March 2023, Week Nineteen

 Hello my lovelies, how are you all doing today? What have you been up to? I know my American friends "Sprang Forward" this past weekend, but here the time doesn't change until the 26th March. That makes things a little confusing for my International appointments, but at least my evening classes start at Midnight and not 01:00 for a couple of weeks, haha.

On the road to Ballyliffin, looking back towards Clonmany.

Blue skies over Crockaughrim.

It's been a long time since I was at Nancy's Barn. They've updated their menu!

I have been continuing my online courses and classes since I last wrote, and am getting closer to launching my new business, so that has been exciting. I'm enjoying myself so much. I have never been able to devote all my time to my creativity before now, and it is invigorating. In the past, I always had a "real job" to do, often working well over 60 hours, and sometimes up to 90 hours a week. It was stressful, and as you might imagine, absolutely exhausting. On top of my many health issues, this meant that I had zero time or energy for anything other than my work, and as a consequence, I was unable to unleash any of my creativity. As someone with a creative streak a mile wide, this was absolutely soul destroying! I promised myself that when I moved from America, I would never again work the kind of job or hours that stole so much from me, and I would focus on my creativity. I consider myself very lucky that I have been able to throw myself into this new creative project, and immerse myself completely in learning new skills. I'm hoping that these new skills, combined with my latent creative talents, will be the start of something fun, and wonderful. And I realise that I'm being very vague about this new project, but all will be revealed soon!

The road to Pollan Bay.

Blue skies over Glashedy Island and Pollan Bay.

These clouds were giving me Georgia O'Keeffe vibes!

Last week I went on a few walks, and on one especially fine day I walked all the way to Pollan Beach and over the cliffs a ways. The weather was cold and clear, and I think I took enough photos to make up for the less scenic ones last week!

Pollan Bay looking towards Malin Head.

Selfie on top of a big rock. ;-)

Rock Pools with Glashedy Island and Malin Head in the background.

I had not been to Ballyliffin or Pollan Beach so far this year. It's quite a walk, and I wasn't able to manage it for a while after my surgery, and then I was very busy at home with these courses. So, I made sure to take advantage of the good weather that day, and had a fabulous time revisiting some of my favourite spots. That includes Nancy's Barn, where I had a delicious lunch, and the Ballyliffin Hotel, where I stopped for a Guinness to fortify me for the walk home, haha!

Looking back over Pollan Bay and Crockaughrim.

View from the cliffs, looking towards the "Pebbly Beaches"

View of Glashedy Island.

I have told you before how lucky I was to be able to spend every Summer at Pollan Beach when I was growing up. I consider it "THE Beach", and tend to call it "MY Beach", as I have so many happy memories of my time there, and feel very proprietorial towards it. So, you can imagine how happy I was to go exploring there again after a few months away.

Glashedy Island and Malin Head framed in the rocks.

Inadvertent selfie looking across Pollan Bay.

Excellent pint of Guinness at the Ballyliffin Hotel.

I clambered over the rock pools a while, which was always a favourite pastime, and then headed South West to climb up and over the cliffs. The views are absolutely spectacular, and I let out many a happy sigh at the knowledge that I live here, and am surrounded by so much beauty.

Walking back home in the dusk, sunset over the hills.

Crockaughrim in the dusk.

The first stars, over the hills.

Selfie with snow on Bulaba/Bulbin.

Clonmany River on another fine day.

February to March 2023, Weeks Sixteen, Seventeen and Eighteen

Hello my lovelies, how are you all doing? It's been a while since I've posted, so I'm catching up with three weeks in one. I have been busy, and haven't been out and about walking as much, so I don't have my usual scenic pictures to share. Instead, I thought I'd share a few random pics and selfies from the last few weeks, so you can see what my life looks like outside of Inishowen!

All dressed up for Date Night!

I was back in England for a week at the end of February, so Gareth and I got all dressed up and celebrated Valentine's Day in person by going to my favourite restaurant for Tapas and drinks. We then ended up in a local pub, very overdressed, and playing Cards Against Humanity until the wee hours. I've never laughed so much as I do with this man! He keeps me smiling all the time, and I love all the adventures we have together.

Derry Airport, Obligatory Pre-Flight Drink Selfie.

I love that I am able to travel to England to see my family and friends so regularly now. My schedule is always busy, but if I miss out on seeing someone, I know it won't be long until I'm back next. When I lived in America it was often a year or more between visits, and the last few years I couldn't travel at all, so this is a very nice change.
My Mum has a beautiful garden, and all the Spring flowers were in bloom to greet me. She always sends me photos of them, but it's so much nicer to see them in person, and we sat in her Summer House with a glass of wine and had a good catch up.

Mum's Garden.

Mum's Garden.

I got to go out and catch up with several friends in my time at home, and try new places to eat and drink. I love discovering new places and supporting local businesses, and I remind myself that I'm doing that when I order a drink, haha! I also went Wedding Dress shopping with my oldest, bestest friend, which was a first for me, and very exciting. She's getting married next year and I am going to be one of her Bridesmaids, which is such an honour! Of course, I can't share any of those pics yet, but I'm not ashamed to say I got quite emotional seeing her in THE dress!

This is what happens when you can't order Bloody Marys from the QR Code at the table and have to walk 15 feet to the bar. You get two drinks, to save time!

The River Severn, Shrewsbury, looking down towards the Weir.

I have been keeping up with my classes and training for my new creative project. It's almost ready to be unveiled, so watch this space for more about that soon. However, because the classes are based in America, the time difference has been pretty brutal for me! I'm a night owl and usually up pretty late into the night, but there is a difference between reading, or binge watching Netflix, and having to pay attention and absorb new information at 01:00! It was especially difficult while I was in England, and I was having classes from 01:00-03:00, and getting up at 06:00 to start the day and fit all my social engagements in, haha! I know it will be worth it though, and I'm excited to share it with you all soon.

Same Hoodie, Same Wine, Same Obligatory Pre-Flight Drink Selfie, Different Airport.

I love the Window Seat!

The only pic I took of Clonmany recently!

This past weekend I was out with some friends in Derry for a birthday celebration, which was a lot of fun. I have stayed in Derry many times, but it was when I was much younger, and I hadn't experienced a night out there until now. It was a great craic and I'm sure it won't be the last time! I feel so grateful that I have so many new friends here, as well as back home, and as well as all my friends across America. I used to get terribly homesick for England and Ireland when I was in America, and I am so happy to be back on this side of the Pond, living my best life and chasing my dreams!

All dressed up for Derry.

February 2023, Week Fifteen

 Hello my lovelies, how are you all doing? I hope you've had a good week? I have been working on a new creative project recently, so I haven't been out on as many adventures of late, but I still have a few photos to share with you all. I am so fortunate to live in such a beautiful area, with so many things to discover within just a short walk of my house.

Sunset views from the garden.

Sunset over Raghtin Mor, with the Clonmany River in the foreground.

I don't even have to leave the property to have spectacular views! I can see two beautiful hills from my windows, and if I walk across the patio there is a small waterfall and stream, that feed into the Clonmany River, which I can see from the bottom of the lawn. There are so many trees within sight too, and many of them are starting to bud already. My view will soon be much altered and greener as we move into Spring, but I love trees in Winter too.

Stone Bridge over the Clonmany River.

The Road Goes Ever On And On.

I have mentioned before that many people expressed concern before I moved here. The word 'bleak' was used several times. I moved at the beginning of November, and while I spent every Summer here growing up, this was my first Winter here, and people feared that I would find it cold, lonely, and well, bleak! I think you might have been able to tell from my previous posts, this has not been the case for me. There is so much colour to be seen here, even in Winter. The endless play of light alters the landscape so much, and while it is wonderful to go out on a sunny day, I get just as much pleasure from exploring on cloudy ones. You never know when the sun is going to break through the clouds and highlight a certain hill or valley, or when a rainbow will appear before you.

Gorse in Bloom, with Bulaba/Bulbin in the distance.

Wintry Trees reflected in the Clonmany River.

The very bones and history of the land here appeal to me too. There are stone walls that have been in place for hundreds of years, still used to contain sheep. Old cottages remain, though those who lived there are long gone. Other walls have crumbled, and are overgrown with moss, as Nature tries to reclaim her territory. It is no wonder that myths, legends, and fairytales are so prevalent in the Irish culture. Magic feels entire possible here. For myself, I am convinced it exists, though perhaps not in the ways you would expect. I am constantly inspired by the beautiful landscape, versus feeling stressed, depressed, and oppressed, as I did when I was living so far from home. Now, I have the time and energy to chase my dreams, my health has improved so much since I moved here, and I have honestly never been happier.

Mossy Stones by the Clonmany River.

Mossy Footpath by the Clonmany River.

I'd like to share a poem with you, that I just recently discovered. I believe the poet was thinking of Scotland, but his words touched my soul here in Ireland too. He understands.

Freedom of the Hills

By: Douglas Fraser – 1968

Mine is the freedom of the tranquil hills
When vagrant breezes bend the sinewy grass,
While sunshine on the widespread landscape spills
And light as down the fleet cloud-shadowed pass.

Mine, still, that freedom when the storm-clouds race,
Cracking their whips against defiant crags
And mists swirl boiling up from inky space
To vanish on the instant, torn to rags.

When winter grips the mountains in a vice,
Silently stifling with its pall of snow,
Checking the streams, draping the rocks in ice,
Still to their mantled summits I would go.

Sun-drenched, I sense the message they impart;
Storm-lashed, I hear it sing through every vein;
Among the snows it whispers to my heart
“Here is your freedom. Taste – and come again."

Clonmany River.

Clonmany River Walk.

 

 

January and February 2023, Week Fourteen

 Hello everyone, I hope you're doing well? How has February been treating you so far? I didn't get out for as many walks as I would have liked last week, as I was dealing with a flare up from some of my long term health issues. So, it was a fairly quiet week for me, but I continued to work on my new studies, and I've really been enjoying those.

Sunshine through the rain, through the window.

I am one of those people that actually loves rainy days. I may not be able to get out for long walks, but I love to be able to cozy up with a book and a drink, and watch the rain through the windows. Depending on the time of day, I'll drink tea, or have an adult beverage and a snack, and I'll get lost between the pages of my book, or spend time gazing out of the window and daydreaming. In fact, the title of this Blog, Grey Skies and Happy Sighs, is an homage to the happy hours I've spent in this beautiful country, despite the weather. 

Sunset view from the bottom of the garden.

Sunset view from the garden.

I know that a lot of people don't enjoy the rain. I understand that it can literally put a dampener on your plans for the day. But if you are born and raised in a country that is used to this kind of weather, you don't let it stop you! As Billy Connolly said, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing, so get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little."

Sunshine through the clouds, over Bulaba/Bulbin.

Sunshine through the clouds, over Bulaba/Bulbin.

I much prefer this kind of weather to that of some places I've lived. I lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a while, and people were always saying to me that I must love the desert because it barely rains, and coming from England/Ireland, I must appreciate the change?! That would be a hell no. I found the weather so boring there! Hot and dry in the summer, cold and dry in the winter, with approximately 310 days of sunshine each year?? No thank you! There were rarely even any clouds in the sky to look at, and while I appreciate that many people love that, it was not for me. You know that scene in Hocus Pocus where Winnifred opens the shutters and says, "Oh look, another glorious morning! Makes me SICK!" ...? Well that was me, every day, haha. I even bought a tee shirt with that quote on.

Blue skies over Raghtin Mor.

Where I live, so close to the coast and the very northernmost tip of Ireland, you can experience practically every season and type of weather in one day. So what if it's raining now? In ten minutes the sun will be shining and you can head out and look for rainbows! I absolutely love how changeable the weather is here, it provides variety, and I find it endlessly inspiring. When I'm out walking, I can take a photo of a bright blue sky, then turn 90° and take a photo of a threatening dark cloud. The resulting images look like completely different days, and I am absolutely fascinated by the play of light across the landscape.

A glimpse of the sea on a beautiful day.

Yellow Gorse, Blue Sky.

I find the changeability very healing too. There is something about the mercurial weather moods that appeals to me. As someone who has struggled with depression for most of my life, and who has gone through some traumatic times, the simple proof that the sun will always follow a grey sky, brings me hope.

Clonmany River.

I did get out for a decent walk last Sunday, and the weather could not have been more perfect. Spring is definitely on it's way! The birds were all singing their little hearts out, I could see the leaves of daffodils breaking through the soil, and the very air felt warm and exultant. I found myself walking along, smiling away to myself, daydreaming and planning my future. I am so grateful to be here, in my happy place, and able to experience the seasons change in so beautiful a way.

The edge of the village, looking West.

January 2023, Week Thirteen

 Hello my lovelies, how are you all doing today? It's the last day of January, and I know for most people this month usually drags, but for me it seems to have flown by. Despite my surgery and recovery time, I feel like I have gotten a lot done, and that's a good thing. I'm the type of person that focuses on the negative when it comes to myself and things I haven't accomplished, but I have been working on that. I have multiple health issues which can be pretty debilitating at times, so I have to do what I can on good days, and give myself some slack on the bad days. I am very fortunate to be able to work from home and focus on my creativity right now, and I'm excited to be moving forwards in my latest project. I am getting into Voiceover work, and so far am really enjoying the challenge of combining my creative talents with learning new skills. 

Low Tide at Tullagh Bay.

 

Binion Hill at Tullagh Bay.

Last week I had a few days to myself, where I focused on my Voiceover lessons and coaching, and then Gareth arrived early Thursday morning, so we got to spend a few days together, which was wonderful.
Thursday we went for a drive to Tullagh so I could show him the beautiful shore that I discovered for myself recently. It wasn't as clear a day as when I was there previously, but still dry, and we went for a long walk around the shore and back again, and explored some rock pools. Afterwards we went to McFeeley's Bar in Clonmany for a pint, and warmed up by the open fire. McFeeley's is my favourite pub in the village, so I've been going there quite often lately. It has everything I need, great beer, an open fire, live music, and friendly locals! 

Binion Hill across Tullagh Bay.

Rock Pools at Tullagh Bay.

On Friday, Gareth and I drove to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. I love that place, and have been a few times, but sadly, because it is such a popular tourist destination these days, it can get very crowded, especially in the summer. The first time I went, some time in the 1980's, was a magical experience, but the last time I was there, in August 2018, there were so many people you could barely see the rocks, and I felt claustrophobic even out in the open air. So, I wanted Gareth to experience it off-peak season, and we braved the cold to go visit it in January. 

Bay of the Cow, Giant's Causeway.

If you are a National Trust member, as we are, then you get free parking, and a free guided tour of the Causeway, which lasts about 45 minutes. I'm not usually into guided tours, as I prefer to explore on my own, but this was actually really enjoyable! Our guide, Johnny, was a wealth of information on the local area, and could tell you all about the Causeway from both a geological and mythological aspect, complete with the odd "Dad Joke" thrown in for good measure. So, we enjoyed the tour, and then did some exploring on our own, and while there were some other visitors that also braved the cold that day, it was mostly quiet, and much more enjoyable than the last time I was there. 

The Giant's Causeway.

Us. And the Giant's Causeway.

Afterwards, we went to get lunch at the nearby Smugglers Inn hotel and restaurant. Both the food and the pints were fantastic, and we warmed up nicely in the snug traditional bar area. From there we drove back to Donegal along the Causeway Coastal Route, and stopped off at a scenic overlook to take in the view of Dunluce Castle and the stunning cliffs nearby. I have been to Dunluce before and would love to go again, but sadly we did not have time. It just means we'll have to go another day! There really is so much to see and do here, and beauty and history everywhere you turn. 

Drinks at The Smugglers Inn.

Dunluce Castle, from Magheracross Viewpoint.

The Wishing Arch and Cliffs, from Magheracross Viewpoint.

Saturday, Gareth helped me to build and set up a small recording studio, so I will be able to do more work from home, which is exciting! I still have a lot to learn, but I'm enjoying it, so there is so much to look forward to. Sadly, Gareth had to leave again on Sunday morning, but to cheer myself up I went out to McFeeley's later in the evening to see a local band called Tullagh Folk. They were absolutely incredible, and I ended up staying late to listen, and chat with new friends. Once again, I have to comment on how friendly everyone is here, and how welcome I've been made to feel. This is my happy place!