Estonia this Sunday 9th Nov as her volunteering stint is over - sad times my friends...but the 3 of us had a lovely weekend going out & about!

Of course there was Halloween last Friady Oct 31st which saw the EVS gang head out to Murphy's law in Salzburg for some spooky fun :) It was sad not to be at home at this time as I love the Irish traditional Halloween food & games & being able to dress up & party with my friends...

Here we are in the bar - scary anyone?!

They made me pose with the Guinness balloon! haha!

Yesterday my younger sister Dani arrived here. She stays with me till Monday for a wee holiday...so far we have had good craic & we have some nice things lined up to do while she is here. Later this evening we have a small Farewell Party for Piret and hopefully we will spent a nice saturday together before she goes on Sunday...my my how time flies - 6 months has already come & gone! I can hardly believe it :(

In other news I will also be going home to Dublin in about 3 weeks for my Mum's Graduation! I am very excited to see my friends & family if only for a few days. More photos and fun soon.

On a side note - Congrats to the voters on the Obama result :) Also, on the fashion end of things - this has been neglected for awhile now...but hopefully some nice shots & things coming soon!

le gra,

A*

Traditional Pizza Making Trip...

2008-10-28T17:54:00.015+01:00

Sunday 19th October...

A trip with the other European Volunteers to a house outside of Hallein to use a stone oven to make very delicious pizzas :)

The day started out warm & sunny - the haus was in termoil over the water system being down & no one being able to have hot showers. Myself, Pipi & Csilla headed to the bahnhof that morning to say farewell to Csilla & put her on the train back to Bern...I was out of breakfast things so my day started out with Peach Ice tea and a large Twix! Oh dear...

Pipi & I walked back to the haus a little sad that our friend had left and it being perhaps the last time all 3 of us would be in Salzburg again. So we went to wait for our lift to the Pizza event. In the interim we made Yogi tea and had a chat - met Pawel a Polish volunteer & he joined our tea drinking session.

We were the second group to go & by the time we arrived all the food preparation had been done...nothing left to do but take in the amazing house, make copious amounts of coffee to stave off hunger & chat about silly things...just how I like my Sundays - filled with hot beverages, friends or in this case new aquaintences, sunny rooms, good music and laughter.

My idea of heaven...this comfy couch & a pile of great books :)

The following photos are just a quick tour of the amazing house we stayed in that day...

This photo is of Georgia and I, chiling out in the sun room - on our second large cup of coffee by that stage! Pipi took over the photographic duties for some of the day - she loved the house so much that she wanted to note all the quirky details & send them to her Mum for ideas for their family home!

What a gorgeous entrance :)

The stunning panoramic view from the balcony terrace.

The Autumn harvest...mini pumpkins, a candle & horse chestnuts!

Finally the oven was ready, the dough was rolled, the toppings were spread & into the heat it goes...yum!

As the picture states - I made this...darn tasty too!!!

Some of the EVS group sitting in the sun munching on their pizza creations...

I just couldn't quite finish it all! With the red wine & salad though it was a perfect meal :)

Piret took this photo...she found this little gem in the house somewhere!

I have to say that the event was good fun, I got the oportunity to talk with the new volunteers in such great surroundings, make & eat pizza & generally dance about in my socks! After the pizza we had cake! Or should I say Cakes! It was Egle's Birthday the next day & our organiser Ingrid had made 2 cakes for us all to share...and we sung 'Happy Birthday' to her badly!

There are days like this that make me thankful & happy that I am a volunteer. That I have the chance to make new friends, try new food & I appreciate all the good things that these 8 & a half months have brought into my life along with the not so great things. I am trying hard every day to be more positive & spread the good vibes!

Hope that you have good Tuesday evening.

A*

A very pleasant start to my week...

2008-10-26T13:50:00.017+01:00

I'm still in shock! Since re-vamping my blog a few months ago...the photos & entries have been not always regular but I hope that they entertain & brighten people's days just a little!

On Saturday October 25th I was awarded a Premio Dardo award by the inspirational Susanna Cole at her beautiful Blog Girl Meets NYC. I implore those of you who have not discovered this blog to check it out & to revel in the gorgeous photos & eloquent writing.

--The award is called the Premio Dardos award, and is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. --

Wow! I am so bowled over by this...I guess that you don't really know who is reading what you write and how it affects them. This is really a wonderful thing for me & a sincere Thank You for the nomination.

And so...I am now privledged to pass on this award!

I would like to pass it on to the following people : Emily at Vulgar Moon, Zohra at Ophelia Ford, Yulanda at little thoughts. , Isabelle at Bohemian Musings and Miss Milki at A Spoon Full of Sugar.

I hope that the tradition of creative blogging will long continue :)

In other Little Star news...it was a busy weekend and I am still playing catch up on photos & events from the past few weeks in October...more to come!

Have a great week!

A*

Visitors in October...

2008-10-24T16:07:00.004+02:00

HUGS!

We definitely need more hugs...especially like this one! My good friend DaGang was only in Salzburg for a few days and I caught up with him the evening I arrived back from Italy. We had some food & a good chat about his new life in Germany & the Opera company is working for. Really lovely to have him back - but as all nice things must come to an end, he returned to Germany the next day early in the morning. I hate goodbyes but I know that he is visiting again in early November :) This photo was taken on the 6th October in my kitchen with Szilvie & Stef giving a huge warm farewell hug to our favourite Chinese Tenor!

Next photo is from the Mirabell gardens here in Salzburg...the leaves are still falling & changing colours. I am enjoying the change of season. My friend & fellow EVS girlie Piret had a good friend from Estonia to visit for a few days in mid-October. We stolled the gardens & old town, ate traditional food, drank, beer, coffee & copious amounts of tea in pursuit of showing Liis a good time here in the city! They bravely came to my Arts Centre to be part of the Opening of a dance festival & saw lots of contemporary dancers doing their thing on the dance floor :) Good night out, if a little bizzare, as I walked home with Piret, I was very tired & quite tipsy from 2 beers & not having dinner, whilst carying helium balloons through the city! Fun ;)

Piret and Liis on one of the bridges over the Salzach river - taking in the panorama!

Early on Saturday, the 3 intrepid ladies headed for a place called Maria Plain in the hills outside of the city to see the view & sights. It was warm enough not to wear a jacket & really lovely to sit in the sun.

Finally last weekend, our favourite Hungarian girlie Csilla came back to Salzburg for a visit. We made a visit to my second favourite coffee house, Demel. We had gorgeous cake & coffee, chats & laughs :) In the photo I think both ladies look great!

Unfortunately now I realize taht time has been creeping up on me quicker than anticipated...October seems to have arrived & has almost disappeared in a flash.

Felix, my French EVS guy & fellow 4th floor buddy is leaving next Wednesday. I can't believe the time is up already. Lucky guy is off to make a 3 month long trip round India to make radio programmes on the issue of "Immigration". I admire his sense of adventure greatly and I think he will have a very interesting life...seems that way so far. Bon Chance Mon Ami!

I had some really uplifting news (if you can call it that - is that cheesy?) during the week that my younger sister will come here to visit me on 6th November. I am so happy to have her to visit. That weekend on the 9th November is the day when my last good good friend here in the haus will leave. So having Dani here will make things a bit easier & perhaps distract me from the final farewell with Pipi :( But I think that the 3 of us will have great craic - Dani is usually a crazy ball of energy & fun so looking forward to catching up with her & the news from home!

Myself and Piret have had an interesting 6 months here in Salzburg & bonded quickly. I will miss her & the chats & coffee we have so regularly together. Even if the road has been bumpy on a few occasions we have come through it & survived the rocky road of this volunteering experience together :) Today as she had a free day we went to my favourite cafe 'heart of joy' for some tasty food & a good chat. She had much to say - she feels that she does not want to leave the haus & friends here & that life at home is not a place she is ready to take on. There are expectations from her own family and she does not feel like settling down in Estonia but wants to travel further & do a Phd in her field of study.

EVS is a strange thing - it gives you such an amazing network of European & International friends and the opportunity to travel further than you might have expected & try new things. I am looking forward to returning home in 2009 with all the knowledge that I have learned this year, about myself, about others & their cultures, about food, about the Arts and a litte more about how the world works.

Piret has taught me alot about life & love, given me great books to read, about how people work and how to laugh more at yourself & how to feel positive. I feel that we will be in touch for a long time after we have parted from the city that brought us together. As much as Salzburg has been like a bothersome bee in my ear - it has given me many great things & chances to meet many cool people who I hope I will meet with again or at least keep in touch with.

The new EVS group, who will never replace the 'original' group from last year, have begun to settle down in the haus and open up. They seem to have found their feet a little and so are trying to converse more with me & get to know me better. This change in mood within the group is what I had been hoping for. I am now much more positive about life her in Salzburg & in my work.

I have a great deal to be thankful for - in fact too much sometimes to contemplate that it makes tears come & my brain flow over. There have been some dark days here but I feel that 'Alles ist möglich' (Everything is Possible) now that the hard lessons have been learned and I can see the endless possibilities streching out before me.

On a side note:I highly recommend reading Paulo Coehlo's "The Alchemist". I have just finished it and even if I haven't grasped everything he writes about - it can be said it leaves you overwhelmed at the amount of positivity & good thoughts stuffed into the book. It will make you question your life but also make you feel calmer. New direction in life is possible, as are your dreams & following your dreams & destiny is the highest purpose we have in life. Very good thoughts indeed :)

And SO...wow another epic post - the words are pouring from my fingers...hard to stop the flow! I shall be back to blogging more regularly I feel which is good for me to write out my thoughts - to figure out this crazy world.

Have a great weekend everyone!
A*

Bella Italia...

2008-10-23T18:02:00.050+02:00

Ciao a tutti!

Sorry that I had dropped off the radar for a while...in the next few posts all will become clear!

But I will start with the Autumn event that had been in the pipe line for a few months & that came to fruition on 3rd - 6th Oct 2008! So I'm playing catch up with myself at the moment but better late than never!

3rd October 2008:
Firstly...I was taking a 13 hour train ride from Salzburg to Bologna Centrale to meet my sister Lisa & to travel onwards to Ascoli Piceno the home town of her friend Chiara who was getting married on 4th October.

My day began very early at 6.30am - after a farewell party for my friend Pinar the night before I would have gladly staying in bed for many hours. So I got up packed everything in a bit of a rush...and headed to the bahnhof. Made it to the platform in time & asked which train was for Innsbruck, got told the wrong information and - to my utter horror missed my train. I was upset & shaking - I had to go down to the ticket desk & change my trains. It meant that I would't be able to make the as planned train connection with my sister later - everything was so fucked up! More waiting on trains ensued & so the start to my day was shaky to say the least...not having any food in my stomach also didn't help. Low sugar levels & a fuzzy unrested brain made me want to go straight home, curl up & cry.

Got the next train to Innsbruck & the new set of times & train tickets - off I went...

Unfortuantely by the time I got closer to Brenner/Brennero on the border between Austria & Italy the weather just went crazy! I was in a dress & so when I got out of the train to change, I stepped into 4 inches of snow brrrrr :(

Somewhere between Brennero & Venice P.N. I woke up...and this was the sight I was greeted with - much better! The air was warm in the train, I was surrounded by the softer melody of Italian accent & the dress sense had changed! Many hours later, about midnight - my self & my sister survived the journey we had embarked on so many earlier - Lisa by plane - and we arrived to our hotel which was a beautifully restored palace or palazzo. 1.30am and my head hit the pillow and I slipped into slumber...zzz!

The Italian Wedding 4th October 2008:

Up early, breakfast & coffee, realising that myself & my sister were the only non-Italians staying in the hotel, getting ready and getting excited...I loved dressing up & I had new shoes too! Time was up, we headed down in our finery to find two suited men, friends of Chiara's waiting to drive us to the church!

Chiara arriving with her father & brother - I think this shot is so great as she looks so happy & radiant.

Chiara & Diego - the newly wed happy couple.

For me the surprising thing about the wedding party is that it was dominated by the men, friends of Diego's who burst into various (football) chats to show their affection for their friend! Odd but entertaining!

The food was amazing the entire trip but the wedding reception / dinner that followed was phenomenal!

I had to take photos of the Menu to show that it was a TEN course meal - seriously...I could barely move afterwards but of course it was just amazingly tasty. Not to mention the wines, dessert & coffee that went along with it - wow!

A slightly off-centre photo of Lisa & I back in our room at the Palazzo later that evening after the non-stop wedding day. Both of the dresses coincidentally come from Monsoon, hand beaded and are 100% silk.

I love this photo - it was unintentionally made fuzzy - I think she looks like a fairy!

It's me...in the bathroom trying to take a self portrait - you get the idea! So the dress was different shades of grey silk with lots of beading, teamed with a pair of suede plum heels, grey ribbed tights & a cosy plum bolero. The jewellery - the bracelet Lisa made!! Very lovely grey & plum beads and she lent my the necklace also!

Night view from my room - Ascoli is a medieval town with beautiful narrow winding streets & lots of stone architechture everywhere - a very welcome change from the Salzburg landscape!

Inside the Palazzo...the building was a never ending maze of dicovery, hidden rooms, balconies and startling views...

To aid digestion of the 10 courses, we took a night time wander through the town and found a square & fountain...

and those narrow ancient streets...

5th October 2008:

Day to relax and chill out after the hectic day before. In the afternoon Chiara's parents had invited us to their home for dinner. So when I opened the shutters the weather was really warm & pleasant. After a late breakfast, Lisa & I headed to the main square for a spot of tea & people watching...

I love shutters and old style windows - love, love, love wooden furnishings.

Blue skies, warm breeze and more of the Palazzo to discover...

Ascoli Piceno - the main square with it's famous coffee house "Meletti" in view.

People on the steps soaking up the sun...

I wrote on the photo when I was sorting through them...so no the picture is not photo-shopped. Lisa had been to Ascoli before & had seen the lovely 'monument' the builders had left of the church many years ago as part of a protest about wages or something - and bizarely no one has ever taken it off! ? Only in Italy I guess!!!

Inside the cafe house "Meletti" - in the Art Nouveau style & very beautiful.

Seeing as the weather was so great outside we sat out in the sun, drank peppermint tea (still feeling the after effects of all the food from the previous day)...

...and did a good deal of people watching...

Back to the hotel I discovered this room on the first floor which was there for the guests to use for reading I guess and still had the original frescos on the walls - so beautiful.

This lady & her mother were also staying in our hotel with their huge gorgeous dog...I snapped this just as they took off for a sight seeing walk...

I think my favourite comedy find during the trip (even better than the penis on the Church roof) was this tiny car outside the hotel - I really want to drive one like this! It had so much character and I thought it was so cool :) Lisa took the photo whilst laughing her head off...

View from Chiara's family's balcony high up in the hills over looking the town of Ascoli Piceno. Dinner was again amazing - fresh olives from the tress outside, fresh herbs from the garden out front, home made pasta sauce & lots of other things I had never tried before - the hospitality was overwhelming & it was really great to be so welcomed into a family like that.

An old fort in the hills on the walk we took after dinner.

The Autumn sun over the fields & hills.

6th October 2008: Returning home...

My day started at 5am. Which meant that we left the hotel at 5.45am to catch the first train so as Lisa could fly back home to Dublin on a super early flight and so I could catch my various trains back and arrive in Salzburg at 7pm that evening.

The photo above I took on the second train of the day round 6.30am heading back towards Bologna - really beautiful view and made me feel glad to be alive to see the sun rise like that over the sea.

The final photo I took before I was back across the border into Austria...miles & miles of vines :)

My FAVOURITE photo...my lovely car!!!

And so here ends the chronicles of the Bella Italia post...more photos, stories & fun soon.

A*

Brain tank over think....

2008-10-13T19:36:00.005+02:00

I have been away too long...
Work has been hectic for the past two weeks...

A weekend of 13 hour train trips, an Italian wedding, eating food, talks with my family, sleeping long, missing trains, sleeping little, taking many photos, taxi rides, car trips, winding roads, mountain walks, the setting sun, gelatti, laughing, churches, meeting new people, beer, wine, missing my friends, booking flights, eating out and shopping.

The past two weeks have been a blur in a way - but my body clock is back to some sort of normal. After being out of sync for too long - I feel happy to wake up - dazed and confused - early but happy.

I have cleaned out my space & home and this has been bugging me for weeks. Now that it is complete I feel more focused - I can find me again - there is calm & order.

At the moment my head is a little fuzzy - with thoughts. My dreams are more vivid of late & I've had some bizzare sequences crop up.

Decisions, solving problems, getting closure from past events and trying to take risks in the present.

I am trying to write things out of my head - to jot them down & figure them into a sentence of sense.

I feel things at times - slipping away. While others are too in front of my face to see clearly - I focus on the edges and try and zoom in slowly...it can take time.

To figure out what I want to do & where I want to be after I finish here in Salzburg - this is playing on my mind most at the moment. As are my family and friends - new things are happening and I feel out of the loop on home events.

My current friends are leaving here very soon. The newest arrivals (bar 3) are hard to put up with at the best of times. I fear that I will be quite on the 'outside' until I go. I do however have some nice, kind people left in the house to talk with but...I feel strange in a way and full of questions...

As of yet my answer reserve is empty!

I have so much still to catch up on and take charge of in the next weeks that the tasks which are manageable for the most part are tough on the body as they end at unsociable hours...

I have many photos to order, fix & upload - hence the barren post.

At times I wish there was 36 hours in one day - 24 can feel too short!

This was barely a rant but just a way of venting the thoughts tumbling through my brain at the moment...

A*

The First Outfit Post...

2008-09-26T23:14:00.018+02:00

First outfit post and it was tricky, not so much the clothing part rather...try & take a good photo bit! Anyways...I was going for an Autumn comfy look and have been bored to death of wearing jeans or trousers because it's chilly out :(

I love the dress! When I saw it about a year ago, I saw it online on their site and also on a huge poster in their flag ship store on Henry Street. It has heavy material and the sleeves & material just flow. I wore it a little bit in the summer but now with the tights & extra layers, I think it looks better...a perfect in-between seasons dress!

My Clarks flats have been worn to death - my Mum tells me she hates them - but I still love them. They were a great find and I haven't found a pair yet as comfy as these ones!

The bits & bobs - the ring, pashmina & necklaces are things that I also love for their various shapes or colours.

Monbijou, a great treasure trove of scarves & much more is dotted all over Salzburg. I have bought about 3 of their pashmina's for me in various colours & also 3 more for presents for my Mum & sisters. In fact, back home amongst my friends & family I am known as the 'scarf woman'!!! Like bags, I have a scarf or pashmina in a rainbow of colours and if I see a new one I just have to get it! I never usually go out without a scarf or pashmina - they have soo many uses & above all else are so nice to wrap up in!

The grey tights were bought for 1.50Euro and were first worn at my cousin's wedding last Christmas. Cheap as chips and do the job nicely!

The H&M cardie is a new buy...about a two weeks old and only been worn twice! Very comfy and I love the muted colour. As for the long-sleeved grey H&M top - I'm so glad I invested in this as it was worn many times in March & April when it was still snowing every day or so here...Brr!

[Apologies for the sullen face in the first shot - I was going for the unexpected look as the flash went before I was ready!]

So here's the what's what:

Dress : A-wear

Long sleeved grey top (underneath) : H&M.

Beige Cardigan : H&M.

Cream Bead Necklace : Market Stall here in Salzburg.

Silver Necklace with Heart : Silver Necklace was found & given to me by my Nana & the Heart pendant I took off an old bracelet.

Grey Tights : Pennys/Primark.

Shoes : Clarks.

Silver Bracelet : A present for my 18th Birthday from an old school friend!

Black Rose Ring : A-Wear.

Cream Pashmina : Monbijou.

Olive Green Over-sized Bag : Pennys/Primark.

And here's the re-mix of the photos for this post!

Today at work, there was a 10 year celebration of the radio station that is based in the same building, RadioFabrik - it was nice to see the centre full with happy smiling families & music aficionados - chilling out & enjoying the entertainment. If you want something fun to listen to...check out The Pond Pirates - jazzy, ska, humourous lyrics and a happy mash of instruments. I have seen them live before and they were a cool bunch who enjoyed making music: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfmfuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=113545931.

And so the weekend beckons ladies & gents - lots to do and hopefully I'll get out & do some nice things also :)

Have a great weekend!

The new 'do and impending endings...

2008-09-25T02:13:00.017+02:00

Ok so not a particularly great pic...but nonetheless my crazy untamed mop has been chopped into a more decent shape & lenght- so very happy about all that. More over it was for free and the stylist was lovely :)

No outfit posts at the moment...wasn't feeling very up to the challenge today after I had an incident with my bicycle earlier this morning. The seat had gathered rain water (unbeknownst to me of course) in the lovely classy plastic bag that had been doing a fine job of warding off the rain. However holes in flimsy plastic bags go together like rain & Dublin - so the seat of my jeans were damp when I reached home again...Argh! Can't believe that nice skirt wearing weather is gone :( And for me, unlike the Austrians who have no worries when it come to cycling in skirts of various lenghts...maybe it's the prude in me - but I've found it really bizarre wearing a skirt whilst cycling...I have done it, but it just felt 'breezy' haha :)

So the thought of the moment is renewal, rebirth and a sort of passing of time as Autumn comes blowing through my door...

Time is a funny thing - you can measure it but do we know the value of it?

I was wishing today at 3.30pm that the day would hurry up & end...a rather non-eventful day at the Arts centre had left me feeling restless. And yet I don't want to feel that I have spent my time here in Salzburg dreaming it away either. I do believe that creative people suffer from restlessness...waiting on the next project/event and hate that in-between time of inactivity. As you can either just slump into a creative block or use the time wisely to prepare for the time ahead. I get bouts or bursts of creative energy during these in-between times but I am learning all the time to be creative on a more daily basis and this blog is something which I hope will nurture this aspect of me.

Renewal at this time...when the trees lose their old leaves to get ready for spring and I shed the weight (literally) of the past few months while getting my hair cut. It's a wonderful feeling of lightness that I've had since leaving the salon yesterday. I have been laughing & smiling more...I'm not giving the hair cut the entire credit for my good mood lately but it's something that I've been wanting to do for a while & so FINALLY getting it sorted made me happier.

Things have been happening to me lately that I have found easier to cope with, that a few months ago I would have not. Heading into these next few weeks at least I feel as though I've come out of a cocoon of worries & doubt. Reflecting on my 7 months or so here in Salzburg I have changed in many ways and in a sense had a re-birth of my mind & soul. Which was like any kind of birth very difficult to go through - but once achieved...wow the aftermath is worth the trauma!

And so to the topic of impending endings...being on a volunteering program has many many positive aspects - one outstanding point is the amount of people I have met and gotten to know from so many different places. The really great thing is that I have made some pretty amazing friendships and feel that I will have these people in my life now which is very cool. Also being in central Europe has the bonus of being a travelers paradise...I have visited & seen many places that have made their mark on me.

But of course the downside to all these wonderful things is that I have to say goodbye to the new friends at some point. As I have a 12 month placement - I have had a fair share of sad farewells so far with people leaving during the year. With my wonderful flirty Csilla in Bern & my favourite Chinese tenor now ensconsed in Germany the '4 amigos' that were - are now sadly down to 2! However I am close to saying farewell to my wonderful, funny Pipi, who may travel on to Sweden or back home to Estonia in a matter of weeks? The future is slippery and hard to pin down! Whatever the future holds for us both I have had a great time with her and I'm so very happy that we had the chance to meet - I have learned so much from her (aswell as Csilla & DaGang) & had many great fun filled days :D Here's a little collage of my favourite days spent together...

I wish you all a great Thursday and I hope you create some fond memories with your friends.

Inspiration...

2008-09-22T01:21:00.016+02:00

ALPHONSE MUCHA: My Inspiration...

If I ever wanted to have some one from the past create clothes for me it would be this man, Alphonse Mucha. Originally from Prague he was born 24 July 1860 – 14 July 1939) was a Czech Art Nouveau painter and decorative artist. I visited the Mucha Museum when I was in Prague in early August & fell in love with his Art. Further information about his amazing life and pictures can be found on this site http://http//www.muchafoundation.org/MHome.aspx (my graphics were taken from there).

New York & London Fashion Week's may have come & gone, but for me my inspiration comes more from Art & Mucha is a fine example of how clothes should flow & create an ethereal form. His beautiful intricate jewellery shows his talents even more clearly - his attention to detail & shape are so beautifully captured using only pencil & white shading - truly works of inspiration.

I bought a few of the prints on sale in the Mucha shop. Having them on my walls reminds me everyday that creating Art in the way you dress is an extended visual way to express yourself. No matter what the day has in store for you being comfortable in your own skin & it's covering, can evoke a mood and support you through the day :) I'll try & keep this in mind when I dress in the morning & not just throw my clothes on & hope for the best!

Ok so...there are a few reasons why there are no 'outfit posts' up on this blog yet. Some are silly & others are for narcissistic reasons! I feel firstly that until I get my hair cut (on Tuesday - can't wait!) that I would not put up any photos of my crazy unkempt mop! I'd like to think that I will see this blog as my 'baby' and I would not feed it with anything less than quality photos etc. I also have blogger nerves...this blog since 2005 (when I was young, camera & picassa-less) meant that it was words upon words about everything and anything. Now I have de-cluttered it & I'd like it to stay visually fresh & so...when I am happy with an outfit early next week I will endeavour to post a Little Star* first - the debut outfit post!

Music of the moment:

Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire.
The Corrs unplugged - Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix Cover).
The Script acoustic - The man who can't be moved.
Iron + Wine - Free until they cut me down.
Lisa Hannigan - I don't know.
Gemma Hayes - Chasing Dragons.
Thin Lizzy - Old Town.

In other news:

Sunday's here are quiet - gives me time to think & catch up on my blog reading! I made pancakes with Pipi and we had lots of 'warm you up' tea :) It was also good to talk with my entire family & my Nana on Skype this evening...Dublin seems to be having some wonderous 'Indian Summer' at the moment which makes me a little home sick. It is really cold here & I'd love to be able to go out without my coat on but that'd be stupid! The Dublin Fringe is just over & I missed Culture Night on Friday - things that I had been involved in only 12 months ago. How time flies...

Salzburg has an Autumn Fair at the moment - but this city sticks to it's traditions in a very serious & sombre manner which scares me, that I feel like a tourist & not a resident of 7 months! I told Pipi the other day that I am enjoying the fact that I stand out in this society/city. It is quite nice to feel that you are different & embrace the fact yourself, instead of running from it and into the arms of conformity. My clothes & attitude are at odds with the locals here & I can see them thinking that I am either a tourist or an Erasmus student - neither of which is correct. It's taken a while to put my finger on this feeling - of not belonging - but now that I realize what it is, I am much happier to be different in this city that holds up the past as it's moral code . The majority of the locals do not look to the future with interest rather, regard it as unfamiliar territory & something to be held at arms length with suspicious eyes. There are people I have met here (locals) who think outside their society and redeem my condemnation of all Austrian's as unfriendly but...there have only been 4 or 5 so far in 7 months!

Tomorrow I have my free day but it's choc-a-block with people to see, things to do & a rather over due room tidy! Off to the bed of blankets I go! Have a great week everyone :)

Time for a new direction...

2008-09-17T21:30:00.007+02:00

Hello hello...

So slightly slacking on the updates (last one in March 2008) opps!

Anyways myself & Picassa have made friends & my camera provides the light entertainment here...I am hoping that this blog will become less wordy & more about the photos and other ways to visually express myself...

First set of photos is from my most recent travels to Graz. It's a cool city, bigger than Salzburg & more laid back. I was there to visit my sister who was there on a work trip - nice to catch up after getting back to Austria, see a familiar face, have a laugh & hear all the home news. It was a welcome change. The photos of a messy room is the 'post-Dublin clothes explosion' from my haphazard unpacking...It's done now the room is righted & I can finally find my desk, laptop & bed again! Back to the grind here but not only that Autum came in 2 days...when I came back on 6th Sept. there was another very warm week of 25-30 degrees and now there has been the first fall of snow high up on the Untersberg on Tuesday! Temp. had dropped, blankets back on my bed, 3 layers of clothes, jumpers, hats and scarves are in full use...Brrrr.

Next set of photos I'd like to say are a good collage of what my 3 weeks back in Dublin were like...drives through Killiney, dinners out, the Festival of World Cultures which I worked on, meeting with friends, going to Whelan's to see Milosh play, dinner with my cousin's, lunches with my Aunt & Nana, nights out with my sisters, walks by the sea and generally having a good time chilling out :) It too was a welcome break and lovely to see everyone for tea & a chat!

Now that I am back - I'm back to German class, chats & tea with Pipi, the new volunteers & students in the house, seeing the more permanent Haus community back after their holidays & back to work in the arts centre.

However one of our favourite & most liked residents is leaving here in a matter of hours to start a new life in Germany - Best of Luck with everything:) However I will write on this tomorrow properly with some nice photos of the famous '4 amigos'. Needless to say that DaGang, we will miss you very much & look forward to your visit before X-mas & Csilla too :D And myself & Pipi will try to visit you across the border!

So again with all things - they never stay the same for very long or turn out quite how you anticipated - but such is the nature of life.

le gra,
A*

Snow and Salzburg...

2008-03-26T19:02:00.003+01:00

Hello Ladies & Gentlemen!

With everything...time passed by and this blog gets more & more infrequent. Life gets in the way. Or maybe that's a good thing? I'm living in Salzburg now. Being an EVS volunteer and working in an arts & cultural centre...living in a mad cool house with 125 people...mostly studying in the Mozarteum, and I get to work with artistic people & productions in the centre. Its been all up & down as you would imagine-moving for a year to a country where you don't have the language & trying to not fuck up or offend whilst learning the ways of the culture! Below is a brief idea of my time this past few days...

I hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend. Still getting used to the weather here!!! It snowed all Monday evening, night, then all Tuesday and most of today. It seems to have stopped for the moment at least...the BIG DEFROST is underway! It hailed at one point yesterday whilst snowing and then to top it off when I was walking home there was thunder & lightning too! MAD! I was talking to Daniela (she's the boss) and said that she had never seen such snow in March-as usually next week the Austrian's would expect it to be 20 degrees and pleasant out! The forecast is said to be like this till Thursday or so! Also near Vienna yesterday there was a car pile up involving about 100 cars and 2/3 hour tail backs...ugh all because of the weather. I heard that 1 person died which was bad but not considering the amount of cars involved it seems like a small miracle more people weren't injured.

When I got home last night I was straight out of the snow clothes & into the warm fluffy Pj's-nothing like mad snow weather to induce a cosy feeling! I had a nice Easter Sunday & Monday...the gang came back from Prague(was supposed to go but still shaking off this head cold). We all had lovely food and just sat around on Sunday chatting, looking at their photos & eating! One of the guys had Heim Bar (our bar downstairs) open that evening as it was his Birthday so we went down to play pool & hang out which was great-not to have to leave the house! Then on Monday Christina one of the other EVS girls had set up an Egg Painting activity! We did it all traditionally - we had wax and tools which we used to decorate the egg and different dyes! It was fun and as the eggs were hard boiled we could eat them after!

Back to the project yesteray-all fine there. In bright & early in the snow. For the next week & half I will be working with the production which is a mix of contemporary opera, contemporary classical music & acting...it's all coming together as the musicians had their first rehearsal together today. Its very interesting and its nice to get out of the office. But as I'm the House representative...like all productions there always seems to be lots of running around involved which is good for me as it's a welcome break from the PR office work! I have this weird electronic key that I have to open pretty much everywhere in the house-well its becoming the bane of my life! I have to remember everywhere I go to open & close/lock all the rooms...I have to remember who is where & when they are rehearsing & then promptly lock up after them!

I have been invited to go horse riding this Saturday which should be fun! Then on Saturday evening there is a big party for one of the Team in work - he is a performer & consultant & will be 60! There is a lot of different things lined up as the party is happening in the centre - sound like it will be an interesting night with music and entertainment shows! Will bring the camera!

A*

PS-Coming home in less than a month now! Oohh very exciting!

Lough Dan on Sunday 14th October 2007.

2007-10-17T15:52:00.009+02:00

Beautiful...

Lough Dan last Sunday- a beautiful cold Autum bright day with my friends for a wander, walk, chat and food in Wicklow.

I have been a very busy person these last few months!

I have come home from Cymru and I have been working away on lots of different projects. I am happier now than I have been in a very very long time. I absolutely love being home-in the sense that I can see my friends all the time now. I missed Dublin also. I got involved with volunteering for theatre festivals over the summer/Autum-so I was able to re-immerse myself in the Arts scene here which was brilliant! I am also very happy to say that my family life-if some what chaotic at times seems to have resolved itself and everyone is much more content than they have been for a while also.

After my year away last year and the odd end it came to (personally/emotionally) - I am not afraid to head off travelling again, this time on my own! This time back to Austria (after a week long holiday in July), I am happy to report that I will be in Salzburg for a year starting in Feb 2008. I cannot wait! The organization I am heading to sounds amazing and I fell in love with Salzburg so I think that I will be very happy there. Plus I just found out today that they will shortly be launching 'Innocent' Smoothies over there-even more great reasons to go..oh not to mention the food, cake, people, sights and general air of loveliness that Salzburg has to offer! I must start getting into the swing of not having late night shopping or things open 24 hours like here--they just don't do that in Austria!

I had put off writing to my blog for so long-due to my busy life but mainly due to the many painfully honest accounts of what had happened to me not so long ago. I have learned many lessons from those experiences and in the interim months that I have not been blogging I have sporadically written my thoughts by hand to help me vent/cope with issues. I am single again and a break up is something that is so deeply personal that those thoughts will remain on paper. But I am happier 'getting back to me'. I had felt very lost and not myself for many months. Now I have reconnected with what I lost-a sense of self and a sense of my purpose. I think that time heals all-and its good for me to have time to re-focus on myself and where I'm going.

The simple pleasures of chatting, enjoying free outdoor music, drinking pear cider, laughing, dancing, meeting up with family for dinner, eating falafel on the sea front, meeting old school friends, going for drives on Sunday, taking a nap, buying a hat for winter, wearing skirts, feeling flirty and knowing that there is SO MUCH MORE out there to be experienced makes me feel alive.

Not to mention the performance in January that is in the pipeline with some college friends of mine. As well as befriending the Producer of a great Theatre Company-things that have just 'happened' over the last while have made me believe even more in the goodness of others as well as it being a sign that I am indeed, in the right line of business! I also got to see Peter Brook in a public interview recently and I also had the pleasure of seeing 1 of his plays-he is an inspiration to actors & directors the world over!

And so to the future-which for me is very bright and promising.

Expect a Miracle - each day.

Strangers...

2006-05-06T14:40:00.002+02:00

...Some of them are very friendly...and NO I don't mean in a wierd way just very pleasant and appreciative of your time and effort. They seem to enjoy the fact that you are willing to be as friendly and pleasant back to them...Some people in this world are just 'good'.

And by that I mean that they have amazing spirit-they give you 100% of their time and love and give it willingly. They are compassionate to the point of fault and would do everyone in the world a good turn if they could...they help you be a better human...they teach you to be less selfish and more like them...I can't see many faults in these types of people-but as you know we learn from each other in an osmotic kind of way...we each get something amazing into the bargin-friendship and loyalty. People who treat you with respect, a smile and an understanding nod can always be counted as your good friends. And in particular I feel blessed as I'm fortunate enough to have many special amzing people in my life who seem to never tire of me-even though sometimes I can be an absolute wagon of the highest proportions!

Is forgiveness the key to many things-I'm convinced it is...if humans are so weak and pray to so many stupid mistakes and foibles then its up to each of us to be understanding and full of forgiveness. I do think that if this is shown to those around us, it will be shown to us when we inevitably fuck up...isn't that the law of Karma?

And yes things do happen for a reason-why else would they happen at all? I don't think that my life or life in general is a mysterious accident. How we came to be here-we don't know but one thing is for sure its not a pointless journey. No matter what you believe-in religion or not there is some plan for each of us and thats the fun of life-figuring it the hell out!

talk later!

A*

Joie de vivre???

2006-05-01T14:41:00.002+02:00

...things could be easy, very easy and right and loaded with perspective and ideas to get you where you want to be, where your heart desires your potential to explode and show your contemporaries, the world audience why exactly you were put on this earth.

But things don't seem so easy.
Self sabotage...You know whats right. Why can't you just -do it?
Procrastination is the name of the game I play.How long more can I strectch this band until my actions come back around and viciously stab me in the back.
My lazy self...trying so hard not to do anything.

I question everything-not radical, not revolutionary thoughts just doubts tumbling around and around, falling on my receptive ears and clouding my judgement...I feel fragile, unprepared most days, disappointed in myself and then total disbelief...

The life, the creativity has been drained away and I fear it may have all been a happy accident..a blip or blur and nothing to actually credit.
So much doubt...about my future.
Im not mentally prepared to leave home, go through another year of college and have the strength to push myself creatively.

I feel detached.

My notions,perceptions seem so shallow and unfounded...I am annoyed that my writing is non-existent. I have frozen up, blocked.

You think that once you get something some social acoutrement/attcahment to your identity that you have it made-oh yes here comes the happiness that is always out of reach.

If I was wealthy, if I was skinny, if I was a fantastic actor,director etc...
IF I was???

What then? Said Plato's ghost, what then?

What then if that happiness is fleeting? What next to fill that void?

Now it seems like nothing and everything will never be enough and I am too blinded by non-motivation to find out, to try , to do anything.All the time I wasted away and now can never recover.

HOWEVER-today this is where I draw my line in the sand. The case has been stated...I feel so apathetic.

And now it is my responsibility to get out of that hole. Stop sabotaging my future life and get on with living for the now.

Positive thoughts...no more dossing about.
Put in the work like you are supposed to and see the results.

Here goes...

A*

Nocturnal landscapes, Medea and an unexpected trip...

2005-10-24T22:30:00.002+02:00

Still tired!

I've been yawning so much and my eyes are so dry and irritated-not a good sign. Had burnt the candles at both ends this weekend!

Today on my bus journey-I fell in love with people and life here in Dublin again.

I've been feeling close to a breakthrough since my last post. That realization of truth being a sacred reason for life and why exactly I'm here.

I had a good day-went to college as planned. I had a little evil voice saying to skip Theatre history and stay in bed. But what do you gain from staying under cover so to speak? Nothing really, perhaps an increasing feeling of '' Ah shit, I really should have gone to class..I'm behind now..''

So I got up and got myself energized...caught up with the news from the weekend with the others.

I like Velma. She seems to be a gentle person with a lot of knowledge to pass on. It's just hard not having a break in our Theatre Hist lecture to stretch the legs out of the stuffy room.

I enjoyed reading Medea and I liked its style and plot more so than Oedipus Rex. I realized after the class how I need to get a grip on my essay assignment! I have the mid-term to get it done but I should really do some reading and internet research after I finish here!

I took quite a few notes but whether they are relevant and make sense is another thing! Paddy's class tomorrow-I always look forward to out 3 hours together and even though I come out of his class usually drained I find it's not enough, our short time working intensely together.

I want desperately to get a camera. I feel it calling me. I found SO many things I wanted to photograph in town. Everything (I swear I wasn't on anything) today was so interesting, like an old lady's hand holding the bus rail, the arm and cheekbones of the woman on the seat beside me, the coloured boy who had the most beautiful skin-it looked like velvet.

Ok it all sounds trippy and I can see it looks mad typed out, but I just felt an overwhelming sense of peace and being ok. That I am here for some greater purpose and I have a journey to complete.

It also struck me that there are people on this planet who couldn't care less about creating Art. They actually like pushing paper and crunching numbers, they care alot about money and status and don't care too much about anything else. It just seems so wrong, like there is some reverse logic there, because my thoughts, my world is all about life and experience and nurturing my senses. It came as a bit of a shock because there are so many people who would piss on my notions of how to live life and what I enjoy. I think Im ok now, that the realization has sunk in and I acknowledge that im pretty different to the smug Armani suited masses of this world.

I understand how creative people can not belong anywhere, they can be overly sensitive and unable to cope with the harshness of society. I felt like a child earlier sitting taking every detail in on the bus and loving it, cherishing it as if I'd never experienced anything like it before. Its dawned on me that the grace, humble and innocent eyes in children are similar to those of an artist. Life in detail is renewed and juxtaposed from the old to the new and onverted into inspiration for their works.

Perhaps all this wonder sprung from my trip to the National Gallery, hadn't gone there since during the summer holidays. I went to see 2 exhibits, one called Nocturnal landscapes in the age of Rembrandt. It was lit so brilliantly and the nightscapes were my favourites. There was one in particular that caught my eye as the painter had put in flecks of mica I think, to represent the stars. The light on the painting was cool and it shimmered with life. Very impressive for something from around 1609. It was one of the versions of 'The Escape into Egypt'.

I just got on a random 84 from Bray and found myself heading for town with the intention of starting Medea on the bus and hopefully finding somewhere quiet to eat for lunch.After the visit to the gallery my best laid plans went awry - Nude was fecking full so I turned on my heel and headed for the bus for home.

Haven't done much since coming home, was helping cook dinner. I'm going to head for bed early tonight. Maybe read some of Hotpress.

Feeling good and so is my energy.

But I need to rest! Kelley (my Cork Princess!) is coming up for a 2 night stay! Life is good when its busy but a bit fuzzy if its too hectic. You can loose focus.

On that note, Im going to head for my leaba!

A*

Spin 103.8, music and other stuff...

2005-10-23T18:18:00.001+02:00

There is a show on Spin 1038 called McKennaMcCrea which I'm loving at the moment!

I also have to acredit them with their other entertaining links ie:

Rick O' Shea

Liam T

The Getto Prom pics...

In general their great show and blog updates bring a wry smile to one's usually frowning face!

Good job to one and all concerned on MC squared blog!

Ok-so unlike the computer borgs at radio stations who are genetically glued to all sorts of technology 24/7-I don't have the ability to blog constantly.

Which is a good thing because as my friends will tell you, its hard at times to get me to shut up or get any sense out of my drivel! But I'm begining to see the use behind regular blogging.

1 You can vent on issues that may hold little relevance to any one else outside your self obbsessed sphere!

2 You can write about things that are troubling you and seek internet advice with otherlikeminded bloggers. You don't even have to agree with said advice given-isn't it nice to know that someone as bored or slacking on the job is out there to reply to your entries!

3 You can actually concoct some sort of half arsed attempt of a electronic diary which will have something of impor to share with the global family-you may just touch someone's life in a positive way!

I think my lack of rest this early morning when I finally rolled into my bed round 4am gives rise to my sarcastic tone!

I just bought the new Hotpress- I'm huge fan of said publication. The kind people at HP have given me a CD of live rarities of 13 Irish bands.

Rod y Gab make an appearance their music is so good for relaxing to.

Do you ever find that lyrics can bog down your mind if your trying to drift away from the world?

They can get stuck in your thoughts and anchor you to the world even more.

So last night-Swing night, ladies and gents to clear the confusion-it was indeed a swing dancing club I attended not any salacious gathering! :-)

My long suffering friend Helen came along.

I say "long suffering" as she had to put up with me all night!!!

Me and some vino-its enough to make anyone hyper or cry.Luckily we were damn hyper and had a great night, especially our chat and bitching session!

I love that-whether its in the comfort of someones bedroom, sitting room or out and about in a club, on a bus etc, you can always manage to have really TRUTH revealing conversations if you get into that sort of mood.

People can open up so much quicker in a one-to-one situation.

The above theroy has been proven to me time and time again.

My friends which I hold in upper echelons of priority can sometimes be amazing and other times so utterly complicated and frustrating.

Mis-communication and actions dominated by who we think we are and not doing the right thing-leads to unhappiness and rants fuelled by hurt.

We all never intend to hurt another person especially our cherished friends.

Anyway, i digress:

Last night we had a great chat, I won't reveal the details because they are of a sensitive nature to us both.

I found that rekindling that connection of being truthful -utterly so, no matter how much you do not want to reveal those feelings or emotions about situations or other people, you can't help but feel that a lorry has been lifted from your chest.

In my line of work, as in my life's work-truth and finding it, holding onto, using it to create something "other", a social mirror and enabling the universal eye to acknowledge the inherent flaws we posess is the pinnicle that I want to achieve.

It seems like the "blinding flash of insight" has perhaps struck?

You never when it will strike-perhaps when you least expect it or just when you need inspiration most?

Who knows?

Music-the food of love. If love is all you need then music is nutrition for the soul and you surely can't expect to get by on this planet without some form of contact with music.

I am a huge music fan. I cannot go anywhere (its become somewhat of an issues with The parents in recent times), without my music machine.

Case in point-I felt as though I had lost a limb when I left my discman in work overnight on Friday! Oh quelle dommage-tant pis!

It's not as if I actually have lost a limb-but music in essence is part of my life. I need a soundtrack to move my soul and body.

Ok-time to change CD. Emmett Tinley 'Attic Faith'.

Love this-one of my great musical buys during the last while!

As Mundy said(and rightly so), the Irish singer-song writer tradition in Eire will continue for ever, its not a phase and not something that happens to be fashionable that can ebb and flow with the times.

We are a nation of story tellers eg: blogs, e-zines,e-diaries etc!

We have a natural compulsion to write through whatever medium and we always manage to spin a good yarn fiction or non!

Music teaches, heals, soothes, advises, amuses, motivates us.

Words and notes are- fite fute as gealige.

Interlinked irrevocably-no denying their links.

Its a universal language whether lyrics are present or not.

I wake up to music and most nights I fall asleep to music.

Out of that I sing and dance through my days here on the blue planet.

"So I say thank you for the music"-answers on a postcard please~

When did I become a Miss. you know like, "Miss Jayne I shall fetch your coat for you" in relation to the daughter of some Lord of the Manor type situation.

Ok-in relevant terms Miss today denotes politness? Yes.

I had a lovely person give me and Helen a lift home last night.

He was an upstanding jovial taxi man!

But I was quite disturbed by the fact he refered to me as 'Miss' several times! I've never needed to be acknowledged like that- in the sense of middle class titles. I was quite baffled by it all.

Perhaps my accent and Helen's signals that we should be dealt with in a particular way and that means that we give out certain social signals. Its all socio built bull if ever there were things like that to be adhered to!

I realize now with wiser eyes, that anytime I have made anyone feel like I should be treated a certain way by them (ie with greater respect) due to notions WAY off my station. My own snobby self aggrandising was done out of fear and ignorance.

I sometimes wish that social barriers and theat grey area around how to treat people didn't exist. it complicates life so much and for what-someone to call you Miss once in awhile.

What kind of shallow people care about that kind of thing nowadays?

In my ideal world, where I make the rules, everyone would respect the other and value their encounters as if they were nuggets of gold.

Touch, crash, bang, reality.

As the recent film 'Crash' dipicts with a contemporary view to global preconceptions, how wrong we can get it. The tag line was-Moving at the speed of life, we are bound to collide with each other.

But the collisions were to remind us that if we unwrap the suffocating social structures we can touch each other deeply in profound ways. Make life better and perhaps slow down and take stock of why we feel we are hurtling towards the Great Unknow without a clue.

The hopelessness of life.

But it just means you need to

CHANGE YOUR LOOK.

Go a different way to work, college, school.

Meet new people. Don't give into that sickening feeling of familiarity.

It can only breed contempt, contemp for life and for your own personnal health and sanity of mind!

I'm going to go home and do a bit of study now on 'Medea' for Theatre History class tomorrow.

I'm finished preaching!

Bit of a gap but you know...

2005-10-22T11:46:00.001+02:00

I've just booked tickets for The Frames in November!

Oh my god- I am so excited!

I went to Vicar Street on Thurs to see Mundy and it was so amazing. The support act were great aswell-they are playing with Declan O' Rourke in the Olympia and Im trying desperately hard to get my good friend Helen to come too. (Plug-Buy the New Mundy DVD when it comes out probably round Xmas-maybe I'll be in it!)

So what news have I since my last post 2 weeks ago?

The Bloody Sunday talk and show in The Abbey was amazing. Now I'm not using that as hype, it truly blew me away. It was so powerful and politically relevant-it really stirred in me the thoughts of how unjust the long drawn out the 34 year wait has been for the truth to emerge.

Tue's class with Paddy and leading into Wed's talk with Mary has been alot of food for thought in relation to Innovative theatre and what we as an audience expect to see and get out of a performance like that. Is it even theatre-if you use the traditional perameters to define a play? I have quite alot of things to say about the Tricycle production and most of them positive-I can't wait to see how their new work fares when it opens in NY.

Dance was great craic yesterday-everyone really throws themselves into it-we as a group are finally so comfortable that we no longer question out of fear or nerves what we are expected to do-but its really good coz everyone learns so much more in that type of environment. Plus Ali is a tome of info in relation to dance history. It has really re-ignited my spark for my dance passion!

The monologues are picked at last!I now need to learn them and perhaps find a male manequin! Where do you find things like that? Hmm research has to begin on props and ideas on costumes, lighting etc! Its a relief though to have my two pieces picked. I chose an Oscar Wilde and a Neil LaBute piece. They're very different but pieces that caught & hold my attention!

I hope that the links will come as well. Ah pants-I've just remembered I need to read Medea for Mon's Theatre class. I like the subject but it just loses its impact when class is every second week. I need to find that play! Hopefully on the net...

Into town later-for some swing fun and frolics.Hope that H and M can make it. Im hoping against hope that 'R' won't turn up. I think he is too full on and kind of scary intense-not so good if I'm trying to "man the door "at the time! I'm sure he's perfectly harmless but the overly touchy feely malarky had me a tad worried! I hope too he doesn't try to crack onto any of my beautiful gals! Now that I couldn't tolerate!

Anyway best post this and get back to something like work...I have alot of stuff to do this weekend. I'm going to make a list to remind my sieve memory!

Have a good weekend and zest your head with experiences!