Distractable links

     As I’m finishing up the last chapters of the second draft of TCM’s sequel — “A Sudden Gift of Fate,” I’ve been fact checking and Googling and, of course, getting easily sidetracked in the process.
     Here are two links, for example, that knocked me off course today:

• Jesjes1′s fun take on Dublin slang on YouTube.
• Kevin Murphy’s cool photography from Ireland at kevoto.com

     Irish author Eddie Stack also posted an update about Ireland’s election, a rare stretch of warm weather and a Galway harborfest that lifted everyone’s spirits on his blog Onwards. (You’ll always find a great read there!) Sounds like that show by The Stunning was great.

Read on…

© Jan R. Sprawls

The June/July ’09 issue of Ragazine is out. As always, my friend Mike Foldes does a great job with this arts web site filled with fiction, poetry, fine art and photography. Be sure to check out the Texas Panhandle photography of our friend and former coworker, Jan Sprawls. Great stuff! See more of Jan’s impressive portfolio here.

An Irish Inauguration?

     You may, or may not have, heard that President-Elect Barack Obama has Irish roots. To be exact, his ancestral home is in Moneygall, County Offaly. Well this disclosure has triggered a lot of pride on the other side of the Atlantic. A group called The Corrigans (formerly Hardy Drew & The Nancy Boys — fabulous name) have recorded a fun hit single “There’s No One As Irish As Barack Obama.” Perhaps you saw the piece on CBS SUnday Morning about them.
     Anyway, if you want to hear about their adventures in “The States” during the inauguration — and they should be Homeric, follow them by reading Paddy Anglican’s Blogspot.
     Go n-éiri an bóthar libh, lads! Fáilte romhaibh go Meiriceá!

Nollaig Shona Dhuit

Visit my Gaeilge page to learn how to wish your friends a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” in Irish. I also have included lyrics to some Christmas carols in Irish for your enjoyment.

Introducing, new works by two friends

Tonight, author Susan Hubbard is celebrating the publication of her sequel to her mesmerizing novel, “The Society of S.” Her new novel, “The Year of Disappearances” picks up where her first left off, with Ariella Montero coming to terms with her secret identity and continuing her quest “to recognize the demons who may live inside us and the ones we love — so that they can be removed.” Hubbard is an award-winning author whose literary style will entrance readers. Sure to be a great read!
     In late June, C. Solimini’s debut mystery, “Across the River” will be available. I read an advance copy, and here’s what I thought:
     Imagine you are going back to your old hometown to investigate a murder for the tabloid that employs you. Imagine that much of the cast of characters intertwined in the murder story can be found in your school yearbook. The thought of reconnecting with all those faces from the past would make most people shudder; baby boomer Andrealisa Rinaldi can barely stomach the thought.
     Along the story’s hilly path, journalist Andie must confront the past and present while trying not to mix business with pleasure. Unfortunately for her, the boundaries of all begin to blur.
     C. Solimini has a knack for the well placed pun that will make you howl, as well as the skill for exploring the complexity and depth of her characters so well that you can empathize with their need to protect their own.
     This witty page turner offers up a side platter of nostalgia for readers of a certain age, but will keep all readers guessing right up to its satisfying end.
      Holy Moly, it’s a great read! 
Both books are available at Amazon.com and major booksellers. Hubbard’s is also available in Kindle e-book format.

Divine shopping online

Lynn Coyne, owner of Divine Devotions (site of my first book signing) has opened up an online store. You can visit it by clicking here.

Easter greetings

Cáisc shona dhaoibh!

Happy Easter to ye all!

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig dhuit!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to ye!

Oh the many ways you can spend this day…In honor of the day and Irish people, why not have a cuppa Barry’s Gold Label tea as you read some poetry that Ciaran Burns would love by William Butler Yeats; Seamus Heaney; Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill; or Patrick Kavanagh.
     Can’t make it to Pogue Mahone’s? Stop by for a virtual pint at the Guinness web site.
     Want a true taste of Ireland? (Note: It ain’t corned beef!) Visit the FoodIreland.com web site.
     Listen to some music by The Chieftains, Van Morrison, U2, Altan, Clannad, Enya, The Bothy Band, Sharon Shannon, Cherish The Ladies, Great Big Sea, or Sinéad O’Connor
     Learn to speak Irish through Daltaí na Gaeilge and pick up some Irish slang.
     Learn to dance a proper jig.
     Make your own Soda Bread.

In honor of the man whose life we celebrate this day, here is one of his prayers that Eileen Kenny loved dearly:

May you be blessed with the strength of heaven,
The light of the sun and the radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire, The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind, The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth, and the firmness of rock.

Sláinte!

Tune into the story

As my sister Kate knows, we Hylands need to find the perfect soundtrack to everything in our lives. So just for the heck of it, I’ve created a Soundtrack to the Novel that includes chapter by chapter tune selections. Depending on my mood, I might alter these in the future.
  If you have any suggestions for additions to the list, send them to 1MaeveKenny@gmail.com.

Practice for St. Patrick’s Day

The Cyber Miracles contains some phrases in Gaeilge, the Irish language. When one learns the Irish language, it comes with an expectation that you will share it with others to keep this beautiful old Celtic language alive.
     With that in mind, I’ve added a page devoted to the language, see the Gaeilge link above.
     Today I posted some proverbs, toasts and greetings that you can use during the coming St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Cleachtadh a dhéanann máistreacht (that is, practice makes perfect).