why irish eyes smile.

I tried to blog from Ireland, I really did. But the wrong plug for my Mac, combined with erratic Internet connections made it pretty much impossible for me to do so. Which naturally had it's upside.

It left more time for me to drink and sleep. With emphasis on the drink.

Not in a bad way, mind you. Just in an immersion-in-the-culture kind of way.

Chrissy and I hung out, talked and enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of a country so lovely that it often looked more like a movie scene backdrop than reality.

We were blessed by our stay in Doolin, County Clare. It's right on the ocean, and a short boat trip from the Cliffs of Mohrer, which was an amazing site to see. Huge jagged cliffs, distinguished by age, and guarding the western side of the country. It was the most tremendous natural sites I have ever witnessed.

We had the pleasure of meeting Susan Daly, owner of Daly's B&B, where we stayed. With her wonderful sense of humor and knowledge of the town where she was born and raised, we couldn't ask for a better host. We loved everything about her, down to her red hair and thick brogue. She made sure to teach us a few things about the people and history of Ireland, and made us right at home.

The countryside was green and open, complete with the shale walls everyone sees in Ireland photos. It was clean and fresh and at night, you could count the stars in the sky. We enjoyed perfect weather and sunshine for the whole week.

Barb and Pat had a beautiful day for their wedding. The sun shone for the couple hours we needed it to. The ceremony was performed by Father Darrah, a roving former Catholic priest from the Aran Islands. He left the priesthood to get married and have a family, but still performs ceremonies, not Mass, for weddings. It was held at Newtown Castle in Ballyvaughan, a 16th century castle with three stories. Pat and Barb were married on the third story, way up a winding stone staircase. Family and friends were able to watch from a balcony just above, and the view from there made for some incredible photos. We enjoyed their reception and dinner at Gregan Castle, which is set next the Burren, another breathtakingly beautiful creation of God. It made me stare in awe.

For those of you who have never visited Ireland, I highly recommend it. Those of you who have already been there know how freakishly warm, welcoming and nice the Irish are. It made me feel instantly at home.

Chrissy and I did some shopping, ate at pubs and drank every single night. We met great people from all over Doolin. I learned quickly to acquire a taste for Guinness (served cold everywhere). I also was introduced to several other local beers and liked them all. We heard some great music and laughed until we cried with friends, both re-connecting with old friends and meeting some new ones during the trip.

It gave me a chance to drink in not only local brews but peace and joy. I rested my head. I hung with my sis. I ate things like bangers (sausage), fish & chips, salmon and oddly enough, beef curry. It was all good.

I also was taught the proper way to pour an Irish stout and was able to bartend at the wedding reception... one of the highlights of the trip.

Everything I bought was all made in Ireland, which makes you feel kind of proud for supporting the local economy. I realized that other parts of the world are so much more environmentally conscious than we in the States are. They drive tiny cars and conserve water, and actively preserve the beauty that has surrounded them for generations.

I didn't have to give up my Blackberry entirely and was able to call and text home as much as necessary. Becky learned to text back, and we traded stories every day. I also answered a lot of questions from her.

It's expensive to live there, but worth it for a "holiday," if not for a resident. I totally can see myself living there, happily ever after.

Most importantly this trip gave me a much need break from my world. I cleared my head and was able to think straighter, re-aligning some priorities and hopefully jogging some ways of thinking.

Be nice. To everyone.
Be warm.
Offer help when needed.
Take care of where you live.
Take in the beauty around you.
Be proud of where you come from.
God is alive and well.
Treasure friendships.
Re-connect.
Take some risks.
Do more with much less.
Life is way too short.

Drink more beer.

Cead Mile Failte (Kaid-Mee-la-Fawl-teh) means "One Hundred Thousand Welcomes."

I enjoyed every single one of them.