I am a fuckwit because I get nervous about admitting that I’m happy . It’s as though, if I actually say the words aloud, it will somehow draw my happiness to the attention of some mystical being who has a really twattish grudge against me (probably because a) my hair’s way fucking cooler than theirs and b) I don’t believe in their existence) and that they will somehow reap vengeance upon me by turning things to shit.

I’m not a pessimist or anything, quite the opposite. It does, however, seem that I have an innate ability to worry. In an ideal world, this would mean that I was always annoyingly skinny. Living life on my nerves and all that jazz; but life, even when it’s brilliant, is just not that kind. Worrying makes me fatter. I don’t need to be any fatter. In fact I’m trying to get less fat, so there’s reason No.2 to stop the worrying about being happy.

Sometimes though, I give myself a swift (metaphorical) kick in the nads and tell myself to stop being such a cockweasel, and just be glad for what I’ve got. And I am. Annoyingly so, probably. I could pretend I was sorry about that, but frankly I’m too busy doing the Happy Dance to worry about people being annoyed about my big, ridiculous, smiley face.

So there you go. I’ve said it. I am happy.

(Rumours that I am currently partaking of several, farcical, surperstitious, “luck bringing” activities are totally unfounded by the way

The boy, the roof garden, the view & the moon

And oh yeah, I’m blogging again & shit.

However, one Sunday a couple of weeks ago, I managed to drag myself out of the house on a typical bleak mid-winters day to go on the first outing of Peter‘s band of merry men, aka The Garden Group. And I was really glad I did as well.

The Garden Group’s inaugural trip was to the National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge. A genuine hidden treasure, it’s a really lovely place, which I had no idea even existed (which is the way with hidden treasures); overshadowed as it is by Phoenix Park, which is directly opposite, across the Liffey.

We were given a really inciteful tour around the entire park & gardens by the lovely, and might I add ca-yute, Craig. This is what made the whole trip really interesting, to my mind anyway (the incites people, not Craig!). I’m a bit of a history geek and I’ll happily admit to having somewhat of a nerd-on throughout the visit.

For such a tucked-away, almost secret, and comparably small park, there was so much to take in, I was really bowled over. The design of the park is symmetrical throughout, right down to how the roses are planted in the sunken gardens and the various paths, or more accurately, the avenues.

The highlight for me was learning all about the symbolism that was weaved into the design of the park, from the water fountains which look almost like candles and sit either side of a large stone “alter”. One of the things that I really loved was the trees planted along the main avenue which represented the foot soldiers of the 16th Irish Division – 8 lime trees planted either side, making 16 in total; which are overlooked by 8 holly trees, representing the Generals, standing a tier above.

I could go on and on about it all day (and indeed did at one point… this post was going to be about 17 times the length it is) as there was a story to every area of the park, which fascinated me.

One thing that was disappointing though was that it was February and therefore there wasn’t much colour in the park – not the park’s fault, but the climate really. What it does mean though is that I will definitely be going back to check out the huge range of cherry trees when they bloom in a few weeks and then again in June/July to check out the sunken rose gardens in all their glory.

I loved finding this little pocket of greenery so close to the city centre and it is officially going to be my picnic spot of choice from now on. I’m also seriously looking forward to what the next Garden Group outing might be. Rumour has it the next one’s going to be a corker!

Have a nosey for yourself if you get chance. In the meantime here are some pics that Peter took, which frankly do it infinitely more justice than I was able to do with my crappy iPhone camera. And there are also some extra special ones over on Jenny’s blog too.

oh yeah, here’s one of Craig, for the ladies

Oh yeah… here’s a picture of Peter (that John took) as well. He’s also cute!

Roide!

Image via Fffound

Wahoo, it’s Pancake Day!

Everyone loves pancake day. Who wouldn’t? Well, Victoria Beckam probably, as I doubt a carb has passed her perma-pouty lips since 2001, but aside from that, who doesn’t love Pancake Day?!

I know I do.

Will I be giving anything up for Lent? No. Fortunately for me, I’m not affiliated with any kind of religion (though according to the last UK census, I’m a Jedi), so in true heretical style, I like to pick and choose which bits apply to me. Besides, I gave up giving stuff up a long time ago. I’m not a girl who believes in either/or; I believe in “and”.

So, I will have my pancakes and eat them. As for what will be on them? Just lemon & sugar. I’m a pancake purist. None of this syrup/ice cream/chocolate etc for me. Lemon & Sugar all the way. Nommy.

Enjoy yours… however you eat them

Mmmm, pancakes

[Image (c) Onesidezero via Flickr]

Just don’t go mad, eh…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aczPDGC3f8U

Flirty & Dena

No longer will my desk be so barren. Thanks Fran. You’re a legend!

Happy out.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVy1g6TsRSA

We were all invited to come along and take photos of things that are happy-making and would capture the spirit of the campaign -- cheering up. Let’s face it, after the snowy, icy, not-gritted shenanigans of last week, we all needed it more than ever!

Given the lovely snowfall of Saturday night it was a perfect day for it. Well, it was in Phoenix Park, the rest of town was less of a winter wonderland and more of a slushy, brown, icy puddle to be honest.

So, where are my photos? Well, that’s a good question. There aren’t any. I got a bit distracted. Mainly by building this…

Image courtesy of Shane Murphy

Affectionately named the Snow Bear of Peace (AKA The Snow Beast) and measuring far, far taller than he looks in the picture. A group of us decided to build him, climb on him and then… well, then we kicked him to pieces & threw bits of him at each other, but we’ll skim over that part.

As a result I was more of a “bringer of the fun” (self-titled) than actual photographer on the day. I’m a maverick. I live by my own rules. That’s just how I role. I also don’t have a camera since dropping mine on the floor.

The pic above was taken by Shane. For more pictures, by those who bothered their arse and did what they were asked to do, then check out the Flickr group. You can add you own to the group too and also stand a chance to win €3,000 for your efforts.

My chances of winning are pretty much shot to shit, but I have to admit that the snowman building was one of the most fun things I’ve done in AGES and did in fact cheer me right up. Add to the equation, Stephen & Kyle (who also made the video below) sliding about on some “found” children’s whiteboards, a trip on the big wheel and a really tasty brunch at Odessa and even gifts (!) from the lovely Kelly at Vodafone, and all in all it was a great Sunday.*

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIGsyubpREo

Thanks for the invite guys. Happy to be a photographer/performing monkey for the next time, haha!

*Yes, I DID get chicken pox later that day, but it was still a good day, it just ended scratchily.

image via Dropular

Autumn. It’s lovely. The sun’s low, the leaves are golden, the air is crisp. Food becomes more comforting – stews, mashed potatoes, cosy roasts on a Sunday. The clothes are nicer – snuggly knitwear in luscious, jewel colours. Even though Summer’s over, there’s an air of optimism as we know party season is on it’s way. And, well, I just like the whole “hunker down & enjoy a nice cup of tea & a good book while you listen to the rain on the window”-ness of it all.

I could wax lyrical for ages, but to be honest, others have done it better than I ever could. So, take it away, Mr Keats.

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;
To bend with apples the mossed cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o’er-brimmed their clammy cell.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reaped furrow sound asleep,
Drowsed with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers;
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cider-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings, hours by hours.

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,—
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir, the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The redbreast whistles from a garden-croft,
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies

To be honest, I prefer Shelly’s efforts, but he doesn’t seem to find the optimism I do in Autumn

Now, who fancies snuggling under this lovely blanket & enjoying a massive cup of tea and some shortbread, while we watch an old movie? Mmmmm, cosy!

Woohoo! Oh, I already said that, but fuck it I am excited, dammit!

I am so ready for a weekend with three of the funniest women on the planet. Sadly one of the world’s other top 5 funny women couldn’t make it as she’s doing a triathlon back at home – I know, I know, she’s mental, but we’re related so you’re not going to pretend to be surprised by that are you?

I like to think we’ll be really cool looking like Alicia Silverstone & Liv Tyler (and another hot mate like, er, Drew Barrymore or something) in the Crazy video, as we bounce over the potholes cruise along the road, but more than likely we’ll be doing stuff like this as we drive along.

Cut loose! Footloose! Kick off your sunday shoes!

Especially as we’re off to a hooker festival!

So, to get to the point (it always takes me a while), I’m pulling together a playlist of songs for us to singalong to. So far, tracks include, the following, but I would love to know if there’s a seriously awesome roadtrip track that you think I’m missing, please leave a comment below…

1. Needle in a Haystack – The Velvelettes
2. Black & White Town – Doves
3. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
4. War! – Edwin Starr
5. The Reeling – Passion Pit
6. Tribute – Tenacious D
7. Got to be Real – Cheryl Lynne
8. Woke Up This Morning – Alabama 3
9. Summertime Clothes – Animal Collective
10. The General Specific – Band of Horses
11. Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles
12. Push It – Salt & Pepa
13. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys
14. Hanging on the Telephone – Blondie
15. Across 10th Street – Bobby Womack
16. Cancel on Me – Bombay Bicycle Club
17. The Seed 2.0 – The Roots
18. Tiger Phone Card – Dengue Fever
19. Road to Joy – Bright Eyes
20. Moi je Joue – Brigitte Bardot
21. Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartnbroken – Camera Obscura
22. Superstar – The Carpenters
23. Race for the Prize – The Flaming Lips
24. Whoo! Alright-yeah… Uh huh – The Rapture
25. Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
26. Laid – James
27. Waterloo – Abba
28. Dress You Up – Madonna
29. Boys Don’t Cry – The Cure
30. Ask – The Smiths
31. Rudie Can’t Fail – The Clash
32. Love Child – The Supremes
33. All I Need To Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrel
34. Womanizer – Britney
35. Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
36. You’re so Vain – Carly Simon
37. No Good Start The Dance – Prodigy
38. Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard – Simon & Garfunkel
39. True – Spandau Ballet
40. Dog Days Are Over – Florence & The Machine
41. Afternoon Delight – Ron Burgundy & The Channel 4 News Team
42. Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
43. Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes
44. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston (that one’s going to hurt a lot!)
45. Dog Train – The Levellers (a new on on me, but we’ll give it a whirl nonetheless I’m sure!)
46. …???

So, please let me know what songs you think we should add to the list – it’s a fair old drive, so we’ll need a few.

The light blue ones are the add-ons I’ve already received – thanks guys. More please, we want to be hoarse by the time we arrive

In return I’ll share the embarrassing stories (about them, not me you understand) that occur over the course of the weekend and lead to pics like this and this. And if you’re lucky I might even tell you what the “Mystical Web of Secret Toilet Love Is” – needless to say it is already a Kinvara legend

Can you tell I’m looking forward to this trip much? Hmmm…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9_eJm-QS1k