The other day we returned to Slieve na Cailleach especially to meet up with the artist Lar Dooley who had traveled there from the Dublin area.
Sometimes when meeting people for the first time it can be a bit nerve wracking, not though this time for we met with ease. We felt that we were linking up with an old friend and at the end of our discussions, we all knew, that we shall meet up to talk again.
Neither of us practise religion in any shape or form. There is nothing that we can give, take or receive from any belief system and thus no intermediary is required to advise or intercede on our behalf. Lar uses the word ‘spirit’, I use the word ‘energy’ for what we both know as life-force.
We had a very interesting conversation where each of us expressed a mutual understanding about the existence and continuance of life. Each of us, in our own way, had met The Cailleach (the ancient crone) experiencing her presence in an indelible and unforgettable way.
Sometimes when meeting people for the first time it can be a bit nerve wracking, not though this time for we met with ease. We felt that we were linking up with an old friend and at the end of our discussions, we all knew, that we shall meet up to talk again.
Neither of us practise religion in any shape or form. There is nothing that we can give, take or receive from any belief system and thus no intermediary is required to advise or intercede on our behalf. Lar uses the word ‘spirit’, I use the word ‘energy’ for what we both know as life-force.
We had a very interesting conversation where each of us expressed a mutual understanding about the existence and continuance of life. Each of us, in our own way, had met The Cailleach (the ancient crone) experiencing her presence in an indelible and unforgettable way.
The artists Lar Dooley beneath his work with Mrs H.
The Café
The hosts Niall and Sarah who created the best BLT Panini
that I have ever eaten.
Mary Heaney's Cottage.
Mary's hearth in her kitchen.
Mary's bedroom with a cradle alongside the bed
A visitor from the USA finds her way
On leaving the café, I trotted around to take more photos and to talk with some of the people from the USA who were on a day tour of the area. It was a day of pleasant exchanges and a certain president did not come out well - ah such is life.
Such a fascinating day and so many beautiful photos. But all I can think about is that BLT panini!
ReplyDeleteTheday was remarkable in so many ways and
DeleteOh that Panini it was absolutely delicious organic bacon m'mmm I can still taste it now :)
Hi Mel - so glad you had a meeting of the minds ... I'd love to see more of Lar's work - looks fascinating. Lovely photo of Mrs H with Lar ... and then the other photos in the village - lovely to see ... good thatching too ... looks a delightful cafe ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHello Hilary, I am sure you need to put this on your list as a place to visit, many thanks for the comment.
DeleteA lovely gentle post. I've a feeling your thoughts toward belief is shared by many. (Certainly by me anyway).
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your comment Bella; and though I would not presume to know your thoughts on 'belief' I am not surprised either :)
Deletethats rustic with a capitsl R!!!
ReplyDeleteSimon DT thank you and if only I truly knew wot u b on about :-)
DeleteSounds like a fabulous day!
ReplyDeleteYes it most certainly was Nols - thank you.
DeleteA very rewarding meeting of minds, Mel. That combined with a convivial setting and good food and company....ah a very special day indeed! The café looks delightful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Val and yes indeed 'Good food and Company' are a true blessing!
DeleteJACK L said :
ReplyDeleteOh, I want to mention how much I also enjoyed seeing that lovely cottage "Mary Heaney's" ...so reminiscent of 'the Old Country"...I can just imagine Angela and I sitting over a pot of tea ( or as likely a bottle of wine) by the fire.
Am sure you pair would enjoy that immensely Jack and thank you for taking an interest.
DeleteWell you sent me off on a voyage of discovery. Nothing to do with artists or religion but language. You referred to "Cailleach" as a crone. The Scots Gaelic and to me (in usual daily use here) it is a reference to an old woman (but not a crone). However I have now discovered there seems to be little agreement amongst the dictionaries as to the meaning. Dwelly (which used to be the Scots Gaelic 'bible') defines it as meaning "Woman, single woman, old woman. 2 Old wife. 3 Woman without offspring. 4 Nun." A nunnery being 'Tigh na cailleachan dubh.' However my more modern dictionary prefers 'veiled one, nun, old woman.' Don't even go near Google Translate. Well having satisfied myself I shall disappear onto the next post.
ReplyDeleteWell good for you Graham and as for dictionaries we have several too,the beauty of them is that they have varied interpretations which can enrich the meaning of every phrase.
Delete