Tarja Turunen

Here's an interesting video one of my readers alerted me to. (Thanks Ariel!) I don't know this singer or the group she originally belonged to - Nightwash - but I'm going to look into them. The eye make-up is a bit much and some of this is seriously camp, but I like the fairy tale element and the woods. It reminds me of Dana being attacked by the Oakmen in The Light-Bearer's Daughter.

Bunreacht na hEireann

In keeping with the rant on my personal blog, this is one of the books I am reading now. The Constitution of Ireland. I figure it's something the government and/or the EU may well try to dismantle in the coming years, so it behooves all Irish citizens to be familiar with it, me included. It's a fascinating read, lyrical and well-written, as befitting a state founded by poets and school teachers. I was a bit knocked back to discover we are a patriarchal theocracy. Here's how it starts: In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from Whom is all authority and to Whom, as our final end, all actions both of men and States must be referred. We, the people of Eire, Humbling acknowledging all our 0bligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ, Who sustained our Fathers through centuries of trial ..." What is really fascinating are the pages of "Amending Acts" from 1930 to 2004 which so tellingly reveal the changing face of Irish society: reduction of the voting age, *removal of the special position of the Catholic Church* (1973), various ratifications of various European treaties (not Lisbon), the right to information about abortion legally available in other states (1992), right to divorce (1996), removal of the death penalty (2002). It's interesting that Ireland changed slowly but surely with agreement by referendum. I think there is wisdom in that process. Change is difficult, especially the older you get, and this process allows time for people to adapt. It helps keep the fabric of society together, I think, as structures such as the Church and the Family inevitably decline.

More Friary

It's been over a week since I got back but my heart and soul are still in Multyfarnham. Also, quite frankly, I am missing how much work I was able to do there, without the usual gazillion distractions. I was reaching a chapter a day even though some were as long as 20 pages, Now I am still on the same chapter I began on my return! I can't lose the impetus on this book. It's too complex and difficult. If I lose the thread, I'm lost in the labyrinth. The only solution: I'm off to the Tyrone Guthrie Centre next week for a week. That should get me back on track. This is the adult book, a work of "spiritual fiction." (Photo credit: Jessica Kelly, an artist who was at Multy on a previous residency. Have a look at her article on same: http://jessicakelly.wordpress.com:80/2008/07/16/a-new-initiative-the-friary-in-multyfarnham/. And here's an article by Ruth Lyons, another artist who was there: http://thegoodhatchery.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/living-in-a-friary-two-weeks-in-multyfarnham-by-ruth-lyons/.)

A Beautiful Place

There's no doubt that I was inspired by my stay at the Franciscan Friary in Multyfarnham. I brought the adult novel up with me. I had just started the penultimate draft, the one that is always blood, sweat and tears, the one that is "99% perspiration" after the first fiery blast of vision and inspiration, the one that always convinces me I can't write or, at least, I am not good enough a writer for this particular creation. The first day was indeed hard work but I persevered. Soon, however, I was flying along thanks to the early risings, prayers and meditation, delicious meals, and heady conversations with Friars and fellow artists. I made it to Chapter 15 of a 35-chapter book; and I am really thrilled and excited about what I am writing. Hopefully I can keep up the pace now that I am back home with the usual hundreds of distractions. Once this draft is done there is only the final polish which is my favourite draft as it is all paintwork, jewellery and decoration, all play and little work. That means I could have this book done and dusted by the spring. Wouldn't that be brill. (PS More pics of place over on my regular blog.)

Firewalk Dunderry Winter Solstice

Here's a video of a Firewalk at Dunderry Park, the centre where I did most of my shamanic studies and also which I return to as often as I can! This is the kind of work and play at the heart of my new book, People of the Great Journey. I have done three firewalks myself, one at Dunderry and two in the Wicklow Mountains. Absolutely love them.

Children of Lir

Off on Monday for a 2 week residency in a Franciscan Friary near Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath. It is also near Lough Derravaragh, the place the children of Lir finally ended their exile as swans (cursed by their wicked stepmother) thanks to the bell rung by St Mochoneog. Fairy tale country and monastic life, ideal conditions for tackling a vital draft of my new adult book which I would describe as a work of spiritual fiction. I have no idea what the Friary will be like, but I read somewhere that it has a beautiful secluded garden with life-size statues of the Stations of the Cross. Will take pics when I am there. I'm really looking forward to this, not only because I will get to concentrate on my book without distractions, but also because I will meet new people, get cooked for (wa-hoo), and have interesting chats over meals and whatnot. It's not easy being an extravert in an introverted profession. (Sigh.) Photo credit: www.discoverireland.com.

Work, Work, Work

I'm reviewing the final pass of the American edition of The Book of Dreams, weighing in at a full 700 pages counting the glossary. (As opposed to the Canadian edition at 535. Don't know how that happened. I remember trimming, not adding, and no the print isn't bigger.) Have to say, despite the usual self-doubts and artistic torment, I think it's quite good. Meanwhile I am up to Chapter 5 of the penultimate draft of my new adult work. I'm quietly enthusiastic about that too, though I confess the book scares me betimes. Big ideas. Have I the skill to write them? I've got good news about my new YA book (first of a series of six) but I never count my chickens until the contract is signed. Those are the three books I am juggling at the moment. The film projects are more nebulous - at the idea, pitch, and treatment stage; but I am in contact with no less than two producers, one producer/director, and one director. Who says you slow down when you get older?