ABOUT ME
I was born in 1952 into a farming community situated in the beautiful, fertile countryside of Co Armagh, Northern Ireland. Daily life was connected to the rhythms of nature and the needs of animals, our source of income as farmers, with music and story-telling the connective tissue which bound family, neighbours and friends as they worked faithfully together to raise their families in the post-war years of scarce resources.
I chose to leave formal education early, holding various administrative and secretarial positions until I headed South in 1978 to live in Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, eventually setting up my own business offering secretarial services and computer training. When my 40th birthday was appearing on the horizon, I returned to full-time education to read Psychology in Trinity College Dublin.
A decade of personal upheaval followed and to find some balance, I went to work in a bustling, South-Dublin food market with its vibrant community atmosphere. It is from the heart of this community that I write, uplifting stories, poems, and observations of daily activity, all of which have combined to reflect the co-operation, kindness and fun that enriched my early years. I have a sense of coming full circle, willingly engaging with the freshness of each new day and surrendering myself to my creative spirit.
I had the privilege of working with Ali Fisher in her secretarial business in Sandymount in the 1980s. Since then we have remained friends and I have witnessed all the ‘personal upheaval’ over the years. I am so proud of her achievements and the joy she brings to her work every day. She is indeed a bluebird of happiness.
What a lovely combination for a blog food and creative thoughts. I had no idea what to expect when I landed on your site I look forward to more interesting articles and I will try the recipe.
Wendy, this is great encouragement for me in these early days. I never imagined the possibilities until I started writing. Thank you.
Congratulations on your beautiful venture! It’s a pleaseure to read your thoughts and observations, Ali. Further evidence of your seemingly endless talents and bottomless heart.
Hi Ali
Your blog is wonderful, you have so much to share. We really look forward to the book – just do it!
Muriel & Bill x
Hi Muriel and Bill. Thanks for your encouragement. You have really cheered me up. It has been hard to know where to go from here but a good dose of positive thinking and some more of those belly-aching laughs we all had recently will get me back on track. Ali
xx