If you get to the west coast of the Republic of Ireland, be sure to visit Doolin, a charming little town with a great pub and craic to die for. We were there just over a decade ago, so I hope it hasn't changed. Google it to get a picture of the colorful main drag. Have a marvelous trip!
We lived in Montreal so I felt like I recognized some of the places in the Louise Penny mysteries I read. Bartholomew Gill wrote mysteries set in Ireland. Lots of history and customs are included in the stories. Dana Stabenow writes mysteries set in Alaska. Kate Shugak and her sidekick Mutt are my favorites. Dana also started Storyknife.org, a women's writers retreat. The Great Hunger was one of the first books I read about the potato crop failure. I was 12 or 13. New Grange is a must visit. You must take the bus tour to get to it once you are on site. It's older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. You can get an OPW card from Heritage Ireland and it gives discounts at various sites. Worth the cost. Ulster Folk Museum is east of Belfast. Be prepared to walk. Lots of cool old buildings from around Ireland. Friends recommend the Black Cab tours in Belfast. We visited one of St. Brigid's wells. Lots of holy wells to be found. The national park in Co. Donegal was beautiful. Museum of Country Life in Co. Mayo The GPO museum in the General Post Office tells the story of the Easter Rising in 1916. We visited right after it opened in 2016. Some of the reenactments are very loud. There used to be large paintings of the Easter Rising in the GPO. We were told they had been moved to an art gallery. They were beautifully done. Looks like there is an exhibit on the Peace Heroines in GPO. Claddagh Records was on Cecelia St. in Dublin. Always ended up with good music. Book of Kells of course. There's a veterinary school in Dublin. Maybe they could help you find the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Bewleys tea house is a cool building. Irish Agricultural Museum in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Robert Roberts tea is great. I think I found it in the Dunnes Store. I agree the Burren is most amazing. Thich Nhat Hanh always helps me center.
Yes indeed, Richard! How could I have forgotten your significant work on the Congregational Resource Guide!? As I remember, you were part of the Ecumenical RC gatherings. I do remember some really good conversations with you (and recommending both Diana’s and Dorothy’s work). You must remember our ELCA colleague and resource center advocate, Paul Edison-Swift, who just retired. I worked directly with Paul as Coordinator of ELCA Resource Centers until my retirement in 2013. Travel and writing have been my “saving grace” during these incredibly dark days. All the best to you!
I'm a prolific reader and assure you I have a good mind, fine vocabulary and deep interest in spirituality and the world situation, especially ours in America. But lately, I've been enjoying the books of Philip Gulley or Jan Karon. Such a distraction. Escapism, you say? Of course. Something has to help me keep my balance. Why not? Oh, Theo of Golden was wonderful, too.
I HAD TO READ YOUR POSTING TO MY HUSBAND. Even though it was serious it also let us know we are not alone. I love Louise Penny's writing-- will check our apartment's great library and see if they have them. I am reading for book club The Correspondent --Ann Evans. Interesting book has been out awhile. And a history book "The Field of BLOOD --Violence in Congress and the Road To CIVIL WAR " Joanne B. Freeman Yale Scholar --Notable Book of the Year. I find it very readable and enlightening. It is annotated but I like ALL the notes are in the back so I can read it is an important story of our country and one we both love. I recommended it to my grandson who teach high school history. He knows the author and is getting ready to teach US history AP in the fall in DC. So the book is now on his list to help frame his lesson plans.. I am still reading "The Black Church" Louis Gates which was also a book club choice. I find the book hopeful and informative .I also read "Kohelette" by Callie J . Smith. She is a friend of mine and I pre read this one at her request and I read it twice which I rarely do. It was written as a project from a workshop she took on the arts and theology. They used Ecclesiastes. The story is very 21st Century Lettie is a single mother who has to move home with all the decisions that means. Her mother and father are ghosts who live in the house and give 'good' advice. It is a good read maybe a female read but she treats the men in the story well and I think it is a good read for all. Author is an ordained DOC Minister --the writing is an art she has picked up in the last few years and I believe she spends close to full time as writer. I wrote this while drinking my evening oolong tea. New thing. I love it. Peace, Bonita.
On the Irish theme, This is Happiness by Niall Williams. A memoir novel about a character who is our age. I listened to the audiobook--excellent narrator.
As far as the present turmoil goes, it seems there is hope (at the end). I've read Octavia Butler's two "parable" books: "Parable of the Sower" and "Parable of the Talents" and, although Octavia was really into writing sci-fi, these two books carry some hope for me for a more thoughtful, rational, compassionate world that the main character (a young woman) is trudging toward. Her journey is difficult, but the rewards are great!
Two different reactions from me. First, as an avid mystery reader, Louise Penny is one of our best kept secrets. (She is tied with Margaret Atwood in my humble opinion; for entirely different reasons). My grandparents came from Ballymena, County of Antrim in NI when they emigrated.
I would strongly recommend 3 items. The Giant's Causeway with the bridge walk. Bushmills is right next door by the way. If you have the inclination, Mull of Kintyre is just off the coast in that neck of the woods also. The Ring of Kerry is also a must see in my books. Oh, and for Diana, al look at the Book of Kells in Dublin would rate highly. Enough. Godspeed on your trip.
I love Louise Penny! Her books are the best! I haven't any transcendental books, my hub was very keen on Diary of a Yogi by Yogananda, but he's more self realized than transcendental. Ireland, I'd recommend hitting a few monastery ruins. Honestly I think everything there is beautiful. Take photos of the simple things you see.
I suggest Kate Marvel's book HUMAN NATURE- environment, science & feelings. Theology ,& philosophy are crucial to how each of us faces the challenges of our current, overcrowded, hurting world.
Last summer I read The Nature Fix (c.2017) Why Nature makes us Happier, Healthier, and more Creative by Florence Williams. It was transformative. My warmest and safe wishes for your Trip to Ireland! I have Beautiful memories of a biking trip with my bestie…. Thank you for the thoughtful messages of A Beautiful Year and Congratulations—it’s a gift 💝 <3Sarah Miller, FL/WI
Oh yes, Niall Williams if you are traveling to Ireland. You'll see into the Irish soul with humor and deep resonance with our fragile and fabulous humanity. This Is Happiness tells the tale of electricity coming to a small village through the eyes of unforgettable characters. Enjoy every minute of your time there!
We met a couple of times several years ago at AAR-SBL meetings and I’ve also followed Diana’s work (and your sister, Dorothy’s, books). Reading all the comments and recommendations here makes me smile. Get your hands on *all* of Niall Williams’ books. I also like Colm Tóibín’s work. I just finished Claire Keegan’s beautiful little book, Small Things Like These. I think you’d love Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer (care of the earth and so much more). And Theo of Golden and The Correspondent are worth your time too. Also Elif Shafak’s books are must reads (not about Ireland). And finally, I’d be *so pleased* for you to read the books dealing with spirituality that I’ve written over the last several years—Benedictions: 26 Reflections; Holy Ground: An Alphabet of Prayer (praying without words); Finding Home; and Holy Faces. Happy travels to you!
Thanks, Julie. We go back to resource center days, when I was developing the Congregational Resource Guide. Great to hear from you and thanks for your suggestions. I didn’t know you’ve been writing books. I’ll look into them.
If you get to the west coast of the Republic of Ireland, be sure to visit Doolin, a charming little town with a great pub and craic to die for. We were there just over a decade ago, so I hope it hasn't changed. Google it to get a picture of the colorful main drag. Have a marvelous trip!
We lived in Montreal so I felt like I recognized some of the places in the Louise Penny mysteries I read. Bartholomew Gill wrote mysteries set in Ireland. Lots of history and customs are included in the stories. Dana Stabenow writes mysteries set in Alaska. Kate Shugak and her sidekick Mutt are my favorites. Dana also started Storyknife.org, a women's writers retreat. The Great Hunger was one of the first books I read about the potato crop failure. I was 12 or 13. New Grange is a must visit. You must take the bus tour to get to it once you are on site. It's older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. You can get an OPW card from Heritage Ireland and it gives discounts at various sites. Worth the cost. Ulster Folk Museum is east of Belfast. Be prepared to walk. Lots of cool old buildings from around Ireland. Friends recommend the Black Cab tours in Belfast. We visited one of St. Brigid's wells. Lots of holy wells to be found. The national park in Co. Donegal was beautiful. Museum of Country Life in Co. Mayo The GPO museum in the General Post Office tells the story of the Easter Rising in 1916. We visited right after it opened in 2016. Some of the reenactments are very loud. There used to be large paintings of the Easter Rising in the GPO. We were told they had been moved to an art gallery. They were beautifully done. Looks like there is an exhibit on the Peace Heroines in GPO. Claddagh Records was on Cecelia St. in Dublin. Always ended up with good music. Book of Kells of course. There's a veterinary school in Dublin. Maybe they could help you find the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Bewleys tea house is a cool building. Irish Agricultural Museum in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Robert Roberts tea is great. I think I found it in the Dunnes Store. I agree the Burren is most amazing. Thich Nhat Hanh always helps me center.
Yes indeed, Richard! How could I have forgotten your significant work on the Congregational Resource Guide!? As I remember, you were part of the Ecumenical RC gatherings. I do remember some really good conversations with you (and recommending both Diana’s and Dorothy’s work). You must remember our ELCA colleague and resource center advocate, Paul Edison-Swift, who just retired. I worked directly with Paul as Coordinator of ELCA Resource Centers until my retirement in 2013. Travel and writing have been my “saving grace” during these incredibly dark days. All the best to you!
I'm a prolific reader and assure you I have a good mind, fine vocabulary and deep interest in spirituality and the world situation, especially ours in America. But lately, I've been enjoying the books of Philip Gulley or Jan Karon. Such a distraction. Escapism, you say? Of course. Something has to help me keep my balance. Why not? Oh, Theo of Golden was wonderful, too.
I HAD TO READ YOUR POSTING TO MY HUSBAND. Even though it was serious it also let us know we are not alone. I love Louise Penny's writing-- will check our apartment's great library and see if they have them. I am reading for book club The Correspondent --Ann Evans. Interesting book has been out awhile. And a history book "The Field of BLOOD --Violence in Congress and the Road To CIVIL WAR " Joanne B. Freeman Yale Scholar --Notable Book of the Year. I find it very readable and enlightening. It is annotated but I like ALL the notes are in the back so I can read it is an important story of our country and one we both love. I recommended it to my grandson who teach high school history. He knows the author and is getting ready to teach US history AP in the fall in DC. So the book is now on his list to help frame his lesson plans.. I am still reading "The Black Church" Louis Gates which was also a book club choice. I find the book hopeful and informative .I also read "Kohelette" by Callie J . Smith. She is a friend of mine and I pre read this one at her request and I read it twice which I rarely do. It was written as a project from a workshop she took on the arts and theology. They used Ecclesiastes. The story is very 21st Century Lettie is a single mother who has to move home with all the decisions that means. Her mother and father are ghosts who live in the house and give 'good' advice. It is a good read maybe a female read but she treats the men in the story well and I think it is a good read for all. Author is an ordained DOC Minister --the writing is an art she has picked up in the last few years and I believe she spends close to full time as writer. I wrote this while drinking my evening oolong tea. New thing. I love it. Peace, Bonita.
Yes! I found The Last Days of Butter Ridge heartbreaking also. Saved the article, not sure why, but my heart goes out to the Watson family.
On the Irish theme, This is Happiness by Niall Williams. A memoir novel about a character who is our age. I listened to the audiobook--excellent narrator.
As far as the present turmoil goes, it seems there is hope (at the end). I've read Octavia Butler's two "parable" books: "Parable of the Sower" and "Parable of the Talents" and, although Octavia was really into writing sci-fi, these two books carry some hope for me for a more thoughtful, rational, compassionate world that the main character (a young woman) is trudging toward. Her journey is difficult, but the rewards are great!
Two different reactions from me. First, as an avid mystery reader, Louise Penny is one of our best kept secrets. (She is tied with Margaret Atwood in my humble opinion; for entirely different reasons). My grandparents came from Ballymena, County of Antrim in NI when they emigrated.
I would strongly recommend 3 items. The Giant's Causeway with the bridge walk. Bushmills is right next door by the way. If you have the inclination, Mull of Kintyre is just off the coast in that neck of the woods also. The Ring of Kerry is also a must see in my books. Oh, and for Diana, al look at the Book of Kells in Dublin would rate highly. Enough. Godspeed on your trip.
Scott Brown, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I love Louise Penny! Her books are the best! I haven't any transcendental books, my hub was very keen on Diary of a Yogi by Yogananda, but he's more self realized than transcendental. Ireland, I'd recommend hitting a few monastery ruins. Honestly I think everything there is beautiful. Take photos of the simple things you see.
Would be interested in your thoughts on Brian Klass’ book Fluke.
Thank you for including a “slightly” different perspective from your husband. I so value what you both are sharing! We need these words now...
I suggest Kate Marvel's book HUMAN NATURE- environment, science & feelings. Theology ,& philosophy are crucial to how each of us faces the challenges of our current, overcrowded, hurting world.
Last summer I read The Nature Fix (c.2017) Why Nature makes us Happier, Healthier, and more Creative by Florence Williams. It was transformative. My warmest and safe wishes for your Trip to Ireland! I have Beautiful memories of a biking trip with my bestie…. Thank you for the thoughtful messages of A Beautiful Year and Congratulations—it’s a gift 💝 <3Sarah Miller, FL/WI
Please note, there are a lot of Sarah Millers! Photo on comment re: The Nature Fix not me ;-)) <3Sarah Smith Miller
Oh yes, Niall Williams if you are traveling to Ireland. You'll see into the Irish soul with humor and deep resonance with our fragile and fabulous humanity. This Is Happiness tells the tale of electricity coming to a small village through the eyes of unforgettable characters. Enjoy every minute of your time there!
Hello Richard,
We met a couple of times several years ago at AAR-SBL meetings and I’ve also followed Diana’s work (and your sister, Dorothy’s, books). Reading all the comments and recommendations here makes me smile. Get your hands on *all* of Niall Williams’ books. I also like Colm Tóibín’s work. I just finished Claire Keegan’s beautiful little book, Small Things Like These. I think you’d love Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer (care of the earth and so much more). And Theo of Golden and The Correspondent are worth your time too. Also Elif Shafak’s books are must reads (not about Ireland). And finally, I’d be *so pleased* for you to read the books dealing with spirituality that I’ve written over the last several years—Benedictions: 26 Reflections; Holy Ground: An Alphabet of Prayer (praying without words); Finding Home; and Holy Faces. Happy travels to you!
Thanks, Julie. We go back to resource center days, when I was developing the Congregational Resource Guide. Great to hear from you and thanks for your suggestions. I didn’t know you’ve been writing books. I’ll look into them.