WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 37

The World of Objects

What is your relationship with the world of objects, the countless things that surround you and that you handle every day? The chair you sit on, the pen, the car the cup? Are they to you only a means to an end, or do you occasionally acknowledge their existence, their being no matter how briefly, by noticing them and giving them your attention?

When you get attached to objects, when you are using them to enhance your worth in your own eyes and the eyes of others, concern about things can easily take over your whole life. When there is self-identification with things, you don’t appreciate them for what they are because you are looking for yourself in them.

When you appreciate an object for what it is, when you acknowledge its being without mental projection, you cannot not feel grateful for its existence. You may also sense that it is not really inanimate, that it only appears so to the senses. Physicists will confirm that on a molecular level it is indeed a pulsating energy field.

Through selfless appreciation of the realm of things, the world around you will come alive in ways that you cannot even begin to comprehend with the mind.

From Stillness speaks by Eckhart Tolle

5 MINUTES WITH - SHEENAGH MAHON

Sheenagh McMahon is the local candidate for the Green Party and is currently promoting allotments locally. For the last eight years Sheenagh has been working for Inishowen Women’s Outreach, which provides support for women suffering domestic violence. Inishowen Women’s Outreach can provide women with information on their rights and entitlements to all benefits, including health board services, housing, legal matters and can also refer to or provide an advocacy service for women. They also provide court accompaniment, for women who may feel intimidated at the prospect of facing court appearances alone. The organisation empowers and supports women and children to make their own choices. Their helpline is 074 93 73232. Sheenagh lives on Buncrana with her three sons, Keith, Stephen and Conor.

What music do you like?
I have a real soft spot for Irish ballads but also enjoy Queen and Guns N’ Roses. I am a bit of a rocker at heart and love November Rain sung by Axel Rose. I adored Freddie Mercury when I was growing up.

What would you never throw away?
My right to motherhood…

What book are you reading?
Futurecast 2020 by Robert J Shapiro the former U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce and advisor to Bill Clinton. He takes a look at how he sees what will life be like in the year 2020. Shapiro foresees monumental changes caused by three historic new forces—globalisation, the aging of societies, and the rise of America as a sole superpower. It’s heavy going and a little scary, but I am enjoying it.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I always loved basketball.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see Mamma Mia! It’s really good fun and a soft family film that you can take the children and your grandparents to at the same time.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I try to read the papers from beginning to end but if I am just skimming I will try and find the Letters to the Editor, they always make for an interesting read.

What is your idea of a good night out?
A night in the Drift Inn with good company good food and good craic. My uncle owned the pub some years ago before the Gills took it over so it’s been part of my life for a long time.

Proudest moment of your life?
Last week I met the Lord Mayor of Derry Gerard Diver who gave me the mayoral chain to wear. This was a proud moment for me as my grandfather wore the same chain when he was made the first Nationalist Mayor of Derry back in 1920-1923.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Would You Believe? It features true to life people who have courage and are inspirational. Last week Mary Robinson was on.

How do you relax?
Horse riding is my therapy. At the weekends I saddle up my horse Co-Co and head off into the countryside.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I loved animals and wanted to be a vet.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Just somewhere sunny with sandy beaches.

Your idea of heaven?
To be in a position to support and empower the local community…. That doesn’t sound too smarmy does it?

Your idea of hell?
To suffer any injustices that would interfere with my inner peace.

What would you spend a lottery win on?
I would divide it between family friends and some choice charities then with the rest I would buy a farm and breed horses.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Mary McAleese because she values community groups and the people who are involved in them. I like her bottom-up approach, which gives people a voice.

Favourite animal?
I just love horses…

What couldn’t you live without?
I wouldn’t like to be without the Internet. It gives you the world at your fingertips.

Biggest fear?
Anything happening to the family.

Biggest thrill?
When my children were born.

The world’s most irritating invention?
My mothers Kenwood mixer. I love eating what comes out of it but it’s always on and sounds like a cement mixer.

What is your idea of a good night in?
Wearing furry pyjamas and slippers and having a nice warm fire watching a movie on a wide screen TV.

Do you have a hobby?
Horses are my hobby, let’s not forget to mention Freddie my little Shetland pony.

Biggest disappointment?
Being let down by people I trusted.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
Today’s a good day……

World’s most useful invention?
Genuine alternative energy sources, solar, wind and wave power.

What do you have for breakfast?
A cup of strong tea, nutty wholemeal bread and butter with marmalade. I am quite partial to porridge sometimes as well.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
From my wise father, he said, “At all costs keep your dignity and tell the truth.” It was the best advice I ever had.

Personal philosophy?
Do the right thing….

FANTASTICO

Fantastico Italian Restaurant

Fantastico Italian Restaurant has just opened in Churchtown, Carndonagh and is offering authentic Italian food in comfortable surroundings. The proprietor, Elnai, originally from Romania, has experience working in Italian restaurants, both locally and in Rome where she lived for three years.

Great Choice
Fantastico has a great choice of delicious pasta, pizza’s, salads and fish dishes and of course you can choose to eat in for an enjoyable evening with good company and good food or order a take-away for a relaxing and intimate family evening in. Fantastico is open every day from 4pm –11pm and on Sunday from noon for an appetising Sunday lunchtime treat.

Christmas Party Menu
If you are planning a Christmas Party, Fantastico are now taking bookings and Elnai has prepared a fabulous menu which includes traditional turkey breast, sirloin steak or King scallops, monkfish and clams. Traditional Italian cuisine includes lasagne, fettucine Alfredo and penne al salmone all of which are made from the highest quality ingredients. To book for Christmas or for any occasion phone 074 9374137

NEAL DOHERTYS JEWELLERS CARNDONAGH

Jewellery is a traditional Christmas gift for the loved ones in your life so why not call in to Neal Doherty Jewellers in Carndonagh to pick up the perfect present. Long lasting, precious and beautiful, nothing says ‘I love and value you’ more than a well-chosen necklace, earrings or ring. Neal Doherty Jewellers has stunning designer collections from Zinzi, Yo, Precious Red and Elle and caters for all age ranges and pockets. Choose between classic, romantic, stylish and funky pieces from the well laid out displays.

Diamonds are Forever
A diamond ring is an enduring gift that will be treasured forever. Neal Doherty Jewellers have the most beautiful 18 carat white gold and platinum diamond rings starting from only €400. Engagement rings can also be made to order for those romantic Christmas proposals and of course you can choose your own favourite precious stone such as sapphires, emeralds, garnets and rubies.

Gift Ideas
Pearls are very fashionable at the moment and at Neal Doherty, the cultured pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings are very popular. There are also beautiful lockets, crosses, medallions and silver curb chains. There is no present like the time and Neal Doherty Jewellers have a wide range of striking watches from top names such as Calvin Klein, Ben Sherman, Accurist and Seiko. Why not pop next door and check out the beautiful bogwood candleholders, the Waterford Crystal and the Newbridge Silverware. There is also attractive Celtic art bronze plaques, handcrafted cards and lovely crib figures and decorations. Although Neal Doherty offers plenty of stylish gift ideas there are also cheap and cheerful stocking fillers such as Christmas mugs at €1.50.