Practicing a Leap Two Three

Practicing a Leap Two Three

Dori Jenks

This could also be titled, Eire, Take 2. Once again I am back in this country for an extended bit of time with space to continue exploring all the magic that is Ireland. Once again I have brought with me three pairs of shoes to help me get from here to there. In them, I am metaphorically performing one leap two three to another as I amble throughout the country that has stolen my heart. For those that may not know, the leap two three is that dazzling dance step you see Irish dancers perform as they transport themselves like well postured gazelles across the stage. For the next few weeks I have the unique opportunity to be leaping, loving and learning about this country documenting its effect on my interior landscapes. Let the journey continue — you are most cordially welcome to join in on the fun.

St. Paddy Lessons to Learn and Share

St. Paddy Lessons to Learn and Share

Dori Jenks
Diary of a MOMAW

Mind the cautionary tale from our dear Saint Patrick aka St. Paddy — for all he either did or didn’t do — he’s been cursed with immortality celebrated around the planet where people get his name wrong and forget his favorite color was blue. Snakes or no snakes, you’d think we’d all be able to get that right. Now that you know — be sure to correct yourself and pass the lesson along.

A Bit About Saint Patrick And His Feast Day aka Lá Fhéile Phádraig

A Bit About Saint Patrick And His Feast Day aka Lá Fhéile Phádraig

Dori Jenks
Diary of a MOMAW

…real-world experiences confirm that it is nearly impossible to go anywhere in Ireland and not find a statue or a church or a plaque or a story in his honor. There’s even a mountain bearing his name where once a year, people climb to the top in bare feet to show their devotion. Some even crawl, THAT is how important of a figure he is. Talk about a branding and media campaign, this guy was able to leave an indelible mark on every part of the island during the 5th century, certainly a time when getting around said island could not have been the easiest of tasks. Were he around to see how it’s all turned out? I am guessing he would also indulge in a couple of beers, joining in with the drowning of the shamrock comforting himself in the notion that at least he’s still remembered after 16 centuries eh? That’s more than the rest of us could ever imagine.

Sláinte to you St. Paddy, Sláinte to you.

Christmas, Happy to You

Christmas, Happy to You

Dori Jenks
"Expotitions"

being a mostly outside observer, it is heartwarming to watch people gather together to share a laugh. knowing full well that not everybody gets along with everyone else no matter what one’s nationality, the irish seem to have a knack for being able to put that aside for the greater gift of a good time to be had by all. (guinness and good whiskey might have something to do with more amenable natures but still — it’s a skill the rest of us, particularly americans, would do well to emulate)

"Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible." - C. Haughey

"Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible." - C. Haughey

Dori Jenks
Diary of a MOMAW

i am a different person on return from the one who started out … which, i realize, is the point of a hero's journey, though typically with some great lesson or message to bring back.  i'm not able to put my finger on the exact sound byte to sum it all up in a tidy fashion.  maybe that is part of the point -- leaping is scary - loving is messy - and learning doesn't always occur in a neat linear lesson plan. 

note to self: take the getaway weekend when it's offered (or even when it's not)

note to self: take the getaway weekend when it's offered (or even when it's not)

Dori Jenks
Notes to Self

And so to CONNEMARA we drove, not quite anticipating the grandeur in store. if one knows where and how to look, there were a multitude of portals along the way, happy to transport us other realms if we so desired. beginning with an irish tardis, each invitation was gateway to traveling to another part of ireland’s timeline — a decrepit cathedral window here, the underside of a bridge to another world over there — even peeking through the eye of an anchor intended for a chain link to see the light house on the horizon. from the looming presence of christianity on a mountain top to the deeper foundations of spirituality embedded in monolithic rock, this country is steeped in myth and legend. you can almost hear the land and the sea recant the many haunting tales of triumph and woe. and fairytales — don’t forget about those.

expotition out my window: counting blessings on account of sheep...

expotition out my window: counting blessings on account of sheep...

Dori Jenks
"Expotitions"

…the passive participation of this particular moment ‘in the day of a life’ of these sheep — is reminiscent of a time gone by in my own evolution when nursing, napping, playing, and eating WERE the top agenda items for the day. appreciating the simplicity of those needs being met strikes a chord on the nurturing spectrum that i’d long since lost in the hustle and bustle of everything else. i get it that i’ve been gifted a very rare opportunity here to restore my soul. paraphrasing and tweaking the sentiments of mr. irving berlin; “though i’m not worried ‘bout my erratic sleep, i’m counting blessings on account of sheep…”

Happy Mother's Day in Ireland

Happy Mother's Day in Ireland

Dori Jenks
Diary of a MOMAW

i think auntie mary will make sure my mom knows how much she is loved, missed and appreciated.  this is possibly the best mother's day present for which one can ask.  and for me at least, not one i could ever imagined were it not for the opportunity to meet auntie mary and experience a bittersweet mother's day here in the emerald isle. 

expotition #1: to the sea to see...

expotition #1: to the sea to see...

Dori Jenks
"Expotitions"

from the beauty of the rock formations, the lore of how things were formed, and the horror of realities of people sent into the depths of the sea cave never to return… all leave indelible impressions. a lighter entertainment was watching my husband enjoy the rain, sleet, hail, sunshine, clouds and rain again all in the time it took us to get there and back — maybe 20 minutes?

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