Looking for something different to give as a birthday gift? How about a framed black and white print of the Casino? Or perhaps a piece of reasonably priced hand-painted, stenciled vintage furniture? These eclectic items can only be found at the "Celtic Bliss Gallery" on North Grand Avenue in Falmouth Heights. Sisters Sarah and Joanna Murphy head the venture, but other members of the large Falmouth Heights family are also involved. "My brother lived here for the past fourteen years or so. He wrote all of his books while living here." The brother she speaks of is T.M. Murphy, author of the beloved Belltown Mystery Series, which takes place in a fictional town loosely based on Falmouth.

"This is the property formerly known as 'The Shack' ", Sarah explains while pointing out a converted garage boasting high ceilings and exposed woodwork. "It used to be a bachelor pad where countless Road Race parties were held. I think there will be a lot of people sad to see it go, but, hopefully, they'll also want to see what Joanna and I have created.

"There was a certain ambience I wanted to achieve. I wanted an Irish country shoppe feeling. In Ireland you can wander into a virtual hole in the wall that turns out to be a quaint little store with a friendly shopkeeper who may offer you a cup of tea. I knew I needed Joanna's help to achieve that."

Joanna, who studied theatre and set design at Salem State College, specializes in faux painting and decorative painted furniture. Her portfolio includes houses in Falmouth, Boston, and Bristol, RI. "Joanna has an innate talent for making simple things elegant and beautiful. I can visualize how I want something to look, but I don't necessarily succeed in the execution. Things like that come easily to her."

The name of the gallery was inspired by Margaret, mother of the proprietors and an ardent fan of philosopher, Joseph Campbell. "Mr. Campbell's credo is to 'follow your bliss.' Bliss, to Campbell, is the work that fuels your dreams and feeds your soul. Unfortunately, we live in a society that encourages young people to pursue material goals, often to the detriment of their spirit," states Margaret. As an Addictions Counselor, she meets numerous people who have silenced their creativity only to discover how empty and unfulfilled their lives have become.

"After I lost my job I decided I was going to make an investment in myself rather than in someone or something else," said Sarah. " Joanna was tired of the retail world, so we decided it was time to take the risk and do what we love."

Sarah spent almost two years working for a technology dot com in Cambridge, MA. "I had an amazing job creating graphics and marketing content for computer games in a quirky atmosphere with a lot of wonderful people who walked around the office barefoot and played ping pong during downtime. We had pizza parties and business meetings at a bowling alley, and then one day I walked into work and was told to pack up my office; it was all over. It was like a dream that unexpectedly came to a crashing end. It was very devastating."

Sarah is a poet and photo artist who has been writing poetry for over fifteen years and dabbling in landscape photography for five. She studied English and Writing at Bridgewater State College, and like many, grappled with what career path to follow. "When people used to ask me what I wanted to do, I never really had an answer, for I felt silly saying I wanted to be a poet, that I felt that was what I was meant to do. But the older I get I see that there is definitely a need for poetry in our society, not just for its aesthetic value but for its educational value as well.

"My parents raised us to be very aware of our Celtic roots and the struggles our ancestors overcame to get here. We never went to places like Disney World. Instead we'd pack up the station wagon and head to Prince Edward Island, Canada to see where my maternal great-grandparents ended up residing on their way to Boston after leaving Ireland. At the time I was jealous of other kids who took more conventional vacations. Now I realize how lucky we were and I thank my parents for giving us such a strong sense of family history. Therefore, the gallery is a tribute to my Celtic blood and my Cape Cod childhood. In it I celebrate the majesty and splendor of the two places that contribute to who I am."

Sarah is also conducting summer Creative Writing workshops for young adults at the Gallery. "When I was about twelve I started reading voraciously and keeping a journal. My writing proved to be a real safety net during the difficult times of my young adulthood. I think it's important to provide a safe and encouraging forum in which young writers can express themselves."

The Gallery features autographed copies of The Belltown Mystery Series, in addition to other merchandise featuring T.M. Murphy and various Belltown landmarks as photographed by his sister, Sarah.

Father James F. Murphy, Jr. also makes a contribution with autographed copies of Chicken Soup For The Veteran's Soul. Mr. Murphy wrote the first story in the volume, reflecting on an unforgettable display of patriotism he witnessed at the end of the Korean War.

The Gallery offers photoart from local artist Robin Paris, such as greeting cards, mouse pads, magnetic notepads and journals.

A Grand Opening featuring an Artists' Reception is planned for Sunday, July 7, from 1-4 pm. For more information, contact Sarah Murphy at 508-524-0329.