Time to start living

Time to start living


Ciara Moynihan

Keeping abreast of current affairs and ‘hard’ news is a vital part of who we are. It ensures we are well-informed members of society with opinions about the machinations of our state, the people who pull the levers and the issues that affect our lives.  
There’s another side to us humans that also needs to be nurtured – a more personal, individual side that informs the way we want to live, the way we approach our health, when and where we choose to socialise, the kind of music we listen to, what films we watch and how we respond to the creativity of others. It’s what makes us rounded, evolved, interesting and interested people. It’s the stuff of Living.
In these pages, you’ll find fodder for this important aspect of who we are. You will find articles by Mayo-based writers on natural health, sustainable living, entertainment and the arts, fashion, food and wine, interior design and more.
In this first issue, we introduce several new columnists. First up is Lee Kennedy, a Westport-based qualified yoga teacher. In her first, introductory article she describes why she was drawn to yoga and her approach to teaching. Her columns, which will appear fortnightly, will delve into many aspects of this wonderful discipline, including the benefits that yoga can deliver for relieving stress, for pregancy and for different professions.
Next we have Ellen Cox, a Louisburgh-based professional aromatherapist. Ellen’s first article describes how dramatic circumstances forced her to take charge of her health, how aromatherapy was key to that process and the basics of the aromatherapy philosophy. Ellen’s articles, which will also appear every two weeks, will look at the ways in which aromatherapy and essential oils can be used to enhance our health in a variety of different ways.
The next few pages provide a more ‘out-of-body’ experience, to consider the world in which we live. And what better place to start than the home? Naoimh Tuohy, a professional interior designer, provides advice and tips on maximising the spaces in which we live. Her first article looks at how to make small living spaces feel bigger. Her column, also fortnightly, will cover such nesting issues as renovating an older property, making a second-hand home your own, planning a kitchen design and how to achieve the perfect room, be it a bathroom, a kitchen or a child’s room.
Then there’s outside the home, and here’s where Chris Brown comes in. In these recessionary times, more and more people are interested in getting back to basics, ‘growing their own’ and being self-sustaining. Chris Brown, who runs a small farm using natural farming methods, will set us on the right path by addressing such sustainable-living issues as composting, starting a vegetable plot, keeping a few chickens and the importance of farmers’ markets.
Even the most reclusive among us tend to venture beyond our home and garden in search of life’s distractions. Our trusty entertainment writers Henry McGlade and Michael Commins will be on hand every week to fill us in on what gigs and shows are coming up around the county. Henry’s finger is firmly on the pulse of Mayo’s young, up-and-coming musicians, while Michael is the beating heart of country music in the county – and indeed the country, having been recently crowned the most popular regional radio-show host in Ireland. Gigs and shows that fall outside of these genres will also be given a heads up, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on a good night out. As always, keep an eye on these pages for ticket and CD give-aways.
For those among us who prefer the quiet life, there’s always the cinema, and Daniel Carey will continue to cast his critical eye over the latest releases. As for the arts, Mayo is brimming with creative talent of every persuasion – our own visual artists, poets, writers, playwrights and actors are constantly producing wonderful work, while the county’s reputation as an artists’ (and art appreciators’) haven means that national and international names alike are keen to show their work and perform here. Arts fans will be kept up to speed on the big exhibitions and performances that are opening around the county.
Next week will see the introduction of three more new columns. Westport-based medical herbalist Sabine Hiller will share her knowledge of the power of herbs, while Mayo’s own fashionista Rita Moylette will be making sure our wardrobes are bang up-to-date and fashion-disaster free. Foodies’ tastebuds will be tickled with delicious seasonal recipes – and no more worrying about which wine to serve with your meal: Redmond Cabot of Cabot’s Source (famed for its seasonal, locally-sourced organic produce and fine wines) will pick us the perfect wine to go with each recipe.
Finally, next week will also see our voice of nature, John Shelley, return with his Country Sights and Sounds column, ensuring that, above all, we never forget that we have the privilege of living in one of the most beautiful, ecologically vibrant counties in the country.
So there you have it. Now it’s time to start Living…!

Get in touch Send your comments, thoughts and ideas to living@mayonews.ie.