For You.

So, this year.
Almost gone.
And you know, tomorrow is just the next day really.
And I wonder why we put so much emphasis on a particular date?
Maybe we all need new beginnings.
Or do we all just need to draw a line under this year, and start again, fresh?
Is that what it is?

This last year has given me a lot.
It has also taken a lot from me.

It has given me YOU. (Yes, you lot in the sidebar, you know who you are!)
You have enriched my life so much, words defy me.
You have taught me, hugged me, laughed with me.
And cried with me.
But most of all, you have listened to me.
ME!?
And you have encouraged me, egged me on.
In good times and bad.
So I thank you all.
And I love you all.

This year has also taken from me too many people I love.
And although you have never met any of them, you were there for me.

Please remember with me my family and friends who have passed,

Helen, my beloved Big Sister.

Bridie, my Auntie.

'Timber', my Uncle, (what a nickname!)

Timmy, Friend.

Nicky, Friend.

T.K., Friend.

xxx

Forever Ever?

Yeah,

I do actually want to live forever.


:¬)

Star Links

And so it ends, for another year.
We were woken up early (8ish) By the girls.
(Could have sworn I'd just GONE to sleep!)
As is our tradition, they come into our room to show the contents of their Christmas Stockings.
Then we all go downstairs to see what Santa has left under the tree!
And all were more than pleased with his generosity! Again!

My Favourite gift this year?
A pair of StarTrek cufflinks from the Youngest!
See? My two favourite things in one!
StarTrek AND Cufflinks!

And then, as is my new tradition, (started this year!), I went back to bed for a few hours.
And Herself decided that this was indeed a good tradition to follow.
And did follow!

And verily, after midday, the Map did arise and prepare a feast fit for a family of five. (NO turkey this year,instead we had leg of lamb, ham, and duck!)
And it was eaten.
And bellies were full and happy!

And Map did beach on the recliner for most of the rest of the day.
And he was satisfied.

As all were truly happy.

Time for an old-fashioned Christmas!

Happy Tidings to You All!

T.K.

More than 30 years ago I was set up for a blind date.
For a 'Debs'! (Prom night!)
It was my one and only blind date.
Ever!
But with a lady.
I remember it just for that reason, and because it was with a most delightful, and shy girl, T.K.
I myself was a very shy guy, so how we got through the night I don't know.
(Two young kids, tongue tied, on a most formal night!)
But we did, and we had fun.
Great fun.
We never dated after that night, but we did become friends.
For 30 years we would 'pass paths' as we say here.
We lived quite close to each other, and quite often had a drink together in the various local pubs.
And often had a laugh about 'that night'!

T.K. passed away yesterday after her second battle with cancer.

And it was quite a thump in my chest.

She was 46, young, quiet, a lady.

Cancer is such a bitch!

(Big Sis is gone six months today.)

I will remember you as the tall, elegant, quiet lady you were T.K.

Winter

It's cold.
And I am not well.
Nothing serious, I'll get over it.
But I am almost never unwell, thankfully.
And this cold spell brings a memory.
I am very young, it is very cold, very late at night.
And there is just me and Ma.
I don't remember anybody else being in the house.
And Ma says I can sleep in her bed 'cos Da is working all night.
And it is wonderful.
She is running her fingers through my hair.
And gently touching my face.
And singing, or humming, and the tune is soft and comforting.
And familiar.
I think I must be very young.
And the cold in my head, and the cold weather have re-ignited a spark of memory.
And it is good.
And it makes me feel better.

Tis More Than A Song We Need!

For all victims of abuse in this Holy Country!

Ink.

I'm getting a new tattoo.
(On my back!)

My talented favourite nephew Robert is the artist.
(He's still learning, but I trust him, and he needs the practice.)

Have I told you this already?
(I have a cold, and my head is funny!)
Drink is GOOD for a cold, yeah?

Anyway, pics when it's done.

In Tens! If I?

Little Sis came to my gig tonight.
It's always more special, more fun, when family are in the crowd.
And it struck me, we have become closer.
We were always close, but since Big Sis left,
I was wondering?
If one leaves, does the love amongst those still here intensify accordingly?
As in, where there once was eight, and now are seven, is that extra bit of love to be shared by us siblings?
It seems so to me.
I seem to be hugging more.
And kissing more.

Suits You. Sir?

Jimmy got me thinking.
About my Da.
Not that I need reminding, I think of Him a lot.
And I miss him dearly.

But I was thinking about an evening I had during the summer.
I had a meet-up with two other bloggers.
My first time meeting both of them.
Though Dev & Bock were old friends.

We had arranged to meet in a well known pub in the city.
And as I didn't know what either of them looked like, I stood at the bar waiting to be approached. (Pipe in mouth, newspaper under left arm, white carnation in button-hole, hat tilted at a jaunty angle, as agreed!)

Anyway, I got to talking with a very well known historian/pub landlord I had known from my youth.
And we got to talking about my parents.

"Your father was the best dressed and most handsome man in the 'Island Field'!" (Where I come from.)
"Women would swoon as he walked by!
He only wore the best bespoke suits, (I knew this) never anything off the rack!
(These suits, one new one every year, were paid for in installments. He got the suit when the last payment was payed! A little bit out of his wages each week, to which Ma agreed, 'cos she took pride in how well Her Man looked!)
And only the fanciest of ties would adorn his crisp white shirts!"

My Da looked like a greek millionaire when he 'stepped out', what with the dandy threads, and the dusky complexion!
(He might not have had much in his pockets, but by Jesus, those pockets were expensive!)

"And as for your Mother, She had blonde hair and fair skin to rival the most glamorous stars of Hollywood!" (She still has it!)

Thank you Mr. Joe Malone.
I thought I was the only one who put my parents on a pedestal!

By the time I met Dev & Bock, well, to say I was in good form would be an understatement!

House?

I was watching 'House' on TV last night.

(The teenagers tied me to the recliner and kept my eyelids open with tape!)
Anyway, I heard someone say something along the lines of;

"I'd rather regret having done something,
than regret not having done something."

And I think, in most situations, I would have to agree.

(Yes, that's me, sometime in the 80's, after a fight!)

Liam Clancy

Liam Clancy, a legend, has died from pulmunary fibrosis, at the age of 74.
He was once described by Bob Dylan as "The best ballad singer I have ever heard"!



Oiche Mhaith Liam.

Hey Dolores, You Still Owe Me Two Pints Of Bulmers!

Not that she'd remember!

(I reckon I do a better version!)

The Day.

Thank you for the day.

I remember this like it was yesterday.

My older brother Jimmy used to sing to me all the time.
He would hold me in his arms.
And sing.
He was (is) ten years older than me.
He would sit me on his lap,
And let me be the kid!
I would comb his hippy hair.
And wish for mine to be as long.
And he would sing his hippy songs.
To only me.
And sing along, I would.
And he was my hero.
Still is.

And he is still the better singer.

For Our Friend Sav.

Be Well Friend.

xoxoxoxoxoxox...

And...........we're back, in ONE, TWO, -----.

Sometimes you have to take yourself out of the picture to realise how beautiful the scene really is.

Here's to a good week.

To life.

And a new start.

She Takes Me Away

Herself is taking me away.
On a couple of days bliss!
Across the Universe.
(It's away, I don't care where!)
On our own.
No Kids!
To Galway.
The country is flooded, I know!
But at least it's a different flood!

Nice hotel.
Big bed.
Warm bar!

See you all soon!

xxx

Written In Stone.

It's taken five months.
And at that, not my decision.
A combination of having to be there,
And Brotherly love!

It was the youngest brother who took me.
Silently.
And I remembered the first day I took him to school.
Small, quiet, nervous, tears barely held back.
And now, many years later, roles reversed, he stood with me.
My support.

I walked up to it.
Faced it.
Saw the reality.
And I can deny no more the truth.

Carved in stone,
The name.
Her name.
And Her picture, smiling back at me.

And I have started to sleep again.

Wake

So tonight we brought Bridie 'to the church'.
And then the wake.

I haven't laughed so much in a very long time!

We all went to the 'local', a pub in a 'rough' area.

OUR area!

Ma was on great form, considering the circumstances.
She just was MA!
She was 'doing the wake old style'!
And did we feckin' love it?
Yes we did!
But then again, we all have to learn from the Ma!
She IS 84, and has been through a lot more life than us wee kids!
But, what a sense of humour!
She told tales of the Da, and Bridie, and the grandparents we never knew.
She told tales of when we were young, when Da and Bridie would sit us on their laps.
She told jokes that NO 84 year old woman should even understand!
She kept us UP!
She is back to being MA!
It was great to see her smile again, even at such a sad time.
But she found it, the stand-up of the funeral parlour!
And She loved seeing the six BROTHERS together again!
And we will be together again tomorrow,
When our Bridie is laid below the clay.
And we will spend the rest of the day drinking together, laughing together, remembering together. Being together!

Slainte mo chaire go leir!

Bridie.

Bridie, the Da's Sister, passed away during the night.
She had suffered but a short time to cancer.
More than all the other Aunties and Uncles, She would have been the one I had most contact with, having been close neighbours when I was growing up.
She was also my favourite and reminded me of Da, having his sallow skin and good looks.

She will be missed greatly by all who knew Her.

Farewell Bridie.

Thanks

Thank you all.
Today is better.

xxx

Rob.

So, Little Sis was 19, single, and had just given birth.
To a beautiful baby boy.
And they came home to us, Ma & Da,
and the four brothers still at home.
And we all (the bros) instantly became surrogate fathers.
We became experts at feeding, nappy changing, lulling to sleep.
And we could get quite 'annoyed' if we didn't 'get our time' with the baby!
There was nothing we didn't know about teething, winding (burping) and nappy rash.
Poor Sis had to queue up to get a look-in!
And we won't even mention the attention from the Ma & Da.
To say a child was loved was an understatement!
And he is still as loved today.
25 years later.
I am proud to be his uncle.

A very happy birthday to my favourite nephew, Rob.

Poor Ol' Simon!

You Like Me NO?

Most times I am a shy, quiet guy.
I blush a lot.
I don't know how it works,
I just do. Blush. A lot.
If I don't know you, and you come to me and start a conversation,
I Will Blush!
I am Shy.
But some people who know me as an entertainer just don't get this.

'Cos When I sing, see, that's another story.
I am in my element there you see.
That is where my confidence shines.

And some people take this confidence as arrogance!
Why?
This upsets me.
Now in fairness, these people are in the minority.
But still, It upsets me.
Why? I dunno, is it because I want to please everybody?
Do I want everyone to like me?
I know I can't please everyone,
Or expect everyone to like me.

I see 99% of my audience enjoying my show.
But That 1% with the frown still bothers me.
Why?
Why do I focus my attention on that tiny minority?
Why, when it is obvious that most people are having fun,
Do I still want that puss faced guy to get into the groove?
A Guy who Disney Himself could not please.

And for fuck sake,
Is THAT not the cutest kid you have ever seen?

THE cutest!

SEE? I am such a softie!

Could it be I am longing for a new bairn?
Surely not!
At my age?
And me with the snip a decade ago?

'Tis a longin' fer the grandchildren it must be?

But we can wait! Seriously, kids, we CAN wait!

(I do love nothing better than holding a wee one in me arms though!)

Oh Jesus don't get me started on babies!

xxx

Kilt?

This is what got me through adolescence, tormented angst ridden teenage years, and my early twenties!
If it wasn't for the hours of practice every day,
The endless marching,
The constant button and buckle polishing,
The precise ironing of pleats into my kilt and brath,
(I learned a lot from the Da here, and I still iron my own clothes, as he did!)
The immaculate whitening of my spats,
The discipline,
The friendship,
The love of music,
The camaraderie,
Well, I wouldn't be the man I am today.

Later on today I am taking the Youngest to meet with some old friends to see if she would be interested in carrying on the tradition.
I was a piper, though she is definitely drummer material.
Fingers crossed.

Waking Up Is Hard Too. True!

Words by Faithless.

But as Meatloaf is wont to sing;
'They took the words right out of my mouth'!

Deep in the bosom of the gentle night
Is when I search for the light
Pick up my pen and start to write
I struggle, fight dark forces
In the clear moon light
Without fear... insomnia
I can't get no sleep

I used to worry, thought I was goin' mad in a hurry
Gettin' stress, makin' excess mess in darkness
No electricity, something's all over me, greasy
Insomnia please release me and let me dream of
Makin' mad love to my girl on the heath
Tearin' off tights with my teeth
But there's no release, no peace
I toss and turn without cease
Like a curse, open my eyes and rise like yeast
At least a couple of weeks
Since I last slept, kept takin' sleepers
But now I keep myself pepped
Deeper still, that night I write by candle light
I find insight, fundamental movement, uh
So when it's back this insomniac take an original tack
Keep the beast in my nature under ceaseless attack
I gets no sleep
I can't get no sleep

I can't get no sleep
I can't get no sleep
I need to sleep, although I get no sleep
I need to sleep, although I get no sleep

40

Happy Birthday Sesame St.



This was always my favourite!

What? 'er!

Sometimes you go out.
Into this world, that we all live in.


Into the day.
And despite the positive forecast.
It rains.
And you get wet.
And you think,
'Why didn't I think to bring an umbrella'?

Because sometimes we don't think of the umbrella.
Most times we just go out.
And live.
And just expect the day to be sunny!
Don't think about the consequences, do we?
We just have to take the effing chance.
What we gonna do?
That's what life is, yeah?
And sometimes we do get wet.
But it's just water, isn't it?
And it dries.
Or evaporates.
And life goes on.

So don't worry if you have forgotten your umbrella today.
You may well get wet.
But you will dry off.

And you will remember your umbrella tomorrow.

We all 'get wet' every now and then!

Yesterday, Today! Tomorrow?

Today was a hard day.
Maybe it's because I haven't been sleeping well.
But it was a hard day to get through.
But here I am!
On the other side, of yesterday.
And I suppose, sometimes that's what life is.
Just to get to tomorrow, eh?
'Cos it just has to be better than today.
'Cos did I mention, today was hard?
Forgive me! I'm havin' a bit of a 'wallow'!
But I promise!
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I'll Love Ya........

Update;

Tomorrow my arse!
So many wrong things happened today!
And you know what, between the panic (My new amp blew up!) and lack of sleep, I just had to laugh! What else could I do? All I kept thinking was "Well, no-one died!"

I rented an amp for the weekend, it wasn't perfect, but nodoby noticed.
It was a long few hours, and I struggled with sound etc., but Herself said it sounded great and I looked calm and was obviously havin' a good time!
Just like a swan, all calm and serene to all watching but paddling away furiously beneath the surface!


As I said, Tomorrow! You DO have to laugh!

Record Time

I didn't sleep well last night.
Didn't sleep long either.
The head is still on gig-shift after 5 late nights.
Still, I got up early.
And felt like a bag of dobbers all day.
As weak as a June robin.
As ill as a small hospital.
(I'm exaggerating, I know!)
And now it's late evening, and I'm starting to come to life!

Anyway.
The recording desk arrived from Germany today!
It's still in the box.
I've promised myself I'll get excited tomorrow.

Magic

Pure Magic!

And I Love You. Oh!

And every night I go to sleep
And every night, Tomorrow?
And Every night I think,
Another day I'll have to borrrow?
And every night another can,
Another drink I'll swallow
And every sip I take
Another dept into to the wallow?
And then I realise
A borrowed place, a place so shallow
A place I'll never see
And then I see my face, no shadow!
And it is because of you,
Because of you no shadow.

And with you, no shadow,

No Shadow!

And I love you so!

Have You Ever Poisoned A Fellow Employee?

It's been two years now since I decided to become totally self-employed.
And you know, it's one of my better decisions.
I really like what I do, and have found more and more outlets for my 'talent'!
Which means more money!

The one thing I hope never I have to sit through again is an interview! (Job Interview) (They can interview me for the press all they like!)

Sweet mother of jeebus, but interviews fucked my head!

So here's to being one's own boss.

It comes highly recommended by ME!

(I think I should get a bonus this week!)

Our Town

It's been getting a lot of bad talk lately.
This little town of mine.
But it's home to me.
And all the other good folk here.
And we love it.
But the drug selling cunts are trying to take over.
Like so many towns all over the world.
And we don't fucking like it!

So FUCK YOU miserable shits who are bringing the place down!
This is our town.
This is my town!
This is where our kids live.
And they can do just fine without you bastards!
So Why don't you cunts just fuck off!
'Cos we're all just fuckin' sick to the teeth with ya!
Take yer drugs and guns and just FUCK OFF!

JUST FUCK OFF!

I, Me, To The Croon!

I'm getting to that age, and the voice is , in my oppinion, coming of age.
For this is the type of song that gives Map most pleasure to sing these days.
Oh I can still rock, like the best, and I like it.
But This stuff gives me tingles!
Move over Mons. Buble!

We're So Pretty, Oh So Pretty, We're Vampires!

We used to be such a pretty Boyband!


International Wedding Band Of The Year Awards 2009

(Image created by Jimmy. Yes, he has too much time on his hands!)

Faither Time has not been kind to us!




Kids, let this be a lesson to you all!
This is what happens from too many hard women and too much loose drugs!

(The jackets are holding up surprisingly well though!)

An early 'Happy Halloween' to one and all!

Drink! Drink! Drink!

One of Dad's favourites!

Our Andy (And Our Paul)

When we were kids our Dad used to tell us that Andy was our cousin.
We all loved Andy.



I hope to one day shake this man's hand.
(I think you might like this Pon.)

Sorry, really sorry!

So, I made the first move, rang him, stated my case as it was, took my stand.
I was very nice, but business like.
He was so apologetic, it was almost sad.
He backed down, but I let him off the hook, let him save face.
WE ALL WIN.
End story, the ball is now firmly in my court!
I like!
So, sometimes the small guy does win!

You Want Me To What?

I hate when people who think they have 'power' try to control me.
Someone is trying to manipulate me.
For their own gain, and I don't like it.
We had an agreement, and now he realises he can make more profit from me if he, in my opinion, 'fucks me about'!
It's not a big deal, no-one will die!
But if I don't agree to his new terms I will lose money, which in these times, makes choices hard.
But this is my first deal with the guy, and I feel if I back down now..well!

So I'm taking a stand.

He's not the only deal in town.

And I AM the MAP!

Arrogant?

I think he probably is! :¬)

Let's see how it pans out eh?

Sandwich

Myself and the Youngest STILL get a kick out of this.



The rest of the clan don't!

Lake Journey

Today was one of those rare weekend days.
The kids all had plans which didn't involve us being taxi drivers.
Which meant meself and Herself had the day to ourselves.
And as I didn't have a gig tonight (another rarity on a Saturday), we decided to take off in the car.
No destination, no return time, no clock!
Just got in the car and drove.
Two mins later.. traffic jam!
Turn car around and head in the other direction.
We ended up driving all the way round Lough Derg.
Taking in four counties as we did with a few lovely stops on our journey.
The weather was just fantastic.
We had a wonderful walk in a forest, I'm sure we must have been the only people around for miles!
And a sumptuous lunch was enjoyed right under the boat in the picture above.
We had the place almost to ourselves.
As we watched the Munster rugby team beat the hell out of Treviso on Sky sports.
(It was a home match, hence the traffic jam!)
A Day for chatting, and listening, a day for ourselves.
And it was great.

A Star Is Bought.

So, we went to the local, as is our wont on a Thursday evening.
And got 5 gigs from the manager.
And while we was there,
I gets a phone call from another venue.
And we gets another 4 gigs from them.
All in all, a good night out.
And this is all while we was havin' a night out.
And having Guinness, by the pint mind you.
And without advertising even.
My fame doth preceed me.
And me modest into the bargain.
What the fuck, they know talent when they see it!
Did I say modest too?
Of course I did!

If I don't push me, who the hell is gonna?

What a star!

I had such joy singing this song today!

Camp Rock

So, tomorrow is day one.
It's back to the gym.
Back to some sort of normality.
That's the plan anyway!





update;

Just back from the gym!
Got a big 'welcome back' from my trainer.
Just waiting for the pain to kick in!!

Day 1 down.

:¬)

Emotions

She was the other Mother.
When our Mother couldn't be there.
She was the other mother to many.
When other mothers were not around.
She was the best big sister.
She was the best friend.
The best listener.
She had the best wit.
The best laugh.
The best shoulder to cry on.
She taught me how to sew a button on my shirt.
She was a friend to many.
She had time for everone.
She trusted everyone.
She always left a key in the front door!
My sister was the most loving person I have ever known.
I miss Helen so much, it breaks my heart.
But I am getting back.
I am coming back, slowly.
I am .
I have to.
And it lightens my heart so much to know that my pal Jimmy is on the mend.This news really cheers me.
So here's a glass to my lovely Sister.
And a glass to Jimmy.

xxx

Hello/Goodbye

I might be back soon.

I might not be back for a while.

Slan leat, go raibh maith agat.


xxx... . . . . . .


I Will be back, just getting my stuff together.

How about something nice for all the lovers, or would be lovers, or wishing to be lovers out there? OR, Is THIS my longest Post Title EVER? eh?

Now! Wasn't that just lovely? eh?

101

If I had a box just for wishes......

do those things today...

:¬)

Map.

100

When I started this load of BOLLIX many months ago I never thought I would take it this far.
But then, I never expected anyone to take notice.
And I never expected to make friends, friends as good as YOU lot.
And YOU have enriched my life.
In SO many ways.
So I thank YOU.
And I send YOU my love.
Because I have come to love YOU all.
And YOU have helped me love myself.
And YOU have helped me grow as a person.
And YOU are GOOD PEOPLE!

Map.

Get Well Soon Jimmy

I'll be over to hear ye sing this before the year is out pal.



Slainte mhaith a chara!

Babylon

Just booked my first gig for the new act.

It's on in Claws in Ballycummin, Limerick on 26th Sept.

I hope you'll all be there!

This will be my first song, I love this man and his music.




And this will be song # 2


And fuckit, we'll have to make this #3!

Summertime?

Mother Nature has taken pity on us poor feckers who live in 'Forevercrapweatherland'!

SUNSHINE!

Now where did I put my white Speedos?

Dev, Kim & Jimmy.

Thinking of my pals.

Annette

My lovely half, Annette, had a bad fall last evening.
But She's being very brave!
Here is one of Her favourite singers to cheer Her up.
(I'm Her MOST favourite obviously!)

It Must be love.

The thing about love.
You can't decide who you are going to love.
You don't have a choice.
One of the biggest decisions in your life.
And you have no power over it.

'I love this person.
I just do.
And I hope She/He loves me too.'

And you have no power over that either.
Wow!

Tony X 3

Inspired by Ponita and for Tony.



Our friend Tony was taken from us, tragically, three years ago.

This was also the song I was listening to when I heard that my dad had passed away.

judge book cover

Just a reminder to myself.
Take the time to get to know folk.

p.s. these were just two of the 'names' I was called in my younger, more 'outrageous' days. Happy times.

Dividends

From Postsecret.

update; this is not from me, or my experience.
I was brought up on the 'hard work for dividends' principle.
Which I still adhere to.

Cool.

You just know it's going to be a great wedding when this is the song the bride and groom request for their first dance!



And it was!

I still sometimes can't believe I get paid for doing this!

Have a happy Sunday.

Drink & Drugs

Croagh Patrick. Co. Mayo

Questions:

For the kids today, which, do you think is the bigger problem. Alcohol or Drugs?
And which do you think is the bigger addiction.
And which do you think is the worse addiction.
And do you think, as I do, that one can drink without ever becoming addicted?
And do you think, as I do, that one can never take drugs without becoming addicted?
I am very interested in your opinion.

I will be away for the next few days. For I will be off to climb a few mountains.
In more ways than one.

I expect you all to behave while I am away!

Here is my first mountain. (Top of page picture.) It's known as the Holy Mountain.


Update;

We're back, and two of us made it to the summit!
There were many people on the mountain and the weather was good.
But the going was tough.
And it was, literally, a constant uphill struggle!
On more than one occassion I was willing to turn back and call it a day.
But Helena, 'the Youngest', would say each time, "I'll keep going if you do"!
How could I NOT go on!
Just 11 years old, the wax still warm on her birthday candles, and full of dogged determination!
There's a lot to be learned on a mountain.
More to come.

And thank you for your views on my question.
More to come on that too.

Oh dear, Canadians and Lenny fans & Bock!

A Song For Dev & Bock

Thank You.



And I stole this for myself from the Eldest.

3 Squared

So, just home from my first blogger meet!

Mapstew.
Hangar Queen
Bock The Robber

ANd did we drink!

These guys were mentioned. (local band)

First Black Irishman

And for Jimmy, AND Clyde!

Kate, Anna, Helena.

I love you more than you will ever know.



And just because I love this.

(sorry Jimmy)

TAT 2

So today is the first day of rehearsal for my new act.
The act is called 'TAT 2'.
We hope to be on the road within four weeks.
(I say today, I haven't gone to bed yet! hic!)

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow!

xxx







And for my friends Down South

1925

It's Her birthday today!

Happy 84th Ma.

(you'll like this Pon!)

Limerick

Just found this on Youtube.
This is where I live.

Quiet Again (for a little while)

Got up late today.
To an empty house.
They've all gone to the Clare coast to celebrate a christening.
And I thought it would be relaxing to be home alone.
But it's not.
It's too quiet.
Yeah, this house needs people!
And so do I.

She's Up!

Yeah, the Ma is up and about.
Well not so much 'about', but She IS up.
And when I say up, I mean down.
Downstairs that is, out of the bed.
And back in the land of daytime t.v.
Which is how She views the world most days.
And when I say up, I mean I actually got a laugh from Her today.
Even though that very same up is, shall we say, chemically enhanced!
(Thank you Doc!)
But fuckit She's up.
So up is She, that She thinks She might 'have a little DO' to celebrate her upcoming birthday next week!
She shall go to the ball!
Well maybe not an actual ball.
But A 'Do' will be 'Done'.
And fun will be had by all!

Cheers!

What's a boy to do?

The Ma has taken to Her bed.

Here's another one of Her songs from my childhood.
Amazing how memories work.
Work their way back into yer head.



And sure while we're at it, here's Da's tune!

Video Requests Jimmy?

And just for Bock.

Y'all know why.

'twas Her song!

Ma.

Mam gave me a present a couple of days ago.
For no particular reason.
It's not just me, She's giving things to everyone it seems.
She gave me a litre of brandy, Hennessy, my favourite.
I always have one Hennessy before every gig I do.
And She knows this.

"And keep it to one", She says.
"Make that bottle last a while"!

I don't have a gig tonight.
But I've opened the bottle anyway.
I'm drinking my Hennessy from a wonderful tumbler.
Which I stole from one of my wedding parties at the weekend!

I'm just pure fuckin' evil me!

Cheers to all.

Rewritten. With apologies.

It's 3:02
It's Thursday morning
And I'm here with you

I'm sippin' beer
It keeps me mellow
And it adds some cheer

I've just come back
From a wedding
Yeah, we had some craic

We met some pals
It's been a while
And they were with their gals

And they was dancin' free
Just let your hair down
C'mon, dance with me

We reminisced
Talked of the old times
When we used to get pissed*

We sang and laughed
We drank some more
'How 'bout another draught'?

Lets stagger home
All hands around each other's
Shoulders home

But before we go
Lets raise a glass
To all those folks we know

Who can't be here
But if they could
They'd join us in our cheer

So, line 'em up Moe
Homer's gone
That's all ya need to know

And make it one for my baby
And one more for the road.


*drunk (I know 'pissed' means something else to y'all)

Sunday Night

This was what I heard every Sunday night when I was a kid!

But it was Mam and Dad, not Jeanette and Nelson.

They would sing to each other, with love.

It would 'annoy' us kids, 'cos we had school next day.

But secretly, we loved it!

'Cos fuckit, our parents were singing to each other.

While the kids next door had to listen to their dad beatin' the crap out of their Ma!

And I wonder where I got the singing bug?

For No Reason Other Than I Love It!

Do You Mary? NO I Fuckin' Don't. What about the Band?

Mary; "Johnny, I have somthin' ta tell ya"

Johnny; "ah fuck Mary, wha' da fuck is it now?"

Mary; "I tink I don't love ya no more Johnny".

Johnny; " ah fuck Mary, that means that we have to call off da wedding, and ruin everybody's day, which they were all lookin' forward to, not to mention the BAND who were depending on the fee we were giving them, which, when you think about it , is their only source of income, and them having college going kids, must be a major kick in the hole! Maybe we should just go through the motions, just for their sakes, huh?"

No brainer!

Yeah, bastards split up without tellin' US!!

So NO wedding tonight!

People can be SO inconsiderate!

Bastard brides, always thinking of themselves!

The BAND? Does anyone ever think of the BAND?

We Can't survive on a 10% deposit!

Have you never heard of D.I.V.O.R.C.E.?

B.A.N.D???

A couple of things.

1. So I 'slept' last night, but had a very strange dream.
Which involved telling a very old nun that it was illegal to smoke in Tesco.
What the fuck was that all about?

2. Everyone else busy today 'cept the Youngest and meself.
So I asked her what she wanted to do.

Shopping.
Shopping?
Shopping!

So I indulged Her.

For five hours.

(And enjoyed every minute of it!)

And She came home with many purchases.

And my wallet was lighter.

But so was my heart.

Happy Day.

Weird week

7 days.
4 weddings.
And a funeral.


'Lost In Music'?

I have learned the art.

Class

This wonderful talent has been a great comfort to me.

Farewell.

Our Dearest Helen left us during the night.
She was surrounded by her family and friends.
It was very peaceful.

Thanks to everybody for your kind and encouraging comments on my last post.

I will talk to you all soon.

Map.

Tomorrow?

Where do I start?
My head is RIGHT fucked up now.
And I am TOO calm for my own good.
We have spent most of the week in the Hospice.
Sitting with Helen.
Three times already we were told to gather all the family to say goodbye.
But my Sis is a fighter!
She so does not want to leave us, and her children.
She has two daughters, they are so strong, I am so proud of them.
And six sons, who, like her six brothers, are trying to be strong.
And one sister, my kid sister Rena, they are SO united!
Even tho' they were born 20 years apart.
We, the boys, spend our time telling silly jokes, amusing each other, typical man-way
of getting through stressful times.
And the girls, our sisters and wives, see that we cope in our own stupid way.
And still love us.
And Mam.
Her heart is broken.
She asks why her firstborn is being taken.
She says it is her who should go first.
She says that at 84, she has had a good life, and her child should live on.
Twice in as many days I have had to leave my family and 'put on my happy face' to entertain wedding parties.
Which is what I do for a living.
I don't know where I get the strength from.
I really don't.
Somehow, I have learned to 'become' the performer.
Does that make me an uncaring bastard?
Or, have I , through age and life experience, come to terms with reality?
With life.
And death.
I think maybe I have learned to put grief 'in a box'.
In a box which HAS to be opened.
But opened when the time is right.
'After the show'
For the show must go on.
Is life a show, which must go on?
We are a big family, and all of us weak, in our own way.
But together, in these past couple of weeks especially, we have drawn such great strength from each other.
I did not take my phone to the gig tonight.
I had to be in my happy place for my clients.
And they had a great night.
And I lost myself in them.
I am home now, and I must switch my phone on.
I am scared.
I draw from your strength.
Goodnight my friends.

Imelda May (or may not!)

The Eldest Teenager gave me a wonderful CD for me birthday.
This Dublin lady is class.
One of my favourites right now.
Enjoy.

+ Vs -

The past couple of months have been strange.
And difficult.
And there have been some prophets of doom.
But only some.
There are SO many positive people out there.
Not least of all you lot!

Sis had to go to the hospice a couple of days ago.
We've just come from a visit.
A beautiful place.
They are working on her pain management.
And she is STILL one of the positive ones.

I'm learning to avoid, or ignore the negative people.

TODAY!

48 years ago on this day, my Mam gave birth to a boy.
Brother to a 10 year old boy.
Brother to a 14 year old boy.
Brother to a 16 year old girl.
Son to a Dad who had spent many years away.
Away to provide for his family.
To send money home to a land where money was hard to earn.
He came home 9 months previously.
I was much loved.
Still am.

West Coast Cool

Everyone was busy today 'cept meself and the Youngest.
So we headed off early for the first swim of the year in the Atlantic.
We got to our favourite beach about 11a.m.
We had the place to ourselves, and after dipping the toes in the water we quickly knew why!
The Atlantic hasn't turned up the thermostat at this side yet.

So we went cliff climbing, she's very adventurous and daring for a slight 10 yr old!
Then we ate our pre-packed lunch on the edge of said cliffs.
Her mother would not have approved!

And then we went searching for fossils and megalithic tombs.
(Actually, we just followed the signs to the megalithic tombs, but exciting none the less!)

She bought some crystals and stones and Dinosaur bones in 'The Rock Shop' near the Cliffs Of Moher, and can't wait to show off to Teacher and fellow pupils on Monday!

Father and Daughter had a very fun day.

Magnifique

I've been raidin' the Eldest Teenager's CD collection, looking for some 'new music'.

I found this , it's on the soundtrack for the movie 'AMELIE' by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and starring Audrey Tautou. Haven't seen it, but it was huge all over Europe according to The Eldest, who also thinks it's the best movie ever! She's a bit of a Francophile!

Kids

Just found this in the back yard.
Looks like the work of The Youngest.

There are more good people than bad people.

Take My Hand

I sang this tonight.
I love this song.
If only I could do it justice.
Like this man does.
The song just flows from him.
Wonderful.
I dedicate this to all my friends.
(That means YOU!)

I, who have nothing.

I have a wonderful, beautiful wife.
I have three beautiful, talented, healthy daughters.
I have so much love for, and from them all.
I have a mother, and sisters and brothers.
I have aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
I have great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.
I have big feet. And big thumbs.
I have many friends.
I have a band. I have another one in the making.
I have fans.
I have a barbeque.
I have yet to use it. Let there be sunshine!
I have patience.
I have clothes.
I have respect for, and from other people.
I have a love for music and art.
I have my paintings hanging in my house.
I have a house.
I have heat when it's cold.
I have ice for my lemonade.
I have lemonade.
I have an old car. It does what it's supposed to do.
I have toast and peanut butter for breakfast. And three eggs.
I have food in the fridge.
I have beer in the fridge.
I have beer?
I have flowers in the garden. And weeds.
I have many lovely neighbours. And a couple of bollix-heads. Fuck 'em!
I have tomorrow's lunch prepared.
I have many years behind me.
I have many years ahead.
I have a life.
I have life.
I have everything I need.
I have to get some sleep soon.

Every Day Is A Winding Road

For Map

Who 'boo'd her?

Catholics? Christians?

Why?


She told the truth.


She tore up a picture of the pope.



She stood up.




How brave. Fuck 'em Sinead!





They took a piece of me.





They TOOK me.




BASTARDS!



I'm crying.





I'm getting more brave.



YES!





I Have Issues!!!