Sweet November

Photo By: M.

November is here and nearly gone. Too soon I say. Thanksgiving is only a week away back home, and I'm beginning to really think about how I will celebrate the day here. Cook a bit on my own and have a small "Friends-Giving" or maybe go in to town and see what the craic will be. It's just a normal November in these parts, so I will need to be creative. Can do.

Today I am sharing a few photos from some of my favorite parks in the Dublin area.

I love to be outside during Autumn, so I have taken an even greater effort this year to enjoy this time of the year. The weather has been particularly great for this time of the year here (on/off rain, windy, damp, cooling temperatures, BUT mostly sunny...even if still quite cold).

One of my best memories for this month has to be taking walks, spins on my bike, and jogs through parks like the ones below. My senses have just flooded with joy to see colors on the trees lately and appreciate how nature is changing: Beauty in the breakdown. It has been a daily practice this month to allow myself to honor the moment and just 'be'.

Corkagh Park

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

Corkagh Park. Photo By: M.

The Phoenix Park

Photo via bicycle By: M.

Photo via bicycle By: M.

Photo via bicycle By: M.

Photo via bicycle By: M.

St. Stephen's Green

St. Stephen's Green (entrance). Photo By: M.

St. Stephen's Green. Photo By: D.

St. Stephen's Green. Photo By: D.

St. Stephen's Green. Photo By: D.

St. Stephen's Green. Photo By: D.

St. Stephen's Green. Photo By: D.



Enjoy the rest of fall and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Sláinte, M

Fear

I want to be a cyclist. I will not break any world records, ride on a national team, or compete in the Olympics in this sport. I'm okay with that.There will always be men and women who are better at this sport than me, and equally so men and women I am a bit better than. I know how to ride a road bike and I can do okay without ever practicing or training again.

HOWEVER-

 I do want to set and break my own personal bests, go on spins longer than I ever dreamed I could ride, attack hills, go faster, become stronger (aaaaand leaner), and even get some bruises from time to time because I challenged myself. I might not be a future Olympian, but I want to train like one. I thrive in a competitive training session and like that mindset/motivation.

I've been on my bike more this fall than I ever have. I've also been able to do things on my bike I'd yet to do before (i.e. clip in/clip out on my pedals successfully, stay clipped in on steep climbs uphill, cycle over 20 miles, cycle in traffic, and go adventuring on my 'Athena' in Ireland), but I want to do more.

It is colder and windier in Ireland now. Winter weather is moving in quickly. I don't exactly have winter gear, so if I stay serious (get serious) I should invest in appropriate gear to stay warm. I felt the chill first hand (pun intended) as the wind chilled my hands quickly. I understand what gloves are for on a new level.

After months of pedaling up what I think of as hills and only being told it's a 'drag' or a 'bump', I was proud that after a mega climb I was finally given the clear it was in fact a proper HILL. The best part: Feeling like the bumps and drags were harder. I think in time I built the 'hills' up to be so big in my head, once we attacked one it wasn't so bad. Don't get me wrong, I could still FEEL it, but I didn't feel like it would beat me.

I worried it would be 'too hard' and I'd have to quit, clip out of my cleats, or turn around. When I cleared the top and realized I beat the fear this time, it was such a GOOD feeling. Too bad I later clipped out wrong and tripped over my bike at a traffic light. I was only the comedy segment for about 5 minutes for passing traffic. That was aweeeeeeeeeesome (sarcasm sarcasm sarcasm).

Don't let the fear of something new or challenging get so big you never try. And don't think you're too good too fast, because you'll probably fall at a moment you're no longer paying attention. Keep dusting yourself off until you get it right.

Cheers,
M

Dublin Ghost Tours

I've done A LOT of touristy things in Dublin and across Ireland. There is a lot to do as a visitor and much to do once you live here. I like staying in the unchartered waters most of the time, and experience places as a local, but I'm not ashamed to admit I like cheesy and touristy things too.

My new friend Natalie, a native of Raheny, isn't ashamed either. We wanted to do the Ghost Tours around Halloween time, but as you can imagine it was busy and/or full. We made it into the Friday tours a week after Halloween, so better a bit late than never. And we'd been meaning to have a friend date for a while, so this made for just the right occasion.

Dublin Ghost Tours start and finish on Dame Street, across from Trinity College. Photo By: M.

I was disappointed the stories weren't better (Sorry, I've been spoiled by better ones I guess) but the actors were charming, hillarious, and hard working! There were a few good spooks!

From inside the Gravedigger's Bus. Sorry I'm not sorry. Photo By: M.

I most enjoyed laughing and making fun of unexpected blunders with Nat. At one point (what you get when you sit in the front), one of the actors rubbed something disgusting on my head and it took me about 15 minutes to stop laughing. I even snorted. In public. YUP.

At the end of the tour of some of the most haunted places in Dublin, we made one last stop at The Glasnevin Cemetery. This is the burial site for many of the most famous people from Ireland, including members of the Irish Army, authors, and actors.

Beside this site is a famous and popular pub called John Kavanagh, also known as "The Gravedigger's Pub". Here you experience a proper Irish pub and drink excellent pints. We both drank Guiness and had fun. I would suggest this tour if you don't know any of the old Irish ghost stories yourself, or have any Irish friends who can tell you a few. You do get to go to some important sites to visit as well, my favorite being Kilmainham Gaol.

Nat & I. Photo By: Friendly Traveler.

I realized I haven't had Guiness in too long. It's been a cans night house party or woozy holiday punch scene from October- give or take some wine-o time. To be honest, I haven't been drinking too regularly for someone in a drinking meca you might think. I enjoy a classy glass of wine with my meal or delcious pint here and there, don't get me wrong. I've been striving for moderation and balance, which is always good.

I am actually excited to try out seasons beers that are coming through town this month. There are also many pubs and bars in town doing special tastings. YUM. Still looking for an excuse to come visit, GAWNNNNNN.

The front of The Gravedigger's Pub. Photo By: M.

Leaving our tour, we made off to Porterhouse on Grafton Street for more girl talk and a night out.
It was fun had by all!

See ya shortly-

Cheers,
M

Burrito Blow Out: Yelp Elite Event #2

Something really special is happening in Ireland (and in the UK): The spirit of Mexico is gaining a presence here!

Recently I was invited to the VIP opening of Pablo Picante in Dublin's City Centre. A short trip on from the Dublin City Bus and a brisk walk through town always excite me. But there was more reason for an extra pep in my step. Yes, the free food and drink of course. But not just that.

Dublin is growing and the tourism is high as ever. Dublin is famous for so many reasons and one is most certainly the food scene. I love a good Mexican meal and have missed being spoiled for choice since moving here. I am thrilled more restaurants are opening up, and even more thrilled "The Spirit of Mexico" Culture Week kicked off with such a positive start last night.

On Clarendon Market Street you're within the heart of City Centre, yet tucked away from the traffic and hustle of moving crowds. This restaurants is colorful and charming. This is more of a takeaway and food truck style spot to eat with burritos, tacos, and tortas all made fresh to order. It's the usual scene for the 'fixings', including 100% Irish beef. Delicioso, my friends. Mmmmmmmm.

What gives this place a splash though is their sauces assortment. You've got the picantes, guacs, and heat factors on the line up. But there's greater variety with garlic, lemon, cumin, chile, and even cinnamon- WAT. I still prefer to make my own sauces at home, but if you're at Pablo Picante and there's the line up, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I tried Sol (a bottled Mexican beer available) with lime for the first time and liked how it complimented my meal. It's a bit salty, but still refreshing and smooth to the palate.

A nice perk to these parties and dinners is meeting more people in the city. Dublin is a popular place and there are Irish, Germans, Italians, Canadians, Americans, and English all at one table. We are teachers, engineers, psychologists, students, scientists, and designers. Everyone has an interesting story to tell.

Once the meals were finished, there was going to be a simple cooking class, but a last minute change was the highlight of the night.

Because of the week long event celebrating Mexican Culture, a gentleman named Sergio has been flown over specially from Mexico to Ireland for Mescal tasting and purchasing. Mescal and tequila are new to these parts and we are all happy to welcome the release! The Mexican Embassy surely sent one of their finest, because Sergio was a lovely host, entertainer & connoisseur.

Sergio playfully explained that if you pucker before you sip a spirit like these, then the saliva will help dilute the liquid and enable your 'buds' to taste the flavor. This may or may not be true actually, but it did help me not to get the all mighty cringe and fire feeling like I usually do. He joked that we ought not to 'shoot' or over indulge in these fine spirits, but instead to take as a lover and savor. Clearly this man was gas. He offered up a gorgeous tasting Mexican chocolate at the end of our night and the dark chocolate truffle was my favorite of the night.

If you're around Dublin this week, definitely look for Sergio and peruse the Taste of Mexico exhibition. When you come for a visit to Dublin and you're hungry for a quick and fresh meal, then look for Pablo Picante.
;:
And as if I need an excuse to break out my new 'good stuff' (Mezcal Jaral de Berrio; 100% AGAVE), I shall raise a glass indeed to my dear friend, Krystle, today. Happy Birthday! And many more!

Until next time!

Cheers,
M

Sharing this 'Daily Om'

November 1, 2013 The Death and Rebirth of Self Life Transitionsby Madisyn Taylor Sometimes a part of us must die before another part can come to life. "Sometimes a part of us must die before another part can come to life. Even though this is a natural and necessary part of our growth, it is often painful or, if we don’t realize what’s happening, confusing and disorienting. In fact, confusion and disorientation are often the messengers that tell us a shift is taking place within us. These shifts happen throughout the lives of all humans, as we move from infancy to childhood to adolescence and beyond. With each transition from one phase to another, we find ourselves saying good-bye to an old friend, the identity that we formed in order to move through that particular time. Sometimes we form these identities in relationships or jobs, and when we shift those areas of our life become unsettled. Usually, if we take the time to look into the changing surface of things, we will find that a shift is taking place within us. For example, we may go through one whole chapter of our lives creating a protective shell around ourselves because we need it in order to heal from some early trauma. One day, though, we may find ourselves feeling confined and restless, wanting to move outside the shelter we needed for so long; the new part of ourselves cannot be born within the confines of the shell our old self needed to survive. We may feel a strange mixture of exhilaration and sadness as we say good-bye to a part of ourselves that is dying and make way for a whole new identity to emerge in its place. We may find inspiration in working with the image of an animal who molts or sheds in order to make way for new skin, fur, or feathers to emerge. For example, keeping a duck feather, or some other symbol of transformation, can remind us that death and rebirth are simply nature’s way of evolving. We can surrender to this process, letting go of our past self with great love and gratitude, and welcoming the new with an open mind and heart, ready for our next phase of life. " NAMASTE. Cheers, M

October Stories

Monday, October 28, 2013

October 2013 Stories

Temple Bar, Dublin Ireland [October 2013]. Photo By:M.

The month of October has been one of the best Octobers I can remember. I am continuously blessed by the beautiful nature here. It's been a wonderful and natural gift to watch life turn from summer into fall.

The time change was this past weekend, so now it gets bright earlier in the morning, which is nice and makes for an early morning. Alternatively, it gets darker much earlier, which I noticed out running this afternoon when the sun literally started setting around 3pm.

There aren't pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, fall festivals, or state fairs the way I remember from "home" in Georgia. But fall is in the air for sure and there are new things to try. Actually, it's not that different from home with Halloween parties, ghost stories, jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and dress up, but the things that are different this year make for fun experiences and memories.

The differences are interesting and fun: Oktoberfest, houses decorated for Halloween, kids playing in the streets at all hours, costume shops in town, pop culture costumes that have inside jokes I only just learned about from moving here (i.e. the tv character "Demo"), haunted ghost tours through town (some of the most haunted places in the world are right here in Dublin....spooky), house parties, pub crawls, Dracula festivals, and my most recent trip to London.

The leaves continue to change deeper shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown colors each morning; along with there being dozens and dozens of more leaves that have fallen from the trees to the grass and pavement.

Photo By: M.

 I like the fresh air here and the weather, as unpredictable as it is. It's warm, cold, rainy, sunny, chilly, windy, and perfect all in the same day sometimes. The air is so fresh it cleans my lungs; the colors are so rich in color everywhere it nearly takes my breath away; the sounds of traffic from buses, cars, taxis, bikes, and pedestrians keep me on my toes; tourists faces changing daily; new activities on the calendar; and restorative days filled with yoga, running, reading, homemade cooking, writing, talking on the phone, and wandering around the park.

I have had more job interviews and that is encouraging, challenging, and still placing me in the 'waiting room'. I can't complain or control how it falls into place, so I just keep my attitude in check and keep moving forward.

Photo B: M.

Sunny walks through town. Photo By: M.

Job interviews remind me of swim meets. I get butterflies just before it begins as if I'm standing behind the blocks, I pray my whole way through the training and prep work, and swim as hard as I can talk. As hard as I push myself I know everyone in line or in the lanes with me is trying just as hard: to win.

I want to win, 'but every dawg has its day'. The champion in me won't give up or stop trying to improve. I have improved personally and professionally on this journey and honestly am proud of the progress I've made. I'll keep at it.

The books I've read while I've been here so far. Photo By: M.

Yogatober at home :) Photo By: M.

One of the things I find myself the most thankful for this month is the gift of unmatched time. Each day I wake up with the power to change my attitude and better myself.

I aspire to learn something new everyday, make time for my passions, exercise and love my body, and work hard to reach my potential in ways that I don't yet even know I can.

Daily devotionals from the book "God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea"; Photo By: M.

Celebrating Caoimhe's 18th this month. Photo By: M.

October has had some hearty laughs, beer festivals, yoga progress, long walks and runs around the parks, travels to other famous lands, tough lessons on timing, growth in wisdom, glory from the harvest, and joys that can't be measured. I even just celebrated my first Halloween here. I went to a party as "Kim Kardashian" and my date was "Kanye" with a baby spud as our "North"- hillarious night and other great costumes. But I most enjoyed dressing up as "Minnie Mouse" and giving out goodies to the kids. They performed tricks and treats to take home chocolates, crisps, or 'monkey nuts' (peanuts in the shell). Their excitement, and even appreciation for seeing 'Minnie' reminded me of how happy it makes me to be a teacher. I love bringing joy to others, because it returns as joy to my heart.


For anyone else who finds themselves on the edge, driving across boarders, waiting for a change or adjusting to one.... keep smiling, persevere, don't give up, be flexible, be patient, remain kind and generous, stay grateful for where you are, and most importantly live.

Halloween in Irish-land. Photo By: Mammy Cronin.

Now, October and all it's 'spook factor' may be over, but I still have a few haunted ghost tours to go on. Did you know Dublin is one of the most haunted places in Europe? Well, I'm not one for usually being 'spooked', but I might as well check it out and see more of what this city and country have to offer!


Cheers,
M