Thursday, March 12, 2009

It's Friday, It's the Weekend, It's St. Paddy's Day Weekend!!!!



Let the painting of the Chicago River begin...turn that baby green!


Let the parties begin...

The best part about St. Patricks Day, beside the great beer, is the renewal of friendships. Everyone is feeling festive and happy, all the stresses of the world seem to be in the past and life is just plain old GOOD! EVERYONE IS IRISH!



Given I'm an O'Connor and The Accountant is a Doherty, we hold a special place in our heart for St. Patrick's Day. It's part of who we are and heck it's another reason to celebrate life!

For out wedding back in 1995 (no we got married in October) we gave out laminated cards with all kinds of Irish Blessings. I grew 20 pots of Shamrocks at my parents house, harvested only the perfect ones, dried them in books and placed them with the Blessing Card and laminated them. They are the size of a business card.



I kept the one and only 4 Leaf Shamrock for myself and The Accountant. I picked the following blessing as it has so much meaning, especially in stressful times....

I believe in the Sun...
When it is not Shining.
I believe in Love...
Even when I feel it not.
I believe in God...
Even when He is Silent.


If that isn't Irish enough for you...





This is my wedding ring, it is the cladaugh ring which stands for "Love, Loyalty and Friendship". The Accountant surprised me with a heart shaped diamond, (one he said did not exist), and we had inserted into the cladaugh ring my parents gave me for my 16th birthday.

I truly feel that my life revolves around that simple principle, "Love, Loyalty and Friendship". Pretty succinct and to the point.



Now lets go have ourselves a great weekend and I will be sure to raise a pint or two and make a toast to all of you! Your kind words and friendships, whether they are new or old...make this world a better place. Slainte!

14 comments:

*The Beautiful Life* said...

I am SO glad to now know about your blog! How have I missed it until now?? :)

My mother has a lot of Irish on her side, so does that count?? :)

Your wedding ring is incredible!! Lucky!

Glad to "meet" you, Janet! Thank you SO much for your well-wishes for my sweet but sick daughter... I'll show her your comment!
XOXO
Ruth

Jan said...

I love this time of year. My son was born on the 17th and my best friend (sister) was as well. I am so blessed and lucky. Great ring. Blingo.

Thanks for you sweet words.

Ms. Tee said...

Oh, wow - I can't believe the river gets colored green like that! :) And your ring is so neat - love it. Have a great St.Paddy's day weekend~

Unknown said...

Yep, we have some Irish over here as well! My maiden name is Jones. My husband's mother's maiden name is Reilly. We also have lots of Scottish in our blood. Needless to say, we use lots of sunscreen in this family!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Okay...I love that last picture..he is ready for a party! Enjoy your weekend of St. Patty festivities!
sandy toe

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Top of the morning to ye! ;-)

Love this post! I'm so glad you found me and left a trail of bird seed to you.l What a fun blog. I definitely want to come back for a visit.

Erin go braugh!

XO,

Sheila (who has an Irish name and a wee dram of Irish blood many generations back!) :-)

Anonymous said...

What a sweet post, so heart felt!! enjoy your weekend in your blue jeans! Raise a pint for me...

DesignTies said...

I'm a bit of a lot of things, but I don't think Irish is one of them. But everyone's Irish on St. Paddy's day, right?? :-) You just need to add an "O'" to your last name ;-)

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!

Kelly @ DesignTies (my name is the only Irish thing about me!!)

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story about your ring!!

Decor To Adore said...

I am currently in the midst of an "All Things Irish" series on my blog. On Wednesday's post I talked about what you say when presenting such a ring.
Stop on by.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

I'll never forget going to Chicago and seeing the green water for the first time.

I love your wedding ring. I bought myself a cladagh ring from a street seller when I was on a class trip to England as a teenager (nowhere as nice as yours, of course!). What a fun post! :-)

Faded Plains said...

Love the idea of the shamrock card for your wedding guests...so sweet. And you wedding ring is lovely!

Jeanne Oliver said...

I grew up outside of Chicago and the green river still makes me smile!

kari and kijsa said...

Happy St. Patricks Day!
blessings, kari & kijsa