Last Stop

“There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.”  — Frank Herbert A square castle with towers on each corner, the original wooden Kilkenny Castle was built in the 12th century soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland. The present castle has been rebuilt and adapted over 800 years to … More Last Stop

Castle Monastery

“On the whole, monks do not become famous – and that is a good thing – but monasteries do – and that is an excellent thing. In other words, it is the community that matters.” — Basil Hume Covering approximately 40,000 sq.’ with a principal wall that was two to three feet thick, Kylemore Castle … More Castle Monastery

Antiquity

“Study the past if you would define the future.” — Confucius Bog Oak sculpture Cong Bird by Galway artist Ronnie Graham overlooks the Cong River. Bog woods are unique to the peat bogs of Ireland where, over several thousand years, the tannins of the bog waters turned ancient submerged trees into haunting black wood and … More Antiquity

All in a Name

“A name is the blueprint of the thing we call character. You ask, What’s in a name? I answer, Just about everything you do.” — Morris Mandel her name says it all Lucy: saucy sassy sweet gift of light and love *   *   * I Love Lucy ~ Sweet and saucy, little Lucy fits her … More All in a Name

Sparks of Hope

“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny inner sparks of possibility into flames of possibility.” — Golda Meir red, orange, yellow hot embers erupt as torches dreams burst forth as stars *   *   * Tulip Embers ~ Open tulip petals release bursts of springtime hope • Photo and “Sparks of Hope” haiku poem … More Sparks of Hope

Imitation

“Find comfort in the knowledge that no imitator ever comes off as well as the original.” — Ann Landers sculpture can’t compete nature’s color outshines all imitation fails *   *   * Original Design ~ Terracotta sculpture loses to beauty of Rainbow Lorikeets • Photo and “Imitation” haiku poem by Mary O’Connor © 2023

Abandoned

“An abandoned place never stays abandoned, something will come and settle there!” — Mehmet Murat ildan blooms of fungus decorate abandoned walls hangout of spiders *   *   * Claiming these Walls ~Tree Swallow settles on new abode • Photo by Andrew Finn • “Abandoned” haiku poem by Mary O’Connor © 2023

Curiosity

“The day we stop exploring is the day we commit ourselves to live in a stagnant world, devoid of curiosity, empty of dreams.” — Neil deGrasse Tyson head cocked to side what are you saying to me curious to know *   *   * Body Language ~ “I’m listening. What do you say?” • Photo of … More Curiosity

Finishing Touch

“The last word should be the last word. It is like a finishing touch given to color; there is nothing more to add.” — Joseph Joubert give one extra touch just the final enhancement call me beautiful *   *   * Almost Ready ~ It’s that final effort that counts • Photo of Macaw at Flamingo … More Finishing Touch

Enchantment

“Earth’s crammed with heaven.” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning river flows with gold nature’s enchantment runs deep concept of beauty *   *   * River of Gold ~ Spring beauty overflows the land • Field of Daffodils photo by Jan Logozzo • “Enchantment” haiku poem by Mary O’Connor • Best Easter and Passover greetings! © 2023