Travels in Eire #4

Cailin studied this stranger like she did Brendan. It was her nature to do this. In her business she needed to know her competition, and she did this by studying their facial expressions and intonations. It was different here in Ireland; facial expressions were often hidden, and with the Irish brogue, intonations were more difficult to pick up. But she studied this stranger anyway. His dark curly hair looked unkempt falling loosely over his forehead. His face was angular with strong cheekbones and those eyes....they could sparkle, or cloud over and turn cold in an instant. Beneath his unshaven face was a handsome man. When he did smile, his entire face lit up.

They talked all afternoon about the town, about Cailin's trip, and about her grandmother. In fact it wasn't until she was about to leave that she realized she had never introduced herself and neither had the stranger.
“I'm Cailin,” she said as she stood to leave.
“Nice to meet you Cailin,” he said with a wink, and added, “I'm Rorey.”
“I'm staying at Conor's Pub for a day or two, until I get all my travel plans in order.”
“I know,” he replied smiling.
Puzzled, she excused herself, thanked Rorey for the conversation, and left the cafe heading for the pub.

As Cailin walked back to the pub she thought about Rorey. She felt drawn to him but couldn't figure out why. Not in a romantic way, at least she didn't think so, even though he was a very handsome man. Over the years she had had her share of boyfriends and relationships, but none was “just right”. No man had stolen her heart nor she his. Rorey didn't talk about himself in their conversation. In fact, neither did Cailin. And how did Rorey know she would be staying a few extra days? Had he “read” her like she was trying to read him?

Arriving back at the pub, Cailin pulled her maps out of her rental car and headed to a corner snug to spread them out and make some decisions about where she was headed. Brendan brought over a cup of tea and helped her find Mullaghmore.
“Where you go from here, Cailin, is up to you.” he told her. “If you need me I'll be behind the bar, but ole Seamus or Mick have traveled all over and might be able to give you some ideas.”
She looked over to the bar and there sat the two fellows from the night before. Scruffy and hard working men from the looks of it, but smiling over to her, nonetheless. She returned the smile a little hesitantly, and Brendan noticed.
“They ain't nothin' to be concerned about, they's both married,” he finished with a grin.

Cailin looked at the map quizzically, then over to the two eager men at the bar. “Okay, gents, I really do need some help here.” And they scurried over to her snug to each submit their travel ideas.
Places like the Antrim Coast, Portrush, Lough Neah, Randalstown and Enniskillen were pouring out of the mouths. Cailin tried to find all these places on the map as they named them. But they were all over. And what did she need to see at these places. She needed a more organized plan.

And just as she was becoming overwhelmed with all of the suggestions from Mick and Seamus, she looked up to see Rorey sauntering into the pub. This time he was clean shaven and looked like a new man. Tall and handsome, striking in his walk. As he approached Cailin, Mick and Seamus resolutely returned to the bar as if knowing they were being replaced.

This time the steely blue-eyed stare and wink from Rorey was returned by a smiling one from Cailin. She felt so comfortable with him around. Rorey sat down in the snug next to Cailin, rather than across from her, and as their arms touched Cailin felt like electricity had touched her. There was an energy that was part of Rorey that she could feel with him this close. She scooted just aside so they were not so close. He didn't seem to notice, or at least he didn't indicate that he did.
Rorey asked Cailin where she wanted to go, and what she hoped to see. From then, they made a travel plan that would take Cailin across the middle of Northern Ireland to County Donegal, and across the north coast through Derry, Antrim and back to Mullaghmore. Rorey fashioned that it would be better to stop back at some place Cailin was familiar with before heading out again. And Cailin liked the idea because she felt comfortable here in Mullaghmore, for many reasons.

Travels in Eire #3

During that day Cailin wandered around Mullaghmore. It was called a village rather than a town because of it's small size. There really was not a large grocery, but a butcher and what looked like a fancy 7-11. Mullaghmore was on the main road from Dublin to Omagh, but barely noticeable except for the 2 pubs, a butcher shop, a tiny cafe, and two churches across the road from each other. The other pub, The Victorian, was at the other end of town, like a bookend to Connor's Pub.

Cailin found she could walk the length of the town in about 3 minutes. There was a cross street at either end of the town leading to some scattered homes. Beyond the two end streets were some more scattered homes and then just grassy land. There was a constant hum of truck engines as the barreled down the road in both directions. But there was something else. Something that made Cailin take note. She shrugged it off as just all the events of the last 24 hours.

As Cailin looked around at the various shops, she decided that a light lunch would be in order and headed for the cafe. As she entered the shop she was surprised to see the dark stranger from the pub last night sitting at a table with a cup of tea. He looked up and again their eyes met, but this time Cailin was prepared. She didn't stare into those steel blue eyes, but quickly turned her attention to the woman at the counter. Just before she turned, she did flash a slight smile at the stranger, never looking to see if it was returned.

Cailin took a table at the other end of the shop, but in this small shop, she was still not very far from this intriguing man. He seemed to be staring out the window, now avoiding her glance. And then suddenly, he spoke. “It's a nice village, isn't it?”
Cailin was so surprised she almost didn't understand what he was saying.
“Yes, it's a beautiful village, especially when it's not storming.” she replied flippantly.
He turned toward her with a smile on his face. The sadness from last night was gone, and his blue eyes were gleaming. “But missy, this is Ireland, it always rains here.”
And with that he raised his cup of tea in a toast which she returned in kind. This was then followed by an invitation for Cailin to join him at his window table and they started a conversation that lasted the afternoon.

Travels in Eire #2

The story of Cailin and her adventures as she travels through Ireland continue....

Cailin couldn't believe she slept so well in this strange place. She awoke rested and feeling better about what had happened yesterday with her car. While she thought it would be easy driving on the left side of the road, her perception was a little off and the small compact got stuck in a muddy rut when she moved too far to the left as a truck passed her. It was already dark when she got stuck, so after sitting in the car for a while trying to determine what to do, she decided to venture into the rainy night and see if she could find some help. Now here she was waking up in this foreign bed. And while feeling better about the clear morning, she was still uneasy about the exchange with the stranger from the previous night, not knowing why this forlorn dark-haired man kept wandering into her thoughts.

There was a quiet knock at the door. “Lassie, are you up yet?” It was Brendan. Cailin jumped out of bed and opened the door just a crack. “Brendan, yes I am, and I'll be down in just a few.”
“I'm making up some grub and will wait for you so that it's nice and warm.” And Brendan strolled away and down the stairs.

Cailin washed up quickly, feeling that a hot shower would have been great, but that would have to wait until after breakfast and after getting her car back on the road. Throwing on some jeans and a sweater, she tied her long curly hair back and headed down to the pub.

As she started down the stairs the smells of breakfast were wafting up the stairs and brought a smile to her face, and a rumble in her stomach. She had forgotten how hungry she was. She sat down at the same seat as the night before and poured a hot cup of Barry's tea from the pot on the counter. She drank this Irish tea at home with her Grandmother, and parents. It was something that was part of her daily life. A little cream and sugar and she closed her eyes as she took her first sip. It was home, no matter where in the world she was.

Brendan brought out a plate overflowing with a traditional Irish fry. Looking for Cailin's approval he stood across the bar from her.
“Lovely,” Cailin smiled. Brendan's proud toothy smile could have been any bigger. He was a large barman. He had broad shoulders and could handle any brawls that ensued in the pub. From the sport pictures on the wall, it looked like he played Gaelic Football. She guessed his age at about 30.
Cailin didn't usually eat this much for breakfast, but before she knew it, the plate was almost empty. She called Brendan to let him know she was finished, and after removing her plate, he asked if she was ready to tackle the situation with her car. Brendan opened the heavy door for her and as she walked out, she could not believe her eyes. The day was beautiful, clear, crisp, and fresh. The storm from last night had blown over.
After getting her bearings Cailin recalled which direction she came from and climbed into Brendan's truck. She glanced back at the pub and noticed the name, Connor's, above the door as they pulled out of the parking lot.
“It that your pub, Brendan?” she casually asked.
“No, missy, I just tend bar and manage the rooms,”
“Brendan, please call me Cailin. I really appreciate all this help. I would have had no idea who to call for help here.”
“Cailin, just about everyone around here would have given you some help. Where are you headed?”
Cailin hesitated. She really had not formulated a firm plan for this trip and felt silly for not having some idea as to where she was going.
“I flew in yesterday morning and rented a car. I figured I'd head north past Drogheda and on to the Antrim Coast. Last road sign I saw after I got off the motorway was something about Armagh. I think I made a wrong turn.”
A huge laugh roared out of Brendan. “Cailin, you definitely made a wrong turn. You are just outside Mullaghmore! Hmmm...how to explain it? Well, you are too far east and inland to get to the Antrim Coast. Armagh is just up the road a way. Let's get your car back on the road and I'll point you in the right direction.”
All this time Cailin had been watching Brendan. He was full of life. Not what one would call handsome, but very appealing. His eyes twinkled with joy and his Irish brogue was born out of the country. “Brendan, are you married?” And then just realized what she had said. “I apologize, for that. I know it's none of my business.”
“Cailin, I'm working to save enough money so I can buy a house and marry me girlfriend. We've been together for 5 years. Sorry, but I'm taken,” and once again he roared with laughter.
“Brendan, oh, no, I was just asking out of curiosity. You seem to have your life so in control. Oh, look, there's my car!”
Brendan maneuvered his truck up in front of Cailin's rental car and in no time Cailin's car was free of the muddy rut and she was following Brendan back to the pub.

“Cailin, if you don't have any specific travel plans, why don't you stay here another night to get yourself set up for the next few days. I'm sure some of the regulars would be happy to give you ideas as to the best routes and places to visit.” Brendan mentioned as they arrived back at the pub.

Cailin agreed, and her adventure began in Mullaghmore at Connor's Pub, a quiet country town with much more to offer than she ever imagined.

More music to try

So in between story chapters, I thought I'd talk about some Irish music. The trad (traditional) music of Ireland has not changed much in the last 20 years. It's still very popular in pubs and music venues. But the face of trad music and it's style has changed some with a number of new and very talented musicians.
Some are individual musicians, and some are groups. They have come together in various ways, but the music is still there. I'd like to introduce you so some of my favorites.
The High Kings - this is a group of 4 musicians, each talented in their own right and who come from a lineage of famous fathers. They were put together by the same organization who now run Celtic Women, but are very traditional. I'd liken them to the Clancy Brothers (Finbar is the son of one of the Clancy Brothers) and did have the opportunity to meet and see them in Omagh this last year.

Mickey Coleman - is a very talented young man who writes and plays his unique style of music that mostly talks about the life and times of people, Irish and otherwise. He has opened for the Chieftains several times and will do so again this fall. I love how some of his songs can be so touching and another will be so irreverent. You can find him on MySpace with samples of his music.

Cat Malojian - is a duo of 2 guys that I can't really put into a category. I've always thought that some of their music reminds me of Harry Nillson. It's light and enjoyable.

Travels in Eire #1

The rain fell in sheets. It was a horrible night and you could barely see the light of the pub along the road. A small figure approached the pub door, pulling along what looked like a heavy box.

From inside the quiet pub, the barman heard some scratching on the door. He boldly rounded the bar and cautiously pulled the heavy wood door open.
There stood a young lass of about 25, totally drenched, and looking like she had just lost her best fiend. He immediately helped her into the pub noticing she was dragging a suitcase with her.

He could tell she had the looks of an Irish girl, but there was something different. Rain droplets ran down the tendrils of her long black curly hair. Her eyes were the gray-blue of a cloudy day. There was a distant look to her that was obvious as soon as she spoke.

“My car got stuck a ways back in the mud. I just couldn't stay there by myself. I wasn't sure quite where I was”, she shuddered in her American accent. “Oh, I'm sorry, my name is Cailin.”
“I'm Brendan”, responded the barman. “Now let's get you into some dry clothes and get something warm to drink. There's a room upstairs where you can stay the night. I'll carry your bag up, you can change and come back down.”
Cailin nodded in agreement and followed Brendan up the stairs. After opening the door, he handed her the key and returned to the bar.
Cailin entered the clean neat room ready for guests, and searched through her suitcase for some warm dry clothes, changed and headed back down to the bar.

As she came down the steps she noticed that the pub was pretty empty except for a few men at the far end, and one sitting at a table. Brendan motioned for her to come to the bar, and as she did, she noticed the men at the other end taking notice. As Brendan handed her a mug that smelled of cloves and whiskey, he said, “This will warm you from the inside and take off the chill. It's a hot whiskey.”
Cailin responded with a meager nod of thanks noticing that the men were still watching her every move.
“Don't mind those two,” Brendan flicked his head toward the two, “They are just stalling on heading home to the wives!”

The hot whiskey was wonderful. Cailin was already feeling it's warmth creep all the way to her cold toes. It made her remember why she was here.
This was the first time in her life that she had been so impulsive and taken charge of her life. Her grandmother had lived in Ireland as a young girl and moved to the States in her late teens. She always talked about this place and that, as she had traveled all over with her parents. Cailin was named after her great-grandmother, and had decided it was high time she found out what her grandmother had been talking about. Her Grandmother was from Armagh, and her Grandfather was from Sligo. Her grandmother's parents were from somewhere close to Armagh, but Cailin didn't know where. Both families had moved to the US when they were in their teens. There were a lot of hard feelings about the marriage, but it survived and thrived with all the Irish heritage that they both brought to the union.

Both of Cailin's parents were also Irish, but as Cailin grew up, as a 3rd generation immigrant, she lost some of that heritage and now hoped to gain it back with this visit.
She suddenly was aware of some movement just behind her and off to the side at a table. It was the 3rd person in the pub that night. It seemed like he wanted to be invisible, unnoticed. Head down, and eyes on the table top, Cailin could not see anything about him. It made her feel very uneasy, and Brendan noticed this.
“It's fine Cailin, he's just a lonely soul drowning his sorrows. Can I get you another hot whiskey?”
Brendan and Cailin discussed the situation with her car and how Brendan would have a look at it in the morning if the rain slowed down a bit. If need be he could tow it to the pub with his pickup truck.
It was late and Brendan was getting ready to close the pub. Cailin was about to say goodnight when the man at the table raised his head as he stood to leave. Cailin froze in place as her eyes met his. His eyes were steel blue and felt like they were looking right through her. Even after the hot whiskey it sent a shiver through her. She quickly looked away and turned to go up the stairs to her room.
In a quiet smoky voice the stranger spoke but one word, “Sorry,” and then headed out the door.
As Cailin headed up the stairs to her room she could not get the picture of that stranger's face out of her head. As she lay in the big bed warmed by a thick feather quilt, even with her eyes closed she could still see his face. It was a handsome face, but covered with such sadness. She fell asleep that night as a teardrop fell from her eye.

The Dangerous Stranger

Here I am posting yet one after listening to a song and some tweets from a musician I like a lot. Very often the gentle, shy and caring person we see of stage becomes someone very different on stage.

Dangerous Stranger

This wicked act, is it really true
Is there something here we never knew?
Closed and mysterious, quiet and sly
Who is this person? Do we need to know why?

He plays the cad, cold and mean
Dark and dangerous, like you’ve never seen
He pulls us in with his sensuous charm
Should we not worry, or feel alarm?

Running his fingers through your hair
A shiver so strong, how does he dare?
This malevolent stranger enticing us all
Sweeping us up with his voice as a call.

His eyes, those eyes, they should tell so much
But here they are silent, you cannot touch.
Like a magician concocting a trance
Don’t look in those eyes, not even a glance.

The song and the singer blend truth and lore
Drawing us in, us all wanting more
He strolls the stage with poise and ease
Always knowing just how to please.

His shout of pleasure heightens the scene
He smiles and winks, he just couldn’t be mean
You melt in your seat as he walks away
Was this all real, or was it all just in play?

emeraldpoet

New Poem

I am a poet after all. Definitely not a Yeats, or Emerson, but I write poetry to express my feelings. And to that vein, I need a place to post my poetry so I can find it anywhere. So I am moving some of my poetry off my computer here, to my blog. Hope you like it. Like I said, it's a way for me to express my feelings.

The Dreamers

We are dreamers
Dreamers all
Waiting by the waterfall.
Watching for our dreams to arrive
Trickling down keeping us alive.

Dreams of fantasy
Dreams of success
Dreams of love
Dreams of more, or less

A dream is only your deepest desire
You must take action to set it afire.
Waiting and hoping will only bring sorrow
Dreaming today for a special tomorrow.

While we dream time passes by
Our lives move on
In the blink of an eye.
For some are blessed
Their dreams come true
Many others are left to make do.

The waters fall into the stream
Running to the rivers with our dreams
Filling the oceans with many more
Empty dreams washing on the shore.

emeraldpoet

End of the Celtic Thunder Tour2009

So every once in a while an idea comes from out of the blue. Celtic Thunder, my favorite musical group, is just finishing their 3rd tour tonight in Orlando. I got to thinking about how the show went and how I look forward already to their next tour and seeing a few shows with friends. That's all part of the Celtic Thunder experience. Since I've had this blog I find it a good place to put some of my stuff. So here are my thoughts on this tour.

Lots of cheers,
Lots of tears,
Bows and curtain calls.
Now this CT season ends
How long is it till next fall?

Meet and Greets
Front row seats
Autographs abound
Jokes and kilts flying
Fun for all around.

So for these five
Who are so alive
We give our best to you.
Until next year
When Storm appears,
We live with the CT blues!

Slainte!