C'ead Mile Failte

“Something is about to give
I can feel it coming
I think I know what it means
I'm not afraid to die
I'm not afraid to live
And when I'm flat on my back
I hope to feel like I did”

~Kite, U2

There’s a place very dear to my heart. It’s a country on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean that I have great ties with. It’s a place where I’ve been inspired to visit as a kid after hearing about my grandparent’s travels when I was seven. I’m proudly saying that I am hoping on a plane soon leaving Boston bound for Ireland. It’s no secret that I am proud of my Irish heritage much more so than my Polish heritage.

Me Wearing the Irish Hat That My Grandparents Brought Back For Me From Their Visit to Ireland

I recall when I was 15 on my return flight from an EF (Educational First) Tour of Europe looking down at the lush green landscape of Ireland saying I want to leave this plane & to set food on Irish soil, can I skydive down. The dream always stayed with me from seeing Ireland from the plane coming home from London many moons ago. I’ve tried to go once with my grandmother & mother, had the whole thing planned out, but due to uncertainty of the world from September 11^th, they both got scared, we canceled the reservation & the free spirited me was angry for a long time.

When I first set off traveling, my intention was to go backpacking around Ireland, but I found myself in Australia instead. The dream has always stayed with me. I always wanted to say that I went to Ireland to meet my relatives. I’m being called to go seek out the West. My roots lie in the West, not the East, like most Americans who can trace their roots back to the time of the Great Potato Famine where many had to leave Ireland due to the blight from the potatoes. The Irish Diaspora is where as many as 70 million people can claim Irish descent, I just happen to be one of those people. My family left the West & settled in Boston for a new life in America.

My Irish Grandparents, Marie (Leonard) & Joe Finn

My grandmother passed away when I was living in Japan, but the dream of going to seek out her roots has never left me. I am blessed that a dear cousin, who happens to be the director of Project Hope  in Boston, has put me in touch with family over there. I do know that my family roots are in County Galway & it happens to be my first stop. I find going straight to Galway from Dublin is the most appropriate start for this holiday.  I recall my grandmother being so proud to tell me about how she meant, Enda Colleran who happens to be a cousin & who was a GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) footballer & manager. That’s my small claim to fame.

When I was in my last semester of college at the University of Maine, I took an Irish History class. My professor told me that she hoped that I would make my way to Ireland one day. My Irish history knowledge is in back memory, but I’m sure it will come out. Of course I know the lyrics to the classic songs like Molly Malone & not to forget many U2, Sinead O’Connor & Van Morrison lyrics of modern Irish music. I have read some of the classics The Tain Bo Cuailnge & The Tailor & Ansty to name a few along with Tara Road by Maeve Binchy & many Marian Keyes books for the chick lit. Watched some legendary Irish films over the years. I’ve been itching to have a proper pint of the Black Stuff for a long time, not the stuff that you get in the States or anywhere else in the world. I recalled my grandfather telling me after his visit to Ireland that I didn’t need to kiss the Blarney Stone cos I already had the gift of gab. If you really know me, than you would agree. Let’s face it; I have known to get kicked out the galley & the bridge at times while working on the ships, I wonder why? I can say that some of the qualities that do shape me for being the unique spirit that I am are associated strongly from my Irish heritage. There’s something so beautiful about the Irish with their gift of giving without limits.

Who knows what’s the craic is going to bring me. All what I can say is that I am seeking adventure.  My wanderlust soul is saying that you need to see more of the world. What better place to seek it out, than going to Ireland. I do deserve some “me” time from all of the hard work that I have been doing on myself by getting rid of the limiting beliefs that are holding me back. I need to see what I will find over there in order to set my wings & soar again. “My Irish Luck” was lucky enough to score a dirt cheap ticket on US Airways. Just be open on where to go in the world with what your soul is telling you.  When you know a deal then you don’t need to question it, just trust your higher source, go for it. Go for the gold at the end of the rainbow with a leprechaun waiting for you.

I’m sure many are itching to see what I capture threw the lens. It might be a while until you get to see the finish product. But in the meantime, if you’re on Instragram you can always check out my work. The support is greatly appreciated.

Erin go Bragh