Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Ireland's Call

 I am homesick for Ireland today...something in the still morning air is nudging at my soul and urging my thoughts homeward...
In the past, I have shared tales of my childhood in Belfast, and of the Troubles which, with time and terror, tore my much-loved city in half.
But today, only sweetness is calling me back from across the sea, to that small green island whose rolling hills of yore and singular beauty never fail to enchant.
I close my eyes and can smell the meadows hung with mist, hear the waves crashing onto shore...and I give myself over to the true sense of peace that only comes from
being home.
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I have little cause for discontentment...my life
in Canada is a good one...I am blessed with comfort, safety, and the boundless love of family and friends who cherish me as dearly as I cherish them. I am fortunate indeed...


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But some days...this day...the girl who was whisked away through no choice of her own, remembers that other life and yearns to bridge the gap forged wide by a lifetime's separation.
   




Just for today...this girl's heart longs only for its first home...
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I am linking to Theme Thursday's prompt of 'Luck' at the link below, for I am lucky indeed that my heart has found twin homes in both Ireland and Canada!
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http://themethursday.blogspot.com/
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You might also enjoy these previous posts:
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 Irish Belleek China

29 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

The land of our birth always has a special hold on our hearts, it's true.

Lois Evensen said...

What heart felt words you have expressed with these beautiful images. Such a lovely post.

joo said...

I understand you so well Lynette! Ireland is such a beautiful country, so special. I was there for a while, and you know what...there are days I miss it so much:)
Your photos are beautiful and bring memories!
Hugs
Joo

Pat Tillett said...

Beautiful words and amazing photographs!
What a fantastic place...

jabblog said...

One's birthplace always calls - Ireland is so beautiful and green. I hope you can visit sometimes.

adrielleroyale said...

One more place on my bucket list :) These pictures are as always beautiful alongside your words of longing for home. I have what I liked to call my second home at my favorite grandma's cabin home on the lake that I long for :)

Eileen T O'Neill ..... said...

Dear Lynette,
I heard you call!!!!
I know exactly how you feel, as 'that thing' grips me too at times and I am much closer, geographically, than you at the moment.
It is strange, but Christmas always is my time to want to be back 'home', even though, there is not much by way of close family, to go back to.
However Lynette, I think you too would feel like I do after a few days, of being back there. That is, that home is where your family are right now.
Ireland and Belfast, do have a piece of our hearts though and that is forever.
Best wishes, Eileen

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I can hear the longing.......these photos are so beautiful! As are your words about missing home.......

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Such a beautiful country, and your photos are gorgeous. Your longing is understandable.

Anonymous said...

You sound so much like my hubby who's from Yorkshire, but it was his decision at 21 years of age to leave and come to the States. I do understand though, since I have visited and it is absolutely beautiful...very similar to your images.

Bonnie said...

Such beautiful pictures and sentiments. I think you must plan a visit back to Ireland soon.

Cindy said...

What a wonderful post and such wonderful thoughts you've shared with us. Your pictures of Ireland are certainly beautiful as I know are your memories are.

Hugs XX
Barbara

Penelope Notes said...

Being whisked away from our roots at a young age is something I think many can relate to. We go where our parents and families take us in the early years. But a piece of our hearts remain were we wandered as children. Your picture perfect memory is the bridge to those idyllic scenes. :)

Olive said...

I can only wonder at how you must feel about this gorgeous country. I have never left the South and would surely pine for it. Your images are wonderful and the rainbow is remarkable.

Katy Cameron said...

I'll be seeing some of those very places in just 9 days, I'll try and get some photos just for you (hope they don't make you more homesick though!)

Hugs

Katy

Julie Marie said...

What a lovely post Lynette...I so want to visit Ireland one day... I loved your description of your St. Patrick's Day feast you talked about on my blog... how fun for all of you!... Happy St. Patrick's Day my new friend!... xoxo Julie Marie PS I am signing on as a follower too!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Your pictures are beautiful. Ireland is on my bucket list to vist some day. Such a beautiful country. I'm so sorry you are feeling homesick, and I can certainly understand missing all of that beauty. laurie

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, sweetie pie, I know what you mean. Some days the longing for home overtakes me, and I would gladly be transported back through time to my childhood and all of the people and places I miss so much. Then I look around, and I'm thankful for the glorious sunshine of Florida, to be able to look out my window and see such amazing things. Including Flynn in his leprechaun suit on his way to work at the hospital. He's the pharmacist. LOL!

So on this day of days, I wish you wealth, health, and happiness and all the blessings that St. Patrick himself would wish for you.

This was an amazing post (I adore your photographs of Ireland!), and I long to one day see Ireland, too. I've never been, but I do have some Irish ancestors whom I cherish as well as friends with Irish heritage.

Love to you, Lynette. The Irish muse was busy here today with this post, and it shows. It's lovely and so are YOU!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Pat said...

Oh, Lynette, this is such a beautiful, wistful post and the photos are absolutely gorgeous. They take me back to 1968-69 when I was 20-21 and spent 9 months there. I had such a wonderful time. I recall scenes like the ones you show here. The Irish people were all so warm and friendly, and life there was simpler than in southern California, where I grew up. It was a lovely, magical time for me. Your words struck a chord in my heart.

Shail Raghuvanshi said...

Beautiful snaps and equally beautiful emotions.

Loved the intensity of it all....

Unknown said...

Beautiful shots and comments. Glad I came by today.

jabblog said...

Lovely and heartfelt post. The Emerald Isle is indeed a beautiful land and the inhabitants therein charming and delightful. Politics and religion have much to answer for!

Beth said...

Hi Lynnette, This is a beautiful post! Ireland would indeed make for a wonderful homeland. I also scrolled down and read about your journeys to Antelope Canyon and Africa. What fantastic travels you have been on! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings, Beth

Madeleine Begun Kane said...

Lovely photos matched by your prose. Thanks!
Mad Kane

Cynthia M said...

Amazing...thankyou for sharing what's so beautiful and dear to you

Lucy Westenra said...

Homesickness beautifully expressed.

California Girl said...

Sweet post. Very poignant. Hope you get to go home soon.

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

What a beautiful bird's eye view of a wonderful country! Thanks.

Meryl
http://departingthetext.blogspot.com

Margaret said...

I am spell bound. I must come back and explore here again soon. Thank you.