July 2023, Week Thirty Nine.

 Hello my lovelies, happy Sunday! I hope you've all had a good week? I have been busy with lots of different things, but still making time to catch up with this Blog when I can. There are still so many beautiful photos to share with you all!

Fox spotted near the beach house.

Another day, another glorious view of Pollan Bay.

Glashedy Island and Green Fields.

The last week in July was a great one. I spent the first few days finishing some unpacking, then frantically cleaning and tidying the house in anticipation of guests. My Mum, sister, and niece all flew over from England to stay at the beach house for a while. The day they arrived, I walked down to the shore in advance, bringing some supplies, and opened up the house for them and made a meal, so they wouldn't have to worry about it after traveling. We had a lovely evening together, and then I had Gareth arriving early the next morning to look forward to as well. As always, it was wonderful to see him, and he helped me to finish cleaning the house and getting things ready for the big party on Saturday.

My "Crow's Nest," where I keep my art reference books, and treasures from around the world.

Art Studio is coming together!

I had arranged this Housewarming Party months in advance, needing a goal to have everything unpacked by, and I invited all my relatives that live nearby. Many of them had seen the house by that time, in varying stages of mess, so I wanted to be officially unpacked and moved in by then. And, I left America on the 31st July 2022, so it was almost one year since then, and I had so much to celebrate!

Housewarming party!

In the past year, I have lived in three different countries and four different houses, all the while getting closer to my dream home. I moved from Virginia, to Shrewsbury, to Clonmany, to Ballyliffin, where I have always wanted to live. Every day I wake up to incredible views of my favourite places, and I can't begin to explain how healing that is. I took evening classes (evening EST, which meant I was taking classes that began at 01:00 GMT!) learning how to be a Voice Over Artist, passed all my tests with flying colours, set up a home recording studio, and started a new business, which is slowly growing.  I set up my art studio, facing my favourite view, and I am inspired to create every day. I have been able to catch up with family and friends that I haven't seen in years, and some of whom I haven't seen in decades. I have been in the best relationship  of my life. And, on top of all that, my health has improved greatly since I left America, and I have never been happier. Like I said, lots to celebrate!

Family.

Happy Smiles!

More Happy Smiles!

My Marmie.

The party was a success, and it felt wonderful to be able to host gatherings again. I look forward to having more in the near future! On the Sunday, Gareth and I went down to the shore house to spend the evening with my Mum, sister and niece. We had another lovely meal, (mostly consisting of party leftovers, yay!) and played card games until late. What a great week!