See what I mean?
One hour and half later, Dave is still reeling in the viewers.
😉
Page Views 2012-12-12 at 7.29.36 PM
See what I mean?
Coloring the World
I love to see colors spread across this blog map. Today they string all the way across. They move left to right during the day–in direct relation to the sun. I wish I got more colors south of the equator, but I’ve only been south of it three times myself, so perhaps that’s why. When Canada and Russia click onto the site, the map lights right up.
Interestingly, my stats always shoot up when I blog about Dave or the nephews. I guess people like to see cute boys. The minute I posted about Dave’s studio today, I got 17 views.
🙂
Map View 2012-12-12 at 6.02.25 PM.
Pages viewed 2012-12-12 by 6.02.25 PM
Dave Chance Downtown
A photo taken during the property inspection. I can’t wait to see more!
We closed the deal on the purchase of a new studio for Dave today!
Dave just announced “Coming soon: Dave Chance Downtown” on Facebook, thereby (finally) granting me permission to blab about how proud I am of him.
He’s been hoping for this building for a year, and kindly delayed until I could adapt to the idea of owning another building in Portsmouth. He wanted gallery walls for display and a new sense of separation between home and work. I’m not sure that workaholics like us can really separate from our work to go home — but, hey, if he wants to try it out, more power to him.
For a glimpse of his work, visit www.davechancephotography.com.
Celebrating 12:12:12 on 12/12/12 in Style!
Chugging toward a Better Future in the USA
Amtrak service is up and running between Norfolk VA and Washington DC. (Photo downloaded from Facebook, by Downtown Norfolk.)
Today is a big day in Hampton Roads, Virginia, which is the place I call home.
Passenger train service is finally up and running–direct from Norfolk to Washington DC.
I think this route was available long ago in history, but it hasn’t been since I moved to the region in 1998 (and also not for a long time before that). I’ve had to drive all the way to Newport News to catch the Amtrak up to now.
Long ago, the auto-making companies in the US bought up many of the rail lines. In many instances, they dug up the tracks or sold the linear lines to multiple parties–all to make the system unworkable and difficult to reinstate.
But today, Hampton Roads has overcome some major obstacles and re-upped its route.
On Facebook, “Downtown Norfolk” says “the station can be found in Harbor Park. The first train leaves at 4:50am and the station will be open at 4am. Tickets are not sold at the station and must be purchased in advance. Please contact Amtrak to make your reservation or visit www.amtrakvirginia.com“.
I have to say, though, that as happy as I am about the new train service, the photo that Downtown Norfolk posted on Facebook shows just a glimmer of hope in a very bleak landscape.
The photo is a depressing depiction of what we’ve done to the land in the USA. Asphalt. Plastic. Ugliness wall to wall.
We can, and we must, do better.
Marking History with Fergus and Francis
Fergus Whelan, Jerry Crilly, Tom Mulligan, and Shannon Chance at the Cobblestone last night.
Kevin Donleavy had written me to inquire about the plaque I mentioned in the blog post “Peace in Ireland.” Last night I had the chance to learn a little more.
I was at the Cobblestone to meet Jerry regarding a little Christmas project we’ve got in the works.
And Fergus Whelan, the organizer of the December 1 event, happened to be there too.
The plaque, Fergus explained, was to honor Francis Hutchinson who was born in Northern Ireland but died in Dublin. No grave marker had ever been installed.
Plaque for Francis Hutcheson. Please click on the image to see a larger version. (Photo provided by Fergus Whelan.)
Fergus has righted this oversight. A plaque now shines near the church on Mary Street in Dublin. This group unveiled it on December 1, 2012 — the day I met them in the Cobblestone.
The December 1 events commemorated that remarkable man, Francis Hutchinson, who, among other things, influenced the American Declaration of Independence. He did so via his friend Thomas Jefferson. The plaque is well worth a read!
The December 1 event was so very striking, however, because the group of men gathered on that night had travelled down together in a single bus from Northern Ireland (where Hutchinson was born). This morning Fergus sent me an email with photos, saying:
Hi Shannon
As explained the group shot are formers prisoners from both sides i.e. loyalist and republican. They came to Dublin to be present for the unveiling of the plaque.
Best, Fergus
Fergus asked these folks to travel down to Dublin together, on one bus, and to attend events together celebrating the life of Francis Hutchinson. They put aside decades of ill will and united for this cause… because Fergus asked them to come.
I know this story will matter to Kevin Donleavy. He has a similar project underway (that I’ll tell you about in due time).
What amazing experiences — sharing evenings with people who have such divergent points of view and yet finding unity within them. I’m thankful for Fulbright and thankful for my friends at the Cobblestone pub.
The group from the north of Ireland who came for the unveiling. (Photo provided by Fergus Whelan.)
Pat Goode singing at the Cobblestone after the plaque unveiling. (Photo provided by Fergus Whelan.)
Jerry learning to use ” ” in conversation last night. He still needs some work!
Jerry’s song “I could have been a giant said the bonsai tree….”
Meeting musician and Irish track star Linda Maye.
Brilliant Day Dawning
Today’s encore.
Encore sunrise near full tilt.
In a magnificent encore to yesterday’s sunrise performance, Mother Nature reminds us that we have another spectacularly unique day before us.
Let’s use it well.
Sadly, the Sun also Sets
The sun also sets (at 4:30 pm).
Here’s a view from my window at 4:30 pm.
Throughout history, there have always been big solstice parties in Ireland. I mean always. And I mean big.
Seems pretty clear why that is!
I will miss the celebrations here, which is sad, but thankfully I will be home celebrating the light of my life!
All the Glory of God
sliver moon
A thin sliver of moon hung in the sky as dawn broke over Dublin this morning. I’d thrown the curtains open, eager to soak in the southern rays I hoped would arrive.
And arrive they did! In the full glory of God, the universe, and all that is good in the world.
This, my friends, is what Glen McClure calls “God-light.”
And all is good in my corner of the world today.
grlorious rays of morning
Christmas Fotos
Dave and I put the final touches on our secret Santa project today.
Dave’s weekend was much more exciting than mine… I’ve been chained to my laptop writing all weekend. He went to two fun-looking holiday parties and so did Lucy and Matt.
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Dave spent Friday night at Virginia Beach so he could enjoy the AGC-VA Christmas party.
Saturday night he headed to Norfolk for an event at the very cool Monticello Arcade, home of Work Program Architects.
Lucy and Matt joined his new colleagues for a grown-up party, too.
Ireland by Chance 