One morning I opened the patio curtains and there, in the centre of the small patch of frozen grass and weeds that is our lawn, was a slice of bread. It seemed unnaturally large and white lying there under the late winter sky. I was puzzled. Surely the cats wouldn’t bother stealing bread. Or would … Continue reading The Gull House – Suburban Seagulls and Life in Dublin
Moving Abroad
Thoughts on Moving House and How We Fill Our Lives
Early morning - 05:00. I’ve always been an early bird but, at the moment, as a parent to a young child, my internal clock doesn’t always align with my need for more sleep. Usually, when I’m awake at 05:00, I’m awake for good and I might as well get something done. So here I am, … Continue reading Thoughts on Moving House and How We Fill Our Lives
The trouble with ‘going home’
Is it possible for home to be in two different places at the same time? I think if you ask most people who moved from one country to another, the answer would be 'yes'. Perhaps my struggle to define home isn't that strange considering how life is in constant flux for many young people who are moving to between jobs, cities and countries.
Exploring Donegal’s country roads
I love walking. Not only is walking good exercise, but it’s also the perfect time to let your thoughts drift. I’ve had my best ideas while walking! I’ve wandered many roads here in Donegal, and even though I enjoy these random adventures, I have a favourite route that I always take when I want to clear my mind.
12 Things I’ve learnt since moving abroad
Someone recently asked me: Would you have made the move if you knew then what you know now? Here are 12 lessons we’ve learnt from our experience over the past two years
Halloween Panic
It was our first Halloween in Ireland and winter arrived early that year. The day was cold and grey and a freezing wind whipped across the fields and between the housing estates. The day should’ve been spent relaxing indoors, especially since we were still recovering from a recent trip, but it wasn’t meant to be. … Continue reading Halloween Panic
Winter memories
Just a week ago, I saw barn swallows sitting in their masses on the telephone poles; poised, as if waiting. These small birds will migrate all the way to South Africa, some as far as Cape Town, during the European winter. I find the thought of them travelling to my home country beautifully poetic, even … Continue reading Winter memories
No time for lonely roads
I have a talent for finding things to worry about. Sometimes I surprise myself with my creative flair when I dream up worries. During the very long winter months, I managed to convince myself that I don’t have enough time for everything I want to do in the day. It’s hilarious, really, because at that … Continue reading No time for lonely roads
Rhubarb and Ginger
Moving to a new country brings many new experiences. While some are expected, others are a pleasant surprise, like my introduction to the heavenly combination of rhubarb and ginger. I work at the Animals in Need Charity Shop in Letterkenny. It’s one of many charity shops in town but I’m very proud of our shop. … Continue reading Rhubarb and Ginger
Unforeseen Challenges
Moving to a different country naturally brings about a lot of challenges. In the beginning, you spend a lot of time trying to figure out where to shop, how people drive with the hundreds of roundabouts in town, which pubs are dodgy, how to get your trash collected, and how to put fuel into your … Continue reading Unforeseen Challenges
Wild Library 