MONDAY’S MAGICAL MOMENT: PORTAL TOMB, CRAGGAUNOWEN, CO. CLARE

This portal tomb, at Craggaunowen  in County Clare, is a Stone Age burial chamber.  It dates to between 2750 – 2000 B.C. and is one of many found around Ireland.  No one is sure why these dolmens were constructed in such a manner but there is certainly a ceremonial, ritualistic meaning to them.  When I see these, I find myself wondering who built them, who’s buried there, what were their lives like, who did they love…………………….?

Copyright 2012            Mary Jane E Clark

MONDAY’S MAGICAL MOMENT: RAINBOW OVER CO. CAVAN

Twice each year, I make a transition between 2 earthly Paradises, Moynalty,  Ireland and Jupiter,  Florida.  My most recent repositioning was last week, and, as always, the change was both bittersweet and welcome.   I love my life in rural Ireland with the peacefulness, the glorious beauty, the simple pleasures of homemaking,  my partner as my primary contact with humanity,  a turf and wood blaze nightly and a semi-stray kitty who sings and dances on the windowsills for her supper.

And, in Florida, I welcome the warm weather, the proximity to the ocean, the fellowship of my JupiterFIRSTChurch family, a lively social life and, of course, the security of my partner’s continued presence and support.

This is a rainbow that I saw on my last weekend in Ireland.  We were on our way to Bailieborough, County Cavan and as we drove around a curve, it magically appeared out of a fast-moving gray cloud.  I love rainbows and they always remind me of God’s covenant with us, ( Genesis 9:13 ) and also remind me that, one day, my transition will be to another, Heavenly, Paradise.

Copyright 2012         Mary Jane E Clark

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MONDAY’S MAGICAL MOMENT: CO. MEATH AUTUMN

When you think of autumn, you may think of flaming orange and crimson trees.  And when you think of Ireland, you may think of endless fields of green.  Both are beautiful sights.  As is this view from my kitchen window near Moynalty, County Meath, Ireland.  Even with the slight mist and glowering grey sky, the vibrancy of the redthorn bush, the golden yellow of the remaining birch leaves, the sparkling white of the berries and, of course, the legendary emerald fields offers a most pleasing vista.

I have no idea what kind of birds those are but they arrive in flocks and now, 2 days later, the bush is decimated of its berries!

Copyright 2012           Mary Jane E Clark

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MONDAY’S MAGICAL MOMENT: CRANNOG, CO. KERRY

Crannogs (“small islands built with young trees”) are artificial islands built of layers of wood, peat, stone, heather and soil using the simplest of tools.  They are surprisingly long-lasting and were built from the 6th through the 17th centuries as defended farmsteads, craft centers, storehouses for valuables, jails and hideouts for rebels and recluses.  Although there are over 1200 known remains in Ireland, few have been properly excavated.  This one is found at the entrance to the Bonane Heritage Park in County Kerry.

Copyright 2012               Mary Jane E Clark

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