Sprig Of Shamrock

This blog is about March 17th and two wonderful celebrations.

The 17th of the month is a day to celebrate.  It was March of 1842 when Joseph Smith, Prophet of the LDS Church, organized the Relief Society in Nauvoo, Illinois with Emma Smith as the first president.  Being a member of the Relief Society, which is the oldest and largest women's organization in the world, has brought to me much growth and joy in service.

It became my blessing to serve as president of both a ward and stake Relief Society.  Each assigned responsibility brought challenges, which became a blessing because of the strength of the Relief Society board members along with the faithful counselors and secretaries.  I felt blessed to serve with them and often felt the strength of the Holy Spirit guiding me with added wisdom in these sacred callings.

Over the years of service the women who stood at my side have always remained in my heart.  I loved each of them.  However, as time has passed some have moved on and others passed into eternal life, all leaving their beautiful memories with me.  There is one who became a long time, loving friend, and to this day we share not only memories of the past but enjoy making memories for today and tomorrow.  Her name is Jeannie Cragun; she is my confidant.

In addition, March 17th is the day of the Irish.  St. Patrick's Day is a holiday with Irish Bagpipes, lively Celtic music, unique dancing, and wearing of the green.

Just a note about bagpipes of Ireland:  They were similar, but not identical, to the Highland pipes that are played in Scotland.  In the late 18th century the Irish called them the uilleann or union pipes and were often used as an alternative to the church organ.  Today they are enjoyed as the Irish Bagpipes. (Wikipedia)

The date, March 17th, also reminds us of the fun myth about a pot of gold at the end of our personal, colorful rainbow. Wouldn't it be fun to find it?  Let's keep looking.  We never know when the luck of the Irish will shine upon us.

                                                           

                    Now I ask a question.  What are you going to do to celebrate St. Paddy's Day? 

May I suggest we sing together, with a tumultuous, dignified voice like we planed on entertaining the heavenly angels while harmonizing the good old Irish songs.
Perhaps we will hear the shrill-tone of a bagpipe joining us.

Let's begin with an old Irish folk song Londonderry Air; it is a good choice.  It was named for the village of Londonderry. I love to sing, in my mind, while I play this song on the long, black Yamaha piano in the lobby of the McKay Hospital. The deep rich tones are a joy to hear.

Other Irish songs to sing are:

"My Wild Irish Rose" which became the first Irish flavored song to find success in a Broadway show.

"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" was first sung by actor Chauncey Olcott in the 1912 musical play The Isle o' Dreams.

"The Band Played On" has an interesting story for the title.  One morning in the late 1800's,  John Palmer, a young actor, was listening to a German street band outside his window.  Distracted by sister Pauline's call to breakfast, he cried out dramatically. "One moment.  Let the band play on." Pauline's comment was "That's a good title for a song."

"That's an Irish Lullaby" which we associate with the too-ra-loo-ra loo-raling of Bing Crosby in Going My Way.  As for me, I can't count the evenings I sang the song to my sleepy babies as they drifted off to sweet dream land.

I love to hum and sing these wonderful old songs. Perhaps we could call them a "Sprig of Shamrock." For me they bring back affectionate memories of when my Grandmother, Angie Nye, sang them to me when I lived with her as a child.  What memories do they bring to you?

To celebrate we can dance an Irish jig and kick up our heels in grand style as if we were seen as a lively, prancing leprechaun in a magical forest.  Would you consider having fun dressed in Irish fashion for our amazed family and friends?

Yes, here I am decked out in my Irish hat...it's a beauty...a Wall Mart special.  And I must mention the Shamrock pillow I am holding sits on a day bed in the kitchen adding a nice Irish flavor, or a "Sprig of Shamrock" to be enjoyed.

Whatever you do wear your green!  Remember when someone would pinch you if you failed to show up without a touch of the green?  Oh, my goodness, did you pinch someone?

How about mixing up a batch of "Sunday Irish Bread" like I did and placed it on your favorite plate. I put my Irish bread on a plate of roses.  I love the gold rim.  My mother gave the plate to me a very long time ago.  The plate holds the small, freshly baked Irish loaf, which gave me the opportunity to bring the festive plate out of the china cabinet; gives a feeling of elegance.  Would you agree with me?  We need to use our special treasures more often.

                                       

I have for you another recipe of Irish Bread this one is more for a tasty Sunday serving.  Best to eat it warm smothered with butter.  It does dry out rather quickly.

Irish Bread

                                                     2 cups white flour

                                                     4 teaspoon baking powder
                                                     1/2 teaspoon salt
                                                     1 Tablespoon caraway seed.
                                                     1/2 cup raisins
                                                     Add:
                                                     3/4 cup milk
                                                     2 tablespoon 100% maple syrup or honey

                                                     Knead together until a ball is formed...about 20 times
                                                     Place in pan and bake in a 375% oven
                                                     Bake 20 to 30 minutes.

                                                     Really good dunked in a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea.

                                               The savor of the caraway seeds and raisins together 

                                         blend into a once a year Irish treat.

Whatever you do, with yourself, or with your family and friends, enjoy the happiness.  

May the luck of the Irish with its "Sprig of Shamrock" be with you until another post is added.