Magic in the Music: Lunasa

I went out last Friday to see an Irish band called Lunasa. They are on tour in the USA and happened to come to my little town between bigger venues. And we were damned lucky to get them. THEY ROCKED.

Those of you who have been here more than two or three times may have picked up on the fact that I spend most of my "free" time writing. I believe the term obsessive may have been bandied about. But it is true that, other than gatherings with Blue Moon Circle or the occasional movie with a friend, I rarely go out in the evenings. I'd rather be writing. (Also, my budget is somewhat restricted.)

But something about this group intrigued me enough to break my usual patterns and bestir myself to fork out $20, pull on my new  The Boots, and put on actual make-up. My pal Ellie (who runs The Artisans' Guild with me) and I joined a small but enthusiastic crowd to listen to this acoustic five-man band.

The band's name, Lunasa, is taken from a Celtic holiday (celebrated by Pagans like me) named for the sun god, Lugh. And I'm telling you, these guys shone like the sun; their joy for playing and their truly stunning musical skill made the night...well...magical.

If these folks come to a town anywhere near you on their tour, GO SEE THEM. You won't be sorry. And if not, go to their website and buy a CD. This music is the best remedy for the blues I've found in a long time...I dare you not to tap your toes!

http://www.lunasa.ie/

Has Deborah Lost Her Mind? The Boots Version

Let me start out by saying that I am not a shoe person, per se. I don't even like to wear shoes, if I can avoid it. (Yes, I am an old hippie--why do you ask?)

I have plenty of shoes. More than I need, probably, despite not being one of those women who buys shoes. But most of my foot gear is flat and practical: clogs, low sandals, slumpy boots.

Which is why the picture you are currently looking at is a clear sign that I have lost my freaking mind. (Yes, I actually consider myself to be reasonably sane most of the time--why do you ask?)

I was leaving work yesterday and as I walked past the shoe store next door to my shop, I saw these boots through the window. Stopped me cold in my tracks. (And not just because it was snowing, and I actually WAS cold.) I looked at the boots. Then I looked at the big "SALE" sign. And despite my recent (and relatively successful) resolution to stop buying things I didn't need, I went into the store, tried them on, and bought them. All in about three minutes.

For one thing, they were on an insane sale: originally $64, on sale for $12.50--even with tax, I spent less than $13. But that's not why I bought them. I bought them because when I looked at them, they made me happy. When I picked them up, I felt joy. Why? I have no idea. They have freaking THREE INCH HEELS, for goddess's sake. I don't know where I'll wear them, except maybe at a conference somewhere. (Now if this had been a REALLY good sale, the boots would have come with a date. LOL.)

So, have I lost my mind? Apparently. But you know, they're sitting in the middle of the table right now, and they still make me happy. So I guess that's okay.

Have you found joy in something unexpected lately? I'd love to hear about it....