Martha Geaney's Blog, page 6

Strength and Courage

Memory…is the diary we all carry around with us.

-Oscar Wilde

Back in New Jersey this week. Happy to hear the wind in the trees. The sound is soft and shuffling. In Florida, the wind in the palm trees sounds like ocean waves gently caressing the beach. There’s an abundance of greenery and woods around my mom’s house where we are visiting with her.

[image error]Back in NJ[image error]Enjoying the trees at Mom’s house

Mom turned 90 in June and because of the virus, we were unable to get to New Jersey to be with her. Sadly, my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease this week. And, so virus or not we flew from Florida to New Jersey.

[image error]Having dinner with Mom

Mom’s beginning to show the first signs in the evening (what doctors call sun downing). We are trying to create a peaceful, calm environment each night after dinner. When it’s time to go to bed, I lay down with her for a while. And, that’s when my mom is the best. We talk about her parents and our lives. My mom is from County Mayo, Ireland, the setting for my County Mayo mystery series. Mom tells me she is afraid. She hears voices. The voices say the names of her family, her siblings (all have passed away). I tell her that she doesn’t have to afraid. I am here. I tell her that the voices will pass in a minute. We’ve decided to call the voices a bubble. And the bubble will burst shortly and she won’t be afraid. So when she starts hearing the voices, I say I think that is the bubble. And we brush the bubble away. We agreed that we are going to try to get into what I call a “grooving groove”. I want to care for my mom. I hope I have the strength and courage to get through this time. That we will be in a grooving groove for a while yet.

I’m sure some of you are caring for a parent or a loved one who is experiencing this disease. I’m scared; not like my mom is scared. I’m afraid I don’t have what it takes to care for her and Bill. But, we are going to try. I’m going to draw on my deep Irish roots. So, tomorrow morning before Bill and my mom get up, I will stand outside for a while and listen to the wind. Then I’ll take a deep breath and go back inside to jump into the grooving groove.

[image error]Photo by Steven Hylands on Pexels.com

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Reek Sunday and The Pilgrim’s Path

Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage Mountain

I’m reposting a blog entry from last year about Croagh Patrick and Reek Sunday. The July pilgrimage climb of Croach Patrick was cancelled this year (2020) due to Covid19. This traditional climb of Ireland’s holy mountain is believed to have begun at least 5000 years ago.

[image error]Croagh Patrick Mountain



My 2019 Post about Croagh Patrick

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 in pagan times to commemorate the beginning of harvest time. On Reek Sunday and the night before, thousands of pilgrims come to the village of Murrisk and begin the climb to the top of Croach 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.

[image error]Murrisk Peninsula



Saint Patrick’s Vigil

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.

[image error]The Path to the Top

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, called Tochar Phadraig, 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!

[image error]Croagh Patrick [image error]Ballintubber Abbey and a Prayerful 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.

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Chasing a Dream

Practice makes perfect…maybe

Have you ever tried to do something new or different? One of my dreams is to win an agility ribbon with Turlough, my Schipperke puppy. Boy, have we practiced. Once a week, we are on the practice agility field. Turlough runs, jumps, weaves, goes through tunnels! He is a beautiful sight to behold.

Where’s my puppy?

But then, we go to an actual trial and Turlough becomes a different puppy. Think of a ping pong ball, bouncing off the walls. We were at a trial yesterday and my little ping pong ball of black fur got a lot of complements for his speed. If only, I could harness it. So, we will continue to practice and to bond with each other. We may never win a ribbon but I will always cherish the time we spend together chasing the dream!

Sleepy puppy today

Today, Turlough is resting and enjoying doing nothing. I’m still dreaming of chasing the dream. I think he’s dreaming of running wild through an agility field as his human mom follows behind.

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I hope you are all well and dreaming of something big to chase after we get through this pandemic. In the meanwhile, keep the love going. Martha

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Third Book in the Star O’Brien Series

I”m working on the third book in the Star O’Brien series. I’m about seventy pages into the first draft and one or two chapters from the first plot twist.

I’ve set many of the scenes in Turlough, County Mayo. Lots of reasons why I decided to do this. One of which has to do with the mystery’s theme (more about this at a later date). Most importantly, Turlough is a place in Mayo that steals your heart and captures your soul. Turlough (meaning dry lake) is also the site of the Turlough Museum of Country Life and one of Ireland’s best preserved round towers.

Turlough’s round tower dates to the 9th century. Irish monks built the towers as a refuge from the Vikings. The tower’s belfry rang out to call the monks in from the fields for prayer. And, sometimes, the bells warned of an impending attack. The tower is surrounded by the Old Turlough Cemetery. Grave sites, including my great grandparents’, dot the landscape that falls away from the tower.

The tower and the cemetery sit on a rise overlooking the fields and Turlough lake which are now part of the Turlough Museum. I’ve stood on that rise many times to contemplate the landscape’s beauty.

I look forward to sharing more with you about the third book in the Star O’Brien series. You might want to sign up for my newsletter. In the meanwhile, here’s a picture of the Turlough round tower.

Turlough Round Tower
Attribution: Zadax man / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Enjoy and keep the love going. And, if you want to read the first two books in the series, follow this link: http://martha-geaney/books

Martha

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Star O’Brien’s Second Book has Landed

When I woke up this morning, I felt like a kid again on Christmas Eve. Why? Because the second book in my Star O’Brien series released today! After a year of writing, editing, and designing, Death at Ashford Castle (Book 2) is available for Star’s fans. Sign up for my newsletter and you receive a map to go along with the book.

I’m excited to share my love of Ireland and County Mayo in my books. Each book is set in real places. Places I love and have visited through the years. The books come with a map so Star’s fans can follow along. The map for Death on Clare Island (Book 1) is available here: https://martha-geaney.com/books/death-on-clare-island-a-star-obrien-mystery/

I couldn’t do this without the family and friends who cheer me on with advice and most importantly love. I am so grateful!

Let’s keep the love going.
Martha

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The Next Star O’Brien Cozy Mystery Set in County Mayo

Tuesday, July 7! Only two more days! Death at Ashford Castle: A Star O’Brien Mystery launches on Amazon Kindle. Sign up for my newsletter and get the map that goes with the book. https://martha-geaney.com/books/death-at-ashford-castle-a-star-obrien-mystery/

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Read the first book in the series, you can order it here. https://martha-geaney.com/books/death-on-clare-island-a-star-obrien-mystery/

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Oh, to be in Castlebar, County Mayo for my Book Launch

Location Book Launch

I planned to host a location book launch for Death at Ashford Castle http://www.martha-geaney.com/books this summer in Castlebar, County Mayo. Because the setting in the Star O’Brien series is real, a location book launch in Ireland matters to me. But as for most, if not all, of us, plans are on hold due to the coronavirus. The Castle Bookshop on Castle Street featured me at the Irish debut of Death on Clare Island last September. And, I’d hoped the Castle Bookshop would do the same again this summer.

[image error]Castle Bookshop, Castle Street, Castlebar



The Castle Bookshop

Before I ever wrote a novel, I spent many happy moments in the Castle Bookshop when I’d be on vacation in Mayo. I discovered one of my favorite mother and daughter writing teams, P.J. Tracy, at the bookshop. P.J. Tracy write the Monkeewrench series. The American mother/daughter team published first in Europe before they became popular here. Like most independent book stores, the owners and assistants are familiar faces who are welcoming and ready to answer questions. Even when there’s been a long lapse of time between visits, they recognize and greet you like they just saw you yesterday.

The bookshop which has been around for thirty years also hosts https://www.mayobooks.ie/mayo-books-about-us. Check it out, if you are looking for Irish non-fiction books specializing in County Mayo.

The Other Reasons for County Mayo Book Launch

Selfishly, I wanted my dose of the beautiful Mayo countryside. I wanted to walk along Barney Road and get my morning dose of the fields, the sheep, the mountains, and the sky. I wanted to go for coffee each morning at my favorite haunt when I’m in Ireland, Cafe Rua. But most importantly, I wanted to see my cousins and friends. Just for a wee bit. For I know I must return to my home here in Florida. But for a short time, I want to be in that heavenly space, called Ireland.

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[image error]Welcome to French Hill[image error]Lough Lannagh, CastlebarBeautiful County Mayo

This is it for this week’s blog post. In the meanwhile, let’s keep everyone in our prayers are we deal with this pandemic. And, always keep the luv going.

Martha

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Star O’Brien Strong Female Sleuth

Star is Feisty and Independent

Star O’Brien is a strong female sleuth. When I set out to write the Star O’Brien mystery series, I had some ideas in my head about what kind of person Star would be. The words “feisty”, “independent”, “inquisitive”, “relentless” came to mind. She’s had some losses in her life which have forged her being with these character traits. She doesn’t take no for an answer nor does she need anyone to tell her what to do or say. She takes the lead in her amateur investigations despite the dangers she faces.

Is there ever a good time to find the lost, the dead, and the missing? This is my mantra–maybe it’s because of my own losses, maybe it’s because this is just who I am, but I have always been for the lost souls.”

Star O’Brien in Death on Clare Island

Star is Funny (sometimes)

I wanted her to have a sense of humor. That’s why I opted for O’Brien as her surname. (You can read about how Achill Island inspired me to choose Star’s first name in an earlier blog post). https://martha-geaney.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=889&action=edit#.

No, it stands for ‘Star O’Brien’. But I’ll admit I like the play on words.”

Star O’Brien in response to a character’s question about Star’s monogrammed initials (S-O-B) on a key chain.

Star is Flawed

Star is feisty and relentless when she faces the world around her. But underneath there is a vulnerability that keeps her from putting her emotions into relationships. She’s had too many losses in her life. She’s not about to allow a male character to swoop in and rescue her. No way! Inside she may be hurting but when she faces the world, she is S-O-B.

Female Sleuths Who Have Influenced Me

I love any mystery novel written by a female about a female sleuth. My all time favorites are Sue Grafton’s ‘Kinsey Milhone’ and Dorothy Sayer’s ‘Harriet Vane’. Recently I’ve fallen in love with Lisa Gardner’s ‘Flora Dane’.

Who are Your Favorites?

Let me know who some of your favorite strong female sleuths are?

In the meanwhile, keep the luv going.

Martha

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Maps in the Star O’Brien Books

I’m posting today about why I provide maps in the Star O’Brien books. It all started with a book by mystery writer Deborah Crombie.

Deborah Crombie’s Maps of London

I am a fan and reader of Deborah Crombie’s mystery series, featuring Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. The first time I came across the series was in my public library in North Haledon, New Jersey. I picked the book from the shelf and read the back cover. When I opened the book, I found a black and white map inside the front and back covers. Wow! I checked the book out of the library and followed along on the map as I read the story. I’ve been a fan of Crombie’s stories ever since for the story and the maps. Set in England, most of Crombie’s books depict London.

[image error]A map from one of Deborah Crombie’s Kincaid/James books.



Cara Black’s Maps of Paris

Cara Black is another mystery writer who uses maps in her series. Set in France, the maps depict locations in Paris.

[image error]A map from a Cara Black book.



Dell’s Mystery Mapbacks

Going further back in history (before my time), Dell published mystery stories with a map on the book’s back cover (Mapbacks).

[image error]A Dell Mapback Mystery



My Map Goals

Having a map to follow along when I’m reading reminds me of teenage years. I loved the Kinks and spent many evenings in my room listening to their music while I read the album cover (again) along with the lyrics to the songs.

The maps in the Star O’Brien books are free to my newsletter subscribers. Set in Ireland, the locations are real. One of the things I enjoy most is to purchase trail and walking maps and book guides to all the wonderfully beautiful and sometimes remotes places in County Mayo (which I have visited). The reader can follow along and imagine the island’s beauty. https://martha-geaney.com/star-obrien/

Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive a map of Clare Island to go along with Death on Clare Island. For the release of Death at Ashford Castle on July 7th there will be a map of the walking trail through Cong Forest for newsletter sign ups.

I’m already working on book three in the series and the ideas for the map are exciting. I can’t wait to share with you when the time comes.

In the meanwhile, keep the luv going.

Martha

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AllAuthor’s Recent Interview with Martha Geaney

[image error]AllAuthor recently interviewed me for their web site.

Here’s a snippet from my recent interview with AllAuthor. If you want to know more about where I find my inspiration, click on the link below.

Author of the Star O’Brien mystery series, Martha Geaney has entered the writing world with her debut novel, Death on Clare Island and is all set to create records with her gritty and beautiful style of writing. Her books are a perfect combination of spine-chilling mystery, excellent writing, and in-depth character development. Martha Geaney has a very sophisticated writing style that can only be experienced by reading her book. Read full interview…

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