Heartscald by Alphie McCourt – Book Review And Giveaway
Today I am delighted to introduce a wonderful, new book of poetry and prose by Alphie McCourt, the youngest of the famous literary McCourt brothers. Copies of Heartscald: A Collection of Verses, Songs and Chronicles will be won by some lucky readers. So please read on, and check out how to enter at the end of this review…. Read more and enter the giveaway here.
Lessons I Learned From My Dad
I talk about my Mom quite often on my blog, how she shared her recipes, taught me life lessons, and the skills to live life to the full. Today, on Father’s Day, I realized I talk a lot less about my Dad. And so, I thought I might share some lessons I learned from my Dad….. Read more here.
Awakening The Horsemen – A Summer Solstice Festival Planned For The Grianan Fort In County Donegal
This year Féile Grianán Áiliagh will be celebrated once again. The festivities will center around the summer solstice on June 21st through 22nd…. Read more here.
An Entertaining Stroll Down Grafton Street
Reminiscing about Grafton Street is easy for a Dubliner. I always think of buskers, Christmas shopping and festive windows, flower stalls, Bewleys coffee, shoppers and tourists. Grafton Street has been a Dublin constant for centuries. Not merely a right of way, nor a commercial center, it is a social and cultural icon of the city, because here is where people meet to create memories…… Read more here.
Glencar Waterfall And Lake
There was no shortage of rain during my quick trip to Ireland this month. Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim was particularly impressive after so much precipitation. Plenty of water cascaded over the falls, even if the foggy light was less than optimal for photos….. Read more here.
The Crest – A Documentary Film About Two Descendants Of The King Of The Blaskets
“Two descendants of an Irish king journey to the island he once presided over — not to reclaim the land, but to surf the waves.” This tagline captured my imagination. Today I am delighted to share a guest post, written by Eliza Kane, co-producer of an amazing documentary film, The Crest……. Read more here.
Foggy Ben Bulben
On my recent trip to Sligo I hoped to take some nice photos of Ben Bulben, the county’s spectacular tabletop mountain. William Butler Yeats is buried at its foot in the graveyard at Drumcliffe. Alack and alas the weather did not cooperate….. Read more here.
The Parting Glass By The UCD Choral Scholars
The Parting Glass is one of my favorite songs. I always thought it was an Irish air when I was growing up, but have since discovered it’s originally Scottish. I love this arrangement and performance of The Parting Glass by the UCD Choral Scholars. When I like a song, I love to mull over the reasons why it resonates with me….. Read more here.
Images Of Cork City
Irish Genealogy Summer School, University College Cork
Genealogy research is more than the pursuit of knowledge. It is a search for a generational continuum of mind and spirit, urged on by echoes from the past. The quest to learn more about those who have shaped our lives is an honorable pursuit. I was delighted to learn that University College Cork is hosting a genealogy summer school this year to help all genealogists, from beginners to advanced researchers….. Read more here.
The Irish Psyche And Sigmund Freud
The Irish psyche is a deep topic for a blog post on the day after St. Patrick’s Day, when many facets of said psyche were on display all over the world. As I did a little research for this post I came across a quotation attributed to the father of psychoanalysis himself, Sigmund Freud…… Read more here.
Skibbereen by James Mahony 1847 – Public Domain
Choosing A Topic For My Novel – The Great Irish Famine
Words fascinate me. Their sounds convey meaning. Yet meanings change as words join forces into stories of the past, present and future. Of all three types of tales, historical sagas intrigue me the most. Writers are story tellers and I long to tell the story of our Irish ancestors….. Read more.
“My Ireland” is a place of love which invokes a deep sense of identity. “Mother Ireland”, as we so lovingly call her, will always influence my state of mind, no matter where I wander. She instills in me a life-long feeling of connection. “My Ireland” is a collection of stories and memories that have shaped my life.
“Memories, converted into stories, can become a monument of sorts to the remembered.” – Christy Kenneally
“My America” is a place of acceptance, which invokes a deep sense of pride. I have chosen to live in a small state in the heartland of America. In Kentucky, we live outside the limelight, and may not be considered part of “mainstream” America. Here I present the stories and images of “My America” - Smokey Mountains, natural wonders, and great rural beauty. I have learned we are as integral a part of the ‘Real America’, as our more famous urban neighbors. Welcome to my American Dream.
My Blog Plan
I have been asking myself a question lately: “Why Do You Wish To Blog?” After not much contemplation and soul-searching, the very best answer I have come up with is: “Why not?” In an effort, which I truly hope will not be a vain effort, to keep my random, scattershot thoughts somewhat on message, I created a few blog categories.
I have included a short blog plan on each category page, which may better answer any ‘deep and meaningful’ blogging questions you may have. Happy reading!!!!!
Slan agus beannacht leat!
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
