Life, Fannishness, and Thespic Infatuation

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Be sure to enjoy a healthy serving of corned beef and cabbage or shepherd's pie--whichever's your pleasure--with some soda bread and a Harp. Or Guiness, but Harp's more my speed. Or even better, an Irish coffee.

I've made Irish bread (though not soda) and Battenburg cake for Life Group tonight.

Happy Independence Day to my American f-listies! I hope you have a safe and festive day with family, food, fireworks, and fun.

I've just gotten back from giving open house tours of the theater restoration where I work and will be working once the theater opens. My feet are numb, I've melted in sweat, and I'm ready for a nice cold shower. But the theater is going to be quite amazing when it's finished!

In a couple of hours, Geo and I will be heading back to the theater to watch the fireworks from the new "garden terrace" balcony of the theater. I get fireworks this year! Whenever I miss out on fireworks, July 4 just doesn't seem quite finished.

Actually, it's hard to believe that it's July 4 already. Where is the summer going?

Each year, I try to share a quote from 1776 one of my favorite musicals, that really brings to life the personalities of those individuals and motivations of the American Revolution. The following quote is one that was running through my head (though I couldn't remember it exactly) with the most recent turn in the road with our adoption journey--

Abigail Adams, reminding John of something he'd told her:

Commitment, Abby, commitment. There are only two creatures of value on the face of this earth--those with a commitment and those who require the commitment of others.

Happy St. Patty's Day to ye!

Tonight I'm working an Irish dance. Our band is The Toad Mamas, and the dance is "contra dancing," or community dancing--American, Irish, squares, and reels. It will be an experience.

And beforehand, Geo and I are going out for shepherd's pie (me) and corned beef and cabbage (him).

Hope you all are having a festive time.

Just a quick entry:

George and I went to Dragon Chef and ate at one of the cooking tables. I've never done a hibachi grill before. It was fun.

I gave him a bottle of Bay Rum, and he gave me a Hallmark blooming rose and Reese's cups.

Merry Christmas, one and all! May you have a joyous day celebrated with family, friends, food, fun, and faith.

If you happen to be in the midst of celebrating the Festival of Lights, a Happy Hanukkah to you.

If this is not your day to celebrate, may your day still be filled with happiness, friendship, peace, and love.

This is the illustration the minister used as the centerpiece of our Christmas Eve homily. It is a dramatized account of something that really happened. Heartwarming and thought provoking. Peace be with you.

Last year's illustration still holds particular meaning to me as George and I continue our adoption journey.

And now I must go make ganache for the peppermint ice cream torte for today's luncheon.

May the Spirit of Joy CASCADE MAJESTICALLY through your day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, all.

The wearin' o' the green. One of my favorite colors.

Last night Geo and I were watching (well, Geo was watching, and I was dozing) a PBS show about Ireland. And listening to the music, I realize (again) that that's one of the things I miss most about Ohio--the easy availability of Gaelic/Celtic music. I mean, good grief. One of the suburbs of Columbus is Dublin, Ohio. I've often said that Gaelic Storm should purchase property in Ohio, they spend so much time there. Our Club Kuss series at the PAC always included at least one Irish or Scottish group in their season. I miss it.

Oh! But I didn't tell you about the concert on Saturday, did I? I'll post about that in a separate entry.

It will be a quiet St. Patty's Day. No time to fix the corned beef and cabbage or shepherd's pie per our tradition, as Geo has a StageWorks rehearsal tonight. I'm going to make soda bread after work, though, and a lime pound cake. If nothing else, I can put a shot of Irish creme in my coffee tonight.

I should also have some Gaelic Storm playing in my car today, but I need to get my CDs out.

( In other news . . .  )

So many Irish blessings, some with the Irish wit. But I'll leave you with the traditional . . .

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Have a grand day!

Happy New Year, f-listies!

May 2011 be blessed with joy and peace for you and yours.

The party is over, the guest have left, and the dishes are almost clean.

Time to collapse into bed.

Cheers!

Merry Christmas, one and all.

And if this is not your day to celebrate, may you have a happy day nonetheless.

May your day be safe and happy, spent in the warmth of those dear to you, because we are not meant to be alone.

( A story from Christmas Eve service )

As my late Aunt J often signed her e-mails . . .

May the Spirit of Joy CASCADE MAJESTICALLY through your day.