Armagh Project 2015

Dublin has exceeded my expectations, to be honest. It’s a weird feeling, because when I first saw a few locations, I thought “this looks just like a movie.” It’s a lot different from Armagh, but still plenty different from America, with trains riding through town, very wide brick streets, large stone buildings with roman numeral clocks, and many monuments. It’s kind of generic, but in the best way possible; as I walk through the streets, I recognize what places were recreated in fiction, and I begin to notice how strongly Irish culture affects Western culture.

When I first arrived in Dublin I had to do a double take because I honestly felt like I was back home in New York. I was so surprised by how modern it is here, it is very lively and seems to be pretty diverse. The architecture is very unique and the statues throughout the city are extremely captivating, especially because most have an interesting story behind them. So far most of the Dubliners that I’ve had an encounter with have been very welcoming and friendly, which is comforting when you are in a unfamiliar place.

As I continue to unveil pieces of Ireland’s long and complicated history, one theme continues to emerge: the Irish people have an enormous amount of pride for where they live.

This pride takes shape in many ways, and has sometimes led to violence and conflict. The support of unification in Southern Ireland, though contentious, seems to be the result of the love the people have for their country and wanting their country to be whole. The people of Northern Ireland love their country enough to want to stay despite the conflicts, and many parade every year in order to protect their right to stay in their beloved country.

Irish pride manifests in other ways, of course. The Irish flag is proudly waved in both the North and the South. I have heard more than one Irish citizen say that this is the best place in the world. Countless songs have been written about the beautiful rain and hillsides in Ireland.

All of this country pride resonates with me because it makes me reflect on my own country. I have never been particularly proud to be an American citizen. But, seeing the Irish citizens care so much makes me want to try. When I return to my own country, I hope to look around and appreciate all of the things that make America a great place to live.

During our visit to Navan Port I was surprised to learn that women of Gaelic societies had the same rights and privileges as a man. Irish women lost their power after the ideals of Catholicism and English practices of marriage were adopted. It was intriguing to learn that an early society could offer the opportunity for a woman to become a ruling Queen or a warrior, and that leaders were chosen based on their merit and not by their sex. Gaelic women also had a choice of who they would marry. They could easily divorce and had control over their dowries.

This piece of women’s history resonated with me because in a typical story about women leaders or women with equal rights, there is also an overwhelmingly sad story encompassing struggle and heartache caused by society, simply because of their sex. The privileges of these Gaelic women were direct inspiration for my script for the Armagh Project. It has been a journey to learn more about these women and the power they wield.

Turning Point by Brian Conally.

Somethings that really connect with me in Armagh are these two sculptures and what I assume is their connection to one another. One depicts the history of astronomy: a gold speckled orb with engravings of the science along the sculpture’s supports. The other orb, Turning Point, has holes scattered around it and what appear to be faint hieroglyphics. Three “shells ” of men are moving the orb up the stairs it rests on. I enjoy astronomy, orb things, and potential National Treasure – level mystery connections. I feel these two orbs are connected. I need to do a bit of research comparing the two closely, but I believe the holes in Turning Point are actually in the same spots as the stars in the astronomy orb. I feel like this could mean that when the stars extinguish–when we are at the end–we will all need to work together to overcome our troubles. But, if some sort of treasure beneath the city opens up if certain holes are pressed or something, I’d be down for being the Nicholas Cage of Armagh.

Kate has been the mother of the group every sense their mom died. She puts the weight of the world on her shoulder and tries to be the strong one. There are times she will break down and her sister Maggie will have to be the one who takes care of her.  Continue reading →

My time that I have spent here has just been wonderful. I feel more alive every day that I am here in Armagh. The air just feels so clean and my body just feels refresh every day. This little town has everything i need and a easy way to get there. The walking has been great to my knee and I am seeing great signs of improvement. To be honest I don’t see anything special about this town to make it stand out but that too is refreshing. I just know every day is going to be a good day when i go out and breath in that fresh air.

I was wandering around Thomas Street yesterday with Robert during the lunch hour. We stepped into the pet shop and (to some disappointment) there were only caged canaries, boring fish, and some really cuddly bunnies. After we got out all of our Awwwwws, we walked out the back door. And lo! There stood a music store.

We stepped inside and paced into the back room, where all of the guitars and basses were hung. An exquisitely 26-fretted acoustic bass sat in its stand by the corner; I plucked it up in an instant and proceeded to walk its lovely, steely strings in the tune of an old Green Day song. Of course, after maybe 2 minutes, it got my heart thumping heavy, forcing Robert to leave after giving me a perfect “I’ll just leave you two alone…” look. I’m not entirely sure how much longer I was there; all I remember is a bit of Alt-J here, a bit of Vampire Weekend there, a bit of Rage Against the Machine over, a bit of Radiohead under. Needless to say, it was the most romantic thing I’ve done here yet.

Moss Ya’ll.

I’m not ashamed to say I’m a little obsessed. I got in really deep, about elbow deep in feeding my new moss obsession today. Before you judge me, it’s research for my story and I’m sticking to it. I’ve seen a documentary, a few videos about the life cycle of moss, vascular plants, as well as a few articles on eating it. I’m not going to eat it — I’m not going to eat it. I mean, I have had it in a smoothie, but whatever I’m not sorry. Anyway,  the survival element of moss is astounding and it really can’t be ignored here in Ireland or the world.  Guys! Moss is one of our prehistoric ancestors — our reproductive systems are very similar (well kind of in an evolutionary family sort of way).  Here’s some mossy pictures to get the love flowing. Captions based on actual events and conversations.

Whoa you guys are seriously everywhere. Pretty thorough man, respect.

Guuuuuuys!! Look! It’s so beautiful, they have a little colony. Their on the whole wall. It’s like a moss tour! 

“Guys, I’m gonna save this moss. It’s on the window ledge and it gets way too much sun. I just learned it needs water to sex it up with some hot moss thang in the area. I’m going to water it. It needs me, I’m going to save it.  What? Why’re you guys looking at me like that?”