The Wife of an Irishman's Blessing

We are wearin' the green today. Well, maybe it's more of a blue, but it makes me think of William Wallace, and his Irish neighbors, fighting for freedom. We may not have political tyranny to fight, but so many people have fears and the lack of freedom that results. I am re-reading an excellent book by Beth Moore titled Breaking Free, so I guess that's why my light St. Patrick's Day post turned serious for a moment.

I look outside at bright sun and sky.
I see fast moving clouds going by,
and I think, no, I pray,
LORD, give me the heart of a child
to see your world free and wild.
My face is to the wind today.
I lift my arms and dream I can fly.

There, I wrote a poem for you, just like that on this wild March afternoon. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you, and if the wind is not always at your back, may you dream you can fly.

Recommended Reading

For some fresh inspiration, go to the library on a rainy Saturday and spend time in the picture books. Nothing beats a concisely told humorous story accompanied by artwork. James Marshall's Victorianesque artwork for the 19th century Edward Lear ballad, The Owl and the Pussycat, is a hoot, literally. You will find it in the childrens poetry section of the library, and it also has a touching afterword by Maurice Sendak. After I bought the spotted owl fabric by Alexander Henry, intending to use it for a new tea party chair, I woke up the next morning thinking, "The owl and the pussycat went to the library on a beautiful pea green tote." So I had to make it.

A few of our St. Patrick's Day favorites may inspire you to make something or at least, cuddle up with your kids for a good read. Headband by louandlee

Patrick : patron saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife a Giant of a Tale from Ireland by Robert Byrd

Too Many Leprechauns or How That Pot o' Gold Got to the End of the Rainbow by Stephen Krensky, Illustrated by Dan Andreasen
If you love hedgehogs, check out Jan Brett. Many of her childrens books feature them. Her detailed illustrations are a treat. Amy Gaines sells the pattern to make this hedgehog.

My friend, Ginny turned me on to the now famous (she even has an action figure) Seattle librarian, Nancy Pearl. Her website is a great resource for recommended reading in all genres. In fact, Ginny and Nancy told me about my favorite business related book when it first came out. Imagine this, a professor at MIT writes a book on behavioral economics that is so entertaining you will have to read portions of it out loud to your spouse, and it will change how you do business. Check it out. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Fun fact about reading out loud to kids: it improves their vocabulary. When my youngest was still in diapers, she would tug on my shirt and point to her diaper, saying "filfy, mama."