Bookend 1 – January, February 2025

Dedicated to those ‘Mná’ closest to me, Mary, Elaine, Louise and Jessica. For 2025 I’m only going to notify you of two blog publications, the First (January / February) and the last, December 2025. Feel free to wander back in throughout the year and explore what is posted. As with all my blogs, follow the links (all safe and tested) to very interesting places. January and February 2025 (even typing 2025 is gobsmacking, as it was only yesterday when we were all waiting for the world to disintegrate for Y2K, January 2000, scary time. And, yet we’ve managed to see 25 years beyond this unknown step into the naughties.) At the bottom of this blog is a small selection of snapshots taken in January and February 2025. Two months of serious sneachta, báisteach agus gaoth. (snow, rain and wind)

Lá Fhéile Bríde

St. Brigid’s Day 2025. I adore this time of year. The passing of January into February. A special time of year but more specifically a truly special celebration of the ‘Womans’ role in our lives. In many of my blogs I have referred to the influence, impact and inspiration that Mná na hÉireann have had on my spirit. From my beautiful Mam, my towering rock sisters, Kay and Helena, the inspirational women in my life Mary L, Elaine B, Lousie B and Jessica B and the countless wise women who have coached, guided and counselled, inspired, advised and warmly accepted and embraced me along the way, Annette S, Anita L, Alice R, Brenda R, Caroline C, Catherine S, Connie C, Christine H, Dorothy R, Emear F, Julie Mc, Linda R, Lorna F, Mary T, Maire O’L, Mary O’S, Marita B, Nadine Mc, Ruth G, Sonia C, Ximena A, and so many, many more. The Feminine Strength.

One, very moving piece of music and powerful lyrics that resonates with me and my admiration of the journey of women, is written for the musical ‘Waitress’ by Sara Bareilles. The song is sung by the lead character, Jenna, in the musical. It comes near the end of the second act when she has hit rock bottom, dealing with an unwanted pregnancy and an abusive husband. She is completely lost and her sorrow and despair have made it almost impossible to remember who she is inside. She’s mourning her lost self, but gains confidence as the song progresses. Below, is this magnificent musical moment, where Sara Bareilles the songs writer and Rufus Wainwright, duet this simply incredible and emotional piece so perfectly, It moved me to tears. Thank you both, so much. Sometimes we forget to be grateful that we live in a world with voices such as these

It’s not simple to say
That most days I don’t recognise me
That these shoes and this apron
That place and its patrons
Have taken more than I gave them

[Verse 2]
It’s not easy to know
I’m not anything like I used to be
Although it’s true
I was never attention’s sweet centre
Still remember that girl

[Chorus]
She’s imperfect, but she tries
She is good, but she lies
She is hard on herself
She is broken and won’t ask for help
She is messy, but she’s kind
She is lonely most of the time
She is all of this, mixed up
And baked in a beautiful pie
She is gone, but she used to be mine

[Verse 3]
And it’s not what I asked for
Sometimes life just slips in through a backdoor
And carves out a person
Who makes you believe it’s all true
And now I’ve got you

[Verse 4]
And you’re not what I asked for
If I’m honest, I know I would give it all back
For a chance to start over
Rewrite an ending or two
For the girl that I knew

[Bridge]
Who was reckless, just enough
Who got hurt
But who learns how to toughen up
When she’s bruised
And gets used by a man who can’t love
And then she’ll get stuck
And be scared of the life that’s inside her
Growing stronger each day
‘Til it finally reminds her, to fight just a little
To bring back the fire in her eyes
That’s been gone, but used to be mine
Used to be mine

[Outro]
She is messy, but she’s kind
She is lonely most of the time
She is all of this mixed up
And baked in a beautiful pie
She is gone, but she used to be mine

New Years Day – some random day in February, For those who know me well, February also means my New Year celebration, (never start a new years resolution with a birthday late in January, failure guaranteed), new beginning, springtime. And how do I celebrate same? The joy of a celebration breakfast with Duck Eggs, Gourmet Sausages from O’Flynns or even sausages from my childhood, Mattersons Streaky bacon (Rind On), Toamatoes, Mushrooms, Brown Bread with lashings of Irish butter, thick cut marmalade and either the best coffee available in Cork, Three Fools Flat White, or a strong cup of Irish Black tea (Barry’s or Lyons). Jesus, I’ve died and gone to heaven.

January and February also a month of tough moments for many people. Whisper a prayer for those.

FINALLY – Those who know me well also, will have my “Exercise is Life” mantra ringing in their ears. One of my new years resolutions is to shut the fu** up about exercise. Me pontificating about getting the daily exercise can do more harm than good. So for now, I’ve compiled this 5 MINUTE clip in case anyone is interested. Enough Said.