Wednesday, September 15, 2021

United Airlines Captain Bill Richards, my Father, Flies West


Two days ago, the 14th September 2021, my loving Dad - a retired United Airlines Captain - passed away at the hospital near the Florida Assisted Care residence he had called home for the past two years. The following will be published next month in RUPA, the retired United Airlines magazine. Blue skies Dad. Safe landing. Your son, Tom xxx

W. R. ‘Bill’ Richards

Bill flew West on Monday, 13 September, 2021. Dad is preceded by his wife Mary, his sisters Pat Caridad and Bobby Arkis, and his parents, Hector and Clara. My sister and I would like to use this space to review a career of giving.

As a kid, Bill worked as a Line Boy at Teterboro, NJ, exchanging his smile for flying time. When he moved up to work as a mechanic his boss suggested that he pursue flying as a career. Bill thought the man was nuts: Dad thought he could never afford it. Yet he persisted. His first logbook entry is almost readable: a J3 Cub, local flight, 30 minutes of time. During this period, he flew everything from Champs to Taylor Craft to Ercoupes; PT-19’s to Stearmans as he learned his trade. Then there’s a gap in the logbook. From ’46 to ’52 he appears to go AWOL. Part of this time is spent in the Army Air Force where he worked as a decoder at the airbase on Amchitka, Alaska. When he returned home, having achieved the rank of Sergeant, Dad used the GI bill to get many of his ratings. We need to thank our grandfather for much of this. Hector Richards had persuaded Dad to join the military in order to access GI Bill Support. Dad never graduated from high school prior to joining the service. However, our Grandpa persuaded that school to give Dad his diploma in absentia.

The logbook resumes on February 5, 1952 with a local flight in a J3 as Dad resumed flying. A year later, me made the transition to a professional career. On November 11, 1952, he flew his first flight for Resort Airways in a C46, and was based in San Antonio TX. Three years later he was hired by United, flying copilot on DC3’s out of Chicago. That’s where his son Tom was born. The next years are a blur as Dad pursued his Captaincy, moving first to Seattle (where Cindy was born), then NY; Miami, back to ORD, then SFO. He was forced to take a medical retirement in 1979 at the age of 49, flying his last flight as Captain on a 727. It was one hell-of-a-career.

During early retirement in California, Dad achieved his Associates Degree, then joined ASRS where he met Cleve Spring. The pair kept in touch for many years. Dad was also Membership Officer of RUPA. He particularly enjoyed sending out letters, welcoming newly-appointed retirees. Bill was forever grateful to both ALPA and UAL for the recognition they gave him upon his forced retirement.

Our Mom had always been a good sport about all the moves but in 2000 she put her foot down. Their final move was to Tampa, Florida. Mom passed away 15 years ago and is buried in Bushnell National Cemetery. Soon, Dad will join her.

Bill taught so many people to fly and to love it just as he did. For years he worked with retired UAL Captain Joe Messina (RIP Joe), teaching kids the fundamentals on an Aeronca Champ. Along the way, he taught Joe’s son, Joe Messina Jr (retired UAL Captain) and Alan Ahr (retired Delta Captain). He also taught his son, Tom, to fly as well as giving his daughter, Cindy, a love of the air. He was the best teacher, and could land that Champ like a kiss in any weather, on any surface, in the toughest crosswind.

We’ll miss our Dad but we take heart in knowing he’s still around, and is happy with our Mom. Last night at 0103 Eastern Summer Time, he made his final take-off. Along the way he was diverted by ATC, flying to altitude and there reaching up to touch the face of God. He reached his destination following a flight in only Blue Skies, and kissed the ground as he always did on any runway anywhere in the United States.

Thank you, Dad. You are one of the most fortunate, forgiving and giving men we’ll ever know. And we are the luckiest of children because of your gifts. God Bless you. See you around.

Monday, August 30, 2021

A Gift of Kindness - one Bright Spark in a Country's Darkness


My Dad, Bill Richards, is a retired United Airlines pilot. Many years ago, he recounted this simple gift of kindness. I wanted to write it down before I forget his words, and share it with you just as he did. It's a short story and won't take up too much of your time.

**********************

In the Chicago where I lived, back in the late 1960's, violence was part of life. People were suspicious of each other. Which meant that even if you saw someone in trouble - like on a freeway with a blown tire - you didn't stop to help. Particularly if the person in trouble was black and a woman.

Dad had a friend, also a pilot. The fellow was on his way to O'Hare airport to fly a trip somewhere. Dad never told me where because it makes no difference to this lesson of love. As the pilot-friend travelled down the freeway, he noticed a car parked up on the verge, it's emergency blinkers flashing. Two women stood at the open boot struggling to get out the spare tire. The pilot never thought twice as he pulled over to help.

He got out of his car and trotted over to assist. He suggested to the pair of African American women that they climb back into their car and out of the rain while he changed the blown tire. Then he noticed: one of the women was in tears. And she told him the urgency of their trip.

They were also driving to the airport to catch a flight. They were going to a funeral. They didn't know what to do. While they thanked the stranger for his help, all parties realized that his efforts would not solve the sadness they faced.

He thought it over for exactly 2.5 seconds. Reaching into his United Airlines uniform trousers he took out his car keys. He told them to take his car. Go to the UAL ticket desk and tell them where they parked his car and leave the keys. He'd take their car to the airport and do the same thing. When they returned to Chicago, they could pick up their vehicle.

At first they didn't believe him. Why would a privileged white man help a pair of black women particularly in the violent Chicago in which they all lived? When he insisted, they climbed into his car and sped off. The pilot changed the tire. As he did, it never dawned on him to question the identity of the beautiful woman, her face cracked by grief.

The pilot did as he promised. He fixed their car and took it to O'Hare. He flew his trip. He came home to Chicago and found his own car, exactly where the ticket agent at United told him it would be. Dad's friend drove home.

A week later he was at his house. He'd never thought again about the incident of the blown tire or the women he had assisted. This was back in the days when no one - not even a pilot - could afford a Color Television. Almost everyone had black & white.

When he answered the knock at his front door, he found a delivery driver. The guy had lugged a huge box across the driveway from his truck. When the pilot asked what was in the box and who had sent it, the driver looked at his clipboard and the delivery receipt.

"The consignment is for one RCA color television. You going to sign for it?"

"Who did you say it was from?"  The driver looked again.

"It says here, Coretta Scott King. Now where do you want me to put it?"

The pilot helped the driver haul it into the house. As they set  it up, Dad's friend had a hard time focusing because of the awe that had swept over him.

Despite the fact that she had just buried her husband, the woman he had never before met had  taken the time to return his gift. She had sent him a colorful window on the world.


Dolphin Song, the Irish Romantic Fantasy Novel, retains it's #1 ranking, Amazon US, in its categories for the 15th consecutive day. You can find out more about this tale of legend and eternal love here: www.tomrichards.ie 




Thursday, August 12, 2021

Dolphin Novel Leaps to #16 in Amazon-US Sales


I can't help but share this. I'm so very, very grateful. The pic to left: DOLPHIN SONG ARRIVES IN NEW JERSEY!

FOR IMMEDIATE

RELEASE                                                                       

12 August 2021

Dolphin Novel Leaps to #16 in Amazon-US Sales

 (Eyeries, Beara Peninsula, County Cork, Ireland)

Readers in the United States have propelled the new Irish romantic fantasy novel, Dolphin Song by Tom Richards, to the Number 16 ranking in Amazon.com’s Contemporary British & Irish Literature category.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support that I’m receiving from friends and general readers all over the United States and the world,” author Tom Richards says. “We’re one step closer to helping my best friend Liam O’Neill’s wishes come true.”

Filmmaker / director / writer O’Neill was working on the feature film version of the Dolphin Song story. Mr. O’Neill passed away unexpectedly due to hospital-acquired Covid-19 in May 2020.

Richards thanks all those who are supporting the effort to realize his friend’s dreams. “Liam wanted the film to be made so very much. If we can generate enough interest in the novel, we might be able to attract a producer to make that dream happen. I beg people to keep recommending Dolphin Song to friends, relatives and colleagues.”

In a separate story, Irish customers wanting to purchase the paperback format of the novel through www.amazon.co.uk have run into problems.

“Irish readers are experiencing frustration with Amazon.co.uk when trying to purchase the paperback edition of the novel online,” author Tom Richards explains. “The online notification reads: ‘Temporarily out of stock. We are working hard to be back in stock as soon as possible.’ That’s ridiculous. This is a print on demand publication. Print on demand means that a book is never out of stock.” Storylines Entertainment Ltd, the publishers of Dolphin Song, are pursuing the matter with the online giant.

Ireland is the only market experiencing this issue. US, UK and other global customers can purchase both the Kindle and Print formats through their respective Amazon online stores. Read the entire article here.

About Dolphin Song by Tom Richards

Dolphin Song is a new Irish Romantic fantasy novel set on Ireland’s stunning Beara Peninsula. Go to www.tomrichards.ie for more information.

For information on rights acquisition contact storylinesentertainmentireland@gmail.com

     30


Monday, August 9, 2021

Early Equinox Startles World: Scientists Puzzled as Earth's Axis Wobbles


 Irish Publisher Forced to Launch Novel Early. Writer states, "Dolphin Song was supposed to be an Autumn Read. Now it's a Beach Read!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Dateline: Beara Peninsula, County Cork, Ireland, Aug 9 2021)

Astronomers at Ireland's Dunsink Observatory today announced a startling discovery. Due to an unanticipated, rapid shift in the Earth's axis, the annual equinox is occurring approximately 6 weeks earlier than scheduled.

As most people know, the equinox is the instant in time when the plane of our planet's equator passes through the geometric center of the Sun's disk. Occurring twice each year, daytime and nighttime hours are approximately the same all over the planet. 

Dunsink's operational director,  Professor Jake McSky,  stated: "Einstein is turning in his grave because this proves the end to the theory of relativity. Astronomers and physicists all over the world will have to tear up past astronomical assumptions."

Forced Early Launch of New Novel

The managing director of Storylines Entertainment Ltd, an Irish media company, explained that the Earth's wobble caught the publisher by complete surprise, which disrupted months of planning.

"The brilliant new novel, Dolphin Song  by Tom Richards, was scheduled for release on 21 September of this year - on the day of the equinox because that day is unique (as is Tom's book)," she stated. "However, because the equinox has shifted, we have been forced to bring forward the release date to today, 9 August 2021.

"The Kindle eBook edition, scheduled for September release, has been moved forward, too. This version will be published in two-day's time. As we have updated the Amazon page, you may find it a bit 'clunky'. However, you can pre-order now and the eBook will be delivered to you ASAP. We apologize for any inconvenience caused."

Introductory Price Remains at $1.49

This reporter asked the Storylines Entertainment MD if the current presales price of the Kindle edition would be maintained.

"That's what we promised our customers and we keep our word!" she re-iterated. "The $1.49 presales price will be maintained until 20 September. After that, it will revert to the RSP of almost five bucks. We stand by our promises."

(Later, the executive was caught on a hot-mic, griping: "Lord only knows how much this will cost the company. Heads will roll like it was the Siege of Wexford!")

Author Grouses About Scheduling Change

When contacted by this reporter, novelist Richards was at a loss for words. 

"I don't know what to tell you," he gasped. "We've worked so hard to stay on schedule. Dolphin Song was supposed to be an Autumn read. You know...one of those 'I'll cozy up to the fireplace and enjoy a little Irish romantic fantasy' sort of books. But now it's a Beach Read? Unbelievable!"

Should readers have questions, they might want to contact the author on his new website: www.tomrichards.ie, which is about to go live. "At least that's still on schedule", the author whined. 

DOLPHIN SONG IS OUT NOW!

Due to the scheduling screw-up, you can order the Irish Romantic Fantasy Dolphin Song right now:

Order the eBook Kindle copy (due to rescheduling, it is available ASAP):

o   Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Dolphin-Song-Tom-Richards-ebook/dp/B099QRTH62/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628076120&sr=8-2

o   Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B099QRTH62/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

o   Amazon Germany: https://www.amazon.de/Dolphin-Song-English-Tom-Richards-ebook/dp/B099QRTH62/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628238314&sr=8-1

o   Amazon Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Dolphin-Song-Tom-Richards-ebook/dp/B099QRTH62/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628238862&s=books&sr=1-1

Order the Paperback copy:

o   Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Dolphin-Song-Tom-Richards/dp/0955021219/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628515724&sr=8-1

o   Amazon.co.uk - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dolphin-Song-Tom-Richards/dp/0955021219/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628515787&sr=8-1

o   Amazon Germany - https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Tom-Richards/dp/0955021219/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+Richards&qid=1628515834&sr=8-1

o   Amazon Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/Dolphin-Song-Tom-Richards/dp/0955021219/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628515880&sr=8-1

  and in all Amazon marketplaces across the globe. Note that the shifting earth axis has not affected Amazon service levels

Other

Follow Tom on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/tommyjohn and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dolphinsongthenovel/

Download your Free First Chapter of Dolphin Song here and pass it on: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KNn2v7-DOKJnX4_-4Yki59j-SdjUSVeb/view?usp=sharing  - That's right. Absolutely FREE!


- 30 - 

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Join me in Beara Peninsula, SW Ireland

Over the coming weeks I'll hope you'll join me as I talk about my Romantic Fantasy novel Dolphin Song and the inspiration that the stunning Beara Peninsula in SW Ireland gives to artists. Please see the brief video here:

Tom's Brief Recording

A 30 Second chat about the Dolphin Song and the inspiration of Beara Peninsula.

Please Help Us Launch Dolphin Song

You can support the launch of the new novel Dolphin Song by Tom Richards by helping to create awareness in a highly competitive global marketplace. He truly appreciates your support, and hopes you spread the word about this tale of romantic fantasy, Irish legend, mystical dolphins, and eternal love:

·        Goodreads (do please follow Tom, and place Dolphin Song on your Want to Read List, and / or leave a review. Good or bad, it truly helps): https://www.goodreads.com/tommyjohn

·        Facebook (please follow him on his Author’s Facebook page, share it with your friends, and ask them to share it with their friends): https://www.facebook.com/dolphinsongthenovel/

·        Amazon (do please follow him on his Amazon Author’s Profile): https://www.amazon.com/Tom-Richards/e/B001HPISGA?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000  

·        Download your Free First Chapter of Dolphin Song here and pass it on: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KNn2v7-DOKJnX4_-4Yki59j-SdjUSVeb/view?usp=sharing

·        Watch the Cinematic Trailer here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR2VEeSf8Aw

·        Pre-order the Kindle Edition of Dolphin Song before 20 Sept 2021 in all Amazon markets at the special price of US$1.49 (promotional price varies by market and currency). These include, but are not limited to:

o   Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Dolphin-Song-Tom-Richards-ebook/dp/B099QRTH62/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628076120&sr=8-2

o   Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B099QRTH62/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

o   Amazon Germany: https://www.amazon.de/Dolphin-Song-English-Tom-Richards-ebook/dp/B099QRTH62/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628238314&sr=8-1

o   Amazon Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Dolphin-Song-Tom-Richards-ebook/dp/B099QRTH62/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dolphin+song+by+tom+richards&qid=1628238862&s=books&sr=1-1

If you are friends or an acquaintance of filmmaker Liam O’Neill, know that any help you can give honors his memory.

With so many thanks for your kind support. Blessings – Tom

Dolphin Song by Tom Richards

Imprint: Storylines Entertainment Ltd
Pre-sales on Amazon from: 4 Aug 2021
        Pre-sales Price US$1.49 (varies by market and currency)
Release date on Amazon: 21 Sept 2021
       RSP US$4.99 (price varies by market and currency)
Pages: 400
Print & Kindle eBook formats
ISBN (Print): 978-0-9550212-1-3
ISBN (Kindle): 978-0-9550212-2-0

Dolphin Song is published by Storylines Entertainment Ltd, an Irish media company


Friday, July 30, 2021

Baking Creative Bread on Ireland's Beara Peninsula

If you live on Beara Peninsula in the very southwest of Ireland, creative inspiration can be found right outside your door. Take a walk along Coulagh Bay. Smell the sea. Hear the song of the seagulls crying for their supper. Watch a majestic sunset or a storm sweeping in. It's enough to get the creative juices flowing.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the stories of Ireland come alive here and all you have to do is open your eyes. Legends aren't the only inspiration for creative endeavors. Due to the tapestry of wonder that can be found on Beara, any number of artists - be they painters, poets, actors, novelists, musicians, potters... (pick an artform) - live in, or travel to, Beara to discover the magic for their art. 

As a for instance: I live on the Main Street in the village of Eyeries. Just down the road, Alex Barclay puts pen to paper (or more likely, fingers to laptop) as she creates her many wonderful novels (check Alex out on Goodreads). Up the road in the other direction, actor Dermot Crowley resides in a fine home which he's lived in for many years. 

The area has an active poets society as well as any number of creative writing groups. Painters (like my good friends Mary Maddison and Boss the Painter) are inspired by the light, the seascapes, industries including fishing and farming, wild critters and farm animals, and the people of the area. Ditto behind the amazing photography of my late friend John Eagle and the oh-so-very-active and talented work of Sue Swansborough

The very light itself draws creative types to the area. My good friend, filmmaker Liam O'Neill, called the summer sunsets and twilight 'the magic hour'. And so it is. The receding sunlight paints the area in a sheen of mystery, glinting off high clouds, the sea, and the surrounding landscape. Is it any wonder that we've had so many films shot in the area?

Supporting the Wonder of Artistry

What's nice is that the local people here do what they can to support artistic activities. As a for  instance: every year (with the exception of these horrid Covid times), Eyeries residents hold the Windows on Eyeries Art Trail as part of our Summer Family Festival. Homeowners volunteer to display the paintings and photography of local artists in the windows of their homes. For a few weeks the village becomes a walking art gallery as we saunter around, gazing at these artistic wonders and often purchasing a few for our own living rooms.

What I love most, however, is watching people from afar visiting our area to practice their own art. Usually during the summer months, but often year-round, I'll see painters in front of their easels eyeing a sunset over Coulagh Bay, or framing a still-life of wild plants or our colorful houses in the village. I'll see them walking, art supplies slung over arms, across hill and dale  as they search for the perfect landscape. 

How to Enjoy the Magic for Yourself

You don't have to be a resident to tap into the inspiration of Beara Peninsula. We've many fine Bed & Breakfasts here (check out  Booking .com or Google Eyeries Bed & Breakfast for a comprehensive list). Stay in Glamping or - by all means, stay with us at our Solas Mor Tent Camping site (you'll love the view!) Maybe rent the cozy coastal Creativity Cabin from my friend Anne, just across the bay. 

Or do you want something even more magical? Then try Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat. The owner and manager, Sue, has created something very special for artists of all kinds. For instance, book a week's stay and pad around the house with other residents, sharing ideas and finding a bit of creative space. My good friend, American artist Ann Tracy, uses this hide-away as a bakery for her creative ideas with stunning results.

By the way: about fifteen years ago I stayed with Sue to write a project. It's how I discovered Eyeries. So be careful. If you visit you might yearn to stay here just as I have.

Whatever type of art you practice; however you get here or where you stay; I hope you can enjoy the wonder of Beara just as I do. There's nothing quite like it as a place to bake your creative bread.

Dolphin Song is Available for Presale on Amazon


Tom Richards' debut novel for adult readers is available Now on Amazon in all markets for presales (Amazon.com, Amazon. co. uk and all other locations). Launching on 21 September 2021, this story combines romantic fantasy with Irish legend and the magic of dolphins. Readers say: "
…spiritually uplifting. A thought-provoking, inspiring and intriguing story" and "a story for our times". 

For details about Dolphin Song, follow Tom on his Facebook's author page or his Goodreads Author's Profile. 

Monday, July 12, 2021

Visit and Discover the Mystery of Irish Legends

As Ireland continues to reopen (and yes, that really is going to happen. Our esteemed government has indicated that international travel restrictions will be lifted in two weeks' time - which, of course, is subject to change), many American friends of mine have shared their plans to visit this lovely country. Their usual itinerary goes something like this: a visit to Dublin and the Guinness Hop Store or similar tourist attractions, a drive to the west coast to perhaps take in Dingle or the Kerry Way, and maybe a visit to Blarney to kiss the famous stone and inherit the Gift of the Gab. 

When they list these usual tourist sites, I'll often frown and shake my head. My thinking goes: "Why visit a place thronged by visitors when so much other magic is available and often forgotten?"

So, if they ask me for advice I tell 'em straight: Stay off the tourist trail and find the mystery of Ireland for yourself. And nothing better sums up that mystery than the wonders of Irish Legend. Often, these destinations are well off the tourist trail. So, while you're learning about Irish lore, you can take a breath of fresh air at the same time. And, there's so much to learn...

From the Salmon of Knowledge to the Legend of the Banshee; the mischievous Puca to the mystery of Tir na nOg; the Hag of Beara to the Cattle Raid of Cooley - Ireland is imbued with a deep well of stories that will make your skin tingle. And what's quite fun is you can often visit the very locations that make these stories come alive. 

Allihies and the Children of Lir

I'll start by pointing out a village just down the road from where I live. Allihies, located at the very western tip of Beara Peninsula, is an isolated little spot with some of the most stunning views in all of Ireland. On a clear day, the Skellig Islands rise like a fleet of invading warriors from a wild Atlantic ocean. Take a walk through the village and you'll soon learn that it is the site of one of Ireland's oldest copper mines. But look closer and you'll find the magic of Irish Legend.

The Children of Lir is an ancient tale involving romance, betrayal, transformation and banishment. It is a fairly long legend but the short version goes something like this: the second wife of Lir was jealous of his four children, born to him from a previous marriage. In a pique of rage, she transformed the children into four swans, banishing them for nine-hundred years. For the last three-hundred years, the children were forced to fly above the Atlantic, never touching land.

The spell ended only when Saint Patrick came to Ireland, bringing Christianity with him. Upon hearing a holy bell toll across the barren waters, the children flew to the remote village of Allihies. There, they were blessed by a monk and transformed back into human beings. But of course, and as many legends do, the tale ends in tragedy because they immediately perished and were then buried.

The question remains, however: where are Lir's four children interred?

Many places across the country claim the Children of Lir as their own. But in Allihies, locals believe that Lir's four children are buried at a site not far from the sea. Allihies is, therefore, the true location of their resting place.

And what makes it even more interesting is: you can visit the place. It's simple to do.

Drive to Allihies and start looking for the sign: Children of Lir Mythical Site. Park, and after a short walk, you'll stumble on the white stone which marks their grave. Say a prayer, however, because you might be transformed into a white swan, too!

The Beara: a Place of Legends

Living in Eyeries as I do, and as a resident of Beara Peninsula, I can look out my back door to find an endless source of legends. It is part of the tapestry of living here; of the rich fabric that I'm fortunate enough to find myself in. As Ireland gets back to business, and as visitors again flock to these shores, I hope you'll discover the legends for yourself. 

Can I help?

If you have questions about Ireland - where to go, how to get a job here, how to get a visa, or similar... or if you just want to say hello, feel free to drop me an email:

tomjrichards@gmail.com

I may not have the answers but I'll try to point you in the right direction. And if I don't get back it just means that I'm overwhelmed.... and apologies if that happens.  Slan!


The 2021 - and Final! - Edition of A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland
is Now Available on Amazon!

Though the world is a poorer place right now, we still look to the horizon with hope. If you're dreaming of living and working in - or traveling to - Ireland, this book might be for you. At over 90,000 words, A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland, 2021, gives readers an insight of what it's like to immigrate to this beautiful country: of how to become a citizen, how to get a job and work visa, how to enjoy a perfect pint of Guinness, and the amazing tapestry that is Ireland. 

For more information, visit Amazon and A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland, 2021 Edition