March 1st - our residency in Listowel began and the season of Lent began with the services of Ash Wednesday. First, Amy and I got down to business to make some art. She collected scrap metal and tools, I sketched and started carving some linoleum. And we adjusted to the cold temps! Now we know why the Irish drink tea all day, it's to keep warm!
When there was a break in the drizzle, I walked to the town square to sketch. I'm afraid my delicate magnolia sensibilities didn't last long - but I did manage a quick sketch of St. John's, a former Church of Ireland that is now an arts center.
That night, we headed to the only other church in town, St. Mary's Catholic Church, for the imposition of ashes. And sensing that our Lenten discipline will be unusual this year for many reasons, we decided to mark the occasion with a pint of Guinness. For strength, you know.
When there was a break in the drizzle, I walked to the town square to sketch. I'm afraid my delicate magnolia sensibilities didn't last long - but I did manage a quick sketch of St. John's, a former Church of Ireland that is now an arts center.
That night, we headed to the only other church in town, St. Mary's Catholic Church, for the imposition of ashes. And sensing that our Lenten discipline will be unusual this year for many reasons, we decided to mark the occasion with a pint of Guinness. For strength, you know.
 Everyone is a friend in Listowel! |  Weren't we surprised to find snow on the ground when we left the famous John B. Keane's pub?! |
And even more surprised to find ourselves on a mad night-time trip to the nearby beach of Ballybunion in the blustering wind with our new friend and local travel guide, Damian Stack!!!
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