Waiting to board the ferry to Inis Mór last weekend, I laid down a few ground rules for myself. I was travelling to take part in a 3-day yoga and voice retreat. Having booked it back in June I was giddy with excitement setting off on my long-awaited break. I swore that I wouldn’t waste …
Last April, I watched in awe as 7 baby cygnets appeared on the main lake in UCD. Their proud parents, who’ve reared many broods here before, knew the drill. Like Royals emerging from a maternity hospital for the paparazzi, the pen and cob (mum and dad) launched their 7 tiny pompomesque babies onto the lake …
Since marrying into Mr B’s clan 23 years ago, I have assimilated many of their habits. There was a time when I was shocked by their talking over one another at dinner. I came from a ‘whist for the farm news’ kind of kitchen table, but now, I’m able to cross chat, glaze over and …
If looking for silver linings appeals to you these days, I’d urge you to take a Sunday ramble around Dublin city, and in particular the old Georgian quarter. That’s what Mr B, the schoolgirl, Monty and myself did last weekend. Sunday mornings were once the sweet spot to visit town before the shops opened, now …
Just like that 90s floor filler by Chumbawamba, we’ve all got knocked down, but now it’s time to get back up again. We are about to re-enter society, and for many that will be very challenging. We’ve come to enjoy the peace of our own caves, don’t miss a lot of the nonsense, and still …
Not keen to leave things to chance (or to anyone else either), I like to make plans and ensure I give myself a happy birthday. It can be a lot of pressure on friends and loved ones to see that you have a great day, so instead of waiting to see what they have planned …
The Manchild has only gone and got himself a job! Hallelujah, Allah be praised, my work is done. He’s landed himself the role of Deli Assistant in our local Supervalu, white coat, apron, hat, badge and all. I couldn’t be prouder, I’m a great believer in good, honest, hard work. He came home after his …
The tighter the restrictions are around my feet, the further my soul yearns to travel. There was a time when I’d settle for a day out in Howth, or Bray, but I’m gone way beyond that now, I need to hug the entire Irish coastline. Mr B’s tribe were great for caravans, not in the …
For something that proports to be all about calm, I’ve always found yoga quite stressful. I’m uncomfortable even in the most basic sit position, maintaining a straight back is hard if you’re normally a sloucher. My legs have the flexibility of timber and there just seems to be too much of me to attempt folding …
I realise now that I’ve been telling myself many lies over the years. The chief being that if only I could clear my life of some commitments, I would sit down and dedicate myself to writing. This notion has grown legs over the years, I often visualise myself feverishly stooped over a keyboard, as my …
Ordinary Plenty 