An Invitation

Hello and happy St. Brigid’s Day to one and all!  Just a quick dip into the blog here to share sketches from the past few years delving into the more magical corners of Ireland on my travels.  You may be a new visitor here, if so, welcome!  I do most of my writing over on the Patreon page which has a small fee for access. (You get all the latest news and behind the scenes, process oriented stuff!  And an occasional thank you gift as well.)  But here on this long running blog, all of my old writing work is on hand for your perusal and you can get a lot of information here (hint, there is a search bar somewhere down toward the bottom of the page.)

“What do you do?” I am often asked with regard to my work.  Well, on the surface, I teach people a bit of drawing and watercolor skills in a handy little book as a way of engaging in the travel experience more fully.  This might be enough, as it were.  But it’s really so much more.

In the years I have been sharing this process of documenting our impressions of traveling the world, both far afield and in our day to day, I have learned that the work is so much more.  Lives have been changed by it.  My own, and those of my students, when they are receptive to it.  This practice of attending to the world, of taking note of beauty and what captivates our hearts is one of mindfulness.  Medical brain science points to the fact that any path to a more present way of being – in our bodies, with our breath, seeing what’s in front of us, – is good for the cultivation of a healthy mind in a fast-paced, messed up world.

To slow down long enough to make a quick sketch of something is to bend time.  I have heard many of my workshop participants remark that when they are sketching, time stands still.  Their experiences are richer for their presence.

Often when we travel, we meet the most amazing folks along the way.  Something about sitting and drawing signals to others, “Hey! Fellow human here!  Come say hello!!”  It’s magical.  And a wonderful way to connect when on the go.

The trip to Ireland is quite different to the others I offer in Taos, NM and Antigua,Guatemala.  I have an Irish co-host, Conal O’Gráda, who is a world renowned flute player in the traditional Irish musical tradition.  He has opened up his little corner of Ireland to my groups, lifting the veil on what is truly a treasure to behold.  This small slice of Co. Chorcaí speaks Irish and is known for a specific kind of music and dance, Sliabh Luachra.  During our time there we visit patches of primeval forest, ancient graveyards filled with folklore.  Weather permitting we climb mountains and spend time at the rugged southwestern seaside coast.  We meet with professionals in history, folklore, and of course music, to learn more deeply about Ireland and its traditions.  It is a complete deep dive.

We stay at a small but bustling inn called The Mills and this is our headquarters for 5 days and 6 nights.  From there we venture each day either locally, where there are many treasures, or out for a field trip to an ancient stone circle or to shop at a quaint town center.  Somehow, we pack a lot into 5 days.  Last year, a couple of the spouses who had come along wanted to spin off for a bit of golf.  Like magic, Conal made that happen and the guys were thrilled!  Everyone was happy, which is often the case when there is a small group and there is flexibility in the programming.

Whether you make our week as a group part of a larger trip to Ireland, or you only have time for this, you won’t be disappointed.  There is so much to see and do in this fabulous country and together we can create an illustrated journal of your time in it.  (Yes, even those of you who “can’t draw a straight line.). I will teach you and you will be surprised at just a bit of practice will get you.

You may find yourself looking at the world at large in a whole new way.  I hope you can join us.  Information and dates for this year’s offering available at the link HERE.