Solitude

Summery woodland

shelters in the tangled joy

of tinted solitude

Where is Everyone?

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think you may be the only person in the world  ~ or what I call a ‘Robinson Crusoe experience’?

I was hit with one of these at precisely 2.20pm today -Saturday, July 18th, 2015 here in Co. Waterford, Ireland, Europe, The World.

I was out at the beach with Puppy Stan. The sun was shining, skies were blue. Yes, it was a bit windy and the tide was out but there wasn’t a soul to be seen and no Man/Woman Saturday footprints next or near the water’s edge.

First, I wondered where all the regulars/locals were? Perhaps, shopping, eating, sleeping, gardening, having sex, reading, in the pub, watching TV, at a wedding, doing the crossword, baking, away on holidays, washing the car, at work …..

Then, I got to wondering about everyone in blogland? I’d dearly love to know what you were doing at 2.20pm today either your time or mine!

Yes, I know I’m nosy but that’s what sociologists are supposed to be, isn’t it?

Solitude

Stradbally Cove, Co. Waterford

Stradbally Cove tends to be the end-point for many of my jaunts along the Copper Coast here in Co. Waterford. I thought I was alone there last Monday when I was seizing  what felt like the first day of Summer.

But a horse and rider were soaking up, and creating, the atmosphere of a place which always fills me with a deep sense of gratitude for the endless possibilities that nature provides.

Somehow, it felt wrong to disturb their peace. Theirs was a solitude that was obviously precious ~ one of those captured moments that sustains the soul.

Inlets ~ Gatherings from Ireland # 245

Map of Ireland

One of my passions as a kid was tracing the map of Ireland. My attention was always on the  edge where sea and land met and I would have wild imaginings about all the inlets ~ caves, coves, sand, shingle, rocks, waves, isolation, population, horizon …..

I couldn’t but think of all those tracings, using greaseproof paper, smooth dark lead and every ounce of my concentration, as I spent a glorious while at Portally Cove this afternoon.

Portally is just south of Dunmore East here in Co. Waterford in the South-East and can be reached either by road or along the stunning Cliff Walk from Dunmore East village.

It was quite late in the afternoon and the only other person there was a man in a red jumper which blended beautifully with blackberries yet to ripen on the winding path down to the cove.  We said our hellos but it was obvious to me that he wanted solitude so we didn’t get into chat.

Here’s the the beauty  that was ours. I wonder now if  he, too, spent hours tracing maps of Ireland or maybe maps of other spaces, places, people, dreams …..

Portally towards Hook Head Lighthouse

Portally, Co. Waterford

Balm for the Soul ~ Gatherings from Ireland # 163

Even though I’m not a religious person, old churches are places that I’ve always loved.  I like them best when they are empty and the epitome of peaceful solitude.

So many churches come to mind as I write this but the one that stands out is St. James’s  in lovely Stradbally, Co. Waterford.