There once was a time when I wished to be an Irish princess, Rose of Tralee to be specific. It was before I had located my father’s family in Ireland and I was reaching for any connection I could make to that magically green country from where the father I never met came. To become … Continue reading Irish royalty
Category: Irish
How to turn a Claddagh ring into a Celtic knot necklace
On a visit to Ireland maybe 10 or 12 years ago,* one of my father’s sisters gifted me with some euro. I felt inspired to use the money, along with some of my own, to buy a lasting souvenir for my boys...Claddagh rings for all! … Continue reading How to turn a Claddagh ring into a Celtic knot necklace
When foreign is familiar
I travel as much as I can. It’s more important to me than new furniture, a 2000 square foot house, a fancy car or piece of jewelry. It’s what I need to do on many levels and I’ve arranged my financial life so I can get on a plane or train, or even a bus, … Continue reading When foreign is familiar
First impressions – Galway town
I’ve only visited Galway once before and it was very brief, maybe an afternoon at best. For all intents and purposes, this is my first time here and everything is new. Except, of course, for the friends who are also here on holiday from Albany, that I got share a meal with last night. Small … Continue reading First impressions – Galway town
Headed to Ireland’s half light with a full heart
After a nearly six year absence, I’m visiting Ireland this month. It would take some effort, and both hands, to count the number of times I’ve traveled to the country where my father was born, yet I’m about as excited as I was on that first trip to the Emerald Isle. Back then, all flights … Continue reading Headed to Ireland’s half light with a full heart
Telling the story of A Fire, a Phonebook Page and Finding My Father
I’m finally sobering up after a night that was intoxicatingly special. Friday night I was one of 6 storytellers at a public event held at the Linda Auditorium. The occasion was a celebration of the 8th anniversary of our local take on the Moth Story Hour, The Front Parlor Series, which occurs monthly in two … Continue reading Telling the story of A Fire, a Phonebook Page and Finding My Father
23 and me – yes, me!
As a Christmas gift to myself, I bought a 23 and Me kit. I grew up not knowing any biological family members and I was curious to see how much of the limited family lore might be confirmed - or disproven. For years I had considered my heritage to be pretty cut and dry (50% … Continue reading 23 and me – yes, me!