My first trip to Ireland was in 2006. I went 6 times between 2006 and 2010. Then I moved West to Colorado and was unable to return for 6 long years. It was brutal.

In 2016, I ended the drought when I brought my fiancé. I felt strongly that A. He needed to meet my other family and B. He needed to experience the place that captivates my soul. We rented bikes and toured around Connemara for a week. We planned nothing but our start and end. Everyday we were too tired to go further, we’d stumble upon a bed and breakfast next to a pub. It could not have worked out more perfectly. (My husband now trusts me to “unplan” all of our vacations.)

Last November I returned for my friend, Saoirse’s wedding. I had always promised to cross the Atlantic for weddings. My husband could not come with me, as he is a school teacher. So I went for two weeks and rented a car for the first time! Having my own transportation was a game-changer. I went for long drives with my camera, I visited friends, and I drove to Dublin (cross country) all by myself. It was incredibly freeing and challenging.

Below are a combination of my favorite photos from both trips. Nearly all of these photos will also be on display in an art show entitled “Is tú mo chuisle.” It means “You are my pulse” in Irish. (I got it tattooed on my arm this last trip.)

My art opening will be this Friday Feb. 8 at Sutty’s Downtown Records and Arts in Salida. The work will be on display for three weeks. This is my first art show ever. I’m pretty nervous/excited.

Thank you for looking!