The Art & Poetry of Mary Coleman

Today I worked on my Bosch painting. I was only able to concentrate on it for a little while so I got the head done and then called it a day. Tomorrow I will do the pot on the head and the body of the man in the bird’s mouth.

Here’s today’s writing prompt:

I went to Ireland when I was 21 and it really left an impression on me. Unfortunately I was really unwell for most of the trip so I would really like to go back in good health. What struck me was all the old architecture and how a 1000 year old castle could just be crumbling in someone’s back paddock.

While I was there I saw The Book of Kells at Trinity College and that was amazing. It was in the old library there which also blew me away. It was like something out of a fantasy movie.

We went during the winter so it was damp and dark, but I am from the Pacific Northwest so damp and dark doesn’t bug me and is my reality from late fall until mid spring at home. Because it was off season, there weren’t as many tourists which was really nice. I would definitely go back in winter time again.

As much as I liked Ireland and I enjoyed my 11 years in New Zealand, I don’t think I’d like to live anywhere but Portland. My heart is with this city and it’s my true home. It’s only an hours drive from the coast which is stunning in Oregon, 30 minutes from the mountains, and the city is just really unique and pretty. Very green and full of gardens and trees and old wooden homes of every shape and size. I own a craftsman in Laurelhurst which was one of my favourite neighborhoods growing up. My family lived one neighborhood over and always dreamed of owning a home in Laurelhurst so I really had one of my wishes come true. It even has a porch and I put a porch swing on it (though I don’t use it as much as I should). The shops are a walk away and there’s endless delicious places to eat around here.

I went on a 4 mile run with my friend this morning. We went up to the reservoir at Mt. Tabor Park and they have filled it again so it’s really pretty. For a few years it sat empty and was just a deep concreted area which was ugly. Much better with water in it to make the run around it scenic. Sunday is the last half marathon of the year. That will be the 13th for me and my goal accomplished. I feel ready for it. My aim is to finish in 2 hours and 30 minutes.