When Darkness Steals a Place at the Table

I must admit, lately I have been feeling a bit sorry for myself… I know, a blogger needs to uplift and transport her readers to a better place, and not, as this post seems to be headed, into a place of self-pity. But, quite frankly, I am rather out of sorts… My life has brought me to a place where I am questioning WHY ME? much of the time… You must know that place, where you look up from your dinner and see that the table is peopled with some pretty sour faces… Maybe even a few uninvited hooded guests… ? I know you must have had a string of evenings like this somewhere in your life… After all, our world is filled with people struggling with all sorts of issues, from homelessness, unemployment, terminal illness, and ________, yes fill in the blank with whatever woe is currently hounding you.

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Savage Beauty

Once in a person’s lifetime, they need to visit the Green Isle, no matter their heritage. I was fortunate to spend three weeks in Ireland a few years back. Although based in Dublin, I managed several side trips, one that brought me to the picturesque Clifden in Connemara. Oscar Wilde was known to say, “Connemara is a savage beauty,” and as I hiked on a rare sunny afternoon along the High Road taking in the ruined castles and roaming sheep, I experienced the truth of his words. The presence of St. Patrick also adds to the landscape and in many cases exists right along side the Druid mounds, creating sacred sites for pagans and Christians alike. The charm of Ireland strikes all its visitors tramping across those legendary green hills…

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My Memories, Dreams, and Reflections

Everywhere one can witness new parents working 24/7 to make sure their little tots have everything necessary to conquer this formidable world. Concentrating on crib innovations, stroller technology, and breathable diaper-covers, these parents are relentless consumers, all with the singular mission to aid their prodigy to the top. However, recently, my memories, dreams and reflections have reminded me that the best backdrop for our children is one where we cultivate our own passions. Yes, you read that correctly, your own. For, after all, as Carl Jung remarked, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” Last week I was reminded exactly what that means to me…

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