I got home from the pub With clays dinner and mine They were starving And ate the whole burger Without encouragement Doesn’t always happen They finished and asked Where’s my brownie bowl They forgot the brownie bowl This is crushing As she eats her meal Only for dessert I will go back I said “U r 2 kind” was her reply Followed by “When r u going to go” And so I did Across the street in this magical village To the local pub Where the waitress apologized And had the ice cream brownie In five minutes On the way out I saw a stunning woman In a beautiful flowered white jacket We walked past each other I said I love ur coat She said thank u Rosie Being recognized here Always surprises me We chatted a bit Her name is Maeve Spelled the Irish way Something like xmcd Its a hard language to learn Looks like gibberish But its not Its the original language Of this beautiful nation Gaelic or simply Irish Only 20 percent speak it fluently I hear it in pubs often Its melodic and guttural And so ancient There is something extraordinary To listening to a group of friends Chatting each other up and laughing As the rest of us watch in awe So Maeve told me about her jacket Worried about the cost How she wanted it but couldn’t And weeks later got it In county Kerry As it had sold out the small sizes While she waited She walked me outside And showed me the store Where there was one left That would fit me Tomorrow I will go and try it on She told me she was a retired journalist And saw me on Irish tv She offered to take me for a walk Or a cup of tea I took down her number And wrote her when I got home The gentle kindness I have found Fills me with nostalgic joy Its how I remember Long Island Pre 73 - a space where people Looked out for each other Reached out - cared I feel like I have come home To a place I once was A familiar feeling Being a part of something real We have moved away from that as a nation As we were numbed by media and materialism By fame and fortune By lies told over and over again Til some believed them as true And we lost our way Criminals should not be president Yet we have one now Who is the opposite of every man Who ever held the office A moraless man Who craves cruelty A convicted felon Adjudicated rapist A liar A creep And half the voters said yes Unbelievable to me A symptom of disease The lack of gods grace I am going to church next Sunday With my child clay To see how it feels I have made room in my heart To allow miracles To embrace the teachings To slow my brain down To sit and pray And I assume it will remind me Of life before my mom left When Sunday was about church Community caring commitment I will go and see Feel all the feels Ask for help My quiet constant prayer To be still So calm my soul To be present in the moment Not dissociating It is my dream My wish To be here now Always and forever
This is so beautiful. I would give anything to move. I’m a northern girl stuck in red hat land in the south. I’m afraid to go outside. Guns and hate are everywhere here. My mama heart hurts. I shake with fear every time my son leaves home. He’s 20. I wanted a better place for him. He lives in fear for his gay friends, his trans friends, and his immigrant friends. I fear he will die trying to protect them. How did we get here? I’m glad you and Clay are safe, happy, and enjoying your new home. ☘️
Same, Same, Same. Northern girl here stuck in red hat land in the south. My heart hurts too. It's good to read Rosie breathing deep again and finding what we all have lost here. May I see it again in my lifetime. But I'm 65 and wonder. Still trying to find the beauty, but with tears in my eyes.
I totally share your sentiments. I am still in shock that he is president and in shock that there are still so many people who support him,
I will never understand it. I hope your son and his friends will be safe. I too wish that I could move to Ireland if my children and grandchildren would go or if I had the funds to fly back-and-forth whenever I wanted to I would be there in a heartbeat. Sometimes I sit and just wonder why The USA is filled with so many hate filled people, what do they get out of living their daily lives filled with hate instead of love, how does that benefit them? The next 3 1/2 years to me are very scary, what is most unsettling is the unknownand knowing with him in power horrible unthinkable things could happen. He has already done so much to destroy this country in the short time he's been in office. He has hurt so many people, but they still love him… What?!?!🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Beautiful Rosie. We are the diaspora. We did lose our generation connections when they left “emigrated” starving to America. We stand on their shoulders, my great grandmothers Cecilia King Devine from Ballyconneally, Clifden and Annie Holland of Kinsale. 15 years old on a boat alone across the ocean. That has hunger. I stand in their shoulders. God bless your faith and your journey and most of all, your kindness. It’s the kindness that the thugs have really stolen from America, isn’t it? Peace be with you, my favorite part of mass. Sybil from Boston, then LA, presently in Italy. I admire your courage.
Can’t figure out how to post a pic! Working on it!!! After years of being a Photographer I have so many prints and negatives I would like to hopefully find a charity or something to donate some so that perhaps my work would brighten someone’s day or help people so that I can say my work could be used to do good in this world!!! If I could make someone happy for 5 minutes even my career could make a difference as I began as a photographer at KUMC (a hospital) and I was a biomedical photographer who worked as a professional photographer as well.
The first part of your post reads like a beautiful Hallmark movie!! I can envision the pub, the walks, the lovely people you meet, the scenery and the way your heart is oozing out in your words.
I’m glad you are in the centre of things. Days go without me seeing other people. Except husband and daughter. I can’t drive anymore so I’m stuck. It doesn’t matter much of course because I’m an artist. People need people this is a fact. Some people still practice kindness like our mum did and our ancestors. I get and got more snears and untrusting looks from people here sadly. People don’t trust anymore. The small things are the best things. No one has tea anymore. How I loved staging such things but no one ever seems to come to anyone’s house anymore. I don’t drink anymore so my mad days are presently residing next to my tube of Vaniqua and easy to chew food. Hey tho find the eccentrics they are extra super terrific here 😉😍mornin from Galway
I love everything about this message. I live in Canada, on a smallish island on the east coast. Many say it reminds them of Scotland and Ireland…green and lush, with very friendly people. The influence of the United States & its current administration has seeped into our Canadian politics and it makes me incredibly sad. Today is a day where we vote for our new Prime Minister and I have never been more scared for our country. I hope that our nation makes the right choice. At 70, I worry about the world that will be left for my now almost 8 & 6 year old granddaughters, who fought their way into this world and survived births that most don’t. I worry every darn day. I have said out loud, ‘if this election does not go the way we hope, can we move?’ We cannot, but it is wishful thinking. We stay & persevere. Your posts make me happy that there is a place of peaceful acceptance in our world and that you & your loved ones have found it❤️
What a lovely feeling! You are lucky you escaped when you did. I was upset that a few rules you are asked to do and Trump wore a blue suit which is a no no. How embarrassing that he went to the Vatican and spread more lies about the USA which feels like the United States of ASSHOLES. In college I took so many extra poly sci as the world was changing so much. The Berlin Wall was coming down and I had to to Berlin to experience everything as it was happening. Those stories of families who had been ripped apart and they could shop in West Berlin. They ran out of bananas as East Germans didn’t have access to fresh fruits and veggies. Lines were blocks long waiting to get into Aldi which was the main grocery chain in Germany I believe. You are now experiencing new things as is Clay. It warms my heart to hear your stories. You can take the rail or Underground all over the place. I used to be so good at getting around London, Scotland but I never made it to Ireland. I have British, Scottish and Irish blood on my father’s side and Italian on my mother’s side. You and Clay should look at the Tube map and close your eyes and just pick a place to go! That is so much fun!!! I brought records (vinyl) 12”s and remixes. My friend refused to go to Tower records with me as I could spend hours looking at Video tapes of Duran Duran and other groups. I then went home and purchased a VCR so that I could play them. I believe it was a PAL player. I still have it today and the stuff was purchased in 1985-1990’s. Amazingly it still works today. I have so much music it fills the area where my house is wired for the theater and speakers in all different levels.
I am happy to hear such lovely posts and I am very happy that things are working out for you!!!! If I wasn’t terminally ill I would be traveling all over Europe experiencing more of what distant family members all over Europe!!! I bet you would be amazing to travel with. Seeing such a bright happy child too!!!!!!
Wow, that was touching to read. I can relate not moving to another country but how things have changed. I don’t know if it’s me or what it is. I believe people were kinder to each other in the past and helped each other out. It might be my demographics. I’m not sure. I moved states about 2 years ago. I’m having a hard time in my work environment. I’m learning to accept people for who they are. I’m in therapy. I hate our President and all he stands for. All his nonsense . He fills me with hate and rage. I’m not sure if all this negativity from him is flowing down to everyday working people. I have noticed a change in people. A not nice one. I’m having a hard time with it. I don’t understand the meanness , cruelty and jealousy. I love reading your writings, Rosie. You inspire me to be a better more intelligent person. Thank you.
This is so beautiful. I would give anything to move. I’m a northern girl stuck in red hat land in the south. I’m afraid to go outside. Guns and hate are everywhere here. My mama heart hurts. I shake with fear every time my son leaves home. He’s 20. I wanted a better place for him. He lives in fear for his gay friends, his trans friends, and his immigrant friends. I fear he will die trying to protect them. How did we get here? I’m glad you and Clay are safe, happy, and enjoying your new home. ☘️
Same, Same, Same. Northern girl here stuck in red hat land in the south. My heart hurts too. It's good to read Rosie breathing deep again and finding what we all have lost here. May I see it again in my lifetime. But I'm 65 and wonder. Still trying to find the beauty, but with tears in my eyes.
Same.
I totally share your sentiments. I am still in shock that he is president and in shock that there are still so many people who support him,
I will never understand it. I hope your son and his friends will be safe. I too wish that I could move to Ireland if my children and grandchildren would go or if I had the funds to fly back-and-forth whenever I wanted to I would be there in a heartbeat. Sometimes I sit and just wonder why The USA is filled with so many hate filled people, what do they get out of living their daily lives filled with hate instead of love, how does that benefit them? The next 3 1/2 years to me are very scary, what is most unsettling is the unknownand knowing with him in power horrible unthinkable things could happen. He has already done so much to destroy this country in the short time he's been in office. He has hurt so many people, but they still love him… What?!?!🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
It will never make sense. I have had to walk away from family, lifelong friends, and acquaintances because of their obsession with him.
Dear Rosie, I am so happy to hear about the church thing. I do hope it works out for you . My wish for you is, peace be with you.
Ro what is apparent is that Ireland 🇮🇪 loves you back!!!❤️
Beautiful Rosie. We are the diaspora. We did lose our generation connections when they left “emigrated” starving to America. We stand on their shoulders, my great grandmothers Cecilia King Devine from Ballyconneally, Clifden and Annie Holland of Kinsale. 15 years old on a boat alone across the ocean. That has hunger. I stand in their shoulders. God bless your faith and your journey and most of all, your kindness. It’s the kindness that the thugs have really stolen from America, isn’t it? Peace be with you, my favorite part of mass. Sybil from Boston, then LA, presently in Italy. I admire your courage.
thank u sybil - beautiful
Sybil, I too the granddaughter of greats from the Dingle Peninsula on my Kane side and Limerick, Cork and Clare on my maternal.
I absolutely agree with you and feel them with me every day.
I try to get over yearly, it calls me.
Take good care.💜☘️
Get involved - Dia Duit (Said - Gee ah ditch) is the Irish for hello! I will teach you a new word now and again if you want!
😺
Can’t figure out how to post a pic! Working on it!!! After years of being a Photographer I have so many prints and negatives I would like to hopefully find a charity or something to donate some so that perhaps my work would brighten someone’s day or help people so that I can say my work could be used to do good in this world!!! If I could make someone happy for 5 minutes even my career could make a difference as I began as a photographer at KUMC (a hospital) and I was a biomedical photographer who worked as a professional photographer as well.
love to see ur work
The first part of your post reads like a beautiful Hallmark movie!! I can envision the pub, the walks, the lovely people you meet, the scenery and the way your heart is oozing out in your words.
Leaving here was the best thing you could have done for you and Clay. It gets worse and worse every day. I'm happy you are finding happiness 🥰
I’m glad you are in the centre of things. Days go without me seeing other people. Except husband and daughter. I can’t drive anymore so I’m stuck. It doesn’t matter much of course because I’m an artist. People need people this is a fact. Some people still practice kindness like our mum did and our ancestors. I get and got more snears and untrusting looks from people here sadly. People don’t trust anymore. The small things are the best things. No one has tea anymore. How I loved staging such things but no one ever seems to come to anyone’s house anymore. I don’t drink anymore so my mad days are presently residing next to my tube of Vaniqua and easy to chew food. Hey tho find the eccentrics they are extra super terrific here 😉😍mornin from Galway
So happy that you both are loving being here!
Rosie,your writing and the style you write is poignant and joyous to my soul. Thank you 🙏
Rosie-it feels like each year you have become more brave.
Relocating to CA then Ireland. Gutsy! Authentic! Kind! Thank you for bringing us along
For the ride To witness this transformation. You’re inspiring us every day!
I love everything about this message. I live in Canada, on a smallish island on the east coast. Many say it reminds them of Scotland and Ireland…green and lush, with very friendly people. The influence of the United States & its current administration has seeped into our Canadian politics and it makes me incredibly sad. Today is a day where we vote for our new Prime Minister and I have never been more scared for our country. I hope that our nation makes the right choice. At 70, I worry about the world that will be left for my now almost 8 & 6 year old granddaughters, who fought their way into this world and survived births that most don’t. I worry every darn day. I have said out loud, ‘if this election does not go the way we hope, can we move?’ We cannot, but it is wishful thinking. We stay & persevere. Your posts make me happy that there is a place of peaceful acceptance in our world and that you & your loved ones have found it❤️
Go Carney🍁🇨🇦 good luck Canada Today
VOTE!!!
We did alright thankfully (although way to close)! 👍🍁
What a lovely feeling! You are lucky you escaped when you did. I was upset that a few rules you are asked to do and Trump wore a blue suit which is a no no. How embarrassing that he went to the Vatican and spread more lies about the USA which feels like the United States of ASSHOLES. In college I took so many extra poly sci as the world was changing so much. The Berlin Wall was coming down and I had to to Berlin to experience everything as it was happening. Those stories of families who had been ripped apart and they could shop in West Berlin. They ran out of bananas as East Germans didn’t have access to fresh fruits and veggies. Lines were blocks long waiting to get into Aldi which was the main grocery chain in Germany I believe. You are now experiencing new things as is Clay. It warms my heart to hear your stories. You can take the rail or Underground all over the place. I used to be so good at getting around London, Scotland but I never made it to Ireland. I have British, Scottish and Irish blood on my father’s side and Italian on my mother’s side. You and Clay should look at the Tube map and close your eyes and just pick a place to go! That is so much fun!!! I brought records (vinyl) 12”s and remixes. My friend refused to go to Tower records with me as I could spend hours looking at Video tapes of Duran Duran and other groups. I then went home and purchased a VCR so that I could play them. I believe it was a PAL player. I still have it today and the stuff was purchased in 1985-1990’s. Amazingly it still works today. I have so much music it fills the area where my house is wired for the theater and speakers in all different levels.
I am happy to hear such lovely posts and I am very happy that things are working out for you!!!! If I wasn’t terminally ill I would be traveling all over Europe experiencing more of what distant family members all over Europe!!! I bet you would be amazing to travel with. Seeing such a bright happy child too!!!!!!
I am British. But my last name is Irish (O’Shea) i have never visited but one day I will, I am forever curious about my Irish side 🇮🇪❤️
Hi Rosie, it’s lovely to hear how you and Clay are settling here. So happy for you. 🙏🥰
Wow, that was touching to read. I can relate not moving to another country but how things have changed. I don’t know if it’s me or what it is. I believe people were kinder to each other in the past and helped each other out. It might be my demographics. I’m not sure. I moved states about 2 years ago. I’m having a hard time in my work environment. I’m learning to accept people for who they are. I’m in therapy. I hate our President and all he stands for. All his nonsense . He fills me with hate and rage. I’m not sure if all this negativity from him is flowing down to everyday working people. I have noticed a change in people. A not nice one. I’m having a hard time with it. I don’t understand the meanness , cruelty and jealousy. I love reading your writings, Rosie. You inspire me to be a better more intelligent person. Thank you.