How did rural living get to be so exciting! When I started to blog in 2011 I didn’t have a plan or any idea where I might be going. In my work life I had chosen to follow an activist path rather than an artistic one. Gradually over the those years, I began returning to creativity. What I never would have predicted was that I would be writing a fortnightly column for the Waterford News and Star, one of our local newspapers.
Although I never set out to be a columnist or a writer, the challenge of a regular 800 words has drawn me in. What a luxury it is to have this new space to learn and experiment. My Editor (love saying that) is positive and supportive although she has said that I shouldn’t be afraid to bite. I have to admit I am really afraid of even having a nibble!!!
My fear is that as I explore what I think and what I want to say, I don’t want to add to the moaning and blaming which is a constant in all our lives. While I am trying to express opinions, can I try at least to offer positive thoughts, solutions and suggestions? Can I have bite while I’m always seeking the good in things? I suppose I’m going to find out……
Now I get as angry and as disillusioned as anyone. I am appalled by the incompetence in many areas of public life in Ireland, the corruption that has demonstrated such greed, the lack of equality for so many of our young people and women. But, I don’t want to write us all into more negativity, or bring people down. If we are to try to be the best we can be there must be another way. Blogging and photography bring attention to the small, the ordinary and the beautiful so effortlessly. Now I am wondering how to do that in a journalistic setting?
It’s hard! I’m not at all sure if I am on target. I’m not good at counting words. Sometimes the writing flows, other times I am tweaking and preening for a day!! But still I love the challenge, the stretch, the new invisible audience reading what I write. It takes 6 months to figure out any gig, so at this age I know I have to be patient and trust the process. If you are interested in reading my first group of columns I share them here following publication.
In other news the Dreamboats who live upstairs are shooting their current project Digs for Pennies this week. I will be a stills photographer on the set. A traditional sail ship will be docked on the River Suir for this story set in 19th Century Ireland. I will probably also be a general dog’s body in some of the most beautiful locations in County Waterford. Exciting times for the lads, the crew and the incredible and generous community of Waterford who have supported this adventure!!
And finally this year for the fourth year in a row I have been shortlisted for an award in the photography category of the Littlewoods Irish Blog Awards It would be absolutely brilliant if you could vote for me here and I might even make it into the final!
Now, listen, can you hear them all cheering in the farm yard!!!!
I love chickens and chicken photographs–ducks and geese and loons, too, but chickens are the absolute best, so these were awesome gifts this morning!
Ah that’s great! They always make me smile too. And the noise when they all get together over a nice dinner!!!!!
I voted for you! Good luck with the award. 🙂
Thank you so much Stephanie! You are so kind!!
Love the chicks & ducks & the sweet faced cow & the gorgeous textures of the building. And it made me smile to think of you taking nibbles, which I’m sure will turn into full gobbles, along with all the tweaking & preening! Such wonderful, fun things happening in your life, all so deserved. xo
Haha Susan!!! That’s brilliant “full gobbles” I will definitely aim for that!!! I’m still chuckling……
Brilliant post… love the shots of the chickens and that lovely moon faced cow!!
Thanks a million Moll! That farmyard was a piece of heaven. It reminded me of some 17th century French village…..or is it just me…..x
This makes me long for a simpler time:) I love how you’re discovering a way to be true to the hungers of your heart
and keep cultivating a beautiful space for the living and breathing. And anyone who has discovered how to make a living
writing is a hero and superstar to me:) Well done, you. Thanks for those photos – divine.
-Jennifer
Cultivating a living might be a bit of a stretch but my earnings will at least buy me a couple of nice bottles of wine!! And I agree, somehow surviving by using our creativity is heroic. But we are all doing that by our many contributions to the economy in the hours of making and sharing. That counts!! Thank you for all your encouragement Jennifer xx
Superb photos of the farm. With the amazing feeling to be part of the poultry life! I like these grey walls covered in gold, and the gold thoughtful cow.
You’re a captivating and inspiring writer, thank you.
Amelie, I thought it was very French that little farm yard…..maybe it’s the colours? Anyway I will be in France very soon for a bit of a wander, looking forward to a complete change of scene…..thank you for your lovely compliments…x
Oh those first few images totally remind me of a little village in France or Italy…gorgeous. I love chickens when they just wander around like that. And that cow! Priceless look! Love hearing all about your adventures…especially being a still photographer for the Dreamboats! But it’s all exciting! Now I’m off to check out some of your articles! Lovely post! Always enjoy hearing what you’re up to across the pond! xo
Hi Robin, that little farm is in County Waterford….but the colours are so Mediterranean. Holding my breath for you and delighted that the struggle to be positive continues on both sides of the Atlantic……x
What wonderful photos! And I love the stretching you are doing. It’s so cool seeing creative women spread their wings!