Luka Bloom

In June of 2009 I was fortunate enough to see Luka Bloom in person at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Truly a magical night. I went with my sister and niece. Special memories of that evening crop up from time to time, always when I need them.

Attending a live performance of Luka Bloom's was on my "bucket list." I've had to add attending another to the list! I watch his performance schedule to see if he'll return sometime to a place I can get to. Because I've always wanted to go to Ireland, perhaps I'll be able to see him there someday. Another dream fufilled.
From the time I discovered his music, it has reached into my soul. Years and years ago, I had purchased some Christmas CD's with musicians from Ireland. Found them, actually, when working with a group of nuns. Those CD's were some of the music I took with me when I left the marriage. At that time I didn't have much music, and the music didn't particulary strike me as Christmasy. So I listened and listened. I found that I always paused on a couple. Actually stopped what I was doing and listened to the words, the music. So I looked to find out who it was. Luka Bloom. I did what any reasonable person would do and went to Barnes & Noble to find more! Haven't stopped listening yet. Thank goodness the internet makes it easy to purchase songs as not all of his music is available for purchase in the US.

Somehow his music, more than any other musician, has touched me. As if he was singing just for me. An odd thing, really, as I'm not one to be swept away by any famous people. An example of how we're all connected in this web of life. He sings a song somewhere and pulls on the web strings, making me listen from far away.

Just can't resist adding in one of my absolute favorites. Never fails to make me feel better, uplifted. Listen, watch, enjoy.

Marvelous Month of May

Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.

~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

The Winter in my heart seemed to wait and wait for the month of May. Thankfully it is now here! Trees and flowers are in bloom, the world is once again green and lush from all the April rain. Although the weather is still damp and chilled, the sky was blue today and filled with puffy white clouds. Just right for walking. And breathing.

Life returns to Earth as it stirs my heart again. Once more I feel energized, willing to start (and finish) creative projects. Enjoy the people I love by actually seeing them in the days and weeks ahead instead of just chatting on the phone. The calendar begins to fill so quickly when the weather is better. Graduation parties, weddings, birthday celebrations, gatherings at the lake. Squeeze in time for meeting with friends for coffee or walks, exploring new to me areas in town. Scheduled training classes to keep me current and prepared for the next school year.

The waiting remains. There is nothing I can do about it. It is there. But the presence of the wait isn’t as dreadful with the beauty of May surrounding it.