Nanci speaks of “buskers” in her song and there certainly was a fair share of them yesterday.  Such talent on an open street.  There was a very lively group called “Key West” or maybe “Quay West” – not sure which way they spell it – absolutely excellent.  I recorded a piece of one of their songs but won’t post it since it would not do them justice.  If you’re passing and they’re playing, stop a while.  Around another corner there was a woman sitting on a window sill and a man on the footpath.  One had a fiddle and the other a guitar and they were playing “The Foggy Dew” – pure class.  I think I was the only one standing there and they played as if they were playing to a packed house in the O2 Stadium.  What is it that allows people get lost in a tune?  Whatever it is, long may it remain.  Along the street there was a variety of musicians and musical styles.  Little groups stood a while and listened to each, respecting the talent offered and maybe throwing an odd coin into a waiting guitar case.  (No, the ice cream was my only outlay yesterday.  I’m blushing a little now with that realisation!)  A man had a dog lying on the pavement, looking at a tennis ball.  The dog, the towel he lay upon, the ball were all made out of sand …… Somehow rushing feet left this untouched, even one that was un-attended.  Respect for an art form – proper order too!

I think the buskers/street entertainers that most caught my eye, never said a word. It was a sculpture in stone, of sorts, featuring five people, three standing and two sitting.  One held a guitar.  It was the hottest day of the year and the sculpture stood calm, solid but engagingly welcoming on “Grafton Street”.  I stood and watched.  An Australian woman said to me, “Do you see what happens when you put in a coin?”  ”No”, I replied,  She rushed forward, leaving her group of fellow-visitors, to put a coin in the bucket but I said “No, you’ve done that already, I’ll do it” (Ah, I did spend something more than on an ice cream – my blush fades a little now) so I put in – well that doesn’t matter – and the sculpture bowed in appreciation.

A moment on Grafton Street – May 25th, 2012

I have to say I enjoyed the bit of time yesterday.  I went to the Carmelite Church too and was amazed to see so many people there, in the middle of a sunny day, just sitting quietly and praying before the Blessed Sacrament.  I thought of the “sculpture” down the street and felt certain that Jesus too would acknowledge the recognition and bow, even a little, to those approaching him in prayer.

God rest you Mr Flanagan.  I’m still not great at maths but I’m glad we met.

The captain has welcomed people on board, the cabin crew have instructed them on their personal safety, head-counted, checked and re-checked to make sure the “seat back is in the upright position” .  The journey has begun.  There’s a definite destination in mind.  The flight might be short haul – London or Birmingham or maybe a bit further afield, Barcelona or Paris.

The clouds get in our way – we may hear the sound but the plane is gone beyond our line of vision.  Faith tells us that people are on board – we may even know some of them.  If we do, it’s almost certain that later we will learn of their safe arrival.  Already we look forward to their return.  “Ascension” ………

Had a Station Mass in Kilmovee Community Centre this evening, Wednesday 16th.

A short tune from a long (standing) friend!! Recorded this in James’ kitchen a while ago. In fairness, he knows how to play. He tells me that when I sing I’ve all the right notes but then adds “but not in the right order”!!

Good walk, good company, great people, lovely venue but I’m tired and going to go back to the cot in Kilmovee!!

I suppose I am grateful to Anne for encouraging me to take part. I had thought to go but there’s no doubt the bit of a push helped. The Esker 11k was good practice!!!

The days have gone well, thank God and I’ve found them helpful to myself. Certainly good to stop from time to time and think a bit about where we’re at and going.

Went for a walk on Monday with the intention of a manageable stroll to focus the thoughts and get a few ideas. I took what I thought would be a circular route – hate turning back – but misjudged it. I walked nearly 11km:). At one stage I looked into a field of cattle and just stopped short of asking them for directions!!

I think they knew I was out of my depths!!!

In fairness I looked, as I was, lost

Not the first time a man in a Sligo jersey got lost in Galway :}

I love horses but don’t seem to be able to get too close to them. Maybe they’re right! Anyway took a few photos and was glad to see the new arrival. I met their owner this evening. He told me that one if his children heard about the birth before he knew. He saw it on Facebook!!

Will try to do some outreach to the neighbours in the coming days. Must also try to visit some of the real neighbours.

Keep an eye on this one – I’ll let you know if we bond. Not looking like it yet but I’m sure, given time, they’ll warm to me. It can take time

And MCO’s signature piece …….

It’s good to link up with people.  Later in the day, Lauren and Jeremy linked up with Alpha and he brought them on a whistle stop tour of the side roads of Kilmovee!  It certainly was, and I’ve lived experience of this, a case of the dog taking them for a walk.  I think they all enjoyed it That night I took them for a traditional Irish meal to the Chinese in Charlestown!!!

Lauren and Jeremy at Urlaur Abbey

Visiting the home of Lauren’s Grandfather, Eugene Gaffney, R.I.P., at Fauleens, Monasteraden.

“Okay, say “Cheese” so that we can get on with it …..”

“I’m just going to sit for a minute – I’ve a long road ahead of me”!!