Hello my beautifuls ,
As you all know from my previous blog, I took part on this year series of RTE1 No place like Home. In fact, they chose this programme as the last ever of the series 3 and of No place like Home as they are not doing these series anymore. I guess I am lucky my Chilean episode was chosen to be the last one. In the words of the Tv producer, they wanted to finish in a high note with a sweet programme that would touch the audience and, oh my god, they did.
I was overwhelmed with positive emotions as The RTE Guide and The Irish Times Magazine highlighted the programme as part of their TV Choice. Imagine what a really nice surprise, and quite bizarre:) to see my face and my name in the TV choice for today.
Finally, tonight 21st March 2008, Good Friday at 19:30pm ,the programme was aired and I thought to write a blog to share with you all the emotions I feel at this moment.
I am so, so, so proud and I feel so blessed of having taken part of this beautiful programme. 
I already phoned and thanked the Director ,Producer and Presenter and through them to all the Tv crew at Motive TV for all their fab work . All my values were reflected in the programme : family, nature, environment, spirituality, creativity, …and much, much more. I am so happy that my beautiful sisters and friends were also featured and that they really captured our essence as individuals.
My both countries ,Chile and Ireland,
were portraited wonderfully and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I was delighted that the Director chose to feature The Irish Seal Sanctuary and the release of ‘Trudy’, the grey seal we released that morning in Dollymount beach. They made reference to my favorite Chilean music from Illapu and Andres Condon and the best band in the world, U2. I was in tears of joy when they played ‘Pride’ in the background with relation to our love story.
The crew had a great time in Chile and it shows, my family were so at ease with them and the way the programme flows from beginning to end is a credit to all the team involved.
I will treasure this forever. What a gift they gave me and what a nice memory to have of summer 2007.
We have been inundated with phone calls, e-mails and text messages giving us positive feedback on how much enjoyment the programme brought to people. As a treat for all of you I thought to include some behind the scenes pictures so you all get to see some of the action that took place while filming.
Good night and God bless,
x, Maria
If you wish to watch the programme and know the person behind the roles of coach, image consultant and marketeer please log into www.rte.ie/tv/noplacelikehome and click the icon underneath Maria Lynch/Chile.
If you wish to be involve in seal releases and to be a volunteer for the Irish Seal Sanctuary please visit www.irishsealsanctuary.ie
The weather is getting better and it is a nice excuse to get involved doing some outdoor volunteering. It is so easy to make a difference and help charities or institutions that rely on donations or volunteers to get by.
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences and if you follow your heart there are plenty of organisations that will be delighted to count on you.
The environment and wild life preservation are very important for me so I chose this line of work as part of my regular volunteering. I’ve been lucky to get involved with the Irish Seal Sanctuary and share some wonderful experiences organising seal releases around the Dublin coast. I also take part in Bull Island Action Group to help preserve the amenities around North Bull Island. However, if releasing seals back to the wild or cleaning the beach is not your thing there is many others organisations that will be happy to have you.
To make it really easy for you I did some research I want to share with you.
Happy volunteering!
For more infomation on the Irish Seal Sanctuary or to become a member of the Sanctuary please log into: http://www.irishsealsanctuary.ie/
To make an impact in your community register with your volunteer centre at http://www.volunteer.ie/ or www.volunteeringireland.com
Caring for animals in Ireland:
To help Irish animals through volunteer work, pet adoption or fostering, fundraising and much more visit:
http://www.ispca.ie/ or email info@ispca.ie
Environment preservation:
Engage in historic preservation activities and make a difference www.youngpreservationists.org
Environment Conservation Volunteering, County Meath, Ireland www.meath.ie
Information on volunteering in developing countries:
Help the homeless:
http://www.dubsimon.ie/ The Dublin Simon Community
Promote awareness of teh causes and effect of mental illness in Ireland:
Service for people with disabilities and their families http://www.enableireland.ie/