Summer Shrine

Little sweetheart, en route to Cork City we stopped at a very special place - Gougane Barra. 

Saint Finbar built an ancient monastery on the island that sits there within a lake which is also the source of the River Lee. There's a whole series of wonderful little meditation caves, an ancient graveyard, the church, and a sprawling National Park filled with wildlife, notably birds, here. 

Kris has mentioned a stop and I knew about it but hadn't explained it well enough to you. Honestly, you thought he was talking about a bank! I don't know why! Maybe "Barra" sounded like "Bankers"? 

Anyway, once we arrived you didn't want to leave and I was kicking myself for not having given us at least an entire day and night there. There's also an absolutely beautiful lodge there, a hotel. And you and I made plans to return and spend the night. We went in and got some info from the very nice people who ran the place (the hotel). 

You could tell why they had such a lovely lodge there because the chapel on the island was like a storybook one. One that you could imagine people so very much wanting to have for their wedding. 

We went inside and lit candles, you and I, having the place to ourselves. And I took this picture of you. It's quite dim inside - gorgeous and cozy and sweet - but I should have paused to get better light. We kind of took this photo on the down low, trying not to make too much fuss. 

Later, I had our friend Audun do a painting of you based on it. I very much wanted to use this picture for the cover of Electric Hymnal but the original was a little too low res and the painting, although I love it, doesn't fully capture you. 

But, you my darling girl, captured me from the first. And I remain yours forever. 

With all my love.