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I always loved the song Summer in Dublin when I was growing up. It was sung by Paul Brady when he was in the band Bagatelle.

One of my favourite lyrics is

• I remember that summer in Dublin and The Liffey as it stank like hell and the young people walking on Grafton Street, everyone looking so well.

Possibly because I do remember the stink of the Liffey in the 1980s, and as Paul sings, it was always followed by the wonder and magic of walking up Grafton Street. And maybe, just maybe catching sight of The Dice Man (see previous blog.)

 

Summer in Dublin by Bagatelle

https://youtu.be/MMhWll_mfGk?si=k-ns8jW8D2pC1o9H

But I had no idea how much he is revered in the music industry and community. His music merges folk and pop. I love the line- We’ll make love to the sound of the ocean. But I cannot help but smile and think of scratchy sea grass and sand getting into bodily crevices, as it can be quite uncomfortable, I believe.

Cher, Tina Turner, Dylan, Mark Knopfler, and Van Morrisson, all played his songs.

Dylan compares him to Leonard Cohen & Lou Reed which is high praise indeed but so well deserved.

Paul Brady Interview

https://m.independent.ie/entertainment/music/paul-brady/31150916.html#

Paul Brady Song The Island NEW LIVE

https://youtu.be/fObsjzJDSwc?si=wXiG4UVxtIdd8X5o

Paul Brady Song The Island OLD LIVE

https://youtu.be/fObsjzJDSwc?si=F13u62q3AVCKfECa

 

All the best

Stay fab

Adele

Next month I am back at Dublin City University facilitating The Music of Poetry Workshop at The Healthy Living Centre. Daragh is my co-facilitator and a brilliant vocalist and lyricist. He has three albums under his belt and will be taking us through the history of music from the 50s and Buddy Holly to today. I am so excited as music is another obsession of mine.

Last year The Art of Poetry was a huge success as all of us found it to be a cathartic experience. I understand it is not for everyone and that people need to be in the right frame of mind to come to a workshop like this. Sharing work is never mandatory and holding a safe space for all our participants is always the priority.

I aim to produce an anthology of our work and write a stage play of our experiences ( It will have humour and pathos), called, The Art of Poetry. One of our students last year farted in the class and aptly named the moment, the fart of poetry, which I will have to add to the script. Just to bring everything back to base humour. Which seems to be an art form I continue to revel in.

 

All the best

Stay fab

Adele

 

I love writing rhymes and children’s stories and I have written a few of late. This came to me as I am sad that the swallows have left where I live to begin their migration to South Africa. The distance is 9500kms and it takes approx 40 days where they can cover almost 200 kms per day.

The Swallow and the Wow, Wow, Wow Lady.

The Swallow

Wow, Wow, Wow cries the lady as I fly swiftly by.

Soaring and swooping. Gliding and dipping. She is sad today and I make her smile.

I can see her tender spirit, as I beguile.

Why is she sad, I must swoop some more.

She cries, Wow, Wow, Wow, as her spirit soars.

And then the tears begin, humble and slow.

As she sits beneath my tree, her head bowed.

I perch on a branch above her head.

And call my friend Robin, from his bed.

She needs his birdsong to lift her light.

And he sings and he sings with all his might.

She raises her head, smiles, and says Wow, Wow, Wow.

Says, my beautiful birds, you have blessed me this moment, now.

 

 

The Wow, Wow, Wow Lady

I was sad as my doggie is at the vet today.

He was not himself; his energy had gone away.

They are caring for him with all their expertise.

 Your beauty and birdsong have given me such ease.

I have shed my tears and worried too much.

You have given me your grace. My spirit you have touched.

I know now that all will be well, the outcome is beyond my control.

You have blessed this moment and blessed my soul.

The Swallow

The next day she had a spring in her step.

And at her feet her beloved pet.

Saying, Wow, Wow, Wow,

As we ruffled our feathers and looked on from the branch bow.

        Wow, Wow, Wow, she cried, as I swooped and she scattered birdseed.

         We all swished and we swooped, having such a wonderful feed.

He is well, no more worries, just his iron was low.

I will feed him more vegetables, now that I know.

By

Adele Leahy

I wrote a poem called Procrastination last week but did not finish it……Only kidding. Here it is.

 

Poem Procrastination

Some say procrastination is a four-syllable word for sloth.

Perhaps it is, let me think about it and I’ll get back to you with my thoughts.

Some say procrastination is self-sabotage in disguise.

Perhaps it is, but let me ponder upon that and surmise.

Some say procrastination is putting off things till tomorrow.

Perhaps it is, and I can get back to you, in the morrow.

Some say procrastination is mind constipation.

Perhaps it is and I need some laxative tea as a libation.

Some say procrastination is a superpower.

Perhaps it is, but I can’t stand the guilt, every hour.

Some say to overcome procrastination I need to set clear goals.

But being so organised obliterates my soul.

Daydreaming and distractions mean I am a last-minute gal.

I regularly disappear down rabbit holes of wonderland.

I cogitate, prevaricate, and consider my options.

With procrastination, I still get to my destination, with a smile and a coffee.

By

Adele Leahy

 

BBC Radio 4 – You’re Dead to Me, Mary Shelley.

https://youtu.be/YhGn_9faEi4?si=TpmAFC_WQBpcKJNs

 

This is a great listen as a historian and comedian both analyse Mary Shelley’s work. Many men at the time refused to believe that a woman had written this great work of fiction. Mary’s mother dies soon after her birth which left Mary with a pervading guilt throughout her life. Her father remarried but Mary did not have an easy relationship with her. From an early age, Mary was exposed to great minds as her father regularly entertained Philosophers, Poets, and radical Politicians.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge when invited around for dinner described the Godwin children as ‘cadaverous with quite a catacombic vibe.

Percy Shelley stole her heart from an early age and rumours abound that they consummated their love on her mother’s grave. Whether this is an urban myth or not it does fire the imagination when you consider her penchant for all things grim and gothic.

Mary’s primary objective in writing Frankenstein was to examine the ethics surrounding technology at the time and to explore society’s attitude towards inclusion.

She suffered numerous tragedies throughout her life. In her early twenties, her beloved half-sister committed suicide. Her firstborn with Percy Shelly was born prematurely and later died. Their next two children passed months apart in 1818.

And just for a bit of silliness. As, after all, what is a day or a blog without taking the opportunity to be silly or to watch someone else being silly? Gene Wilder always does silliness to perfection.

 

Young Frankenstein (1974) Bloopers & Outtakes

 

https://youtu.be/tOjH-yoEJe0?si=ukCZvXZpVV3Fz9eo

 

 

All the best

Stay fab

Adele

Dylan Moran is hilarious in this clip where he states a confessed generalisation

• All Women are Mary Shelly and all men are The Monster

https://youtu.be/Af2vGh3t-o4?si=_YB1yebWcnz_B_NR

 

Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin were Mary’s famous parents. Her father was a radical politician, eschewing democracy for a self-governing world.

Frankenstein is written within the gothic and romantic genre. What is truly fascinating about Frankenstein’s Monster is that its powers are not gained from magic but rather scientific knowledge which was being discussed at the time the book was first published.

Mary Shelly was light years ahead of her time. And to have written her most famous novel at such a young age is remarkable. Like her father, she was a renegade and she idolised both her parents. Her mother was one of the most famous original feminists. A Vindication of The Rights of Woman was her greatest work.

Some say the novel asks the question of whether we should fear monstrosity, the creator of the monster or the monster itself. The whole realm of art and creativity can be examined within this lens. In other words, what do we owe to the things we create?

I love a monster. My favourite movie, as mentioned before, is Silence of The Lambs. Partly because I adore Sir Anthony Hopkins but also because I am fascinated by the fact that we love him, as a monster. And I still wonder, why we do that.

 

All the best

Stay fab

Adele

https://www.aclib.us/blog/frankenstein-day-or-birthday-mary-shelley

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley must be one of the greatest horror stories ever written. I am sure it is a metaphor for life in that we are all comprised of many different pieces/experiences. Alter egos are very common and wearing different masks for various social occasions is a powerful coping mechanism for me. Some days I feel like a goat and others like a ladybird, but that’s just me. How about you, or should I say ewe? Are you a sheep or a bull?

Top Ten Facts about Mary Shelley

• Her parents were famous intellectuals.
• She eloped with Percy Bysshe Shelley and her father disapproved of her relationship with Percy Bysshe Shelley.
• Mary was just 18 when she had the idea for Frankenstein and finished it aged 19! The novel was published in 1818 when she was just 21 years old.
• Frankenstein is one of the very first examples of the now celebrated and very popular genre of science-fiction.
• Mary thought of the idea for Frankenstein when she was in Geneva with Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, another famous poet. Byron challenged everyone to write a ghost story and Mary came up with Frankenstein, which she later developed into the novel we now know.
• Some of the ideas for Frankenstein came to Mary Shelley in a nightmare.
• Mary suffered terribly from the loss of her first three children; who all died at a young age. She had a fourth child who was named Percy after his father.
• Frankenstein Castle is a real castle in Germany. Some people think it may have inspired Mary’s story. Famous inventor Thomas Edison made a 15-minute film version of Frankenstein in 1910. It is thought to be one of the first horror films ever made.
• Mary taught herself many things. Her father did not have a lot of money to spend on her education, but she read a lot and made her own notes. She was also eager to learn from all the famous writers she knew and later wrote and published their biographies.
• Mary and Percy Shelley often wrote together and collaborated in their writing. They wrote a joint journal about their travels around Europe and encouraged and supported each other’s work. After Percy Shelley’s death, Mary supported herself and her son with her writing, which was very difficult and unusual for a woman to do at the time.

 

All the best

Stay fab

Adele

Doggone but International Dog Day has to be the best day of the year. WPA (Woeful Pun Alert) It is fur everyone, whether you have a fur baby or not, evfurry one is welcome to pawticipate. If you have had a ruff day it may be just what you need to attract more pawsivity.

Many tails have been written about dogs, and Vanity Fur recently celebrated their cuteness and loyalty. My series – The Dog Web, on Patreon, features Buzz as the Editor of the neighbourhood newsletter. Finn is his trusty sidekick, who reports on the 4 am park gathering that has become The Woof Light District.

https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/international-dog-day-date-history-and-significance-6412778

I cannot finish this blog without featuring (again) my favourite dog-related poem, featuring famous doggy rock bands. You’re welcome.

 

Poem Doggy Rock

If dogs could talk, I so wish they would rock.

I know as a band; they would enthral and shock.

They could be called Bone Jovi

And boy, how I would Live on their prayer daily.

What about Snow Pawtrol?

I would Run to see them, Rock’n Roll,

Super Furry Animals and their Golden Retriever would light up a crowd.

The Animals at their Carnival playing loud and proud.

Furreigner singing Don’t stop retrievers,

Is a song I would truly believe in.

I gotta feeling Ruff Leopard and the Black Eyed Paws,

Would bring out the Animal in me and fill me full of awe.

Bones and Roses and Muttley Crue would never be Estranged.

And in Paradise City, I would dance deranged.

I would have Faith in Limp Dog Bizkit, Earth, Wind and Furr;

As they rock my canine Fantasy making my imagination stir.

The Velvet Undergrowl would give Some kinda love;

Then more Love etc, as the Pet Shop Boys go above

And beyond. The Boomtown Ruffs would make us always like Mondays.

And the Hot House Fowlers with Don’t Go could be the latest craze.

The Waggerboys would have me wagging my tail.

To The Whole of the Moon, I would chorus and wail.

I would never Give it away to the Red Hot Chili Papillons.

And Eight days a week, the Beagles would have me singing every song.

The Irish Rovers would support the magnificent Muttorhead.

And I’ll tell me Ma my Heroes have all my dreams made.

Daschund Midnight runners and Geno would be festival stunners.

As Barkade Fire Wake up and give so much wonder.

All the best

Stay fab

Adele

Here is my latest whimsical poem for your review. My lipstick is too bright at the best of times, so I decided to write a poem about it.

 

 

Red Lipstick

I shall wear too much red lipstick today.

I’m going to splash in puddles and sing in the rain.

The hills are alive with the Sound of Music.

I shall wave at the boats, leaving the estuary.

And collect my oyster shells to make necklaces. I’m a bit crafty you see.

I shall use my favourite word today – panacea.

And if you think I am being verbose – See ya.

I shall stand up for myself and be as cheeky as a pup.

I will do my silly walk to cheer myself up.

I shall assert myself. NO, is a complete sentence.

Why are you being such an unbelievable menace?

I shall practice my pointless dolphin impression.

And in my car, scream out my frustrations.

No catastrophizing or ruminating for me.

I shall wear a moustache ice cream from Scrumdiddly.

I will meet with triumph and disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same.

I will wear garish clothes and be mutton dressed as lamb. 

I will tell silly jokes and not give a care

How many ears did Dr. Spock have?

Three.

The left ear, the right ear, and the final front ear.

Slow down snails crossing, I will chalk on my local park path.

I never achieve much when I scurry and dash.

Free swallow aerial display at 4 pm today;

Will also be chalked to remind folk to notice them feeding and at play.

My Dementors and fear can take a run and a jump.

I have lived too much; I have no cares left. NONE.

I’ll still be kind and help where I can,

But I will no longer dim my light, for anyone as I am my superwoman.

By

Adele Leahy

All the best

Stay fab

Adele

 

 

 

Ireland did mighty in the Olympics. Seven medals for a nation as small as ours is relatively unheard of. From rowing to boxing, gymnastics and swimming, our team were truly incredible. Their homecoming was a joy to behold and I know they will continue to make Ireland proud.

Tom Cruise closing the ceremony with his stunts was another spectacle to behold as he received the Olympic flame for the USA to hold the Olympics in 2028.

https://youtu.be/49u3TrRwpOE?si=CO1-IUvOfuQAPjwJ

New games such as baseball, squash, surfing, skateboarding and karate.

92FM was discussing on the radio today the games that would need to possibly be added if Ireland were ever to host the Olympic Games. Here are a few of my suggestions

1. Turfing- who can cut the most turf in five minutes.
2. Guinness – most perfect Guinness pints poured in Ten Minutes.
3. Cow Milking – Most cows milked in one hour.
4. Slagging – the wittiest roasting match, Irish style.
5. Bodhran speed – The fastest bodhran player.

Ultimately, if the above, could be combined to be a circuit I think it would have maximum effect. Starting with the turfing, onto the Guinness pouring, followed by the cow milking, slagging and bodhran playing.

What do you think? Have you any other suggestions?

All the best

Stay fab

Adele