Seven years ago, I was in a lush, green land, filled with fun-loving people, friendly animals, music, culture, exquisitely delicious food, spirit and magical adventure around every corner. It had been a longtime dream to travel to Ireland since I have felt a kinship, despite having no direct lineage in this lifetime. Perhaps it is a past life connection, since I have many people in my circles who claim Irish heritage. The music sets my toes tapping and my heart dancing with delight. Irish accents melt me. The way the trip came to be, was magical too.
As I was approaching my 60th birthday in 2018, I thought it would be a grand gift to mark that milestone. The universe agreed, since it conspired to bring it all together. I cast out my wish that the tour would be fun (the Gaelic word is craic– pronounced crack), have a spiritual element, be filled with really cool people to hang out with, and opportunities to stretch comfort zones. Since I don’t drink alcohol (sober by choice, not necessity), a typical pub tour wouldn’t have been the best choice.
Back in 2003, I discovered a video called A Knock at the Door, created by Angi Sullins and her husband Silas Toball. I fell in love with it. As cosmic coincidence happens, Angi gets in touch with me for the first time, about the possibility of incorporating a piece of my writing into her work as a creator of greeting cards. I visited her social media and I see that she is taking a group of folks on a tour to…wait for it…Ireland. A clutch of fear and then after talking to a few trusted friends and getting an unmistakable sign this morning, I called her and was all in! Totally committed.
And so it was that I embarked on the Muse Juice Tour. The theme was inspired by the Irish writer, poet and theologian John O’Donohue which made my heart happy since I have long loved his work. The concept he is well known for is anam cara which translates to ‘soul friend’. Not only would be visiting the tourist sites that Ireland is famous for, but his gravesite as well. We would be doing writing exercises that tickled my creative spirit.
My son and daughter-in-law gave me this decidedly pink suitcase which is a beautiful blending of Pepto-Bismol, cotton candy and Pink Panther hue. She told me that it would be easy to spot on the baggage carousels. Right, she was.
Fairy energy swirled about.
While I was away, I took numerous photos in an attempt to have my family and friends experience my journey vicariously and when I returned, unfolded the narrative.
A poignant experience occurred that brings tears to my eyes all these years later involved a photo I had brought with me. It portrayed a 17 year old version of my dear friend Yvonne Kaye’s husband John who had died a few years prior. When we visited a shrine called St. Brigid’s Well where people left prayer icons, messages, and photos of loved ones, I heard him say in his lovely British accent, “Leave me here.”
One of the unscripted activities that I embarked on was FREE HUGGING my way through Ireland. I brought a small sign and held it up while traipsing through the various towns we visited. Sometimes my fellow travelers joined me. I hugged buskers on the street, an American ex-pat musician, a bubble blowing, dreadlocked young hippie who cast the aroma of patchouli (one of my favorite scents), cyclists who had completed a bike race, merchants in stores, and revelers in pubs. The Irish are huggy people.
The wild and wonderful crew of people who were together for a wondrous week and then some, remain with me in my heart and we stay in touch through the marvels of modern technology and the phenom of Facebook. The world has changed dramatically since then. COVID-19, wars, political upheaval, financial fiasco, violence in the streets, hatred and bigotry have taken hold. I call on the magic that I experienced seven years ago to help heal a wounded planet and hurting humanity and put a wistful smile on my face.
sÃocháin
/she-ukh-awn/
peace
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: Author
