FINALLY BACK TO WORK ON NEW BOOK

 After my year-long immersion in XR/immersive tech, I've returned to the book I put aside to play with AI, VR, AR, and film/audio/video game technology. (There'll be a screenplay using that experience which you'll hear about in time.) To get myself back into traditional writing mode and mood, I went off to a longstanding favourite place, a Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Centre in County Cavan: www.jampaling.org. I couldn't access my WIFI there so it's no surprise I got the first thirty (30!!!) chapters of the last draft done. Working away now at home, I'll be finished THE DEEP ROAD TO SANTIAGO by the end of June. More about the book anon. #writing #pilgrimage #haibun

 

Beautiful Poems in English and Irish

 

Turas Filíochta, A Poetic Journey (MH Press, 2024) Beautifully illustrated bilingual volume celebrating Northern Irish poet Pádraic Fiacc. 36 poems with Irish translations by 17 prominent Gaeilgach poets cover themes from landscape to birds, ancient tales to local histories (urban & rural) and, of course, the Troubles. "A voice for those muted by trauma and fear," writes artist Michael McKernon in the Preface. For Fiacc's genius weaves darkness into gold. "I am the blackbird of the ruined nest who rings." His translators include filmmakers, musicians, teachers, museum keepers and broadcasters from across Ireland. Reading the poems aloud in both languages helped me savour the beauty of word and the power of message. Some are as gentle as a lullaby. "Silvering/Our interrupted sleep." "Ag airgeadú/Suan atá suaite." Others are cold and cutting. "We all/Go down the road now sharp and small/As razor blades …" "Sinne uilig/Ag dul aníos an bhóthar anois, géar agus beag/Mar lain rásúir … [parentheses by the poet]. The notes at the end are a wonderful addition.  #poetry #Ireland #Irishpoets

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY

Continuing my love for all things Japanese, I attended a workshop on Saturday facilitated by Azumi Uchitani - www.azumiuchitani.com - where we learned to write/draw/brush stroke the kanji NAGARE meaning "flow". (It is also the kanji for RYU meaning "prosperous", "dragon", "noble" when used as a name.) She led us through a group meditation and then the making of each stroke, first in the air by hand, then on plain paper and thin rice paper, and finally on cotton stationery. The gold kanji is the sensei's work. #Japan #JapaninIreland