An evening with Glen

So, most folks know that I am fan of The Frames. They hail from this fair city that I currently find myself in, Dublin. It all started in 2002, when I saw them play at a small club called the Blackbird, located in the Hollywood district of Portland. Tony Starlights is the current tenant of that space. Some Portlanders may remember Uncle Butchies Low Carb Kitchen, which inhabited that address in between the Blackbird and Tony's. :)  Anywho, I liked what I saw, bought the record and have been a fan of Glen Hansards words ever since. To me, he is a sincere and honest song writer who isn't afraid to show you how passionate, sappy, or silly he is. While I like the plugged in version of the Frames, or Swell Season - not much compares to Glen and Guitar. No bell, no whistles - just the voice, the melody, and the words. 


I didn't know if The Frames, Swell Season, or Glen would be playing while I was in Dublin. The website didn't show any dates here, so I emailed Claire, their manager, and asked if, by chance, there was anything going on while I was here that wasn't posted on the web. And, if not, and Glen if was in town, what were the chances of me meeting him for a cup of tea. (pretty bold of me, I thought, to ask Glen on a "date". All she could do, after laughing out loud in her office, was tell me "no". So, might as well ask). I was just about ready to write the dream of me seeing Glen solo off, when she replied to my email! Glen was playing the Odessa, in Dublin. Small room, unpublished solo gig, Glen with Guitar. WHOO HOOO!!! I was so there! Until I called the club. The show was sold out. Bummer. I emailed Claire back, with thanks, but the show is sold out. Hours passed. Dinner and wine. A quick check of my email before settling in for the evening with Kat and family... WHAT! OMG! Are you kidding me?! Claire had gotten me on the list for the show at the Odessa! Kat and I rushed over to the club and there was my name, on the list. We had to do a bit of fast talkin' to get Kat in, then we were there, in a very small room full of local musicians, friends, and political activists. Maybe 50 or so folks total. The gig was in support of tribe of Kenyans, and getting them a truck for their village. Glen would match the money taken in tonight. Rad. Good to see an Academy Award hasn't blinded him too much from what is happening in the world around him.

singing Lay Me Down. the mic went away after that, much to the sound guys dismay. 

You never know how fame is going to change a person. I was glad to see that Glen still performs with the same sincerity, honesty, and passion he always has. He was genuinely having a great time at the show, singing new songs, old songs, covers, and telling stories. 

a very much loved guitar

He shared the stage with everyone in the room. Mundy, Ollie, and Gavin Harte, all stood up and did their things - Glen taking a back seat to play along on guitar, or just quietly singing along while watching them - as the rest of us did. 

Mundy. another popular Irish singer songwriter, balancing himself on two stools. silly boy.

Glen wondering if Mundy will fall or not..

He talked to folks in the audience, and encouraged all - in typical Irish tradition - to sing along. So fun! 

Katrina and I have come a long way from Rage Against the Machine mosh pits!

I want to mention that for most of the show there was no amplification. He also broke two guitar strings during the set and changed them while playing and singing. I've only seen Mike Watt do that!

It was a wonderfully intimate night. I feel so fortunate to have been there. It was one of those shows where you walk out of the bar and the world looks different. That's only happened a few times in my life. Once after a Thelonious Monster show at McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica CA, another after a Pete Krebs/John Doe show at Satyricon in Portland OR, another time after a Geraldine Fibbers show in Olympia WA. Oh, there was also the Ray Charles show at the Oregon Zoo. There are probably more if I think about it...I love music. 


Here are a few "movies" I took during the show. I didn't get whole songs because my battery was running out. But you will get the idea of what we saw. 
Gavin Harte - Political Activist
Glen- part of All the Way Down
Glen - part of a trad song I don't know the name of
Glen - i can't remember the name of this one either-may be a medley
Glen - part of Say It To Me Now
Mundy - tonight was the first time i had seen him. not sure of the name of this song.

Hurling

Wednesday afternoon was a lesson in Hurling for me. Here is the official scoop: Hurling - what's that?!. Did you read it?! Well, here is how it's really done! 

Pops showing Hanna and Liam a thing or two.

Liam is knockin' it outta the park. Don't hit your sister in the head!

Lightning Fast Hanna!

Guys! I think we should review the rules of the game...

...it's called Hurling, not Keep Away, Mom!

Good times! I think I understand how it's played now.

Kilmainham Gaol (pronounced Jail)

Wednesday April 28th, was a very busy and wonderful 24 hours. I am going to have to break it up into several postings. There is too much to talk about, and at the moment I only have a short window of time to update you before I go to my pilates session.


I'm getting up pretty late these days - staying up late - the night before and chatting with my hosts over glasses of wine makes for good some good sleeping in! I took my walk to the tram stop and headed into Dublin. Had breakfast at Bewleys on Grafton street, then took the big bus tour around parts of the city to Kilmainham Gaol. 

above the entrance

This is a jail built in the 18th century. The hallways and doors of the prison were haunting, and if I hadn't been with a group of folks, led by a very informative tour guide, I don't think I would've gone in there. 

 inside one of the cells

The cells were made of stone, with one window high up. The windows were placed as such so that the prisoner was made to look up towards the heavens, towards the light of God.

looking in from the hole outside the door

These cells, on the first level, were so dark and eerie. It was really emotional for me. Not sure why, but I got tearful a couple of times. Maybe just an energy thing, but also just the story of why some of Ireland most thoughtful and intelligent men, and women, were held here. (See In the Name of the Father).

scratched into the hallway of cells where several of the "uprisers" were held.

This says "Beware of the Risen People that have been harried and held Ye that have bullied and bribed." Indeed.

upstairs from original cell blocks. 19th century renovation

The idea behind the great hall was by putting prisoners in a more communal setting, and adding light from above, less violence would breed. If you were a guard, you can monitor 90% of the rooms for where ever you stood. The prisoners were made to feel that they could been seen at all times. The eye hole on the prisoner side of the door even replicates the shape of the watchful eye of the guard.

inside looking out

The yard is where executions of 14 of 16 of the up-risers happened. 

the yard

Due to public outcry, the last two were never executed. One, Eamon DeValera became  President of Ireland. It was an amazing day of history. You must see this, if you are ever here. The museum has wonderful historical papers and artifacts from that time. 

Yeats

Today was my first solo day in Dublin. Kat, and he who must not be named, (i'll have to explain that to you in person someday) live really close to the Tram. I walked down this lovely street catch it.

For 1 eruo, and a 10 minute ride, I was in the heard of Dublin at Stephens Green. It was a really nice day to hang in the park and watch the birds, and people, enjoy the park.

Stephens Green

I sat on a bench next to a lady with two dogs. The dogs were really well behaved considering the number of seagulls, ducks, and pigeons that were teaming around us wanting food. Maybe those dogs got there often enough not to care anymore. Come to think of it, the lady didn't seem to care much for what was going on around her either. 

I walked up Grafton Street, got some breakfast, and continued walking North over the Liffey.

The Liffey

I was headed to the Irish Writers Museum. The museum is located in the former residence of Mr. Jameson. You may know him from that wonderful tasting whiskey he makes. I believe Shane McGowan wrote a song about Mr. Jamesons efforts. Everybody sing! "Whiskey, whiskey, whiskey, whiskey...."

Stairway to heaven. Irish Writers Museum. Mr. Jamesons old residence.

The museum was very educational, and I enjoyed learning about the history of Irelands most famous writers. I learned that there was a period of time when writers were banned, and censored, of corse for political commentaries, but also for writing about sexually explicit material describing "dangly bits". I'm sure I don't have to tell you the importance of folks like James Joyce, WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wild, Samuel Becket, etc.on the world of literature. Lot's of wonderful first edition books to look at. It was a good time for sure.

I walked back down to Grafton Street for lunch, then over to the National Library where they had a wonderful exhibit on WB Yeats, and his family. They had rooms set aside where you could sit and listen to recordings of his poetry while looking at old photos and letters. It was really something. WB was a pretty interesting fellow. He had an unrequited love affair with Maud Gonne. She was the subject of many of his love poems, but alas they were never together. Sigh...

Here is a picture of a Dublin area lamp post. I like it a lot.

I must have walked for a total of 6 hours today, including museum time. My dogs are tired. 

Good Bye England - Hello Ireland

My last morning at Windy Ridge. Looked like another beautiful day on the horizon.

view from my window.

After my last bath in the amazingly long tub, I had my last full English Breakfast, and said good bye the girls

Flo and Taxi

Bye to the local pheasant.

tom

I said good bye to my host, Nic, and all the folks that took such good care of me during my stay. I hope to get back there again. I had a great time At Windy Ridge!

I hit the train running, literally, almost missed it! I was on my 6 hour train ride towards HolyHead, Wales where I would catch the ferry to Ireland. Lot's of great scenery on the ride. Lots of fun people watching too.

welsh. yeah.. no way.

Irish Sea

The ferry ride was two hours. Nice ride. Had a shot of Jamesons. Seemed appropriate.

Met up with Kat and Breon, and family at the local Pizzaria. So great to see them!! Today was Liams 6th birthday! yay! Hit the bed around 10:30p. Really looking forward to Ireland and catching up with Kat and family!

Happy Birthday Bill!

The day before yesterday was William Shakespears birthday. Sounded like a perfect time to go to Stratford - on -Avon! Ian gave me a lift from Windy Ridge to Moreton-in-Marsh where I caught an hour long bus to Stratford through some really lovely countryside. Lots of farms, and sheep, and more of those wonderful stone houses.


The best part of the bus ride was Ann. Ann is in her 90's. She's is a very sharp dresser, wearing a tasteful Jackie O type of dress with pearls. Today was a big day, Ann (from here on out known as Ann1), was going to show her friend Ann (from here on out known as Ann2) how to ride the bus. Ann2, also in her 90's, had lost her husband this past December, and had never taken public transportation. Ann1 and I chatted about how she and her husband, John, had been married for over 60 years. She is Irish, but met him in England when she and her cousin came over on the boat for a visit. She did a 6 year stay in the states in the 50's as a nurse at Massachusettes General. She and John have traveled all over, but settled in Chipping Campden and had a family. Their kids are strown all over the world, but they visit their daughter in France the most. She is one sharp cookie, and told me all about the towns we passed through on the way to Ann2's stop. Ann2 is right out of a Tim Burton movies. The complete opposite of Ann1. Ann2 has wild hair, 1930' ish fabulous dress, and lots of eye makeup and lip stick. I bet she was something in her day. Ann1 got out of her seat to help Ann2 into the bus, telling the driver he was just going to have to be patient, because Ann2 was old and it would take her a moment to manage the step. I offered to help, but she would have none of it. Ann2 was clearly excited about her outing. She said she was afraid she was going to miss the bus, so she got there 15 minutes early. (no seating at this little village stop, by the way) Ann1 introduced me as "Maureen", and that was my name for the rest of the trip. What's in a name, anyway? The two Anns sat in front of me and chatted about their friends and the perils of bus riding. Ann1 would turn around and point things out to me occasionally. Ann2 would repeat a story, and Ann1 would say - "yes, you mentioned that" in a very sweet way with a little giggle at the end. So cute. We arrived at Stratford, and Ann1 took my arm (she had quite a grip) and told me that this is where I would catch the bus home later, pointing at the stop we had just left. She didn't want me to get lost. So sweet. I watched them head down the street arm in arm through a sea full of people to Marks and Spencers for lunch. The 2 Anns were fab!


Stratford is a college town, that coupled with Bill's birthday, made for a really crowded place to be. There were free plays happening in the park, and all sorts of folks dressed in character. The river was gorgeous. Lots of boats and swans.

Avon

ah... spring time

I wandered along the river for a while, and came upon a butterfly farm. Amazing to be in a space with lots of these thing flying around you.

did i mention it was spring time? (cover your eyes kiddies)

Long bus ride back to Windy Ridge. I hope the 2 Anns made it home ok.

Public Footpath

Still in The Cotswolds at Windy Ridge Estates. I hitched a ride into Chipping Campden today from a couple that were staying here at the B&B for their 37th wedding anniversary. Great folks! They gave me their address and phone number in case I needed anything (sweet). I also met Jenny, Nics (my host), wife. She is great! She took me for a ride around the area. I had no idea I was staying in such a "posh" county. Lot's of London movie stars have homes here. She took me to their second house not far from Windy Ridge. It's another charming old stone cottage. Gorgeous! We walked around her garden and talked about our love of gardening and getting dirty. She knows how to build a dry stack rock wall. I wish I had more time here so she could show me. She also had a lavender tree. I have never seen that before. I also saw a pheasant. I had never seen one of those in real life either. Anyway, lovely folk in the countryside. 


While in Chipping Campden I noticed this:

Considering myself "public", I followed it and it led me here:

So, I decided because that diversion was such a success, I would take these paths anytime I see one. Here are a few other oddities I saw while walking up and down the village.

nice knockers

this bumper sticker was on this rover - i bet nessie feels the same

antique store. super cool stuff!

directly under this excellent school house sign, was this creepy character

Another quaint village I visited today was called Bourton on the Water. This village has a river running through it. Very cute and full of elderly folks hanging out in the sun today in the park next to the river. I was by far the youngest person in the village. Guess what I found during one of my walks?

according to my new travel rule, i had to take it..so glad i did!

i think i scared them..

Rest assured that I have plenty of pictures of the village itself. Stone houses, gardens, churches, etc. But you've seem all that before. As long as these Public Pathway signs keep taking me to places like this - I will follow.

Pathways

Left Avebury today. Headed to Moreton-in-Marsh. I am pretty wiped out because I didn't get much sleep last night. Seems the boiler room, located above my condo, decided to create a water fall in my living room. I got a call at 2am from folks saying they were going to get a crew in there to move all my stuff and rip up the floor. I am a little concerned, but what can I do? I totally trust that they will take care of it. They have hired the best in the business to do the restoration, and I'm told by my insurance guy that I won't be liable for any of the cost. A big THANK YOU goes out to my emergency contacts Maria Linman, and Michelle Majeski for going over there to be my eyes and ears. I'm sure it will all be ok - but I do feel a bit helpless. Anywho, the train ride was good and I got here as scheduled. Nic, my host at Windy Ridge Estates, picked me up and brought me to yet another gorgeous B&B. 

Windy Ridge Estate (the door anyway) check link from the other day if you wanna see the whole shabang.

view from my room

His father build this place himself back in the 50s. The gardens aren't in their prime yet, but I can only imagine once all the leaves and flowers, that are currently in bud, bloom - it will be beautiful. Here are the pathways I walked today. Most are from within the grounds of the estate, by the way. 10 acres of wanderings and missing my home a little, but still really glad to be here. 

I saw a bunch of flora and fauna today, even happened upon these cluckers:

Another wonderful, sunny day in the UK. I got a sun burn!