On Describing Setting

When attempting to describe a particular setting, adding sounds and smells paint a more vivid picture than simply telling the reader what to see.

(A misty afternoon around Blarney Castle, Ireland)

On Dresden

Even the most tragically destroyed cities are capable of rebuilding thriving once again.

(Dresden in December, nearly 70 years after its destruction)

On Change in the New Year

"There were people who went to sleep last night,

Poor and rich and white and black,

But they will never wake again.

And those dead folks would give anything at all

For just five minutes of this weather

Or ten minutes of plowing.

So you watch yourself about complaining.

What you're supposed to do

When you don't like a thing is change it.

If you can't change it,

Change the way you think about it."

-Maya Angelou

(John Lennon's eye made from stamps in Ripley Museum, London)

On University Campus

College and University campuses are much more aesthetically pleasing years after one has graduated.

(The lovely UCC Campus in Cork, Ireland)

On Communist Christmas

Although many parts of Eastern Europe had suffered under censorship during the communist era, fairytales were one of the few genres that flourished. (And still does to this day)

On Insecurity

Some people are so insecure about their appearance that they prefer having photos of them taken from behind.

(A beautiful friend with some major insecurities)

On Kissing the Blarney Stone

There are people who travel hundreds/thousands of kilometres to see Blarney Castle yet refuse to kiss the Stone on the grounds of hygiene.

(A sign just beneath the Blarney Stone in Ireland)