On the road

Halloooo there friends!! Greetings from the lovely town of Ennis in beautiful County Clare. In recent days my traveling companions and I have driven a horse drawn cart on a rich estate in Killarney, followed by a lovely boat tour of Lake Muckross, toured manicured gardens in Killarney and Bantry both. We have had tea and scones and sampled many pints. Some in honor of our loved ones back home. We’ve chatted up the local boys in local pubs, getting a sense of the bar fly culture here. It’s been whirlwind and windswept. I am missing a proper computer keyboard which might actually be able to keep time with the varied directions my mind is going just now, on fire with ideas, impressions, thoughts, considerations, plans. I’m doing my best to write them all down in my notebook and merely be as present as possible on this part of my journey.

There have been some truly memorable moments to share here, outside of the remarkable, sketchable scenery.

As many of you know I play a bit of Irish music which has deepened my love and interest in this country. Indeed it is the music which brought the opportunity to offer my workshop last week with renowned flute player Conal Ó Gráda. Follow your bliss. It really does lead the way.

The other night we arrived into Dingle to stay a couple of nights. I wanted to show my friends the Slea Head drive with all the majestic beauty there. But i was jonesing for a tune. So once we were settled, I wandered down to Nelligans pub where I’ve played an open session before to see if there might be some music to be had.

Not only was there music there that evening, but it was ladies night and there was a mad host of accordion playing, badass women musicians who were just off the charts awesome. I was so happy. The icing on the cake was meeting a fellow Cincinnatian, a bodhran player, with whom I’ve shared many a session at home. We were both gobsmacked to see one another and thrilled to have local support when it came time to start a set. It was three hours of pure magic.

When not obsessing over Irish music, I’m enjoying the scenery which feels at once overwhelming and familiar. I simply cannot convey how at home I feel here in Ireland. This concept used to scare me a bit. But now I know it’s just a sign of what to follow. Follow the music. Follow the path of quick wit and raucous laughter, the path of fresh air and a rebellious spirit in politics and art making.

I’m gathering bits and pieces along the way which I hope will serve me later. The workshop continues to distill. I’ve been reviewing some video footage Conal took of our participants talking about the time they had and many of them brought me to tears and are helping me to think about what I do in a way I can communicate better, so as to share the work with the world. I want the work to reach the world. I believe in it. And I also want to run and hide. But there is nothing gained by hiding. And so I carry on best I can. With the best help from the dearest friends.

An album cover maybe? 🤣

Today we visited the Burren for a quick visit, with more tomorrow. Again I find myself writing here on this phone (apologies for any grammar or spelling mistakes) and near falling to sleep. And so I’ll close for now. I’ll leave you with a few more photos and sketches.

In which Steve has a pint for himself and one for my Tony as well. It’s a deal they struck.

Saw this photo in a restaurant. The scene reminds me of Antigua Guatemala.

I hit the charity shop and found a sweater as a new layer. The weather is beginning to chill a bit.

Documenting ever changing skies

Work in progress by painter Carol Cronin in Dingle. I was fascinated by her work space

Gnight all.


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