Amongst Trees and Roadside Things

Nut laden overhanging Beech Tree

macro shot of a Beech Nut

The Beech trees almost olive green are laden with nuts and soon squirrels will

dance on thin branches & to gather their winter fayre. 

A rare road marker

At the road side a rarity sits, it is almost a monument to old travellers, a

hand carved Milestone. The thoroughfares were littered with them once on main roads and byways, at junctions and forks in odd out of the way places; these sentinels stood marking the path and telling the distance.

A surprise came my way the other day. A call from a friend who said

'Can I use your poem "Moon Is" to decorate an entrance for the 

Body and Soul Festival at Ballinlough Castle?'

Needless to say I was delighted with this to me novel way of viewing prose.

Details:

Ballinlough Castle is located on the N52 (Kells to Mullingar road) approximately 3 miles south of Clonmellon and 4 miles west of Athboy. www.ballinloughcastle.ie

Body & Soul Festival bodyandsoul.ie

The words are :- 

Moon is 

                  subtle

Oval ivory white

                  countenance

A sensuous glow

                  disturbs

Who sits in quiet

                  encourages

Observance

                  merriment

At least

                  pleasures         

Tempts one

                  desires

To believe so

                  love 

Innocent  

                  lust

       

    She is an Earthy Woman

© MRL 2014

GOBLIN MARKET

Am pleased to be able to share this with you all.


Having sold-out in Brighton last year, a group of queer pagans are doing a mini-tour of Goblin Market,  starting in Bristol for one night - Saturday 12 July.
Later dates will be in Brighton (August) & London (September, hopefully)......and if all goes well, more venues later...Nottingham is one possibility.

They really need to fill the Bristol auditorium though I realize it's quite short notice.......so please spread the word to anyone one you know in the South-West & West of England or in Wales who might enjoy the show.

Tickets are now on sale online so please encourage people to buy them....if we do sell out (and I do hope so!) there will be few, if any, tickets at the door.

There are four links that will take you to the page:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/741745

http://bpt.me/741745

http://goblin-market.brownpapertickets.com

http://goblin-market.bpt.me

For those of you who would like to read Christina Rossetti's poem please follow the link 

http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/16950/pg16950.html 

A Church in Disgrace

These last few days have been dreadfully sad as day after day more news of the horrors that were perpetrated on the babies and young children who died in the Christian Mother & Baby Homes is published. 


Putting into words exactly how I feel is exceedingly difficult, words like Barbaric, Vile and Despicable come into my mind. In some ways perhaps, I now have a greater understanding  of how the non-combatant Germans felt on hearing of the horrors of the concentration camps. For both organisations deployed their tyranny over the innocent.


This is the third set of diabolical secrets that have come to light in recent years and all of them against young women and children. I ask myself why should I be surprised, considering that there are ancient places in every locality in Ireland that have been used for the burial of unbaptised babies and suicides who were banned from burial in Roman Catholic cemeteries.  
ref: http://aheronsview.blogspot.ie/2011/02/sacred-land.html


One may ask how all these atrocities were ignored by the authorities and it is because of the dominance of a christian sect, namely the Roman Catholic Church who were given total control over the welfare of the nation's Colleges, Schools, Hospitals and various Institutional Homes.


The majority of people,the politicians, civil servants, Garda(Police) and Armed Forces personnel have been educated by the R.C.C. and brainwashed into believing that this particular sect is the sole authority of their one great God. Fear was and is the key. Keep the people in fear that they won't go to heaven unless they obey all of the R.C.C. rules. This Tyranny of Fear has been practiced by them for centuries.


A question that I have often asked of christian priests is this: 
"If Mr Jesus returned today would he recognise The Church as being an organisation that represents his views and values?"
This generally met with silence and/or a slight shaking of the head.


Although I am not a christian I did spend a considerable amount of time as a younger man researching christianity and other religions, none of which I was drawn to. Christianity is supposed to be based on Love and Forgiveness yet the way in which it is practised love and forgiveness are subject to conditions not mentioned by Mr Jesus.


Since the three sets of atrocities have come to the fore, there has been a steady decline of church attendance in towns and cities, as peoples awareness of the rights of individuals and the wrongs of church officials becomes apparent. That is no bad thing.

Stone Rings & Dry Sailors

The other day we went on a days' tour to some ancient sites.

About 3 miles outside of Tullow, Co.Carlow on the N81, we made our first stop to view the stone that ultimately led to the death of Niall of the Nine Hostages, according to Irish mythology. For it was here that he chained Eochaid, son of Énnae Cennsalach,a king of Leinster. However, all did not bode well as Eochaid broke free and killed his captors - the nine warriors who Niall had sent to kill him. Some years later Eochaid executed further retribution by killing Niall in Scotland with an arrow.

More recently this ancient stone was used in the healing of children suffering from rickets by passing them through the hole.

photo by courtesy of Voices of the Dawn

http://www.voicesfromthedawn.com/aghade-holed-stone/

Our second stop was to introduce our friends to The Chocolate Garden ref:http://aheronsview.blogspot.ie/2014/05/chocolate-ice-cream.html  
You can see from the photo what effect a surfeit of chocolate cake did to these two lads. Mrs H and I are of course immune from such antics, due to making regular visits to such establishments.

The High and Dry Sailors

The highlight of our tour and the jewel in the crown of the area was found about ten minutes drive away from the Chocolate Garden. An ancient site which the locals refer to as The Ring of the Rath or more formally Rathgall, sign-posted as Rath Geal - it matters not for this was the seat of The Kings of Leinster.

An ariel shot of Rathgall

Of all of the old places that I have visited this one has the most amazingly powerful earth energies flowing around and through the hill fort. We were all very aware of what we were experiencing as walked towards the rath. We didn't need dowsing rods or pendulums for each of us could sense the vibrant energies flowing through our bodies.

Up the pole & happy...

Entrance to the inner ring

Rathgall is a multivate hill fort, with four concentric stone walls encompassing an area of 18 acres (7.5 hectares) and encircled by mountains. The inner stone wall is roughly 1.3 metres high and the ring it encloses measures fifteen metres in diameter.

We explored the immediate area around the rath and found evidence of other stones, possible sites and a small copse.

Three 'wise' men

An inner trench

The outer perimeter wall

A blackthorn copse the home of rabbits and faeries

I do encourage all residents and visitors to Ireland to experience both of these ancient sites for am sure you will be delighted.

Parking to both places is limited to about three cars so you won't be crowded out by sightseers, plus access is an easy walk.

Political News

I feel that it is only right to share and re-post Gerry Adams blog with my readers, especially considering all that has gone on in the recent few weeks!

Léargas

by Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams

Thursday, May 29, 2014

We will use our mandate wisely

As you read this column I am in Washington DC briefing senior political figures and the Obama administration on the current difficulties within the peace process.

But I will return to that again. For now let me deal with the local government and EU elections that has just concluded across the island of Ireland. The facts tell part of the story.

·       483,113 votes for Sinn Féin in the EU election.

·       4 MEP’s elected.

·       262 Local election candidates elected

·       76 women councillors

·       39 Councils with SF councillors

·       32 Counties with Sinn Féin MEP’s

·       21.2% of the vote in the EU election

·       19 Councillors in Belfast City Council

·       16 Councillors in Dublin City Council

·       10 Councils where Sinn Féin are the largest party in % share of the vote terms

·       8 Councils where Sinn Féin are the largest party in seat terms

·       Too many happy Shinner’s to count!

·       THE LARGEST PARTY IN IRELAND

Sinn Fein has had a historic result, north and south. Voters have endorsed our message that there is a fairer way to organise our economy and society which is rights based and citizen-centred. We are committed to using our growing numbers of Councillors, TDs, MEPs, MPs, and MLAs and our mandate wisely and in the interests of citizens.

Sinn Féin will also keep the commitments we made to the electorate.

The island-wide election result is also an endorsement of Sinn Fein’s message for the need to reinvigorate the Peace Process and for an agreed, united Ireland.

Sinn Fein’s newly elected MEPs will stand up first and foremost in the interests of Ireland and all our citizens, while our all councillors will fight for genuine community interests which put the needs of citizens first.

In the south voters have very clearly rejected the austerity agenda of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail. It’s very likely that the coalition government, not least as a result of these elections, will not see out its full term. Thought their instinct will be to hang on as long as possible. So, we begin fighting the next General Election now.

Some combination of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail has been in government since the foundation of the state. The old way of doing politics, as practiced by these parties has clearly failed.

The way in which ordinary citizens are still being forced to pay for the greed of bankers, developers and corrupt politicians is deeply unfair. Banking debt, unemployment, forced emigration, a raft of new taxes, cuts to services and social supports are crushing the hope of Irish citizens and damaging the well-being of society.

In the north Martin McGuinness will initiate discussions with the other party leaders to seek agreement on implementing the outstanding issues arising from the Good Friday and other Agreements, and from the Haass proposals on the past, flags and emblems and parades.

However, deep rooted change also requires a fundamental realignment of Irish politics.

Ireland needs new leaders, with new ideas and a new direction. The EU and Local Government elections can be the beginning of a real transformation of the political landscape.

North and south Sinn Féin has put forward realistic, credible and costed alternative economic policies and challenged the conservatism of British and Irish governments.

Sinn Fein seeks a society and an economy that is run in the interests of all our citizens, not vested interests or golden circles whether in the upper echelons of the private or the public sector.

We also want to strengthen and reinvigorate the Peace Process and to build an agreed, united Ireland.

We seek a historic and inclusive accommodation between Orange and Green which respects all our people in all of their diversity.

Among our priorities in both states are real jobs, fair taxation, investment in communities, and more social housing. In the 26 counties we will press for far-reaching reform of politics and public institutions including the justice system and Gardaí.

For Sinn Fein politics is not a game. It is about saying what you mean and meaning what you say. It is about changing the lives of citizens for the better.

One party rule in the north has gone and two-and-a-half party rule in the southern state is going also. Sinn Féin is now a major player in both states on this island with policies, objectives, and an expanding organization which transcends Partition.

Sinn Féin is not interested in winning seats for the sake of it. We seek political office only in order to bring about change in our country and in the lives of our citizens. We have a political vision and regardless of the ups and downs of even elections, we will continue to work to deliver a fairer, better Ireland.

Sinn Féin is involved in a historically unprecedented effort to build genuine republican politics in both states on this island. Building capacity and resources and membership is a big task for us and we will continue to grow.

I would appeal today, to citizens to join Sinn Fein in building a citizen-centered, rights based republic on this island.

- See more at: http://leargas.blogspot.ie/2014/05/we-will-use-our-mandate-wisely.html#sthash.LvR8c0xH.dpuf

CHOCOLATE & ICE CREAM

Whenever we have visitors we like to take them to places that have a special interest to them, as well as to ourselves. Living where we do in central Ireland we are very nearly spoilt for choice, in almost any direction there are interesting places to explore.So on a sunny day last week we decided to make a visit to county Carlow and this time to a location that we ourselves had never been. 

Our destination this time was to The Chocolate Garden of Ireland.
A great surprise awaited us as we stepped into their premises for an Aladdin's Cave of mouth watering confectionary blinded our eyes.The warm welcome from the proprietor plus her immediate offer to sample slender leaves made from delicious dark, milk and white chocolate warmed our hearts. 
After a relaxing coffee in the garden and a delicious organic ice cream each, we finally left with a selection of boxes and bags of chocolate. We shall return to The Chocolate Garden of Ireland very soon!

the Aladdin's Cave of goodies

this tree mural caught my eye

A great display of award winning chocolates

A close up of beautiful chocolates & by tasting the Salted Caramel

it exquisitely excited my taste buds - Yum !

A gift sized for every pocket

The proprietors Jim and Mary Healy in discussion with Mrs H

Tipperary  Organic Ice Cream.

It is a recently added product now owned and made on the premises. So delicious that I cannot describe to you how wonderful it is - you will have to buy your own.

A sheltered sitting area for parents and grandparents to drink coffee, eat ice cream, talk   dwell on what chocolates they are going to buy or even watch the children at play.

I think Ollie thought that this was for him, but no a latte for his father! 

Every coffee was served with a chocolate

A convenient and safe play area for the children.

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland at Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow, Ireland

Phone: +353 (0)59 648 1999

Fax: 059 9151968

Email:  info@chocolategarden.ie

http://www.chocolategarden.ie

http://www.tipperaryorganic.ie

Excerpts of Ollie's holiday

New ideas on an old road

Important talks amid the trees

Inspection of a ancient wall

Ollie the tractor driver

Ollie explains all to Granny

Toby travels home

Telling Granny about the grass

BURREN BUSINESS

If I have a vice then it is chocolate. Not just any sort, for my taste buds demand quality. So whenever I hear of a new chocolatier then I just have to go and taste their wares. 

This time I secured the assistance of our family who are holidaying here for a few days to take Mrs H and myself to visit Hazel Mountain Chocolates; who are situated quite literally in the western foothills of the Burren about 2.5km east of Béal an Chloga [Bell Harbour]. There is a sign at the road junction at the foot of the hill on that says 2km - it isn't it's further!

Hazel Mountain Chocolates

My three and a half year old grandson said when he stepped into this cottage 

" It is like being in a dream"

He was right for the interior is so very much unlike that of an old Irish cottage, that it may well have come from a storybook.

Display and Sales Venue

I was quite disappointed to find that unlike other chocolatiers in Ireland that there were no free samples to be had, for it is customary that a sample of each chocolate is cut into small slices and offered as tempters to prospective buyers. My other complaint is that the price shown on the handwritten labels is misleading for the number  Euro 1 is a looped l !

In fairness our visit was on a weekday before the summer season has really got into full swing and there was also work going on to some of the outside buildings.

The Coffee Counter

The serving assistant working the machine - I thought she was one of twins or even triplets (but no) for where ever we went a woman like her appeared to be working.

Mrs H enjoys a pipe (unlit of course!)

Bright decorated rooms, with quaint fripperies displayed in every room.

A mouth watering table.

Delicious slices of home baked Apple pie, served with tart berry fruits and cream which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

In sunshine we ate our recently purchased chocs.

L to R Ollie, Mrs H, myself and Mark

The view of Bell  Harbour 

Links : http://www.hazelmountainchocolates.com

http://www.burrenwalks.com

RECONCILIATION

A DERRY PEACE MURAL

Shuan Woodward [the Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston, was secretary of state for Northern Ireland 2007-2010] said :-
"So long as Northern Ireland avoids settling on a mechanism to deal justly and fairly with its past, this will continue to be the case. The continuing pain of survivors from all communities means the potential for the peace process to unravel – however unimaginable this might be – is still there."
He went on to say "Any effort to heal the wounds of the past must recognise a shared future. The people of Northern Ireland should now be given a chance to vote for a future that is certain and secure, with a time-limited mechanism to deal with outstanding problems. This is an opportunity we should not miss. Some good may yet come out of the instability and perils of the last few days."

***

Gerry Adams said :-
"There is only one way for our society to go, and that is forward. I am a united Irelander. I want to live in a citizen-centred, rights-based society. There is now a peaceful and democratic way to achieve this. The two governments are guarantors of the Good Friday agreement. They have failed in this responsibility. The future belongs to everyone. So, as well as the British and Irish governments, civic society, church leaders, trade unions, the media, academia and private citizens must find a way to provide positive leadership."

***

Private citizens can often find ways to bring reconciliation about and in doing so it can relieve the pain and grief of people who for years have clung on to their prejudices, like  old worn overcoats.

It takes a great deal of courage for each individual to face up and recognise their wrong beliefs, actions and thoughts.
Once having done so it is often necessary to  contact those whom we have hurt by apologising and asking for their understanding and forgiveness. The latter may not come by one meeting it may take several consultations to achieve.

I would like to share with you an example regarding conflict
which occurred in the past, though not in Ireland.
There was a family who in the 1950's lived in a house in England, together with another occupant, an elderly lady(Ms E) who had a lost a brother in the first World War. She mourned his loss almost continuously and vehemently disliked all Germans.
The son of the family went on a school exchange holiday to Germany for two weeks and his hosts were a German family. About a month later, the son of the host family in Germany, we'll call him W,came over to stay in the UK in the shared house.

Ms E made strong objections in regards to having a German under the same roof as her and a great deal of discussion took place - eventually she agreed to meet W. The outcome was that Ms E was greatly impressed by his courtesy towards her and so enamoured that she eventually took a holiday in Germany.

To my mind it is often the case that many of us hate a group of people, be they of different ethnicity, religion, sexuality or political views, without having ever met a person of that group. We base our hatred on pre-conceived ideas which come from many sources and the only way to turn this hatred into 
understanding is to meet and talk.  

An Excellent Meeting

A smiling Gerry Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams addressed a packed meeting at the Alexander Hotel in Dublin last night (6th May), his second since his release from custody by the PSNI in Antrim on Sunday, he was sharply critical of the Taoiseach and the British government.

“When Martin McGuinness spoke about the danger to the process coming from the ‘dark side’ within the PSNI, the Taoiseach’s response was to suggest he should make a complaint to the Ombudsman. What about his responsibility?” he asked.

“The Taoiseach cannot pass the buck on this issue, nor can he trot out trite responses that have more to do with electoral concerns. The Irish people, North and South, endorsed the Good Friday agreement. It is the people’s agreement.

“Enda Kenny and David Cameron and their governments are the joint guarantors of the agreement. That means standing up to those who threaten it,” Mr Adams told supporters.
“The Taoiseach cannot pass his responsibility on this issue,” he said.

Junior partners
All taoisigh, he claimed, have been treated as junior partners [by the British]. “They behave as junior partners,” he said. “That doesn’t mean they have to be dogmatic, but it does mean they have to stand up for the Good Friday agreement.”

On the issue of addressing the legacy of the Troubles, Mr Adams said Sinn Féin accepted compromise proposals put forward by US envoys Richard Haass and Meghan O’Sullivan earlier this year, which unionist parties rejected.

Unionists, he said, were “bred on a diet of no surrender”, and would not negotiate unless they had to. He urged a renewed effort to agree a strategy to address the past.

Referring to his arrest last week, Mr Adams said: “If there was a charge against me, I would have been charged. Be in no doubt.”
But he added: “Sinn Féin is for policing. Let no one raise any ripples around this.
“What is clear: we need accountable, civic, public service policing. It is also clear we have work to do yet to achieve it. That is what we are up for doing.

Injustices
He said what had happened to Jean McConville was “dreadful and unjust”, and this was made worse because republicans were responsible.

“We cannot rail against British injustice unless we face up to injustices like this.”

Children today, he said, should be guaranteed the future that the McConville children and others did not have.