It’s songbird Sunday! I got a lot of lovely comments about last week’s Music Post – The Maid of Culmore (click here for that). With Éiscara, we recorded a few songs and I am posting the second of those today. The song is called ‘May It Be’ and it’s a beautiful, reflective piece, with lead… Read More Music: May It Be
Despite the best attempts of the hayfever on this glorious sunny day in Newry to stop me from speaking, I have another poem by Ogden Nash to share. This one is for Sara who had requested it specially! I rather like the cut of Isabel’s jib. She takes no crap from anyone and turns the… Read More Poetry: ‘Adventures of Isabel’ by Ogden Nash
Today, I read the beautiful poem, ‘Thomas MacDonagh’ by renowned Irish war poet, Francis Ledwidge. I first came across this poem through the Irish choral group, Anúna, which I was blessed to be a member of for quite a few years. It was only recently that I took to reading more of Francis Ledwidge’s work… Read More Poetry: “Thomas MacDonagh” by Francis Ledwidge
Today’s poem reflects the amount of birdsong taking place in my garden just now! The birds are happily munching on crumbs, seeds and suet balls on their bird table while I pot up some bedding plants. I’m a big fan of Emily Dickinson, having been introduced to her work at university (first time round!). She… Read More Poetry: ‘Hope’ is the Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed unthinkable that the world as we thought we knew it changed in (maybe?) irrevocable ways. I wrote this poem in mid-March as it started to be clear we needed to stay in and keep away from loved ones to minimise transmission of coronavirus. What stuck (and sticks) in… Read More Poetry: I Have No Wisdom by Patrick Hughes
I’m thrilled to share this music with you. It’s an old song called ‘The Maid of Culmore’ (sometimes spelled as ‘Coolmore’) which I recorded with the Irish group, Eiscara (which includes myself, Michael Connolly, Lorraine Cotter and Sara Clancy). The video was shot these past couple of days at Narrow Water in County Down, Ireland.… Read More Music: The Maid of Culmore
Join me for the gentle and slow making of a Patchwork Quilt Block using a Janome sewing machine and simple block formula. Because it’s ASMR, you will hear only the sounds of the machine and the movements associated with quilt construction. Hope you’re well, Patrick xo
Today’s poem comes from the inimitable Maya Angelou. It’s a poem for children, really, but it’s message is universal. There’s nothing out there to frighten you. You are an agent in your own choices. Love it. Hope your preparations for Easter are going well. Lots of love to you and yours, Patrick
I should say those are two separate poems! The Fly is one poem; The Octopus is another. They are super short… like today’s bicycle shorts!! Sorry! I’m also rocking a Gryffindor hat from last year’s visit to Harry Potter World. Feels like an eternity ago! In today’s catch-up, I get in a lovely countryside bike… Read More Poetry: The Fly and The Octopus by Ogden Nash
The request to read this poem, ‘Wee Hughie’ came from some friends participating in the local history group, ‘At Slieve Gullion’s Foot’. It’s long been a well-moderated group, sharing images and stories of the past. This is one of those poems that may exist on the fringes of memory, with a favourite line or two… Read More Poetry: Wee Hughie by Elizabeth Shane
