“Nodding the head does not row the boat.”
That’s an Irish proverb tweeted by writer/farmer Martin McConnell (@spottedgeckgo) that has stayed with me. I nod my head and say to myself that I better get to writing. How about you? Are you rowing or nodding these days?
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, which is a holiday around here. I know many people celebrated last Saturday when the parade marched and the river flowed green. I am not much for green beer or green tchotchkes these days (there was a time, yes). But I do love Ireland and Irish people (and maybe even St. Patrick). And there’s so much to love!
Such as the writing and writers of Ireland (past and present). Two Irish publications I recommend are Poetry Ireland and The Moth. Poetry Ireland’s website also has lots of good information for writers.
If you need some ideas about what to read, Martin Doyle in The Irish Times has some ideas for you in his article “Want to know about Ireland? Here are the books to read”—here’s the link.
Another article in The Irish Times that you might want read is “A history of Ireland in 100 quotes” by Una Mullally. Here is the link.
In Chicago we are lucky to have as a resource the Irish American Heritage Center; many activities are scheduled there throughout the year. One of my favorites is the IBAM! Books and Music Festival, which takes place in the fall. Last year I got to meet Ken Bruen, who is a mystery writer from Galway.
One of my relatives posted this video on FB. I know jigs and reels are not everyone’s musical taste. I found the video particularly interesting because it is about traditional musicians very near to where my family is from. The musician is Johnny O’Leary and he and his daughter are playing Sliabh Luachra Music.
Our trip to Ireland last September was so wonderful that I often think of moving there. I think of it and nod my head. I am not even in the rowboat yet. I did just look at all my pictures from the trip and share some more with you.
Peace, love, and solace
Cool post. Thanks for that.