Distant Shores

My paternal grandfather, having had enough of the trouble in Northern Ireland, came to the United States in 1920 and sent for my grandmother, my father, and his three sisters in two years later. My mother’s family emigrated from Dublin in 1912.

Because my father was born on Irish soil (no differentiation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in this instance), I’m an Irish citizen. I have an Irish passport. The long-standing agreement between Ireland and the UK allows me to live anywhere in the UK with the same rights and benefits as a UK citizen. And, since my father was born in Northern Ireland, I’m also a UK citizen.

My husband is from England, and after lots of consideration we’re relocating there later this year (target date is October, if we can hit it).

There’s a lot to be done between now and then, and that’s overwhelming enough, so I’m focusing on one detail at a time. We’re not taking much with us, but moving Marlowe and Tillie is not only stressful, but it also requires having a UK address before they can join us. I’m working though those details first, since I’m not going until I’m absolutely sure they are too, and how.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how my ancestors left everything behind to come to the United States. I never knew any of them, and the stories of their lives before they arrived in America are mostly lost. This move is yet another reminder for me to continue to write what I know about the past and document the present before either is completely forgotten.

Stories are more important than things, although the things often carry the stories, and I see the value there, but I don’t own many sentimental or family items.  I’m not big on ‘stuff’, but I find myself looking longingly at my books and tarot decks and crystals. Some items will go to people who I hope will enjoy and treasure them. A lesser number will go into small storage boxes; in the hope they can be shipped to me at some point. And most will just be lost forever, donated into the wind.

It’s just stuff and this suits my minimalist nature. If you’re local, hit me up – I’ve got some cool stuff to give away.

Having reconciled my brain as to how some of the bigger aspects of the move will work, I’m beginning to allow myself to feel excited. I don’t know who I’ll be in England, but I know, as an ex-pat, I will ride the hedge between my home country, and my adoptive one. This also suits my nature and has sparked an internal change I already feel is happening. I’ll write more about this, I’m sure, when the words come.

Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I’ve got a box to pack. One step at a time, towards England, with a large cat and small dog in tow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to know more about my ancestral connection work, my Daoist path, or my other offerings such as tarot readings and classes, spiritual guidance, and mindset mentoring, you can find more detailed information by using the drop-down menu on my website:  https://tea-in-the-parlour.ghost.io/

This coming June, I’m presenting a workshop for the Tarot Association of British and International members (TABI). The topic is: Tarot Conversations, Eavesdropping on the Cards. The fee is very reasonable, at less than $10, and the workshop will be recorded if you can’t attend the live session. More information will be posted on the TABI website soon.

You can also contact me via email at themysticsparlour@gmail.com and I’m @teaintheparlour on Bluesky.

Your continued support and encouragement are greatly appreciated.