Learning Irish

Learning any new language is difficult or at least it is for a someone like me that really didn’t have any exposure to languages other than American English and Southern English prior to 9th grade.  In 9th and 10th grade a had a very basic exposure to Spanish and in 12th grade I took French

Mythic Irish Art

While visiting the Brú na Bóinne about an hour north of Dublin, Greg and I had the opportunity to view Jane Brideson’s Ever Living Ones collection.  This collection brings together Ireland’s sacred landscapes and ancient myths in moving contemporary artwork.  Her art is currently displayed at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center in County Meath.  Jane’s blog has more details on

Insights from UCD

(I am still a bit behind on posting updates–this is from June 12-14) Insights from University College Dublin We took a bus to UCD and made a friend of a Canadian en route to the Folklore Library as the three of us wondered the campus lost. Meeting with Dr. Moore Even though he had a

Ireland Week 1

Week 1 Ireland – Dublin Highlights from my first week in Ireland. First, I think I left out one tiny detail in explaining my plans for Ireland.  I guess I should mention that assisting me in doing all that stuff I mentioned in previous posts, is my travel companion Greg Wright: part-time research assistant, part-time body guard (my mom

Ireland 2012

Preliminary Fieldwork/Pilot Study in Western Ireland  As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, this summer I am going to be in Ireland conducting an 8 week preliminary investigation of Irish Folk Medicine (a subject which is far more complex than that description might led you to think).  Irish folk healing insects my two academic areas of

Before I Go….

Things to Consider Before I Go… As I finish packing, send last minute emails and meetings with professors, and antagonize over the finer details of the unplannable aspects of my two month long visit to Ireland, I am simultaneously faced with all the complications of anthropological fieldwork and international travel. Even if I’ve managed to

UpDate on Graduate School Progess

I just completed my 2nd year of graduate school.  I passed my comprehensive masters exam and graduated with my Masters of Arts in Cultural Anthropology.  This fall I am continuing in the Southern Methodist University’s PhD program for Cultural Anthropology. (I am at the point where I am still having to remind myself I actually have my