Congratulations!! We’re actually on a similar journey for all the reasons you list, except on a slightly slower trajectory, and ending in Bath, England. (Perhaps we’ll cross the North Channel and see each other one of these days?) Wishing you the very best of luck, my friend.
Thank you everyone who read and commented with such enthusiasm for this new adventure and chapter of our lives. We're finally settled in our first house here and I will respond to each of you individually, but in case I miss anyone, I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone. Here we go!
I will follow your journey with interest. My family and I took a nice vacation to Ireland several years ago. It is the one place where, given the proper circumstances, we'd move tomorrow. Or this afternoon. Or now, even. I even made the protagonist in my most recent novel Irish (though I had to have an Irish author translate her words into Irish-English). I love the fact that you took an ocean liner over. That is classic, and a hopeful foreshadow the slower pace you are seeking. God's speed! Keep us up to date.
A thousand blessings! Your litany for going echoes whispers in my own heart. As we fly home from Rome I will see what we’re heading back to and why….bless you both. Your cottage in the forest sounds more than idyllic. Heaven sent, in fact.
I wish you well on your new adventure, Cathleen. It’s so exciting to read about your enthusiasm (the root of which is “en Theos.”) Your voyage invites me to explore new possibilities in life. I have found a spiritual home in Hawai’i, no longer working. The future always beckons us to endings and beginnings, little deaths and resurrections.
I wondered if 'no snakes' was among the reasons! May God enable you to create the space needed for the life you seek. May He go before you to prepare the way and choose the beloveds who will become fast friends. May He go behind you to secure the bonds of love of those you've left as they will be stretched over distance and time. May He be beside you to whisper peace and draw your attentions to those graces and gifts He has for you each moment. May He be above you to guide your way. And may He surround you and indwell you with the Love that called this world into existence and continues to fight for its good. God bless you! Lots of love and huge hugs, Ellie
All the best on your journey. Ireland is showing up more in dreams and hopes in recent days so I celebrate the where and why of your move with you! Also I have a tiny white dog who is almost 13 and who is also on the skittish side. She’s named little Edie after the daughter in grey gardens. 💚💚
Wonderful post. So excited for you and Maury. What an adventure. And though my “returning home” wasn’t international I get that feeling of “green quiet space”. It’s actually very black at night except for stars or a full moon. No more hum of LBHS air conditioner all night long or tree trimmers buzzing all day. Four seasons!! (wait until you experience your first Spring!!!)
Wishing, hoping, praying for this next extraordinary chapter of your journey . -Margy
Exquisite and inspiring. What an adventure! When I saw your pix on Facebook I didn't realize you were on a ship, I thought you had some amazing view from the plane! I wish you safe and happy journey to your new/old home, and hope you find peace, quiet, joy, and friendship in that beautiful land. Here in my Chicago neighborhood (Bridgeport), we hear sirens all. day. long. It is wearing on me. All of your reasons for making the crossing are excellent. (And yes, inspiring. I can get Italian citizenship on my mother's side. Don't know the Irish side forebears as well.) Much love to you!
Good luck on this part of your life & thank you for the story. It made me think a lot about these times; scary prospects, lost loved ones and a family home in Kerry I've seen several times but wonder if the last time was my last. You also touched on the unique Irish feature, "welcome home". I took the phrase for granted but my wife opened my eyes. She had never been "home" and when she met my family she remarked how everyone said it. To her it was unique but she felt it was sincere and made her feel like she had returned to a place she had never been. Thank you for sharing your journey and it might inspire me to get back over next year.
Congratulations!! We’re actually on a similar journey for all the reasons you list, except on a slightly slower trajectory, and ending in Bath, England. (Perhaps we’ll cross the North Channel and see each other one of these days?) Wishing you the very best of luck, my friend.
Thank you everyone who read and commented with such enthusiasm for this new adventure and chapter of our lives. We're finally settled in our first house here and I will respond to each of you individually, but in case I miss anyone, I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone. Here we go!
Cathleen, thank you for these beautiful words, which made me happy all day. What a hope-filled, holy quest you are on. May God be with you!
Hi, Mark here. From school. 😎 Good passage to you. One day we’ll talk I hope. I send you my very best in your new stage, on your new stage.
mark.malbone@gmail
I will follow your journey with interest. My family and I took a nice vacation to Ireland several years ago. It is the one place where, given the proper circumstances, we'd move tomorrow. Or this afternoon. Or now, even. I even made the protagonist in my most recent novel Irish (though I had to have an Irish author translate her words into Irish-English). I love the fact that you took an ocean liner over. That is classic, and a hopeful foreshadow the slower pace you are seeking. God's speed! Keep us up to date.
There are not enough hearts to show how much I love this, including the fact that it foreshadows a similar journey for me. Peace to your spirit.
A thousand blessings! Your litany for going echoes whispers in my own heart. As we fly home from Rome I will see what we’re heading back to and why….bless you both. Your cottage in the forest sounds more than idyllic. Heaven sent, in fact.
I wish you well on your new adventure, Cathleen. It’s so exciting to read about your enthusiasm (the root of which is “en Theos.”) Your voyage invites me to explore new possibilities in life. I have found a spiritual home in Hawai’i, no longer working. The future always beckons us to endings and beginnings, little deaths and resurrections.
Absence of snakes 100%
You did not mention U2.
Since, dear friend, we have never met, Southern California is equally distant as Ireland.
I would leave also, but to Norway, where my Mom and her family began. My Dad's grandparents were in Sweden.
1. I don't do well with cold.
2. I would only leave if my three adult children, and grandchildren [one an adult] could join us.
That isn't going to happen.
May you find peace and blessings. I will think of you whenever Stout appears.
Marty
I wondered if 'no snakes' was among the reasons! May God enable you to create the space needed for the life you seek. May He go before you to prepare the way and choose the beloveds who will become fast friends. May He go behind you to secure the bonds of love of those you've left as they will be stretched over distance and time. May He be beside you to whisper peace and draw your attentions to those graces and gifts He has for you each moment. May He be above you to guide your way. And may He surround you and indwell you with the Love that called this world into existence and continues to fight for its good. God bless you! Lots of love and huge hugs, Ellie
Congrats Cathleen! Hope I can visit one day!
All the best on your journey. Ireland is showing up more in dreams and hopes in recent days so I celebrate the where and why of your move with you! Also I have a tiny white dog who is almost 13 and who is also on the skittish side. She’s named little Edie after the daughter in grey gardens. 💚💚
Wonderful post. So excited for you and Maury. What an adventure. And though my “returning home” wasn’t international I get that feeling of “green quiet space”. It’s actually very black at night except for stars or a full moon. No more hum of LBHS air conditioner all night long or tree trimmers buzzing all day. Four seasons!! (wait until you experience your first Spring!!!)
Wishing, hoping, praying for this next extraordinary chapter of your journey . -Margy
P.S. Go Cubs!
Exquisite and inspiring. What an adventure! When I saw your pix on Facebook I didn't realize you were on a ship, I thought you had some amazing view from the plane! I wish you safe and happy journey to your new/old home, and hope you find peace, quiet, joy, and friendship in that beautiful land. Here in my Chicago neighborhood (Bridgeport), we hear sirens all. day. long. It is wearing on me. All of your reasons for making the crossing are excellent. (And yes, inspiring. I can get Italian citizenship on my mother's side. Don't know the Irish side forebears as well.) Much love to you!
See you soon :)
Good luck on this part of your life & thank you for the story. It made me think a lot about these times; scary prospects, lost loved ones and a family home in Kerry I've seen several times but wonder if the last time was my last. You also touched on the unique Irish feature, "welcome home". I took the phrase for granted but my wife opened my eyes. She had never been "home" and when she met my family she remarked how everyone said it. To her it was unique but she felt it was sincere and made her feel like she had returned to a place she had never been. Thank you for sharing your journey and it might inspire me to get back over next year.