WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING...

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, tis like the morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter, 
You can hear the angels sing...

It's a magical place for sure. I love the awareness of being timely and appropriate...of being in the right place at the right time, taking cues in stride, walking in the way, with much to appreciate and a sure sense to cultivate...

Here are a few more shots from the Emerald Isle...

 Dunguaire Castle

Clifden

Kilkenny

             Road to Killimer Ferry

 Dingle Peninsula

Rock of Cashel

Cliffs of Moher

Dublin

 Dunguaire

 Dutch Bikers

 Irish Bikers

 Saint Patrick's Cathedral

 Tipperary

 St Mary's Kilkenny

 Sunset on the Atlantic Sea 

...you can hear the angels sing

For your smile is a part
of the love in your heart,
and it makes even sunshine
more bright...

in step,
in tune,
heart to heart,
with all blessings 
from above and within,

Tom

VIVA LA FRENCH OPEN...

Passing through Paris, Sriyani and I fortunately landed in a sweet hotel only five Metro stations from Roland Garros, home of the classic clay court championships. We spent a couple days roaming the venue and taking in as many matches as possible. It's such a great event for many reasons plus the fact, I love Paris in the springtime...

Wanting to intently watch the matches, I was determined to travel light and didn't plan on shooting much, so I only toted my puny point and shoot pocket camera. Keep in mind that these closeup shots were taken only a few feet away from the action. That's what's so cool about the French Open...totally up close and personal, just the way I like it.

This first shot is Francesca Sciavone, 2010 Women's champion and last year's runner up from Italy. If she hadn't put the brakes on her clay court slide, we were both going down together. Incredibly, Francesca hit this backhand for a crosscourt winner! What a woman!

                                                                            The French makeout anywhere...

The locals celebrate a Frenchman beating American John Isner after nearly six hours on court...

         Suzanne Lenglen...                                                            Long gone after a long day...

My new friends told me if I didn't make the draw next year, I could join their ball picking squad...

...so, I've got that going for me,
Tom

IN SEARCH OF NESSIE...

and my Gaelic roots...


It's not always what you do, but the way you do it.
It's the difference between going through the motions and putting your heart into it with a little gusto.
Like they say, the dancer who is most enjoyable to watch is the dancer who is enjoying themselves the most.
I spent a day with a man who invited us into his world...
His name is Alan Fee.
He drives his bus like a Jedi warrior.

Here is Alan in his office, his comfort zone...after over 400 miles of two lane, winding road driving, while narrating the scenery, giving fascinating history lessons and telling jokes the whole time. Impressive! He made it very inviting to respectfully relate to his beloved Scottish homeland. I think his greatest talent, though is winning hearts and keeping laughter in the air. Though we had little time in Scotland, it was a great day. Does the sun always shine in this country?

Here are a few scenic shots of the Scottish Highlands from our eventful journey...

 ...and here is the famous Loch Ness. I think I saw a ripple...

There's a stranger and he's standing by your door,
Might be your best friend,
Might be your brother, 
You may never know...    
                                       'Irish Heartbeat'  Van Morrison


Hey Alan, thanks for the lift...
Tom

IN IRELAND...

This is impressive...the other day standing upon the ancient Hill of Tara next to the Lia Fail, the legendary Stone of Destiny, significant to all ancient High Kings of Ireland...

 ...then, the very next day, an island's breadth away, to stand upon the Western cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Sea...it was quite a day with castles and kind people all along the way...

...more to come from the Emerald Isle as this is a truly lovely country...
Tom