It's Saint Patrick's Day

Source

I was reading about St. Paddy's Day in Huffington Post today and realized I need to post about it. There are all kinds of misconceptions surrounding this the most Irish of celebrations! My best friends are Irish and I have travelled to Ireland several times, both with them and on my own, but never have I once been served corned beef and cabbage. I am quite certain that that is an American take on the Irish celebration. I do, however, believe that as a nod to our Irish brethren we should wear green, anyway, it looks quite good on most everyone.

I love Ireland.  I truly believe it to be Heaven on Earth. It is green, hence the "Emerald Isle" nomenclature but more than that the spirit of the place is hardy, kind and poetic and perhaps most importantly, never lacking in a sense of humor. It is unlike anywhere else on Earth and if you have travel plans in the near future, you may want to put Eire on the list.

I moved to Italy in my youth and my first friends were Irish folks. I am still friends with them today. I cherish them, though they are far away...O'Donoghue Clan, Cooney's too...I love them.  Irish people are some of the greatest people I have ever met in my life! Lorraine at our wedding, entirely entertaining, the Murphy's extraordinarily generous, Eimear and Brian beautiful and clever, Adrienne, Carrie and Nicky, the best and most loyal friends anyone could ever ask for, Sean perhaps the best humor of anyone I've ever met in real life and Fintan an outstanding host!

Since I was 9 years old I have found myself wishing I was truly Irish, not an American with some Irish ancestors...I mean really, really Irish. On a particularly theatrical day, or when the mood strikes, I am fortunate enough to be able to, quite authentically, mimic a fine Irish accent - that's what Alan Murphy has said, anyway.

St Patricks Day, even with myths and misconceptions is a celebration of the Patron Saint of one of the most charming countries in the world. And we celebrate by wearing green, eating, drinking and being with friends. And donning the beloved Shamrock! I feel like this post is sort of all over the place. I'm feeling a bit sentimental. Enjoy St. Patrick's Day, all!

Slan!

Source

Source

Source
 It has long been believed that Ireland has no cuisine to call their own. I, however, have been educated by an Irishman who is to be respected for not just his knowledge but his strong brogue and fine hand at pulling a pint, about the history of Irish cuisine - Thank You, Neal McEnearney. There was a clear and definite gastronomy in Ireland but unfortunately, the sweet land of myth, legend, history and Tir Na Nog, was invaded by barbarians, The Spanish, Vikings and the English over and over  again so their culinary arts, unfortunately, were overrun by invaders. Good thing brown bread  (soda bread) survived! I have a recipe from my second mother (Maiden name 'Finn,' married name 'Murphy') but I think it would be a breech of family secrets to share here. So sorry, but if you click here, you'll be led to a good authentic recipe.

Source

Art Nouveau

When I was in college, I studied art. I was so intrigued by the creativity of others, I thought I would try my hand at developing some creativity of my own. Never feeling wholly satisfied with my own creations I collected a handful of art movements to study - one in particular - such music, such richness, was Art Nouveau. The era went from 1890-1914 and produced some of the finest designs seen still, even today. Some of the greats include Alphonse Mucha perhaps the most popular, Gustav Klimt,  Aubrey Beardsley and Rene Lalique.

Today's post is a simple collection of beautiful pictures by the greats of this intriguing art movement.

Enjoy!

"Dance" by the famous Alphonse Mucha, Czech by birth educated in France and perhaps the most popular of the Art Nouveau movement.

I love this drawing! Aubrey Beardsley was famous with ink on paper. His lines are as straight as an electronic device could make and his cleverness cannot be emulated. Look at the money and lest we forget her boobies! The title "Lady with a Monkey" seems obvious enough.

As an art student, Judith and Holofernes is thrown in your face daily. I think I have perhaps seen at least 150 different images of the same 'couple' from about 26 countries spanning several centuries. But this version of Judith and Holofernes is by far my favorite. Judith has just slain Holofernes the leader of the Assyrians. The best part of this painting is the indignant look on her face. She was the first feminist! If you ever have the opportunity to see this in a museum it is more than worth the live viewing. She speaks volumes in her silence! 

I cannot find where I got this image. My apologies. However, please look how stunning this pendant is . Rene Lalique is most noted for his glass sculptures but it is often forgotten that he made the most spectacular jewelry. I want her!

A History - Keep Calm and Carry On

Source

The Original

My family are all Anglophiles. There's just no other way to explain it. I know, perhaps, more about British History than I do about US History and I have a great appreciation for my roots, though I am American legacy.

I was so touched by this wee history of Keep Calm and Carry On that it inspired me to post about it here today. Let me know your thoughts!