It's time to listen to our Irish music collection this week. I have a wonderful CD produced by a singing chef- Jim McNally- at his restaurant, The Old Timer, in Clinton, Massachusetts that can belt out any Irish tune with the best Tenors of the day. Restaurant link: http://www.oldtimerrestaurant.com/

Listening to PBS last night, entitled When Irish Eyes Are Smiling; I was enthralled to hear their tribute consisted of 75+ plus Irish songs, of which I know of about 3. After listening to the variety pack, I wondered why the song relates that only Irish Eyes Are Smiling.. Since, all eyes can smile; as a simple smile of the eyes with a twinkle and a smile on the face does the most to brighten and lift our spirits. There is nothing that relaxes stresses and tensions away than a simple smile.

Since St. Patrick's Day is this Thursday, doesn't everyone pretend for a wee bit that we are all Irish? Perhaps we don't claim to be, don't have red hair and freckles, but the inner part of us is Irish and most of us don't even know why this is so; or do we? It's about belonging.

Why does everyone just somehow enjoy this festival with their own rituals? With some thought, I believe it's because collectively as a people and a time, we can all become united and join in the festive revelry of this day with traditional food & spirits, parades, friendship gatherings and perhaps just wearing the green you NEVER wear? This Green Day is a day in the Blah's of the last week of winter to prepare for the greening of natures to be vibrant and alive with the rains that bring forth the lushes of new green grasses, trees and flowers. How can such aliveness not bring everyone to have those Irish Eyes with Smiles? And if listening to Bing Crosby's rendition of When Irish Eyes Are Smiling - YouTube link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awkioQ8bkVI&NR=1 doesn't get you to smile, add to the mix Bing Crosby's "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra" in Going My Way.(1944) -YouTube link is is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C3UHiD29BI

If music isn't your thing, perhaps poetry is?

All thur Celtic prose, we find color, power and the intensity of nature; which is the Celtic circle of belonging. We can all celebrate the Celtic joy of nature's green which is both a Celtic presence and a companion to us all. One of the oldest Celtic prayers is called "St. Patrick's Breastplate"; it's deeper name is "The Deers Cry".

St. Patrick's Breastplate

I Arise today, through the Strength of Heaven

Light of Sun,

Radiance of Moon,

Splendor of Fire,

Speed of Lightening,

Swiftness of Sea,

Stability of Earth,

Firmness of Rock.

(Trans. Kuno Meyer)

From the book of Anama Cara, A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O'Donohue

So prepare to enjoy St. Patrick's Day, Irish or not, as we are all in this world, full, immediate and belonging. I'll close with this traditional Gaelic Blessing: