Martha Geaney's Blog, page 10

Reek Sunday and The Pilgrim’s Path

This Sunday, the last Sunday in July, is Reek Sunday
in County Mayo, Ireland. What is that you might ask? I cannot begin to explain
or describe it all. It is a tradition in Ireland that began at least 1500 years
ago. It is a day and the night before of pilgrimage to climb to the top of
Croagh Patrick. The Reek is Croagh Patrick’s nick name and is about 2500 feet
above sea level. It’s also one of twelve mountains (called the Twelve Bens)
that form a mountain range in Connacht.

Now Croagh Patrick is a holy mountain. Patrick, one of
Ireland’s patron saints, is said to have climbed to the top where he fasted and
prayed for forty days and nights. Thousands of people climb the mountain each
year. I’ve heard all kinds of stories of how people do the climb: husbands and
wives join hands and arms to climb it together; some people climb in bare feet
as an act of penance. There’s a chapel at the summit where Mass is celebrated.

I’ve had a few climbs of the mountain myself. I was sixteen years old the first time. A student in boarding school, I was dating a local boy, Michael Rice. I had no idea the import of the Reek Sunday. All I know is that on the Saturday evening, we went to Murrisk where we climbed to the top of the mountain and when we got down, we went into a church in Westport for Mass.

The next time, I climbed was not on Reek Sunday. It
was a beautiful summer day. It was just an opportunity to go for a hike. One of
my cousins came with me. I will never forget the view of Clew Bay. The West of
Ireland in all its beauty. Its sacredness.

Then when I was much older, one summer I took part in
the Pilgrim’s Path. This does not occur on Reek Sunday. It about a 26-mile walk
from Balintubber Abbey along the path that Saint Patrick took to the top of the
mountain. We walked on roads and through fields. We stopped at a holy well. The
priest who led the walk said Mass in a cemetery just as the priest’s did during
Cromwell’s times. And, finally we came to the backside, south side, foot of
Croagh Patrick. There was no path. No guide. Just sheer determination to climb
and reach the summit. And I did it! But how you might ask. With a set
intention!

At the beginning of the walk, we each received a walking stick (staff) to use along the way. Our priest guide also suggested that each of us go into the church at Balintubber Abbey, light a candle, and make an intention to guide us through the day. At that time, my father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. So, I went into that church and lit a candle to the Sacred Heart that I could do this walk for my father. I kept that candle’s light in my heart and soul that entire day.

When we finally reached the summit, we still had to make
our way down the mountain on the well-trodden, dry, slippery stone path that is
normally taken by pilgrims.

I arrived home that evening at our family cottage in
French Hill. My Uncle Willie and Aunt Celia Hughes came by to see how I was and
if I’d done it. I was so happy to see them.

That day, for me, was a pilgrimage to a sacred summit. I still have the walking stick. I have wonderful memories of my Aunt and Uncle. They and my father have gone on to another spiritual place. But their love, their guidance, their faith, their light remains.

So…. let us not despair when all seems awry in this world or in our personal lives. There are sacred places and people in this world. We each have our mountain to climb. But light your candle and set your intention. There’s good energy around us. Seek it out. Throw your arms around it. Bring others into it. And, get to the summit.

Keep the love going, Martha

A Cozy Week in Ireland

It’s been another busy week. I put a great deal of time into editing Death at Ashford Castle. A fellow author and good friend, Nick Johns, (you can check out his work on Amazon) reviewed the first draft two months ago. I’m going through the entire manuscript with his feedback in hand. I was happy to read that he didn’t “cop on” to the murderer until the reveal. (Note: “cop on” is an Irish slang phrase typically meaning “common sense”).

Best of all this week, I finally made flight and car
rental arrangements to go to Ireland in September. I’m so excited!

Bill is coming with me. The airport and flight will be
a challenge but we will work through it. Once we get to Ireland, we’ll have
plenty of loving and caring moral support from family.

Speaking of family, I can’t wait to see my cousins and
good friend. And, to go for one of my morning walks along Barney Road in French
Hill. To go to Café Rua on Spencer Street for a morning cup of coffee while
reading the Irish Times.

I’d also like to hold a book signing event for Death
on Clare Island while we’re there. No promises yet. All I can say is I’m
working on it. I’ll keep you posted.

That’s it for this week. Stay in touch and if you
enjoyed my book, please tell your friends. If you have time, please leave a
review on Amazon. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your
feedback.

Keep the love going, Martha

[image error]Clare Island LIghthouse[image error]Ireland’s Beauty[image error]Cafe Rua

Time for an Update

I know. I haven’t posted in over a week. I haven’t
answered emails either. Sorry. I’ve even ignored my TBR. But I’ve been busy.

Followers of my blog know that my love is dealing with
what I call “brain blindness”. The medical name is right homonymous hemianopsia.
He has it on both sides of his brain. It’s extremely difficult even for me who’s
around him all the time to imagine what it is he can and cannot see. And this
life event impacts your cognitive abilities.

Two weeks ago, the neurologist wrote a prescription
for physical therapy. And so, two days a week, we are there working on building
awareness and scanning techniques. At home, I work with him to take longer
strides while swinging his arms. This practice will build his confidence and overcome
fear of falling.

The doctor also recommended more vitamin D and folate
in his diet. So, I’ve been doing lots of research on the Mediterranean diet and
looking for simple recipes to make. Initially, this has taken up lots of time. And
I’ve had to convince Bill that he loves dishes like broccoli slaw and arugula
salad.

But I am also working on the second book in the Star O’Brien
series. I love that readers of Death on Clare Island have contacted me
about when the second book will be available. All I can say is: I’m working on
it. These days I’m going through edits that a fellow author provided. I expect
there will be several more rounds of editing between now and the end of August.

So, that’s what I’ve been up to recently. If you’re like me you too are caring for someone you love. My only advice is to take time to do what feeds your soul, if only for a few minutes each day. For me, it’s bringing my Star O’Brien series to life.

Stay in touch and if you enjoyed my book, please tell
your friends. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your feedback.

Love, Martha

Clare Island Map

I’ve got this thing about maps. I don’t know where it
started. Maybe it began when I attended boarding school at St. Joseph’s Convent
of Mercy in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. Geography was part of the
curriculum. We spent a lot of time on topography, learning how to read contour
lines, elevations, and sea level. On an exam, you’d have to find items and interpret
a topological map.

Maps or charts as they are called in aviation, were an important part of obtaining my private pilot’s license. Before a trip, a pilot uses a compass to plot a course on an up to date chart. The chart has all kinds of information such as landmarks to look for from the sky, elevations, radio frequencies, power lines, etc. This was an exciting part of flying-getting out the chart, the pencil, and the compass to plot the course.

Whenever I go somewhere new, I look for a map. Walking
maps, hiking maps, any guide that tells me more about the area, gives me the
lay of the land. I love to explore and try out hikes and walks that put me into
nature, especially in Ireland.

So, I’m happy to share with readers who sign up for my
newsletter a map of Clare Island. The island in Death on Clare Island is
real. Now you can use the map to follow along with Star as she solves the
mysteries of her life.

I hope you enjoy the book and the walk through Clare Island.

We Are Back

Bill, Turlough, and I returned from our eleven-day
trek to New Jersey last week. It’s been about a year and a half since we sold
our home in NJ and moved to Florida. I was hesitant to take the trip because we
were bringing our fifteen-month puppy Turlough with us. And, as I’ve posted
about before, Bill is no longer able to drive. Most of all, I didn’t think I’d
be able to handle my emotions; I miss NJ so much. But in the end, I rented a
mini-van, we packed up, and set out.

And, I’m glad we did. The first stop on the trip was a
few days stay with my Mom in South Jersey. From there, we drove north to our
old neighborhood and visited with friends. I got to sit in on the Mahwah
writing collective group meeting and visit my former town library. We even
stopped at our former vet’s office to show off our Schipperke.

We spent a wonderful day in Blairstown, NJ. We had
lunch at the Blairstown Airport Runway Café. Bill and I used to fly our Cessna
172 there for years. We met up with Christine Beegle and Wickliffe Kishpaugh
Mott. These two folks lead the Blairstown NJ Historic Preservation Committee.
They helped us transition many of Bill’s family artifacts to Blairstown when we
moved.

From there we went to Kutztown Pennsylvania. I had coffee
and a happy visit with three people that I cherish: Leslie, Stacey, and
Danielle.

Then it was on to the Colonial Schipperke Club picnic
in Arlington, Virginia. There might have been thirty Schipperkes there. Turlough
had a great time. How do I know? Like any kid who overindulged a party, he
threw up his carrot in the car later that day.

Finally, it was back home here to Florida. I’m grateful to be home and that we were fortunate enough to take this trip.

Now, it’s back to work making edits to Death at Ashford Castle.

[image error]Pleasant surprise at my Mom’s one morning. [image error]The 1850’s grandfather clock that was a wedding present to Bill’s great, great grandmother. [image error]Colonial Schipperke Club Picnic

Virtual Book Tour (VBT)– Day 5

Week two of the VBT for Death on Clare Island kicked off this morning. Sheila’s Guests and Reviews (sheiladeeth.blogspot.com) features one of my blog posts. I love that Sheila posted a picture of my puppy, (about fourteen months old now), named Turlough. Turlough is an Irish name (usually chosen for boys) that means “to be supportive”. I have a noble intention for Turlough—to be a therapy dog at several of our local nursing homes. He’s currently training to meet the requirements for the therapy dog designation.

Turlough is also a place in County Mayo, Ireland. Many of
my ancestors originated in Turlough village. In fact, my mother was born there.
The village is an adorable and historic setting, not far from Castlebar and
just off the N5 on the road to Dublin. Book 3 in my Star O’Brien series will feature
Turlough village.

For now, I hope you enjoy my book tour. Follow along here
at my web site or on Facebook: @marthageaneyauthor. And thank you Sheila!

Virtual Book Tour – Day 4

I’m grateful to blogger, Margaret Tidwell, for her review
of Death on Clare Island. Margaret’s
web site (www.theworldasiseeitbloganddesigns.com)
chronicles her life with multiple sclerosis. When you have a few minutes, check
out her story.

This is it for week 1. Thank goodness. I’ve had enough of
me for a few days. The tour starts up again next week.

Virtual Book Tour (VBT) – Day 3

Here I am at day 3 and the surprises keep coming. First there was Switzerland. When I checked my web pages this morning, there was Brazil and the United Kingdom. I didn’t know what to expect when I agreed to the book tour other than it’s a great way to share our love of stories. And, of course, the people (characters) we come to love in those stories.

And many thanks to Tracey (@tfaulc) for featuring my book yesterday. She loves, among other things, books, lattes, and Disney. You might want to visit her Instagram page.

Virtual Book Tour (VBT) – Day 2

I devoted most of Day 1 to Bill for doctor
appointments. Family and friends know that my love suffered a stroke two years
ago. In the vision center of his brain. This morning was the first free time I
had to look at the results of the tour launch. And…

Switzerland? Yes, someone in Switzerland took a look
at my web site yesterday. Day 1 of the VBT and Star’s reach went far and wide.
Thanks to Dorothy Thompson, who organized the tour. The launch page looks
beautiful: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2019/04/16/%F0%9F%9A-pump-up-your-book-presents-death-on-clare-street-virtual-book-publicity-tour-vbt/.

Day 2: my book will be featured on Tracey’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/tfaulc/. Since I don’t have an Instagram account, I’m relying on friends with accounts to let me know how it goes.

Virtual Book Tour (VBT) – Day 1

Awoke early this morning—around 4 a.m. Felt a little like Christmas; a little like the night before the final exam. When I clicked on the link…there it was. Me, Star, and Death on Clare Island. Laid bare for all to see. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks. Day 1: https://puybvirtualbookclub2.blogspot...