Entertainment

The Irish are experts in the field of entertainment, not on a grandiose Hollywood scale, but at the local community level.

Every Irish person has a party piece. When a gathering is well into the evening, the singing usually starts.

Everyone has something to contribute. You can sing, dance, play the fiddle, the pipes, a tin whistle, or recite a bit of poetry. Since I haven't a note in my head, I usually resort to poetry.

My singing is so bad, my little girl made a special request that I not sing any nursery rhymes in the car.

“The CD is just fine, Mom.”

I heard her message - loud and clear. Sometimes I just can't help myself though. I continue to warble along without one note in tune.

Music is intrinsic to Irish life, from fiery rebel songs to melodic love songs that could break the hardest, stoniest of hearts.

In this section I plan to write about Irish movies that have touched my heart, fake Irish movie accents that have hurt my ears, and some that just tell a great old tale. We can review our favorite books, from today and yesteryear. Let's dabble in poetry, and review some great Irish plays.

I will tell you all about the American television programs of my youth. There were many shows of the 70's and 80's we missed out on, but many greats made it all the way across the ocean, like Starskey and Hutch, Bonanza, and The Beverly Hillbillies. Let's have a laugh, as we look back.

We will cover the field of Irish entertainment, whether old or new. Together, we will examine

• Books
• Music
• Movies
• Poetry
• Stage
• Television

I also created a Writing category, dedicated to my own personal attempts at becoming a published author. When my kids finally go to sleep at night, I write, either children's tales for picture books, or a historical novel based on the Irish famine.

I would love to illustrate my picture books. Unfortunately when I leaned back to kiss the Blarney Stone, my art pencil fell out of my pocket.

I am starting my journey, exploring the complicated world of agents, editors and publishers. I pray my Irish ancestors' love of words and language has rubbed off just a little on me, and that someday I will see my writing published (in a real book, not just by hitting the 'publish' button on my blog) .

Here are some other categories of recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...

Why Tourists Love Ireland

Irish Cooking and Food

Ireland - County By County

Wise Old Words

Christmas in Ireland

Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom