"Where the road rises to meet you and the wind is always at your back."
Ireland in the Spring of 2018
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A choose-your-own-adventure guide through my recent visit to the Emerald Isle.
Eleven chapters -- that's right, *ELEVEN*, from which to choose! Wander through this space and find all of the encouragement you'll ever need to book your next adventure! And if words aren't yo' thang, watch the tiny vignettes that accompany each chapter! 🙏 |
Chapters
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ED T.V. -- Chapter One
Ed Sheeran was in town for the Bank Holiday weekend and tickets were at a premium -- I was told that it might have been already sold out. On the morning of the show, I checked the show's website and was directed to Ticketmaster where I discovered that there were some tickets still available for purchase. Aww yeah -- we gon' party!
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Here are some snaps from the night:
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Fam & Faces -- Chapter Two
Faces and family and a whole lot of Finbarr. Intentionally or not, people and their faces end up a lot in the frame of my camera. Here's a selection of the better photos that include humans *AND* their faces. |
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On the Run -- Chapter Three
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Racing and training in Cork.
My racing flats tagged along with me for the first time on a trip. I also tossed in the Seattle Running Club sky blue singlet into my bag, and then I threw my hat into the ring at the Joe Hourigan Memorial 5 mile race in Midleton, Co. Cork, and eventually turned this entire holiday into a run-filled adventure! Photos below; more about the running, here: www.rocheam.com/move.html#MidletonAC5 |
Big kudos to Gearóid Ó Laoi, Middleton AC, and Cork Running Blog for photos in this slideshow!
Flora -- Chapter Four
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The vegetation of Southwest Ireland.
Photos of phlowers and pherns and phirs. Spring was in bloom in Ireland and it was phun to be able to experience it in all of its beauty! |
99% Invisible (Signs)
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In my best Roman Mars voice:
Signs. No, not the M. Knight Shyamalan movie; I'm talking about way-finding signs. And signs that give you direction that are more of the advisory and informational sort -- "walk here, not there," "dispose of your dog's poop or else face the consequences," "this happened here and at this point in time." Take a look at some of the signs that caught my eye in Ireland. |
The One about Food -- Chapter Six
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It used to be a thing that travelling while vegetarian was something pretty difficult to do. Sure, for decades airlines have offered meat-free meals -- if you're lucky enough to be in the right seat before they give them all away, that is -- even if you swore you requested one well in advanced. This ever happen to anyone else?!? Anyhoo, this time I was able to get my dang vegetarian meals on both transatlantic flights and enjoyed a whole lot of vegetarian cooking once on the ground in Cork, too! #winning!
More food blogging, here! --> http://www.rocheam.com/eat.html |
Hors Catégorie (Beyond Categorization) -- Chapter Seven
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Architectural photography, natural landscapes, faery trails and houses. These are all of the photos I took that didn't fit into a tidy little package. They are, as the French say, "Hors catégorie" or, beyone categorization.
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Fauna -- Chapter Eight
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Dogs, and more dogs this trip. Has the world gone mad? Why so many dogs per capita?
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Transport -- Chapter Nine
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A lot of modes of transportation were on exhibit during this trip. Planes, ferries, buses, running shoes!
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Aperture Fun -- Chapter Ten
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Playing with the a6000's aperture settings and fancy lenses.
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Pathways -- Chapter Eleven
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The usual optical illusion of parallel projections found while looking down a path. Also: trails!
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Outdoor playtime with Sulley. 😻😻😻
FALL! It has arrived. Excuse me while I slip into this squash soup-induced coma. 🙃🙃🙃
About to start the weekend tempo workout from Jefferson Park 🏃, Seattle, USA. 23 September 2017
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Autumn Equinox weekend is here!, Seattle, USA. 23 September 2017
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Spraaaang 2017
Oh hey there, Spring! We've been waiting for you. <3
As found on the run: AN IRIS! No, Sulley! This is not an edible flower!!! Seattle, USA. June 2017
Hanging out in the catio, Seattle, USA. June 2017
MDW outside play time. Our back yard , Seattle, USA. May 2017
MDW Off the Burke-Gilman, listening for the train. Sunset Hill, Seattle, USA. May 2017
All sorts of activities on the lake, today: fishing, beat-boxing, rowing, and one poor woman sitting through a proposition from a potential date (stalker?). Green Lake , Seattle, USA. May 2017
Rogue interloper out in front of the cat cave. Mid-Beacon Hill, Seattle, USA. May 2017
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MDW, The Jersey Shore, Seattle, USA. 28 May 2017
MDW, Golden Gardens Park, Seattle, USA. 28 May 2017
Silencing the noise of luminance on this purrty evening, Green Lake, Seattle, USA. 1921hrs 25 May 2017
Endless blossoms from the front-yard bushes. Mid-Beacon Hill, Seattle, USA. May 2017
Seattle "seafront." DT Ferry Terminal, Seattle, USA. May 2017
Home (but for how long?!?). Snapping shots for a future listing of 2XXX S Orcas St., Seattle, USA. May 2017
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Old Man Winter, 2016/17
Snaps outside and about during La Niña winter in the Northwest, 2016/17.
Grey on grey on grey over and under Lake Washington. Magnuson Park, Seattle, USA. March 2017.
The truth is out there... Snow circle. LNT. Middle Fork, King Co., WA, USA. 14 January 2017
D.T. Seattle Skyscrapers' Solar Reflection. From Jefferson Park, Beacon Hill, Seattle, USA. 13 January 2017.
Fire sky sunset (01) from the Beacon Hill ridge at Orcas St. Looking west. Beacon Hill, Seattle, USA. 10 January 2017.
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Camellia Tree doin' its early sprang thang. Albion Way, Fremont, Earth. March 2017
The young forest along Bessemer Road. Middle Fork, King Co., WA, USA. 14 January 2017
ALLTHEPINK! this morning on the Olympics. From Jefferson Park, Beacon Hill, Seattle, USA. 13 January 2017.
Fire sky sunset (02) from the Beacon Hill ridge at Orcas St. Looking west. Beacon Hill, Seattle, USA. 10 January 2017.
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Days 6, 7, 8, 9, Corcaigh: East, West, and Way West
Dare to Éire, part 3
Ballycotton, Kinsale, Old Head of Kinsale, Sheep's Head, Cork City
Dare to Éire, part 2
Days 4 & 5, Dubh-lin, The Blackpool
Dublintown: Castle, St. Stephens Green, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College
Dare to Éire, part 1
Days 1 through 3: The Wild West Coast of Ireland
Galway Christmas Mrkt, Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara
Summer Roll
Random snaps from my travels in the summer of two thousand and sixteen.
Abbott night at the ballpark: M's v. Tigers. 7 Aug 2016. Seattle, WA, USA.
Otw to Mailbox peak via old trail. 6 Aug 2016. North Bend, WA, USA.
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Wednesday paddle on the lake w/ Becks. 18 Aug 2016. Lake Union, Seattle, WA, USA.
Otw to Mailbox peak via old trail. 6 Aug 2016. North Bend, WA, USA.
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Outdoor Catio
Quick, summer house project at the Beacon Hill Cat Cave (BHCC). Existing patio ^ (Curtain rods + panels) = softly lit, outdoor den. Beacon Hill, Seattle, WA, USA. July 2016.
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Sweet Spring Sixteen
From the Ira Spring Trail, looking south by southwest. Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Cascades, WA, USA. 30 May 2016.
Western Red Cedar. I [heart] you. <3 (All over the West Coast). Particularly, Johns Meadow trail, San Gorgonio Wilderness, CA, USA. 1 April 2016
Found the falafel. Grand Central Market, Downtown Los Angeles, USA. 31 March 2016
Los Angeles City Hall. Art Deco. c. 1925.
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Golden hour from Forsee Creek on the Johns Meadow trail. Looking across to the ridge along Bear Mountain in the San Bernardino range, CA, USA. 1 April 2016
Ponderosa Pine in the Southern California Wilderness. Johns Meadow trail, San Gorgonio Wilderness, CA, USA. 1 April 2016
The Broad. Postmodern. 2015. Downtown Os Angeles, USA.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Downtown Los Angeles, USA. Postmodern. Pipe Organ 1929. Structure 2002.
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Misc. Inverno [2015-2016]
Reconnecting with winter in the Rockies. St. Mary's Glacier, CO, USA. 16 March 2016.
Where the plains meet the mountains. Lookout Mountain, CO, USA. 16 March 2016.
Looking West to the foothills of the Rockies from Lake Ferril. City Park, Denver, CO, USA. 16 March 2016.
Thick snowstorm clouds created a mysterious aura over the Rocky Mountain peaks. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. 15 March 2016.
The sun splashed the red rocks of Boulder. Red Rocks trail, Boulder, CO, USA. 15 March 2016.
The Capitol building's gilded dome, shining between the blossoming cherry tree. Denver, CO, USA. 14 March 2016.
Union Station's main terminal building. Beaux-Arts from 1914. Denver, CO, USA. 14 March 2016.
This city also does public art rather well. Thatcher Memorial Fountain, City Park, Denver, CO, USA. 14 March 2016.
Cheesman Park's Neoclassical Pavillion. c.1910. Denver, CO, USA. 13 March 2016.
Viewing through the summer softened "lawn volleyball courts", the Mountains of the James Peak Wilderness, due west of Denver, CO, USA. From Cheesman Park. 13 March 2016.
A photo in three parts. Station No. 6 in the morning light. Art Deco from 1932. The CD, Seattle, WA, USA. 10 March 2016.
Breakin' in the new lace-ups on the beauty (s)troll. Boots courtesy of McCarren & Sons. Genesee Park, Seattle, WA, USA. 5 March 2016
Genesee Park cherry trees acting all pretty in the low, late afternoon light. Genesee Park, Seattle, WA, USA. 3 March 2016.
The queen of the sunshine. In the Kitty Lair, when there's sun, 201X. (Actually, 27 Feb 2016.)
Poppin' pink. 39th Ave & Edmunds, Columbia City, Seattle, WA, USA. 24 February 2016
The buds of winter outside the kitty lair. Columbia City, Cat town, 98118. 15 February 2016
The setting sun peaking through the forest. Taken from above the Lake Washington shoreline. St. Edward State Park. Kenmore, WA, USA. 8 February 2016
The curtainwall of Kirkland's Public Library reflecting the morning's gentle clouds. Kirkland, WA, USA 5 February 2016
Sunrise from No. Capitol Hill's Boren park. Seattle, WA, USA 3 February 2016
From Seattle's Mt. Baker n'hood across Lake Washington, the Western slopes of the Cascades topped with snow. 24 Jan 2016 
Pre-afternoon adventuring glimpse of the Cascades. Looking east from the Cougar Hills n'hood over Lake Sammamish. Bellevue, WA, USA 2 February 2016
Traffic 'copter over Beacon Hill "above" The Brothers in the Olympic Mountains
Your Grace, Queen Sulley, perched on her throne.
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Santa Fe Theater in the Santa Fe Arts District. Denver, CO, USA. 16 March 2016.
Denver's Queen Anne homes hit all the feels. City Park, Denver, CO, USA. 16 March 2016.
Denver's representation of Gothic Revival is on point. St. Ignatius Loyola church. City Park, Denver, CO, USA. 14 March 2016.
Dreaming of blue skies in the mountains. Dr. King statue in City Park, Denver, CO, USA. 16 March 2016
Rainier Tower, aka "The Beaver Building." Modernism from 1977, Downtown Seattle, WA, USA. 10 March 2016.
'Reba:' the ferret and her caretaker relaxing by the lake. Seward Park, Seattle, WA, USA. 5 March 2016
Rainbow over Lake Washington from Mt. Baker, Seattle, WA, USA. 1 March 2016
Kayaker enjoying the sunrise from Lake Washington. Mt. Baker, Seattle, WA, USA 25 February 2016
Too soon for pastels? Bowtie courtesy of Mill City Fineries. 28 February 2016.
Eat the rainbow! [hashtag] All the veggies. 26 Feb 2016
A kiss from the rising sun landing on Mt. Baker Presbyterian's east façade. Mt Baker, Seattle, WA, USA. 23 Feb 2016.
Still a bit hungover from the romantic elixir of Valentine's Day -- needless to say, Sulley was a little jealous. Also, fwiw, double boiling dark chocolate over the stove is surprisingly sensual. j/s.
Shelter in Seward Park from the day's nonstop mist. Seward Park, Seattle, WA, USA. 15 February 2016
Spooky fog in the Southend. Hunter Blvd, Mt. Baker, Seattle, WA, USA. 9 Feb 2016
Pink streaks before dusk crowning the tower and west façade of the Romanesque St. Edward Seminary. Kenmore, WA, USA 8 February 2016
Rainy afternoon in the Rainier Valley -- Mt. Baker Park, Seattle, WA, USA. 27 January 2016
The result of over confidence while running in darkness. Bellevue, WA, USA 2 February 2016
The morning sky painted in pastels, greeting the new day and providing a reminder that spring is near. Happy February! Kirkland, WA, USA 1 February 2016
North end of Cal Anderson Park, looking south, before sunset. 24 Jan 2016
above: Kirkland Marina at dusk, looking west towards the Olympics. 14 Jan 2016.
Pier 70's Hanging baskets & snow on Olympics.
Departing flight from SeaTac over Jefferson Park
A silhouetted St. Peter Parish in Beacon Hill, Seattle.
above: MOHAI at dusk beneath the troposphere; taken from the southwest corner of Lake Union. 18 Jan 2016.
Wintertime Decor at the Kitty Lair
Pedestrian Bridge looking into town. 18 Jan 2016.
Lazy Sunday for the lazy lap kitty. 31 January 2016
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Feature Albums
NeXT AlBUm
ADD DESCRIPTION HERE: A snippet of the Seattle architectural vernacular: Art Deco, Italianate with Romanesque Revival, Mid-century modern, and what is sure to be another (unnecessary) contribution to the world of Blobitecture -- MAKE IT STOP!!! [hashtag] Arch Snob. This will be a running collection of snaps from my travels around town to give props to the good and also a depository for bldgs at which I will thumb my nose.
Arch Photog
A snippet of the Seattle architectural vernacular: Art Deco, Italianate with Romanesque Revival, Mid-century modern, and what is sure to be another (unnecessary) contribution to the world of Blobitecture -- MAKE IT STOP!!! [hashtag] Arch Snob. This will be a running collection of snaps from my travels around town to give props to the good and also a depository for bldgs at which I will thumb my nose.
New shoes. Beauty (s)troll.
An early afternoon walk from Columbia City to Seward Park to break-in a new pair of shoes and to capture the beauty on this summer-like Saturday in March. South Seattle, WA, USA. 5 March 2016
Vanishing Points + Pathways
The intersection and convergence of parallel lines and objects is found in nature as it is within human-made spaces. I find sincere enjoyment in capturing this optical illusion when it appears before me.
Having fun with the afternoon light. Seatown, WA, USA. [click 'play' to start slideshow]
An assortment of snaps from an afternoon spent trolling for late winter beauty. University of Washington, Downtown Seattle, Mt. Baker Seattle. 7 February 2016.
Lake Valhalla Snowshoe, WA, USA
Snowshoe through the Snowy Pacific NW Wilderness from Hwy 2 out to Lake Valhalla. January 2016. [click 'play' to start slideshow]
Feetsies (click 'Play' to start)
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Bare feet, shod feet, bloody feet, blistered feet, kitty feet -- over the years, I've had a fascination with feet and the perspective one has when choosing his or her feet as the subject when photographing in the wilderness.
For most of us, we live our entire lives with our feet. They literally bear the weight of the rest of our anatomy and permit locomotion -- an essential ability we have as humans. The human foot is a phenomenal anatomical system. Plus, phalanges! |
Fun foot facts:
- One quarter of all the bones in the human body, 26 bones, are down in your feet. When these bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body.
- It is rare that two feet are exactly the same; one of them is often larger than the other.
- During an average day of walking, the total forces on your feet can total hundreds of tons, equivalent to an average of a fully loaded cement truck.
- Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It contributes to your general health by improving circulation and weight control.