Category / Health & Wellbeing

by shannonchance

Third Spaces of Smithfield

Browse the bookshelf.

A good “third space” helps fill the gap left between your home (your first space) and your workplace (your second space).  It should be a place where everyone feels welcome and equal–regardless of income or social status.

I learned about third spaces from one of my thesis advisees at Hampton University, Ryan Kendall, who asserted that we lack adequate third spaces in the USA.  He proposed to transform our beautiful (but increasingly vacant) Post Office buildings into vibrant spaces. He wanted them to be used for socializing, learning, developing physically, and yes, mailing things (in old- and new-fashioned ways). Prior to his thesis year, Ryan worked at NASA Langley. That happened the summer after he completed the Comprehensive Design Studio that I taught alongside Robert Easter. Ryan was a smashing success with NASA.  And the NASA folks have kept coming back, asking for more and more HU interns and for our department’s help on various design projects.

Ryan Kendall in his job at NASA Langley.

Ryan’s main point?

In the States we often neglect our third spaces… or fail to create them all together.

I’ve found that fostering “third space” is a core tradition in Ireland.  The pub has long served this purpose.

When Dave and I visited Ireland in 2003, we saw entire families spend their evenings engrossed in meaningful conversations with neighbors and friends at the various pubs we visited.  Kids ran in and out and people of all ages mingled happily and comfortably.  Although pub culture is not as strong today (the smoking ban took a tool on the pubs), it’s something you can still find in many places.

I’m fortunate to have several great third spaces very close to my apartment here in Dublin’s Smithfield neighborhood, a district also known by its postal code, “Dublin 7.”

My favorite third space is the Cobblestone pub.  Another–where I’m starting to spend more and more time–is aptly called Third Space.

Third Space: changing the city around the table.

Bring some friends. Enjoy the art.

A webpage for the Third Space restaurant explains:

Our story starts in the changes Dublin saw in the “noughties”. Lots of new apartment blocks, lots of new offices and retail units – no gathering places. Living space and working space but no “third space”.

Third spaces are neighbourhood places where people can gather regularly, easily, informally and inexpensively.

Re-introducing such places into areas that lacked them became a passion for a small group of people. And so was born Third Space. It is a social business venture to open and run eating and meeting places in the areas of Dublin that lack community hubs. With a simple and great menu and an informal friendly environment, they will have a creative buzz that connects into the varied life of a modern Dublin neighborhood.

Third Space 1 opened in Smithfield on February 14th 2012.

I had an interesting encounter at both of my “third spaces” this week.  I’ll post them,  so you can see what I mean. Stay tuned! (Click here to read the sequel.)

Grab a lunch. Everyone’s welcome and they’ll make you feel at home… even a barrister (i.e., lawyer, shown to the left) can find a quite place to reflect on the day, away form the busy halls of the Four Courts.

by shannonchance

Is this Coke’s Idea of Targeted Marketing?

Billboard next to the Fresh Market.

Really Coke?

This is what you think will appeal to Dublin?

Because nothing says “Christmas” quite like tractor trailer trucks.

Were you trying to make us think “yum”? Because I’m not.

But then, I guess I don’t represent your target market.

I’ve posted a photo of what I purchased just after walking past your tantalizing billboard in Smithfield plaza.  The produce in the photo was already at my apartment (because I keep a collection of fresh fruits and veggies), but the muesli, aloe, and salmon I bought after passing your ad.

My bounty from Fresh Market, Centra, and several local produce vendors.

by shannonchance

Nephews!

Uncle Dave has been holding down the fort back in Virginia and spending plenty of time with the nephews we so dearly love. Here’s Dave with his Godson, David.

Dave and David

Today Dave also texted me photos of him with David’s brothers, Christopher and Tommy.

Dave and Christopher

Dave and Tommy

Tommy is growing up so fast.  Here’s a picture of me snuggling with him last winter. I really look forward to seeing all these boys at Christmas!

Shannon and Tommy, last winter.

by shannonchance

Eden Morning

I’m mourning the loss of Eden.  Last night ended Daylight Savings Time in Ireland for the year. The shift to Dark Evening Time is a sad event for me each year.

It’s particularly poignant this year, because I’m living so far north that the days will be very, very short soon.  Perhaps fortunately, I’ll be home for the very shortest of days this year, and I’ll get to eek out a little more sunlight than I would here.

I spent the entire sunny day yesterday working at home and needed a change of scenery. So, to help address my doldrums, I headed out for breakfast.

Since I can’t seem to find Sunday brunch in my neighborhood, so I wandered down to Temple Bar and found myself in Eden. Yum!

Eden: spatially wonderful!

Eggs Benedict, Eden style. What more could a girl want?

Eden prides itself in Irish cuisine fused with European flair.  Funny, eh?

The Irish referred to “going to see the Europeans” when we headed out for Greece. They see themselves as different from the continent… and thus not entirely European.  In my book, they’re so similar to US American, that we actually maybe a closer match. (Please, please, please vote sensibly my countrymen. Don’t succumb to inaccurate claims and smoke-and-mirror budget proposals.)

I’ve heard two people (one an emigrant from the US) say Ireland may well become the 51st state.  It seems to align more and more with US culture every day. Although if we loose Obama, there will be a wider gap in values between the Irish and US ethos.

I’ve attached snapshots from breakfast (Eden is a very nicely designed place) and from my walk home… flip through them and pretend you’re here walking with me… imagine the smell of Guinness wafting through the air as you stride down the River Liffey.

Table for one with a view of Meeting House Square.
Texting Dave when breakfast arrived.
Outside the Four Courts there are symbols of fortitude!
One corner of the Four Courts complex.
Dublin is working hard to coordinate it’s various modes of transit. As a pedestrian, bicycle rider, and bus user, I insist they have a long way to go. The tram and train systems seem to be getting there–but the discontinuous bike lanes, lack of courtesy among automobile drivers toward pedestrians crossing streets, and never-on-time Dublin Bus route 83 really need attention.
I’d hoped to get inside St. Michan’s church today, but opening hours are limited. I’ll show you that cool place soon.
Eggs Benedict, Eden style. What more could a girl want?
Helpful advice posted in the rest room.
Eden: spatially wonderful!
A view from the balcony in Eden.
Fusion, Irish style.
Taking in a show at one of the fine photography galleries on Meeting House Square.
This photographer’s work is highly acclaimed.
A few of the bikers riding today to help end breast cancer.
These birds had found a school of fish and were splashing around with their prey.
The Dublin City Council building stands in stark contrast to the delightful city around it. There is a nice atrium inside, however, and so working there might be as viewing the place from outside.
by shannonchance

Lifted!

Steven Best’s lecture on work he did in Norma Foster’s office in 1996 (where he was working with Thomas Leslie from Iowa State, the son of my dissertation advisor David Leslie). I enjoyed this slide of the architect carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The image has Calvinist underpinnings, Steven Best said.

After a rather weighty lecture at the Dublin School of Architecture–in which my colleague from the States, Tom Leslie, was referenced by name–I bolted over to my yoga class with Joe Saflund at The elbowroom.

On the way home, I decided to “give myself a lift” by stepping into The Cobblestone Pub to enjoy a half-pint and a few songs.  I put in two long workdays in a row and thought I’d blow off some steam.

Once inside, I discovered Tomás is more than a talented bartender… he plays guitar and sings as well.  He’s shown in the photo alongside his uilleann pipe-playing cousin …and, well, any cousin of Tomás is a cousin of mine!

Such a wonderful, small world!

My favorite yoga instructor in Dublin is Joe Saflund, shown here in side angle pose.

Tomás Mulligan hard at work, making music at The Cobblestone.

by shannonchance

Wrapping Up Tonight’s Meal at Thai Spice

Wrapping up tonight’s meal at Thai Spice.

One tiny little thing I do to help prevent needless waste is to carry a food storage container (i.e., Tupperware) in my purse.  That why went I can’t finish my meal, I don’t have to ask for a disposable take-home box.

Think how many plastic or styrofoam containers a person uses in a year… those containers will stick around in the landfill for centuries.

This method is painless and guilt-free.

So, why not stow a small container in your bag right now?

The one in my purse has a reusable shopping bag inside (the black one shown is a slingsax by Envirosax, I found my first one here in Dublin in March 2010).  That keeps things in my purse as compact as possible.

by shannonchance

Full Irish Vegetarian Style

Introducing the vegetarian version of the Irish breakfast….

It was delicious!

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by shannonchance

Exploring with Elias

Meet Elias and Anna, two people who often brighten my day.

Elias and his mom, Anna.

Anna is the daughter of my friend Rosemary Thornton Ringer (aka, the Sears Kit House lady) who married one of my best friends, Wayne. I was the “Best Woman” in their wedding!

Although I’ve actually only met Anna and Elias a few times, I have the excellent fortune of being friends with Anna on Facebook. She’s currently in a new job teaching music at Boston University.

Her daily updates about Elias inspire me to reach for the stars. He’s an exceptionally curious kid, and she seems to be an astute mom who gives him room to explore and patiently answers his questions to the best of human ability.  She also takes the time to record the events and share them on Facebook.

I personally learn so much from this little boy and her mom.

These two people make my stay here in Dublin brighter and more joyful.  Elias’s comments remind me to “explore,” “go slowly,” and proceed “like I’ve never seen the world.” And, of course, to sometimes be “human tape.”

I love this kid!  And his family.

 

by shannonchance

Salad Plate

Many thanks to Glen McClure for introducing us Chances to the Irish “salad plate.” (I always take a bite before I remember to take a snapshot for you!)

This is a “Achill salmon salad plate.”

by shannonchance

Train-ing for Westport

Headed west and enjoying all the train has to offer.  (This photo also marks my discovery of the panorama feature on my iPhone.)

Arriving at Heuston Station this morning. I arrived by tram. Others by foot, bike, car, and bus. Dublin is full of double deckers!

Few Americans have ever ridden a train.  That’s so unfortunate.  But it’s because, by the time we pay the costs to purchase, maintain, and insure an automobile (and pay taxes to build and repair roads), there’s not much left for train tickets.

And in the States, one must have an auto to get by. That’s true in almost every place.  Except New York City (although my sister feels the need to have one even there).

That’s a shame because train travel is amazing!  So comfortable and convenient….

I awoke early this morning to catch my 7:30 AM train to Westport.  I’m making the trek, as so many people from all around Ireland do, to see the holistic (and mercury-free) dentist there.  She scheduled me so that I can take the train from Dublin and back in the same day.  So, I’m traveling coast-to-coast again — headed back to County Mayo for the day. Hoping to find a comprehensive solution to my dental problem.

In the meantime, I’m enjoying beautiful views, reading, and the use of free wi-fi, on-board restrooms, and snack cart service offered by Irish Rail. You can’t get any of these from a car!  Yes, you can see there’s a view from the car, but you have to watch the road….

It’s so simple: I retrieved my pre-booked ticket from the machine…

…then waited for the board to show what platform to go to…

..and then found my reserved seat, to enjoy the ride.  And what a ride! Watching history fly past… I’m so in awe of the majesty of this land.