St. Patricks Catherdral.

 Before I began writing about St. Patricks Cathedral, I want to point out what I consider to be a BIG thing.

I did not wear my Apple watch on this trip, but my daughter (Shanda) did.  We walked a LOT on this trip and I'm not quiet sure how I was able to keep up, but I DID.  

Shanda calculated all of our steps and would you believe that we walked over 35 miles on this trip to Ireland.  Of course, this includes the airports as well and a long walk over to visit St. Patricks Cathedral. 

 It was incredible to see the cathedral.  From the moment we stepped inside, it felt so peaceful.  The high, arching ceilings seemed to stretch all the way to heaven, and the light pouring through the stained glass windows was so gentle with a sacred glow. 

Walking along those beautifully patterned floors, I couldn't help but think about all the footsteps that came before mine.  Generations of prayers, tears, hope and gratitude have filled that space. 

The details were breathtaking.  Every tile, all of the carvings and every banner told a story.  There was a lot to take in and even with others all around, I felt a reverence in the air. 

 Ireland has it's own way of touching your heart and it simply did touch mine, but this place.....this cathedral...felt like a holy pause in the middle of it all.  It was a place to breath and a place to reflect.  

This cathedral....the very place where many of my steps were taken, has stood for more than 830 years.  This is amazing to think about.  The very floors that I walked on, the arches I looked at.....have witnessed centuries of history changes as well as details that tell of stories past. 

I am so very thankful to have had this opportunity to visit this place...even if I did have to do a lot of walking!!

Happy Sunday Friends..

Shug...💛

 

A Beautiful "YES" in the City Skyline

 Before I continue sharing all the beauty from my Ireland trip, I just have to pause and share some incredibly special news from our family.  💍

Our Oldest granddaughter is ENGAGED!

Connor, her sweet fiance', planned every single detail so thoughtfully...it truly could not have been more perfect.  Tori was completely surprised in the best way. Her dad, who works out of state, made the trip home, and her brother came in as well for the big event. 

Connor's mom and dad, his brother and girlfriend, along with Trista, Ty, Tucker and Emily were all waiting to celebrate this unforgettable moment. 

The proposal took place on top of a building in downtown Dallas, with the city skyline wrapping around them...just completely breathtaking.  And the sweetest part?  Tori had no idea her family was there to witness it all.  The joy, the surprise, the love...it was one of those moments you wish you could bottle up forever.  

Afterward, everyone gathered for a beautiful dinner together, soaking in the excitement and celebrating the beginning of a brand new chapter.  

And just like that....it's now planning time.  🤍🤍

As soon as they finished dinner, Tori face timed her Pops (Sam) to share the news.. I was able to join in to see all of her excitement...  Our hearts are so full, and we are beyond grateful the this season of love, family and new beginnings.  

God has answered our prayers that we have been praying since Tori was a little girl.  For a good, Christian man to come into her life and to be the one she spends the rest of her life with.  

More Ireland stories coming soon....but this joy just had to be shared first..💕

Shug....💖

Chasing Green Dreams 🍀

 Oh my goodness.....where do I even begin?

Ireland didn't just meet my expectations, it wrapped its arms around me and completely stole my heart.  

From the moment we arrived, everything felt like stepping into a storybook.  The rolling hills seemed to go as far as I could see...

and every little winding road felt like it was leading us somewhere magical.  

But...one thing that really made Ireland truly unforgettable was the people.  They were all so kind, gentle and had such genuinely warm souls.  There was a sweetness in their voices and they had so much patience in their pace of life. It just felt like Peace all around me.  We all felt this kindness everywhere we went.  

And then....there were the Castles!!

Standing at the Rock of Cashel, I could almost hear the whispers of history being carried through the winds.  There was something so powerful about the place in just knowing that it is over 1,500 years old and dating back to the 4th or 5th century.  

Then came Blarney Castle, and NO...I did not climb the 200 steps to reach the famous Blarney Stone.  Hopefully I already hold the gift of eloquence! I for sure have the gift of gab....😂 My daughters and Mylee all did make the climb up the many steps and were so excited to have accomplished kissing the stone...the one that only gets sanitized maybe once a day.  

Look close and you can see Mylee kissing the stone. I had to really zoom in close because the stone is WAY UP THERE! 

And then there was Bunratty Castle.  It felt like we were walking into a medieval dream.  The structure, the grounds, the feeling of life that once filled all of those stone walls.  All of it was incredible. 

I enjoyed every step that it took for me to experience this part of history.  

I had to place my hand on these 601 year old stones.  It's construction was completed around 1425 by the MacNamara family.  

More to come tomorrow!  Hope you all do not mind, because I have many more photos of this once in a life time trip.  

* St. Patricks Cathedral

* Book of Kells

* Hot tea and scones

* Lamb stew

* Gardens

* Shopping

* Pubs

* Cancelled flights

and so much more.....

Stay tuned:

Shug. 

A Green Thankful Thursday.

 

It is Thankful Thursday and today, I am so thankful that I was Blessed to visit Ireland last week.  

A beautiful country with the sweetest folks.  

My heart is full.  

💚💚💚

More photos of this trip to come..

Shug....💚