At the end of the garden

I am interested when I visit other artists' / crafts peoples'  blogs to see, not only their work and what inspires them but
also where they create. 

I enjoy seeing studios, desktops, pin boards, pictures, postcards and what views can be seen through their windows,
all of which for me is an insight into the individuals' creative process. 

For many years I painted and drew at a desk in the corner of  rooms in various flats and it was only when I came to 

live in Laois that I finally had my own studio space where I could close the door on the rest of the world. 

Because of my fascination with other peoples' places I thought it may be interesting to take you on a tour to the bottom of our garden, to the converted cattle shed where I work.

The land on which the studio stands was originally the shore of Lough Dubh, meaning dark lake, which once held 

a small island upon which grew a fairy thorn.

After the course of the River Barrow was altered in the 1900's the lough disappeared but the ground remains boggy 

and the field next to the studio is still known as the Lough Field. 

There are several tales of the Síd, the good people, associated with Lough Dubh which were told to me years ago by 

an elderly neighbour,  but that is a post for another day. 

Today the sun is shining so we shall go down to the end of the garden,  passing my morning coffee place - 

weather permitting, to the studio.

At the back of the building stands a whitethorn tree which in early summer is laden with blossom and  it scents this part of the garden.  In the eaves the swallows have built their nest and above the door a Sheela-na-Gig invites you to enter.

At the back of the building stands a whitethorn tree which in early summer is laden with blossom and  it scents this part of the garden.

In the eaves the swallows have built their nest and above the door a Sheela-na-Gig invites you to enter. 

At the back of the building stands a whitethorn tree which in early summer is laden with blossom and 

it scents this part of the garden. 

Today it looks reasonably tidy though there are always too many books and not enough shelves. 

You can see the chair which is important so that the artist can drink tea, listen to music, ponder ideas or doze 

in comfort by the stove.

Tracing the places associated with the old goddesses and gods requires a good map, one as Gaeilge, 

the other in English and magnifying glasses are needed when painting tiny details.

The altar surrounded by the Ever-Living Ones and one of the tiny windows which were part of the old structure.

My morning ritual before I paint is to light the wood burning stove, a candle and some incense sticks. 

The desk, paint brushes, views out to the garden and more books.

Toby, relaxing after a run,  likes to sit under the easel.

To end this visit is the blank canvas reminding me that I soon have to start a new painting.

If you too are an artist or a crafts person where do you create?

A Gift of a Day and Women's Christmas.

When Solstice is past, the sun is reborn and we are firmly in the new year there often comes a day of sunshine and blue skies amidst the storms to remind us that spring will come in time. Saturday was such a day. 
Unable to stay indoors, myself, my husband and our dog, Toby, travelled west past flooded fields and over rushing rivers to visit the forest park at Portuma, Co. Galway. 
I walked through trees and birdsong in the low sunshine whilst Toby navigated numerous scent trails, then returned to the car for hot coffee. An hour or two in this magical place was enough to restore my creativity.
Returning home across the flanks of the Slieve Blooms the bright weather remained with us but to the north, dark clouds spilled rain on Croghan Hill and the lowlands as a reminder that winter was still present. Later by the fireside I relished the gift of a day where spring returned briefly to relieve the gloom. Even the dog seemed to be smiling in his sleep. 

For more info on Portuma Forest Park: http://www.galway.net/galwayguide/showyp.shtml?id=4055

Nollaig na mBan.
Today is Nollaig na mBan, Women's Christmas also called Little Christmas. 
Traditionally, particularly in Cork and Kerry, men take on the housework for the day whilst the women celebrate with eachother and in the past small gifts were given by children to their mothers and grandmothers.
This is a Christian celebration, also known as the feast of Epiphany, when according to one Irish proverb 'on the night of the three kings water turns into wine' and it was customary to light 13 candles to represent the apostles and Jesus. 

A more solemn version of the custom was known across north Leinster, east Connaught and south Ulster, where death divination was carried out. Here a round cake was made of dough, clay or ashes and small candles or rushlights were placed upright in the cake with each named for an individual. In the evening family members would gather and the candles lit and observed. It was believed that the order in which the lights burned out signified the order in which the people represented by them would die.

Instead of this sombre occasion may you have a happy Women's Christmas surrounded by warmth, laughter and the company of women!