Ryan Kelly

IN TIME

On Oct. 11, 2010, In Time the break out solo Cd for Ryan Kelly of Celtic Thunder was released to much acclaim and success.  All the information in this blog is taken from either www.ryankellymusic.com or from www.facebook.com/RyanKellyMusicOfficial.

The first time I ever saw Ryan Kelly was on Detroit Public Television on Easter Sunday in 2011 when he appeared live in studio with fellow Celtic Thunder member,  George Donaldson. There was just something about this black haired blue eyed man I couldn't quite put my finger on.  Maybe it was those piercing blue eyes or was it something else?  I wouldn't find out until I did some more reading about Ryan Kelly.

I didn't know he had already released a solo Cd given the fact that I just became aware of Celtic Thunder in 2011.  I bought the Heritage Cd in late summer of 2011 before their concert in December.  I just started to explore YouTube to see what I could find from Celtic Thunder.  I even started going to the group's website and then one day I was reading a blog post that said Ryan was leaving the group. I think my heart stopped. I bet I wasn't the only one that felt that way.  Neil Byrne who was the lead guitarist joined the other lads as a performer taking over for Ryan who left unexpectedly.  Emmet Cahill joined the group in 2010, he took Paul Byrom's spot but wouldn't go on tour with the rest of the lads until 2011.

Then before the fall 2011 tour started it was announced Ryan would be returning and that Damian was leaving to do Glee.  There were lots of changes for 2011 but everything worked out.  Ryan was back that was all that mattered.  Now I was searching for Ryan Kelly on YouTube to see what I could find that's when I came across the Official video of "Not Far Apart."  The first time I listened to the video I cried, the second time I listened to it I cried.  This song just brings back memories of my grandma.  Though she's been gone for a while its still hard because she's not there anymore especially when she loved Christmas.  Loss is a terrible thing to experience and this song really speaks to that emotion. Here is the link for the video of "Not Far Apart."  http://youtu.be/y0AfdSgK9Mc

The next song on YouTube I found  was the fan video for "Broken Things" which is another sad song. This song is about a broken heart which I can relate to 100 percent, because I have had a broken heart as do a lot of other people who've listened to this CD.  This was one of the first songs Ryan sang from In Time at the Acoustic By Candlelight show, it was the song he'd received a lot of comments about. I'm pretty sure there isn't a fan of either Celtic Thunder or Ryan Kelly that hasn't experienced heart break.  Loss of a loved one is heart breaking but loss from a breakup is just as bad.  With so many broken hearts its no wonder this song is so popular even if it is sad.  Here is the link for the fan video for "Broken Things." This is the video that was uploaded by RKMusicLTD. There is another fan video for this song but its not as good.  http://youtu.be/vaw8qI-QB0o

After "Broken Things" there was "The Village That They Call The Moy" which features photos of Ryan's beloved Moy in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.  I love this video because it gives you have a peek at the town Ryan holds so close in his heart. I know everyone that has seen that video can't wait for the chance to view The Moy for themselves.  This is one of four songs that have a uptempo beat, I could be wrong but then again I could be right.  Since it is not possible for me to put into words what this song means I'll just include the link to the YouTube video for you to enjoy.  http://youtu.be/duXXKPAJZ10

You can find just about all his music on YouTube with the exception of "Secret Bit of Right from Wrong" and "Heaven Bound."  Those seem to be two songs that fans haven't figure out how to create a video for.  I could post every link to all his songs but that would take up too much space besides I have much more to write about and I don't really want to cloud this blog with too many videos.  There seems to be only one official video for the song "Not Far Apart" and two fan videos that have been uploaded by RKMusicLTD, they are "In Too Deep" and "Broken Things."  If you want to check out any of the videos Ryan's fans have created just log into YouTube and search for the title of the song making sure to include the phrase "by Ryan Kelly" which will help narrow down the choices.

I only recently downloaded Ryan's CD In Time which I purchased from www.emusic.com which is available to members for $5.39.  At iTunes you can download In Time for $9.99.  You can purchase the actual CD from CdBaby via Amazon for $19.99 or just download it from Amazon for $8.99.  It is also available on Amazon from other suppliers in the US priced from $19.42 - 28.11 plus 2.98 shipping.  There are also 3 suppliers that ship from outside the US but be aware of import fees associated with making a purchase from them. Shop around to find the best deal especially if your just going to download it, you can still save some money.

Ryan Kelly is a gifted artist with many talents.  Lets not let his talents go to waste because with our support he can shine.  His music speaks to many of us, it comforts us in our time of need without it where would we be.  Personally I am willing to do anything to help him in his career, I'll write about him and I'll write about his music.  I'll sing his praises because he's the genuine article.  He is sincere and sweet and oh so suave.  He is the total package which is a rarity in the music business.  I've had the pleasure of meeting him twice once on Dec. 7, 2011 and once on May 11, 2012.  He is a perfect gentleman with his female fans who absolutely love him.  So please check out his Cd and the various videos on YouTube you won't be sorry.  I love In Time and wouldn't trade it for anything else.  I also have a signed copy of his Cd which I hold very close to my heart.

Please check out my other posts again you won't be sorry.

Update: In April of 2013, Ryan Kelly asked his fans to send in photos to help him create a special video for one of his songs from his debut album In Time.  Fans from all over the globe submitted their pictures helping to create a one of a kind video for the song, "Secret Bit of Right From Wrong"a video for the fan by the fans.  The following link is the end result that was posted on YouTube on May 5, 2013. http://youtu.be/9mn4SGx3EHI

Neil Byrne

Sensitive Souls - EP

This is my second new post since I've changed direction from what I'd previously blogged about.  Now I'm going to delve straight into the subject matter for which I am dedicating this blog to.  My first subject  is going to be Neil Byrne's EP - Sensitive Souls.  I started re-reading his bio again today to see what else I might say about him that isn't already known.  He is a sensitive soul there is no denying it.  He is true to his craft and deserves nothing but great success in his future endeavors.  However there is one thing he needs more than anything, he needs our support to get him over the hurdle that lies ahead of him.  In order to be a success you need to have fans willing to give you 110% of their time.  When we purchase his Cd's, merchandise and pay to see him perform live we are helping to further his dreams.

When I watch his videos on YouTube I'm mesmerized by his fingers and the way they move.  I know it sounds weird but I've always been intrigued by musicians that way.  Like the way Declan attacks the drums during Heartland.  The way his fingers move from one note to the next is very interesting.  I like paying attention to details like that which is why I've grown so attached to him as an artist.  His voice is very soothing to the ears and he's not to bad on the eyes either.  He has a way with words and is a very gifted songwriter as well as guitarist.  He was lucky that he didn't have to go through the audition process like the other lads in Celtic Thunder.  He was hired to do the the backing vocals in the studio for Phil Coulter's new show "Celtic Thunder" and  he would also be asked to be the guitar player for the production as well.  He is the complete package, a one man band with the talent and the skill to back it up.  His first venture outside of Celtic Thunder is a testament to his drive and ambition to be the best.

Sensitive Souls is his debut EP which was released on September 6, 2010  has 3 original songs and one song most everyone should be familiar with because it was originally recorded by Madonna as a dance track.  Sadie Jones and I is the first track on the Cd, Neil and his dad wrote the lyrics for it and he wrote the music.  It's an uptempo and lighthearted song about meeting a girl, going to work every morning and years down the road marrying this girl and having a family with her then reflecting on the whole thing.  Raoul and Her Ladyship is the second song on the Cd was co-written with Nichole Hudson. The third song is Truador which is an acoustic version of the song that was on his website.  The fourth song  is Cherish which has been reworked into a love song after the tempo was lowered.  I really can't do an introduction to Sensitive Souls the justice it deserves so I've added the actual introduction to the EP that Neil Byrne uploaded toYouTube. http://youtu.be/q702RhfsrSk.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I absolutely love this Cd even though I only recently downloaded it from eMusic, I have seen several of  Neil's acoustic videos  plus the video of Sadie Jones which is really great and can be seen on YouTube.  I've listened to some of his music from his reverbnation page.  Once you get hooked your basically hooked for life.  He is good at drawing you in and keeping you there for the long haul.  I'll write more about Neil when I take a look at his solo Cd, Pale Blue Jak - Faces. Please check out Neil Byrne on Facebook and on YouTube.  He's definitely worth it.  I've had the pleasure of seeing him perform live as well as meeting him twice.  He's an absolute doll but next time I think I'll ask for a hug and give him a kiss.

Taking A New Direction

New Directions....

As the heading suggest I'm taking this blog on a new direction.  I've taken this blog on several unsuccessful journeys which have not gone as I would have like instead they just ended miserably.  I decided that I would devote this blog to promoting great music from Ireland.  

What does a girl in Michigan know about Irish music or even Irish musicians.  I know what I like and what I don't.  I was amazed at how many different bands that I like are from Ireland.  The band Snowpatrol is from Belfast in Northern Ireland and The Chieftains are from Dublin .  Celtic Thunder they are from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.  Gaelic Storm another great Irish band.  U2 another hugely successful band from Dublin, Ireland.  

The purpose of this blog is to promote the music of Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly, who are current members of the group Celtic Thunder.  I think they need to get a little more exposure if they are to be successful in the United States and Canada.  I know they are probably more popular in North America and Australia then in their home country.  PBS has helped to a point but now its time to further the cause of great Irish musical talent.  I should probably include George Donaldson as well into the mix but alas he hasn't yet had a show in Michigan. 

On May 11, 2012 I had the opportunity to see Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly perform live at the Old Shillelagh in Detroit, MI.  Acoustic by Candlelight, the name of their shows, was absolutely amazing there is no way to really sum up the experience of seeing them live.  If you have the opportunity to see their show it is well worth the money.   These shows are nothing like the Celtic Thunder shows because it is a more intimate setting where as the CT shows are grand productions.

Last December 7, 2011 I experienced my first Celtic Thunder concert.  I was blown away by the whole experience.  I loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade that memory for anything.  I'm not a regular concert goer because my past musical concert taste are rather dated so I was glad when I got to spend a night in the company of great Irish talent.  I didn't want to leave the vicinity of The Fox Theater in Detroit, MI without meeting the lads in person.  I didn't have the coveted meet&greet tickets from PBS but just regular main floor seats which were priced a bit cheaper than if I'd pledged for them through PBS.  

I've only recently downloaded Neil Byrne's EP - Sensitive Souls as well as his solo CD entitled Pale Blue Jak - Faces and Ryan Kelly's solo CD In Time.  I even downloaded Celtic Thunder's newest CD Voyage.  I hope that I'll be able to see them in Windsor, Ontario, Canada when they come to The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on September 16, 2012.  

If you can get the opportunity to see Neil and Ryan live during one of their acoustic concerts or even when they start touring with Celtic Thunder.  I've posted the link to Ryan Kelly's blog for the Acoustic By Candlelight with the dates for all the shows and you might still have time to catch one before they leave for Ireland.

http://www.ryankellymusic.com/blog/acoustic-by-candlelight-may-2012/

Becoming a World Traveler

They say that talk is cheap and action speaks louder than words, so I've decided to stop talking about traveling and do something about it.

Currently am on a mission to become a "world traveler". Doing lots of research both online and through various travel guides. I'm reading a lot about the history of the county I'm planning to visit plus various sites to visit during my stay. I will note that I'm currently in the planning stage of my "new adventures" and that I've not purchased any plane tickets or booked any rooms as of lately. I know your probably wondering where in the world am I visiting but the title of my blog is probably the biggest clue I can give.

I've always wanted to visit the Emerald Isle. I enjoy watching movies and tv shows that take place in that beautiful green country. I myself have Irish in my blood even if just a wee bit but enough to make me intrigued by a country steeped in mystical folklore. I recently found that one of my ancestors came from Northern Ireland in Ulster. When I was born I was not given an ordinary plain name for a girl but one that I would eventually grow to love. Not many people I know can say that their name appears in the dictionary except for me. I'm a Colleen and very proud of it. Although I don't have red hair but have fair complexion with occasional bits of natural red highlights poking through my lackluster brown hair. Dictionary definition of colleen: an Irish girl. I don't think you can find a simpler definition than that.

In my journey or rather quest to learn all I can about this majestic island I found that not everyone covers every thing and not everything is as it seems. As mentioned earlier I've been reading several well known guide books as well as listening to some very good travel videos that are available for viewing on YouTube. I've even watched some good travel shows on public television and cable about travel in Ireland.

What I've learned in my travel planning is that there is a lot to do in Dublin, so much so that if you don't visit the rest of the island first you may never leave the capital city. While Dublin may be Ireland's largest city, Cork City in County Cork is the republic's second largest city. All of the most popular travel guides mention Cork City except one which is a shame.

There is a lot of stuff to do in Ireland's second largest city. Cork City has been referred to as Ireland second capital in a few of the travel guides I've read. Books that omit this city are really missing a lot. In 2005 Cork City was named European Capital of Culture. There is also lots of stuff to in and around Cork City.

Like I said not everything you read is true so do lots of research, read comments from other travelers when booking a room at a hostel or hotel. Try to make a couple friends from the country you plan to visit on one of the social networking sites because they will know what's worth your time and what's crap. I've made a couple friends so far in Ireland just by using an online dating site that has an international branch.

If you check out travel videos on YouTube you will find that they feature locals and are not paid spokesperson. The Discover Ireland web site is a great place to start your Ireland Adventure. It seems like everyone has a website no matter what they are selling. Most hostels have some sort of website which is great because you can find comments left by recent visitors.

It use to be that the hostel was a place for the young but now it seems like everyone can enjoy this cheap room and board without breaking the bank. I first started looking into cheap hotels but found that they weren't all that cheap especially if all I was gonna do was sleep after a day of sightseeing. The more I started looking into various hostels the more they became a necessity in my travel plans. The key to finding a good hostel is to read as many comments left by recent guests and then judge whether or not that comment has any merit.

In my hostel discovery I found that comments left by individuals from the United States held more merit than persons from Norway or even Finland. Since I'm an American I wanted to know what other Americans thought although I read other travelers comments. I also learned you have to take the good with the bad when you choose to stay at a hostel but being well informed beforehand is always best. Choose wisely. So far I've found that the Aaran House Tourist Hostel in Cork sounds like a great place to spend a few nights while exploring various site in County Cork. If someone is willing to make a return to a hostel that's definitely a plus in my book. Some comments complain about there not being any good restaurants near this particular hostel but because it is close to the train/bus stations I will definitely consider staying there when I visit Cork City.

Like I said do you homework, read everything you can whether its in a book or online, check out individual website for various tourist sites and hotels or hostels. My favorite website are DiscoverIreland.com and Hostelworld.com. You can also find out a lot of information by watching videos on YouTube as well. Anyone can make a video and post it on YouTube so there are quite a few videos that individuals have done on their trip to the Emerald Isle.

I'm also currently learning to speak the language of Ireland which is Irish Gaelic. Gaelic may not be the primary language of the island but in some communities called Gaeltachts. Irish is the spoken language of choice.

It's getting late and I've been working on this blog far too long not to post it. So here it is in all its glory. Please feel free to leave me comments about your travels. Being an unexperienced world traveler I need all the help I can get. So if you've gone to Ireland please tell me about it. I've only been to Toronto, Ontario, Canada and have never left step foot on any other continent except North America and would love to read comments from those experience travelers. One day I would love to visit Spain and Italy and maybe even France. Like I said its a good idea to make friends in other countries via various social networking sites because you never know when you might need some advice. I will post more about my trip to Ireland soon but for now I will finally make this blog my official new post.

Thanks for listening and get out there and do some exploring of your own.

Loosing Weight??

?? is it possible to loose weight??
They seem to being able to loose the weight on the Biggest Looser but that isn't reality. Those people live on a ranch with nothing but healthy food and two amazing trainers whose job it is to mold the contestants' bodies into shape.

You and I don't live in an environment where there is noting to eat but healthy food and we definitely don't have 24hr access to a gym. Gym memberships come at a premium so the only real sort of exercise for those who are poor is walking. Although walking is great exercise sometimes its not easy to do especially if you live in an area where there is possibility of snow. If you have cable tv you might find that there is Fit Tv channel available to you which is cool cause it has hundreds of different exercise routines for you. You'll probably just have to go through them one at a time to see what works for you.

I'm lucky because I have Fit Tv on demand which is great cause I can check out the ones I like without any major commitment. I would love to have access to a gym but when your underemployed gym membership isn't an option at least in the near future.

It seems to me that if your poor it is harder to obtain the so called healthy foods. After you pay your bills the money that is left can be used to purchase food for your survival. Those of us who do the majority of the grocery shopping will buy the essentials which doesn't always mean healthy food. My family never buys junk food but then again we will occasionally buy a box or two of brownie mix. We just can't seem to get away from buying stuff with high fructose corn syrup in it no matter how hard we look. We will buy frozen veggies instead of fresh mainly because they are cheaper. Canned veggies are only good for making soup.

I got asked this morning why don't I cook anymore? My reason for not wanting to cook is simple I just don't wanna eat anymore than I need to. I'm sick and tired of being overweight. I'm tired of being tired all the time. I'm disgusted at the fact that I have no energy to do normal activities in life without taking a 3 hour nap in between. I need to loose a little over 100 pounds which doesn't seem like a lot but in my reality it is because I live in a household of enablers.

Enablers in my world drive me toward food I shouldn't be eating or give me reason to eat xl large portions of food. My enabler complains all the time which drives me crazy but instead of pulling out my hair or putting fist through the wall I eat. For example I'll make chocolate fudge and eat more than a normal person will. I'll make a box of brownies and eat about a 1/3 of it. My enabler is overweight just as I am but she/he will complain just to hear his/her own voice. Why do people who are enabler not realize what they are doing to us. They bring us down with their negative attitude while expecting us to be perfect. My enabler thinks no one can do anything the right way except her/him which drives me crazy. I am perfectly capable of doing just about anything but I hate having to kiss up just to get someone to realize that. I don't mind cooking or cleaning I just hate that this enabler can't except the fact that not everyone works on his/her schedule.

When I do the grocery shopping I try to work from a list simply because I can't remember everything I need to get. My enabler gets mad when I go to the store and don't bring home any protein like hamburger or if I pass a McD's I don't stop in to pick up some burgers. I can't read minds so if you want me to get something on my way home you gotta call me otherwise I'll come home empty handed and have to listen to hours and hours and hours of complaining from the complainer.

I just wish life was as simple as the contestants on the Biggest Looser because loosing weight would be a piece of cake.

Movie Posters

As I mentioned in a previous blog I sell original movie posters. When most people think of movie posters that can be purchased they think of the ones sold in video and craft stores but mine are the ones seen in a movie theater.

I consider myself very lucky to have acquired a small collection of movie posters. All my posters are original double sided posters that adorn theater walls. I have four different posters currently for sale on ebay.

All of my poster listing are Buy It Now instead of the traditional Auction style. I can mail out purchaser's item as soon as it is paid for without having to wait for auction to end. Since I usually have more than one copy of each poster this feature is easier to use. I don't think there has been a dissatisfied customer that has purchased one of my posters.

I don't even think my prices are too high although I did have someone ask me to lower the cost of shipping on a particular bus shelter poster so they could buy it. The person that made the request never bought the poster instead someone else bought it. I learned my lesson never lower your shipping just because someone said they would buy it if the shipping was cheaper. The tubes that bus shelter posters come in are much longer than the ones I use to ship the standard 27x40 poster in which is why it shipping cost for bus shelter posters is much greater.

I currently have two posters from Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway.



I also have four posters from Hannah Montana: The Movie starring Miley Cyrus. I think its a good price for Hannah Montana fans, if they still exist.


I have five copies of the poster Leap Year which features Amy Adams and Matthew Goode. I think of Ireland every time I look at it.


Also for sale is the poster Bride Wars which features Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway dressed in lovely wedding dresses. I have 3 copies of this particular poster.


All of my poster came from the theater where I work, while most might never have left the tube they were originally shipped in some show minor wear and tear along the edges. Minor is just that minor and if you put the poster in a frame you probably wouldn't notice any minor tears along the edges. The following link will lead you to all the posters mentioned in this blog.

http://www.auctiva.com/stores/viewstore2.aspx?id=995351&styleid=85&siteid=0

Selling Online

Over the past couple of years I've been making handmade earrings and the occasional bracelet. I've never really sold anything I've made mostly given it away as a gift. Two months ago I post two pair of earrings I made on a site called Etsy. This web site deals mostly with handmade items which is great because I have a box of earrings I need to sell.

My reason for posting only two items was simply put I wanted to see if I could get any interest which seems to be an impossible task. I guess I need to post more things but I'm weary of not finding anyone to buy what I'm selling. I check out other stores that sell handmade jewelry thinking my stuff looks just as good as theirs. I've posted each item on my fb page hoping to get some interest but still nothing. So I've decided its time to write a new blog to start the year.

I also am an ebay seller well at least I'm the one doing the posting even if its my brother's account. I sell original movie posters that I got from working at a movie theater. Movie theater posters are made from high quality paper unlike the stuff you find in the stores. I've even posted them on my fb and my brother's but still no response.

I currently am severely underemployed and thought that if I got back into selling posters I might make a little profit to counteract my lack of work. Maybe just maybe if I post some more posters and jewelry I'll get someone interested. I shipped most of my stuff to the states with a limited amount of international shipping. International shipping is outrageous which is probably why I rarely get buyers from outside of continental US.