The picture of The Brother when we were video calling last week was kinda foggy. I thought it might be the app we were using and suggested another one, (I’m suddenly au fait with half a dozen new technologies). Instead he just hawed out a big breath on his screen and cleaned it with the …
As this crisis continues, we may find ourselves rethinking many aspects of how we live. The needless rushing around, our consumerist society, and whether we’ll ever wear make-up again. On radio last week I heard of one woman who clearly felt the need for fresh supplies of foundation. However, she was shunned from her local …
No matter how much rosy pigment I put in the lens, I can’t look back and say my school days were anything but the worst years of my life. It had nothing to do with the school itself, a place I feel tremendous gratitude towards and where my youngest is now a student. I just …
For some, these bizarre times we are living through, are a reminder of the blitz, its spirit of community rallying and all-in-this-togetherness. For me, it brings back memories of The Big Snow in 1982. I was 11 in January of that year when I woke to see my whole world covered in thick snow. Myself …
I didn't plan to be part of a community flash mob last Friday, but it seems the universe decided to drag me into it. I was at the ATM machine in Stillorgan Shopping Centre, taking out cash for my weekly shopping, when it all kicked off. I'm always a bit on guard at the bank …
Last year for International Women's Day I got invited to a very salubrious gathering of women to celebrate the day. I'm not in the habit of receiving these kinds of invitations, so it both surprised and flattered me. I shot off a 'thank you I'd be delighted to attend' reply before I had time to …
The man child is in 6th year, which is all fun and games until the big test at the end. As a parent you can only do so much. Feed them, love them, give them lifts, rinse and repeat until the whole ordeal is over. Though I thought a little motivational support couldn't hurt. I'm …
Yes, it's still February. I've always said that February is far worse than January. It sells itself as a grand short month, one you'd hardly notice slipping by, but don't be fooled, it's the longest, toughest, bleakest of the lot. When the children were in national school they learnt a song about St. Brigid bringing …
I had to go out to the shed the other day and there it was looking at me. It's been a while, at first I couldn't return its gaze, eventually I took in its back wheel and saddle, its basket and helmet. I have been ignoring my bike for the last few months, but it …
There's something lovely about a new year with even numbers. 2014, 2016, 2018 all had a satisfying appeal to them, but 2020 is out and out OCD heaven. Every time I see it written down, I get a little thrill. The superstitious, astrology consulting, feng shui fiend in me knows it's going to be a …
Ordinary Plenty 