Happy Independence Day 2016

July 4, 2016 by Irish American Mom 18 Comments

Happy 4th of July!

I LOVE America’s birthday. It’s wonderful how it lands at the beginning of hot and steamy July, perfect for family get-togethers, barbecues, and having good old fashioned fun.

I often wonder how Jefferson would view our celebrations today, including fireworks, beer drinking, non-stop-all-day eating, and crazy American flag themed garb, from hats to bikinis.

Would Jefferson approve? While we all recognize the Fourth of July as the most patriotic of all American holidays, it’s also the most nostalgic and sentimental holiday of the summer. Despite being born in Ireland, I have become an American citizen, and embrace this annual celebration.

I thought today would be fitting to share my photos of American pride, together with ten reasons why I love Independence Day.

#1: The History:

Let’s face it! The 4th of July is the most significant national holiday in the United States. We celebrate the fact thirteen of the original American Colonies declared themselves independent of the British Empire, and formed into the states we know today.

The second Continental Congress ratified this Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776. The second statement in the Declaration of Independence is one I hope my children will commit to memory …

“We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable Rights,

that among these are Life, Liberty

and the pursuit of Happiness.”

#2: The Heat:

Yes! I love the heat that is usually guaranteed all across America on the 4th of July. We are so lucky Jefferson and his cosignatories decided to ratify the Declaration of Independence bang smack in the middle of summer, rather than in the dead of winter.

Without all the summer fun and hoopla, I think Indpendence Day celebrations would be less enthusiastic if the day fell just before or after Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It is this holiday’s summer scheduling that allows Independence Day stand out on its own, and be celebrated in a uniquely American way.

#3: Parades:

Fourth of July parades come in all shapes and sizes. Some are huge affairs, organized at city level. Some parades are small, but cuter than cute.

I love to see kids waving flags with patriotic zeal as sweaty parents pull them along the parade route in little red wagons. Trust me, I’ve been there and done my fair share of wagon pulling. And what makes a parade even cooler is when the route is lined with cheering grandparents.

Independence Day parades are a quintessential part of being American. I think partaking in a local Texas parade was a turning point in my American evolution. After waving my American flag from the back of a friend’s pick-up truck, I knew I was truly an American.

#4: The Food:

Forget your healthy eating on the 4th of July. No green smoothies today.

The grub is all about barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, potato chips with every seasoning combination imaginable, corn on the cob dripping in melted butter, potato salad made with lashings of mayonnaise, shrimp, ketchup, mustard, watermelon, cookies, patriotic cakes. I could go on and on.

But hold the pickles for me. This Irish girl still hasn’t learned to eat an American pickle – just haven’t reached that stage of my American evolution.

Forget about your diet today. Enjoy your all American feast that is an essential part of every July 4th celebration.

#5: Outdoor Games:

You don’t need a pool to have fun outdoors on the 4th. An outdoor pool does help cool things off, but don’t let the lack thereof hamper any outdoor antics.

Corn toss screams Independence Day to this Irish girl, especially here in Kentucky. Tossing the bag at just the right speed and trajectory is a skill I practice only on the 4th of July.

But let’s face it, the options are endless for outdoor games. Badminton, volleyball, egg and spoon races, patriotic sack races, ring toss, horse shoes – the sky’s the limit.

But my favorite thing of all, at the end of each Independence Day, is to watch my kids chasing fire flies in our back yard. There’s something so American about fireflies. Don’t have those little critters in Ireland.

#6: Fireworks:

Fourth of July would not be a truly patriotic national birthday celebration without fireworks.

I have wonderful firework memories from my early years in New York/New Jersey. I lived in Hoboken and every year we would gather on the roof top of our apartment building to watch the most amazing fireworks exploding in the sky right in front of us.

Even though New York’s fireworks were on the Brooklyn side of Manhattan, our rooftop vantage point in Hoboken was just perfect.

#7: Patriotic Clothing:

Many Americans display their patriotism by wearing clothing with patterns and designs of the American flag. Some believe this practice violates the US Flag Code.

Sorry for getting a little controversial on Independence Day, but I personally love some of the shirts and hats worn by people on this special day.

Here are my thoughts. Flag patterned clothing is a way for citizens to demonstrate their patriotism. It is the actual flag that should never be used as clothing or as a blanket. The only exception would be when an Olympic champion or a military veteran drapes a flag over their shoulders on a special occasion.

I love how so many Americans demonstrate their allegiance by wearing red, white and blue in crazy stars and stripe patterns, that only the most talented designers could ever create.

#8: Flags:

Millions of American flags will fly high across the nation today, stirring patriotic thoughts, feelings, and memories for Americans.

Seeing Old Glory displayed throughout neighborhoods gives us a fierce sense of loyalty and pride. The star-spangled banner symbolizes the core values and beliefs of this nation, which we celebrate today.

I love how so many Americans raise a flag outside their home on this important day. Thank you America!

#9: Friends and Family:

Another reason I love July 4^th is because it is a happy-go-lucky kind of a day. The atmosphere is jovial and less stressed than during other holidays.

It’s a day when people eat, drink and be merry. Moods are upbeat, stories are shared and laughter rings loudly. So grab a chair, preferably one that’s plonked right beside a friend or a relative. Have a sip of lemonade or beer or whatever takes your fancy, and just let the conversation flow. Today is all about friends and family.

#10: Freedom To Celebrate Freedom:

And finally, on a more serious note, let’s talk about freedom. This term is batted around easily, but why do we really appreciate freedom on the 4th. Here are my thoughts…

America is full of diversity. We are all so very, very different. But on the 4th of July we all come together to celebrate America’s independence and our rights to be different.

It does not matter whether we worship in a beautiful rural wooden church, or under the big, open skies of America; whether we choose to go forth and multiply or not to have children at all; whether we pay an arm and a leg to educate our offspring in private schools, or gather around the family table to share our knowledge though home schooling; nor whether we choose to stay in our own neck of the woods, or travel the four corners of the globe, there is one certainty this Monday.

We all gather together to celebrate our freedom to make these choices, and to rejoice as a nation, because today is America’s birthday.

Happy Birthday America!

And so, there you have it. My top ten reasons for loving the 4th of July.

Remember, be sure to let the kids go wild and run free, sit down and have a chat with family and friends, watch a parade, enjoy the light show, set off some fireworks of your own, catch a few fireflies, eat till you nearly burst, and of course, don’t forget to wear something red, white and blue.

Slán agus beannacht!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

Thoughts On The Papal Visit

September 29, 2015 by Irish American Mom 12 Comments

Pope Francis has returned to Rome after a hectic trip to the United States, where he was greeted by large and enthusiastic crowds. Traveling to the east coast was not possible for me, but I followed his trip carefully throughout the past week.

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And so today I thought I might pause, and focus on the messages I gleaned, not only from his sermons, but from his unscripted moments of love and honesty.

And so here are my thoughts on Pope Francis’ message of love ….

A Plain Spoken Man:

Journalists and political pundits have been parsing that pope’s utterances for their impact, trying to create controversy when he delivered difficult messages about human worth.

I applaud the Pope for his courage in sharing his thoughts on immigration, economic inequality and environmental protection. His pointed messages are evocative, and some have chosen to turn them into fighting words.

But for me, his message was far simpler. He told me to dream big, to love, and to care for my fellow man, just as Jesus asked us to do.

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Don’t Forget To Dream:

Hailed as a liberator for brokering the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba, Pope Francis may have been expected by some to deliver a caustic message to the Cuban regime.

But Francis is a Pope of the People, and he is far more astute than many politicians. He chose to deliver a message of hope, and of belief in dreams.

No partisan ideologies for Pope Francis, but instead a true emphasis on Jesus’ message of love and caring.

I believe his words to the young people of Cuba apply to each and every one of us throughout the world….

“Dream that you can make the world different.

Dream that you can make it better.

Don’t forget to dream.”

~Pope Francis

Pope Francis believes the world can be different, and he leads the way towards change by giving us his very best, and by showing us his ever-so-human self.

I love how he urged the people of Cuba not to forget to tell their dreams to each other, but to speak out about their aspirations, and to remain united.

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The Importance Of Family:

Pope Francis stressed the importance of love within all families of the world. And he shared his sense of humor when he said –

“I won’t speak about mother-in-laws.”

Francis told us that much like happiness, “holiness is always tied to little gestures.”

And it is within our families that we can practice these little gestures, put kindness into practice and teach our children to love each other.

“These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family;

they get lost amid all the other things we do,

yet they do make each day different.

They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers,

by fathers and grandfathers, by children.

They are little signs of tenderness, affection and compassion.”

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And in true Pope Francis style he put his words into action, by breaking out of his carefully choreographed schedule to show us these little gestures of love.

The People’s Pope:

Francis is a Pope of the People. His unscripted moments, his humor and folksy wisdom, make him one of us.

I couldn’t help but smile, when I saw Pope Francis get out of his Fiat, to approach a child confined to a wheelchair, lean over the barricade, and bless him.

Through these simple acts of kindness, he demonstrates his belief that …

“In God’s merciful plan, love and peace triumph over all.”

~ Pope Francis

He met his baby match in Philadelphia, his sense of humor and joy shining through as he laughed and blessed a little baby dressed in papal garb.

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Francis left us with many off-the-cuff moments to remember him by, and in all his interactions with the faithful, his love and respect for his fellow man came shining through.

God Bless America:

Pope Francis’ last officials words for America were:

“May God bless you all — God bless America.”

And so, I pray that Pope Francis has returned to Rome, filled with hope and dreams for a better future, strengthened and encouraged by the warmth and kindness of the American people.

And here’s hoping all the speculation about a potential papal visit to Ireland in 2018 will come true.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

If I Were A Lady …. I’d Wear A Hat

May 1, 2015 by Irish American Mom 10 Comments

It’s Kentucky Derby weekend, and the people of Louisville are donning their finest attire for a day at the races. Ornate hats will balance atop the heads of well-heeled ladies, as they watch the Run for the Roses tomorrow.

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These fashion statements of Churchill Downs may be relics of the past, yet Kentucky racegoers embrace this tradition with gusto each year.

Although my home is in Louisville, I have not yet attended our famous race, but someday I hope to don a wide brimmed, lavishly festooned head piece, to sip mint juleps, as I place my bets at Churchill Downs.

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Every year as I admire the beautiful hats of the Kentucky Derby, I am reminded of a poem I learned in Ireland many years ago.

If I Were A Lady was written by Percy French (1854 ~ 1920), a balladeer and songwriter from County Roscommon.

The first lines of his poem go like this:

“If I were a lady I’d wear a hat

That all the street would be lookin’ at.”

And every year at Derby time I just can’t help but say in my head …..

If I were a lady I’d wear a hat,

That all the Derby’d be lookin’ at.

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This poem is one of my favorite party pieces. It’s recited in a true Dublin accent, where the ~g at the end of every ~ing word is dropped. The lady of our poem probably lived in one of Dublin’s tenement buildings, and she dreamed of being a lady.

I love the wit and nuance of this comedic yet insightful poem. Here it is in it’s entirety. I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I do …..

A quick note for reading – the word satine is pronounced sateen, and rhymes with bombazine pronounced bombazeen, when said in a very Dublin accent. Bombazine was a silk and wool blend, and would have been considered far less “posh” than a silky, satin fabric.

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If I Were A Lady

By Percy French

“If I were a lady I’d wear a hat,

That all the street would be lookin’ at.

I’d have a ladies maid, do ye mind,

Who’d button an’ fasten me dress behind.

A dress that was made o’ the finest satine,

…..None of yer bits of bombazine.

An’ the girls would envy and grind their teeth,

As they heard it rustlin’ underneath.

If I were a lady, but sure then I’m not,

These oul’ rags are the decentest rags I’ve got.

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If I were a lady, I’d drive to the play

And I’d lift up me opera glasses and say …

“Oh, I’ve seen this silly review before,

The leading lady’s an awful bore,

Lets all get up when she starts her song,

And go and eat cakes in a restaurant.”

Then a powder puff on me nose I’d dab,

An’ drive off home in a taxi cab.

If I were a lady, but sure then I’m not,

For a ticket to the gallery is all I’ve got.

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If I were a lady, a regular swell,

With a hairy boa and a silk umbrell,

‘Tis me that’d walk into the Shelbourne Hotel

And order me dinner, “Some pork an’ beans,

And whatever you’ve got in them soup tureens.

Both the sweets an’ a hunk of cheese,

Oh, an’ a bottle of porter please.”

Then I’d call for me bill, and settlin’ it,

I’d hand the waiter a thru’penny bit.

If I were a lady, but sure then I’m not,

My dinner comes out of the stirabout pot,

Still, there’s an awful lot of show an’ sham

Maybe I’m better off the way I am!”

And so again this year as I thought about the fine hats to be proudly worn at the races, I started to say to myself ….. “if I were a lady…..”

And then I kept going, and created a little verse in the same style as Percy French’s classic poem, which I dedicate to all the Kentucky Derby spectators who will end up watching this fabulous race from the comfort of their own couches tomorrow …..

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If I were a lady I’d wear a hat,

That all the Derby’d be lookin’ at.

I’d sit in a box and review the crowd,

Sippin’ mint juleps and lookin’ so proud.

I’d study the form and wager me bet,

Pickin’ the horse we’ll never forget.

And all the girls would scream and shout,

As we passed around the big shareout.

Ah still, Derby tickets are like pure gold,

So it’s TV racin’ that I’ll behold.

Wishing everyone a great day at the races tomorrow. May the best horse win. And to all the ladies who will be sporting a masterpiece atop their head, I hope you’ll be wearing the hat that all the Derby’ll be lookin’ at.

Slán agus beannacht!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

President John F. Kennedy – An Irish American Who Inspired A Generation

November 22, 2013 by Irish American Mom 8 Comments

Today, on the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s death, I pay tribute to him, an Irish American who inspired a generation and beyond.

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As a child growing up in Ireland I often heard people talk of where they were when they first heard of JFK’s assassination. Irish people revered Kennedy. All four of his grandparents were the children of Irish immigrants. To this very day we lament his loss at such a young age. I can hardly believe he was younger than I am today, when he was shot in Dallas at the age of 46.

Because JFK was so young when he was killed, he remains forever young in our memories. We do not picture him as a 96-year old, but as a resilient man, stolen from the world when he still had so much to do.

The tragic news of his death reverberated around the world, with deep shock waves felt in Ireland, the land of his ancestors. Even today we still talk of his great legacy and hold him in high esteem. But what is his legacy? What did he achieve in his brief years as President that continues to inspire and motivate us to this very day?

Jfk_inauguration — Inauguration of President John F. Kennedy, January 1961

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Kennedy’s inaugural address, the first ever to be broadcast live in color, is one of the late president’s most moving moments. With one simple statement he inspired a generation:

“… Ask not what your country can do for you;

Ask what you can do for your country.”

Kennedy understood how to use words to strike an emotional chord. He spoke eloquently of America’s role in the world. He did not shy away from asking Americans to avoid selfish motives, but to selflessly put their country first. He created, then seized a moment of idealism, uplifting a nation with his optimism.

He did not simply leave us with words to remember him by, but an enduring legacy of achievements. His fierce belief in the need to nurture American values guided his policies on education, social justice, racial equality and global development.

President Kennedy knew he was lucky to call America home, yet he challenged his fellow Americans to protect that nation, to become engaged citizens and invest in their own future. He inspired this nation to create a better tomorrow, daring to dream a man could walk on the moon; or that Americans could sow the seeds of peace throughout the world.

JFK Firescreen — Firescreen with image of JFK proudly displayed in a Dublin neighbor’s home to this very day.

And through all the pressures of a Presidency, he showed great grace, and a sense of humor. His ability to laugh at himself and inject humor into a conversation we, here in Ireland, claim to be part of his Irish inheritance.

His appreciation for the arts is another trait we Irish love to take credit for.

“I look forward to an America which will steadily

raise the standards of artistic accomplishment and

which will steadily enlarge cultural opportunities

for all of our citizens.

And I look forward to an America which

commands respect throughout the world

not only for its strength,

but for its civilization as well.”

These words helped inspire President Johnson to establish the National Endowment for the Arts just two years after JFK’s death.

This week President Obama described Kennedy as:

“resilient, resolute, fearless and fun-loving,

defiant in the face of impossible odds and

most of all, determined to make the world anew,

not settling for what is,

but rather for what might be.”

Today, as we come together to reflect on the day John F. Kennedy was fatally shot while riding in a motorcade with his wife in Dallas, Texas, let us pay tribute to his visionary leadership.

His death shocked not only America, but changed the world forever. Today, when political differences seem to divide us, I pray his legacy will help us stand together, determined to create a future of hope, peace and abundance, united as Americans.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

A Snowy Kentucky Spring 2013

March 27, 2013 by Irish American Mom 14 Comments

Where is Spring? That’s what I want to know. I thought Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring this year, but boy oh boy, did he get it wrong. As a fully fledged American I grew to believe the famous groundhog’s prediction had teeth.

I always thought it would be great fun to attend the celebrations in Pennsylvania one February. It would be a milestone on my American journey. But now I’m not sure if I can trust this sleepy prognosticator.

Once I saw my snow capped daffodils I knew the furry weather forecaster was completely in error this year. But then maybe it was his human interpreter who just doesn’t speak proper Groundhog-ese. We’ll never know.

But I do know my precious daffodils are shivering under their snowy hats. Spring had truly sprung this time last year in Kentucky.

All I want is to enjoy a nice breakfast cup of tea outdoors on the deck once the kids have headed off to school. It’s a great way to plan the day ahead, but no hope these days without suffering a frozen tookus (a word I learned in New York from my Jewish patients).

I’m tired of breaking the ice so the birds can have a wee drink.

I know I shouldn’t complain. It’s only a few little inches here in Kentucky and I remember the year I lived in Elmira, New York. It snowed in June, and this is only March.

And then my poor little ones are worried about the Easter Bunny. Where will he leave the eggs? Does he deliver in the snow? I told them he might ask some of Santa’s elves to help him out. Those guys are well used to snowy deliveries.

The thaw is coming today, and fingers crossed our temperatures will be in the 60’s by the weekend. The Easter Bunny will be just fine!! Yay!!

And so, what do we need to call this mixed up season. Is it Swinter, or Winting, or Sprinter? I just don’t know, but I sure do hope the real Spring is just around the corner.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

#1: The History:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable Rights,

that among these are Life, Liberty

and the pursuit of Happiness.”

#2: The Heat:

#3: Parades:

#4: The Food:

#5: Outdoor Games:

#6: Fireworks:

#7: Patriotic Clothing:

#8: Flags:

#9: Friends and Family:

#10: Freedom To Celebrate Freedom:

Happy Birthday America!

Slán agus beannacht!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

A Plain Spoken Man:

Don’t Forget To Dream:

“Dream that you can make the world different.

Dream that you can make it better.

Don’t forget to dream.”

~Pope Francis

The Importance Of Family:

“I won’t speak about mother-in-laws.”

“These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family;

they get lost amid all the other things we do,

yet they do make each day different.

They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers,

by fathers and grandfathers, by children.

They are little signs of tenderness, affection and compassion.”

The People’s Pope:

“In God’s merciful plan, love and peace triumph over all.”

~ Pope Francis

God Bless America:

“May God bless you all — God bless America.”

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

“If I were a lady I’d wear a hat

That all the street would be lookin’ at.”

If I were a lady I’d wear a hat,

That all the Derby’d be lookin’ at.

If I Were A Lady

By Percy French

Slán agus beannacht!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

“… Ask not what your country can do for you;

Ask what you can do for your country.”

“I look forward to an America which will steadily

raise the standards of artistic accomplishment and

which will steadily enlarge cultural opportunities

for all of our citizens.

And I look forward to an America which

commands respect throughout the world

not only for its strength,

but for its civilization as well.”

“resilient, resolute, fearless and fun-loving,

defiant in the face of impossible odds and

most of all, determined to make the world anew,

not settling for what is,

but rather for what might be.”

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

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