Happy St. Patrick's Day...

It's a good week to be Green - to be Irish... to be sure!
To my Irish ancestors, my Irish friends, and all those who celebrate St.Patrick's Day - I wish you a happy one and many blessings. Here I found some lovely ways to add some green into your day with an Irish twist! So what do you know about St. Patrick? Here's a little history for you...
It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. He is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 A.D. Although his father was a Christian deacon, it has been suggested that he probably took on the role because of tax incentives and there is no evidence that Patrick came from a particularly religious family. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. (There is some dispute over where this captivity took place. Although many believe he was taken to live in Mount Slemish in County Antrim, it is more likely that he was held in County Mayo near Killala.) During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. (It is also believed that Patrick first began to dream of converting the Irish people to Christianity during his captivity.) For more details on the history of St Patrick click here.
To our dearest & best friends - Jackie & Brent, we wish you a very Happy 8th Wedding Anniversary, congratulations & much love to you both. I can remember standing near you holding your bouquet, listening to the the prayers & to the priest, as he gave you both his blessing and recited one of our favourite Irish Marriage blessings...

Irish Marriage Blessing
May God be with you and bless you.

May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Images from Martha Stewart Living & Country Living