DarrenByrne.com

New York was wonderful. I was so sad to come home. We were constantly on the go, at gigs, shows and out for meals, but it was very relaxing too. I loved it and wish I was still there.

So, I’m playing catch up big time now. I’ve spent so little time online since Christmas and I really don’t know what’s going on it everyone’s lives. I need a little time to catch up on what’s been happening…

While I’m recovering from a long flight, why not enjoy some Beatles. There is a beautiful garden in Central Park called Strawberry Fields, commemorating John Lennon. The entrance is across from the apartments where Lennon lived for the later part of his life and where he was murdered.

Yes, now that I’m home the mood is more sombre around here.

While I’m away, take comfort in the news that I’ll be returning tomorrow.

(Seeing as I’m time-delay publishing these, is it tempting fate a little to just assume I’ll be coming home tomorrow?)

While I’m away, why not discuss the relative merits of the follow up to Paris, Je T’Aime, set in New York called, shockingly, New York, I Love You.

Segments of the movie are written or directed by Brett Ratner, Anthony Minghella, Natalie Portman, Allen Hughes, Shekhar Kapur and Scarlett Johansson among others in this all star ensemble piece. Will it have any of the beauty and artistic palette of Paris, Je T’Aime or will it be nothing more than self-indulgent twaddle?

Speaking of self-indulgent twaddle, here’s another video of my last trip to New York.

While I’m away, why not enjoy some of picturesque New York from the comfort of your office chair. It’s just the same as being here, seeing it first hand. In a small way, I envy you…

While I’m away, why not enjoy one of the best scenes from what is arguably Woody Allen‘s finest film, Annie Hall, his ode to New York and the women of his life.

While I’m away, why not enjoy this poor quality recording of of the best song from Avenue Q. I’ll be watching it live on stage, btw. It’s what the Internet’s for…

While I’m away, why not enjoy the video of our last trip to New York, four years ago. You’ll excuse the less-than-perfect quality.

I‘m not even sure where to begin when it comes to summing up 2008 for me. It was huge – the biggest, busiest and best year of my life.

When Darragh dragged me along to the nerd fest that was the Blog Awards 2008, I could not possibly have imagined how big and important blogging (and, more specifically, Bloggers) would be to my life. Over the past year I’ve met so many and become great friends witha number of them. I am very grateful to have Anthony, Rick, RP, Maybury and many others in my life.

2008 has been a huge year for me for music. I’ve been to a record number of gigs, attended my first ever festival and I went to great awards nights (such as the Meteors and The Choice Music Prize) along with some questionable ones (such as Vodafone’s Bright New Sounds night). Musically, 2008 was fantastic for me – I discovered new sounds from the likes of She and Him, One Day International and dEUS, while I was thrilled to hear new music from some of my favourite artists, such as Jack L and, at long last, Portishead. Indeed Portishead’s Third was possibly the most anticipated albums in years and it did not disappoint.

And did I mention I attended the greatest gig of my life in 2008? Oh yes! I saw Tom Waits perform at the Ratcellar in Phoenix Park. We were six rows from the front, dead centre. I. Was. In. Awe.

Oxegen – my first festival – was magic. I think I may be the only person to have ever attended Oxegen and had no negative things to say. From the second I arrived (thank you again, Little Miss, for putting up both tents) to the final act (the fresh-from-the-Oscars Swell Season), it was an experience I’ll never equal.

2008 was a year of fun movies – Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Wall-E and the amazing Dark Knight. There were also a few great surprises in The Wackness and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. In the theatre, I was lucky enough to see Blood Brothers again, along with some fabulous amateur productions of Little Shop of Horrors and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Brilliant!

2008 was also a year where I hit a deep low, only to come out the other side feeling better than ever, finding an inner peace, happiness and, most importantly, a renewed enthusiasm for whatever comes next.

So, before I get too engrossed in 2009, a year full of possibilities, I’m going to raise a glass to the great year that just was.

And now I’m off to New York……

Do you read much? I don’t! I used to. I used to read constantly, getting through two novels a week, but not in recent times. In 2008, I don’t think I read six books in total. What happened?

I didn’t lose interest – how can you lose interest in books? I don’t think it’s laziness – I’ve been reading blogs and newspapers and magazines. So, what’s changed?

Maybe, I used to read books as a form of escapism. In recent years, I’ve had nothing to escape from. Life is good. Maybe that’s it. 🙂

Do you read much?

Happy New Year everyone. I’m still playing catch-up. I’ve been sick and out of commission since New Year and, if I’m honest, I should probably still be in bed today.

Blogging will be sporadic this month. I am completely void of energy at the moment and any energy I can muster will be channelled into our week in New York (we leave on Thursday morning). After that, I’ve a busy month ahead – it should quieten down a bit in February though (hopefully) as we all get set for the Blog Awards in Cork (I’m off to do some nominating now, btw).