On day tripping on the Emerald Isle.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl’s been having mostly calm days, which is awesome. She needs her heart rate medication less during the day and that is a sure sign of healing! She’s been restless at night lately, but we think that’s because we’re weaning her off of Keppra (Levetiracetam). Weaning her off this medication should make Maddie more aware and then we can better assess how her recovery is progressing.

Ireland

On Saturday, I went on a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Lehinch Beach, The Burren, and Poulnabrone Dolmen. I bought my ticket through Student Life at the University of Limerick and had a wonderful time. Our bus driver was Brendan McCarthy, the only national tour guide and bus driver, as he kept reminding us. He was personable, energetic, knowledgeable, and just full of love for Ireland and his job. He started the day by saying a prayer for all the Americans and anyone else affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks, which was really sweet and thoughtful.

The Great Irish Hunger

The day began on an emotional note. Brendan seemed especially touched and emotional when talking about The Great Irish Hunger. Our first stop was unplanned, but we started at a memorial for Michael Rice of Lahinch. He was a four-year-old orphan struggling during the Great Famine and the memorial is for him and “all those who died in The Great Hunger.” Brendan spoke about how devastating the famine was and how 2 million Irish died, 2 million Irish fled to America, and 2 million Irish remained.

The Great Hunger MemorialThe Cliffs of Moher

Then we were off to the Cliffs of Moher. I don’t know how much I can say: the pictures speak for themselves.

Pictures I took at the Cliffs of Moher.Lehinch Beach

It was supposed to rain, but the sun started shining as we were leaving the Cliffs of Moher and headed to Lehinch Beach.

I didn’t think I’d see a proper beach in Ireland, but I was wrong. It was gorgeous and families ate fish and chips perched on the rocks and followed up with ice cream. I even think I got sunburned.The Burren

I loved The Burren. Again, I don’t know if words will do it justice, so please, enjoy the pictures.

I got as close to the edge as I could without freaking out. Other visitors were much braver than me. Pictures of The BurrenPoulnabrone dolmen

Our last stop of the day was Poulnabrone Dolmen. It dates from the Neolithic period and is a veritable goldmine in trying to understand the culture of ancient Irish inhabitants.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

I was exhausted by the end of the trip, but I learned so much. That was in large part because of Brendan, the amiable and informative tour guide, and through conversations I’d had with Katie and Alison. It inspired me to learn more about Irish history and I’d love to be able to teach a course about Irish history through its beloved authors.

Writing

And I’m so inspired to write! My first week of classes was a major success and today, I had a total epiphany about my work-in-progress! I’m going to try writing in first-person for the first time ever and have that workshopped. It might be a great way to develop and strengthen my voice and find a way into the story.

And Moody Blue has a new editor as my publisher has completely restructured its workforce. I haven’t heard from my editor yet, but I did reach out to her. We’ll see what happens.

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