"Seven is supposed to be a lucky number. I always think of the seven chapels, or maybe the seven deadly sins. Or, what about the seven great Dublin mysteries? There was morals, mercenaries, music, and monasteries, money, mutts and marriage - especially marriage." (Ronnie Drew's opening to Do You Remember, Jem?)
I’ve just arrived in Ireland for a week of vacation with Mark before the start of my seventh summer teaching in Mesa Community College’s Study Abroad Ireland Program. This makes my head spin a little bit. I remember how anxious I was anticipating my first trip in 2005. What would my room be like? Would I have one of the rooms with the bathroom ensuite? How would I manage being away from home and Mark for so long? Big questions. I’m a very different traveler in 2011.
Going to Ireland every summer has been one of the richest experiences of my life. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and get to know so many remarkable people, from the students who make it possible, to the faculty who make it happen, and, of course, the many Irish friends and storytellers I’ve been privileged to meet and know.
So, seven being a number of significance and importance, I decided I’d better set some goals for summer 2011. Here they are:
- Tell my Irish repertoire in class. This summer, I’m going to plan it out carefully to make sure I tell as much of it as possible.
- Write a minimum of 5 blog posts each week: Last summer I barely wrote a handful and I regret that I didn’t do more.
- See something I’ve never seen before each week: Or, even just take the time to see something I really love again!
One place I will be telling stories this summer is at Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore. I’ll be there every Tuesday afternoon beginning, I think, on May 31. The photo at the top is one of the four 25-foot Saints and Scholars sculptures on N52 Tullamore bypass road. Here is more information on them and the artist.
Back to Ronnie Drew. His version of D’you Remember Jem is one of Mark’s favorites. Google it and you can hear it online, although I didn't find a version that had his spoken introduction. It’s great to have a few days with Mark, who is certainly one of the great and wonderful mysteries of my life!
a link to the song.
