Grey Skies and Happy Sighs...: July to August 2025, Sunsets, Selfies, and Selling Some Art.

Hello my lovelies, how are you all doing? How is February treating you so far? I am still struggling with deep depression, and once again have to apologise for being so far behind with... well, everything. I do have some nice photos to share with you from last July and August though, so I hope you enjoy.

The 31st of July 2025 marked three years since I left America! Sometimes I need to stop and think how far I've come. Things have definitely not been perfect here, and 2025 in particular was extremely difficult for me, but I am still so grateful, every single day, that I am here in Ireland. I honestly don't know how I would cope if I was still in the States, especially now. It was bad when I left, and has only gotten worse! I worry so much for my friends, and for the state the world in general.

The end of July and all of August are fairly busy for me here in Ballyliffin. It's the time when most of my extended family are visiting the Shore, so there are always relatives coming and going, and so many people to see and catch up with. It is so lovely to see so many of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and all their children. There are so many generations of us now, that have been lucky enough to spend summers here at Pollan Bay, and it draws us all back again and again. So there were many evenings last summer where I walked down to the shore, and got to chat, drink, and catch up with loved ones. One evening was the annual curry night, where we all bring a dish to share, and afterwards we sat around a fire pit and the children had toasted marshmallows. It's so lovely to see certain traditions being passed down!

Summer of course is also the time when friends want to visit, as theoretically, the weather will be better. Of course, that's not always the case on the Wild Atlantic Way, haha! But I also had some friends come back on a repeat visit during this time, and we went out to dinner at Nancy's Barn again, which is always a treat, and then out for some drinks at the Ballyliffin Townhouse. I was back at the Townhouse the next night as well with a few of my cousins. We are all similar ages and bonded when we were teenagers, so it was lovely to have a proper girls night out and catch up. No photos of these nights, I need to get better at remembering, haha!

The first full week in August was the annual Clonmany Festival, which is a huge deal in this area. I didn't go for the music, but I was at the Clonmany Community Centre Craft Fair on Thursday 7th August. I had done this fair a couple of years ago, but this year I did a complete rebrand, and officially launched my new "Peace of Pollan" work. I have been focusing on beachy-themed jewellery, and started a whole new range of mixed media art inspired by my sea views. I will post again soon with some close ups of my new work.