STILL IN LOVE WITH IRELAND

And the walls still stand.

 The first place we actually stopped after flying into Kerry and on our way to our Bed and Breakfast near Muckross on our first visit to Ireland. 

 

Absence

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  Or at least, that's what an old saying says.

Unfortunately, my absence has gone on far too long.  I must confess that I've let my full time job overtake my desire to share God's words and beauty in my writing and my photography.

Scottish author George MacDonald was a Christian children's author best known for his popular fantasy stories, fairy tales, and memorable young protagonists. MacDonald was an inspiration for writers of children's fiction such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, Madeline L'Engle, Lewis Carroll, and even Mark Twain.  He was one of the most respected authors of his generation in 19th century Scotland. He wrote over fifty books, nearly half of them novels for adults, along with some theological studies, several volumes of essays & criticism, a few volumes of poetry, and three best selling children's novels accompanied by a couple more volumes of fairytales.

Two quotes by George MacDonald sum up my desire for all of my writing and my blogs:

If I can put one touch of a rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.

If, instead of a gem or even a flower, we could cast the gift of a lovely thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.

Blessings, Francine

NO WORDS NEEDED

Sometime words get in the way of simple beauty.

Believe

With imagination, you can go anywhere

If only ...

If only I could go back

to the place that stole my heart

where the green never stops

and the smiles go on forever

For now ...

I hold you in my dreams,

sweetest Ireland

and pray for the day I can return

While I definitely love landscapes, this photo of the coast of Ireland captures the stark beauty of the Emerald Isle.