His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama

I was part of a group of over 1000 people who extended a Céad Mile Fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Kildare town centre today.

The Brigid flame was presented to His Holiness by the two keepers of the flame, re kindled in 1993 and tended since. Sr. Mary Minehan also presented him with a Bog Oak and Silver Brigid's Cross especially commissioned at Newbridge Silverware. See more photos of the visit to Kildare here

Two local school children sang the Brigid song and presented His Holiness with a Brigid's cross.
The bronze sculpture an acorn, with a perpetual flame in the town centre was host to international media and the mood of the assembled crowd was one of reverence and emotional quiet. Liam O Flynn's Uileann pipes music hypnotising and haunting us while we waited.

For those of you who know my obsession with basketmaking and willow, I was so pleased to see the willow circle surrounding the bronze sculpure in full spring mode.


Earlier today His Holiness, Richard Moore (Children in Crossfire, who lost his sight as a ten year old boy on the streets of Derry during the Troubles), and Mary Robinson (retired Irish President and UN High Commissioner on Human Rights) were in City West at a social forum dedicated to creating a space for dialogue. Tomorrow His Holiness travels to Limerick for a special address on the theme of forgiveness.


Big hugs,

Margie

Anya Hindmarch Kildare Village

Most of you know by now that my favourite bags are from designer Anya Hindmarch, and I am so lucky to live close to Kildare Village Oultet stores. Today I was invited to the Anya Hindmarch luxury shopping event at the Village. The Village was also hosting a film shoot by Xpose (it will be aired on Ireland's TV3 tomorrow at 6pm) and Michelle, the Marketing Manager at Kildare Village was on hand to ensure the shoot went well.



On arrival at my favourite shop, I met with Guiseppe and Pippy, and we were taken care of by the ever attentive and friendly staff.


The shop has been relocated and the new space provides a splendid space for the display of gorgeous bags. Beautiful flower arrangements and posies were placed on the display cabinets and dotted about the glass table tops.

Champagne, tea cakes and chocolate provided the visitors with some TLC, a great chance to forget about the economic and political upheaval here at the moment (and did I mention how friendly and attentive the staff were?)

Visit Christmas Time Magic to see more of my photos from the village.
Big Hugs,

Margie