I know, I know. It’s been a while. But I have to be honest I have not have time! I barely have time to sleep let alone take a few minutes to write about these beautiful experiences I’ve been having.
Ireland has been making me fall in love more and more with it as each day goes by. I can’t quite put into words how incredible this experience has been. I have been learning so much about myself, other people, and my art. This country contains so much new history, culture, and language. It’s fascinating to learn about, especially from the Irish themselves. This is such a gorgeous place. I mean look, just look!
It’s hurts me so much to know I only have 46 days left here, but I will have to make the best of it and be positive. Today was an especially interesting day…
I got a free scone, was told my accent was lovely [wait… I have an accent? what?], and an older woman and man who both didn’t seem like their minds were all there stopped us while we were on our way walking home and apologized to my friend and I for September 11th while kissing our hands. At first, we thought we had been distracted and then pick pocketed, but no. They just wanted some conversation, I guess?
I also had a really great day at college. In my manifesto class I had to write a short scene/sketch from the brief “The Call of Nature”. So I wrote a scene where I’m standing on the Ha’Penny Bridge taking a bunch of photos with my phone, selfies included. Then, I just stop and put my phone away and tell myself and those watching to just breath in and out. To just look at our surroundings and be present. Breath in the air and listen. Just listen.
This was inspired by noticing that I was taking way too many pictures of my surroundings without taking the time to really focus on where I am and the beauty that’s around me. Yes, it’s great to take pictures, but we can’t keep looking at life through a lens. I had to ask myself, “So why do I need to take these photos? To remember? Just to have? Or am I just wanting to post these photos on Instagram and Facebook later? It’s important to take a moment to soak in the moment and be present. I believe being present is one of the most difficult things for human beings to do. We’re always thinking about what to do next and where to go. Where will be tomorrow? What do I have to do now to get to the next place in my life? I’ve found I worried about these questions much too often, and that I have to learn how to be more in the moment. There was a moment during my trip to Northern Ireland where I didn’t bring my phone. I just looked out onto the coast and let the wind whip against my face and I let myself feel everything I felt in that moment. I let go of my thoughts and looked out at the ocean and huge hills.
Carpe Diem means seize the day, but maybe, sometimes we should let the day seize us.
Enough of my deep and internal thoughts. Here’s more pictures.
