I love travelling, writing, sparkling things, happy dogs and grumpy owners, garlic mayo, my family and my friends who understand me and me them. My name is Rozz Lewis and I live in Carlow. You can contact me at rozzlewis@gmail.com or @rozzlewis on twitter My blog is made up of personal ramblings and any resemblance to you or anything you know is unintentional.Tumblr (3.0; @rozzlewis)http://rozz.ie/<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4qv8bFvIo1r1a0qzo1_250.png"/><br/><br/><p>New things to read!<br/> I asked the nice book lady in Hodges Figgis bookshop where I might find the Irish Short Story section. I shouldn’t have as I became overwhelmed by all the books I can buy! I narrowed it down to 2. Eilis ni Dhuibhne’s “The shelter of neighbours” and Mary Costello “The China Factory” <br/> I had consumed Kevin Barry’s 2 short story collections and needed some new Irish fiction to keep me going.<br/> “the shelter of neighbours” is Eilis Ni Dhuibhne’s 6th short story collection, I am a complete-ish newbie to all of this. Having finished an English and classics degree in UCD and having typical student priorities, I know I have missed out on some brilliant stuff so…I’m taking my time now!<br/> Eilis’ first story is called “The man who has no story” the title being a reference to an old Irish folk tale of a man who…didn’t have a story! Anyway, this short story is about a teacher, Finn of creative writing who doesn’t have a a story, doesn’t have a marriage, happy life but deserves it. Well, I think he does. He wants to write but can’t. His life is a blur of dreams, a narky wife with a back problem, an adult son who sleeps all day and…rats invade his house. The ending is crafted well, Finn drives by a sign on the road and it just leaves us with a bit of hope…</p>http://rozz.ie/post/23939765756http://rozz.ie/post/23939765756Mon, 28 May 2012 13:57:47 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4mj1nmsMg1r1a0qzo1_500.png"/><br/><br/><p>My buddy is a real poet!<br/> It had to happen.<br/> I’m an obsessive member of the Carlow Writers Co-operative group and the leading member is a guy called Derek Coyle. Derek has been writing, reading and generally studying the poetic craft for years and years now. Last Tuesday, he was selected by Poetry Ireland to read a selection of his poetry in the Irish Writers’ Centre in Dublin.<br/> He did brilliantly, keeping the crowd entertained with background information and amusing observations…and he read a couple of his poems. I think he is completely unique and I think his writing is very important. We are proud of Derek!<br/> Keep an eye out for Mr Coyle!</p>http://rozz.ie/post/23788327935http://rozz.ie/post/23788327935Sat, 26 May 2012 05:44:11 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4lfoqeuv41r1a0qzo1_500.png"/><br/><br/><p>This is John Banville’s office where he creates. The Guardian have taken many photos of author’s rooms. Maybe, I should take a picture of where I write? Problem is that I work anywhere! Costa coffee? Big sofa in sitting room? In our own office? And even in the bathroom? Nah, I’m joking the last one was a lie.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/23746691867http://rozz.ie/post/23746691867Fri, 25 May 2012 15:34:02 -0400<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4lfldxnzx1r1a0qzo1_250.png"/><br/><br/><p>The pram-a short story by Roddy Doyle</p> <p>Roddy, associated with swearing, pregnancy, chipper vans and talking dogs. And now, a little story of brilliant and correctness of a “well to do” family and the Eastern European nanny, Alina. Alina is the heroine of this story clearly as the dragon like, uber masculine O’ Reilly mother is pitted against her in an unexpected fight to the end. O’ Reilly and her silly children make it clear of all that has gone wrong in Ireland. All that money and pretentiousness can bring. That and a corrupt government that fooled us into thinking that money equals happiness, an Eastern European nanny and children that you just can’t stand. <br/> Doyle doesn’t mention politics in “The pram” but instead uses a ghost story to spell out the end for this family and their way of living. I loved the ending, I won’t spoil it for you but if you like an uncosy “What the hell happened?” ending then you will like “the Pram”</p>http://rozz.ie/post/23746578674http://rozz.ie/post/23746578674Fri, 25 May 2012 15:32:00 -0400<p>Oh, I am excited! <br/> Jamie Oliver&#8217;s Italian restaurant is opening in Dundrum very soon! They will be hiring 75 staff but that&#8217;s not important. What is important is this&#8230;<br/> The chunky chips and garlic mayo. His homemade honeycomb and chocolate ice-cream. His fab selection of wines. And the dipping plates that will all be served in this place!<br/> You are welcome.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/23480392735http://rozz.ie/post/23480392735Mon, 21 May 2012 10:38:43 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m49l6xNFPC1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>So, I’m a member of the Carlow writers co-op group and we showcasing our work in the eigse festival on Tuesday, 12th June at 6:30 in Carlow Library and afterwards in the Teach Dolmen pub. Be afraid.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/23341992112http://rozz.ie/post/23341992112Sat, 19 May 2012 06:01:45 -0400<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m44oyfoEOH1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>She is quite possibly the best cat in the world! The cuteness.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/23174631682http://rozz.ie/post/23174631682Wed, 16 May 2012 14:35:03 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3xh1yYWA61r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>At last! White eggs…in a pink box…raising money for cancer support…life is good again!</p>http://rozz.ie/post/22924638948http://rozz.ie/post/22924638948Sat, 12 May 2012 17:01:10 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3pwomdWvs1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>In kai restaurant, galway…let you know if it works out but it looks v different and cool…</p>http://rozz.ie/post/22662853528http://rozz.ie/post/22662853528Tue, 08 May 2012 14:57:58 -0400<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3psp1xBCw1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Mmmmm…flourishing at the g hotel…</p>http://rozz.ie/post/22658991912http://rozz.ie/post/22658991912Tue, 08 May 2012 13:31:49 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3k4wvyY901r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Phew..no beetroot…</p>http://rozz.ie/post/22451556638http://rozz.ie/post/22451556638Sat, 05 May 2012 12:10:07 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3k4mvHSFt1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Beetroot and goat’s cheese salad..so last season.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/22451197253http://rozz.ie/post/22451197253Sat, 05 May 2012 12:04:06 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3jz4k71fB1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Simy and I chilling in wonderfully, quiet and one week old “art cafe” called duo in Westport. Lovely Polish couple make yum Polish apple and cinnamon cake, yeast cake and poppy seed. Right by the tourist office, worth a sit down and indulge time!</p>http://rozz.ie/post/22445034281http://rozz.ie/post/22445034281Sat, 05 May 2012 10:05:07 -0400<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3esjmXpS11r1a0qzo1_400.png"/><br/><br/><p>I swear I don’t watch much tv but the killing starts tonight and I am rejoicing. Also, with Mad Men and Sopranos Season 5 to catch, things couldn’t be better…<br/> Talk soon with lots of posts from the killing fields!</p>http://rozz.ie/post/22266178655http://rozz.ie/post/22266178655Wed, 02 May 2012 14:54:58 -0400<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3ei5nPYdO1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Just reading through the Hennessy Irish writing magazine in Independent today. Packed with writers I am jealous of yet motivated by!</p>http://rozz.ie/post/22257033355http://rozz.ie/post/22257033355Wed, 02 May 2012 11:10:34 -0400<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2vwhqb4ox1qib6fco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://www.simonlewis.ie/post/21569511386/however-the-grammar-nazi-in-me-couldnt-help-but" class="tumblr_blog">simonlewisie</a>:</p> <blockquote><p>However, the grammar Nazi in me couldn’t help but respond: “but not on the quality of its grammar…”</p></blockquote>http://rozz.ie/post/21592522821http://rozz.ie/post/21592522821Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:39:45 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2w2r4UCDY1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Probably the most sickly cake in the world… Imagine a world where chocolate sponge base together with cheesecake filling, chocolate chips and covered with cream cheese icing and chocolate sprinkled on top. Welcome to the black bottom loaf cake..on its way to an undisclosed location tomorrow.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/21577507595http://rozz.ie/post/21577507595Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:21:04 -0400<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2h42mqOGU1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>The very cool Hoxton hotel features in top three hotels to stay in London.. If you are an avid reader of my blog(and who isn’t?) you will know we stayed there last week. And we totes dug it. Man. Check out the write up in the times on Saturday magazine. Its official. We rock. End of, peace out.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/21082946940http://rozz.ie/post/21082946940Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:25:34 -0400<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2h42mz9Qf1r1a0qzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>The very cool Hoxton hotel features in top three hotels to stay in London.. If you are an avid reader of my blog(and who isn’t?) you will know we stayed there last week. And we totes dug it. Man. Check out the write up in the times on Saturday magazine. Its official. We rock. End of, peace out.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/21082946933http://rozz.ie/post/21082946933Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:25:33 -0400<p><img align="top" alt="Tough going" height="147" src="http://www.dansimmons.com/images/sopranos/soprano_family_sm.jpg" width="300"/></p> <p>Yes, yes, I know that I am not with it and the Sopranos ended yonks ago.</p> <p>But, I bet you are jealous that I am only on Season 3 and your time with Tony and co. is over. </p> <p>The other night, we watched 6 episodes in a row&#8230;That should mean 6 hours of tv..That sounds bad but I had my reasons-I had to find out if Carmella left Tony, if Meadow got a new boyf and I didn&#8217;t&#8230;</p> <p>With only 2 more seasons to go, I feel sick.</p> <p>But, hey, I&#8217;ve got an episode of Mad Men to watch and apparently, it is good&#8230;</p> <p>Expect a post on approximately an hour or so.</p> <p>Toodles.</p>http://rozz.ie/post/21036267279http://rozz.ie/post/21036267279Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:28:42 -0400