I’ve not yet been to Ireland…

but I’m told it’s a lovely place that “fair shimmers with green”, a passionate place filled with music both lively & sad & ale that’s meant to quench the fiercest thirst.  Surrounded by a sea that both soothes the soul & terrifies the bravest heart, Ireland is overflowing with stories & legends. ..

Here’s one of mine.

Once, it’s said, there was nothing…

then the great & powerful Father spirit made Earth. He was so proud of his astonishing creation, he gave Earth to Mother Nature for safekeeping. She treasured Earth, but it was before human feet pressed the soil, before they breathed the clear air, & Mother Nature grew lonely.

Being a loving & resourceful Mother, she decided to create children, for company, but also to help with the tending of Earth. She started one sweet spring morning just as the dew was drying the grasses in the hills of Ireland. Wanting some company with an eye for fun, she created lively, small creatures with melodies in their hearts & mischief in their eyes. Made green, (which might have been an error as it was her first try) they reflected the hills & valleys they journeyed through with their new mother. She called them Leprechauns & gave them forevermore to the splendid green isle.

So pleased was she with her first children, that she continued creating as she traveled. She made faeries to see to the animals, & elves to watch over the rocks & mountains. She created wood nymphs & sea sprites to dwell in the forests & waters. She fashioned unicorns, & gnomes, & pookas on a lark. Some would say pookas were a mistake.

Charging them with caring for Earth, she scattered them to Earth’s corners & wished them well. They all shared the joy of loving one another & Earth, & so, all was well. Mother Nature herself, continued to spend her time traveling, near & far, just to keep her hand in & give a bit of advice now & again.

One great & glorious traveling day, she happened upon a lake so fair & bright, so blue & clear, she could only sit & stare at the wonder of it as the sunlight danced over the waves & the waves rushed up to tickle her feet. Sunlight shattered into diamonds glistening over the surface & that night she watched the moonlight glide its way along a silver path.

And sure, didn’t she fall in love with this lake?

The crystal blue waters became one of Mother Nature’s favorite places on Earth. Now each year she invites of her children to join her for their annual holiday. Sharing stories & songs, trading tales & triumphs, lingering in laughter & love, they celebrate with their passion for all on Earth.

And isn’t this a fine place to end the tale?

Whether you’re Irish or not…

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you!

Here’s a toast if you’re after a pint or two to celebrate…

“Here’s to me, and here’s to you. And here’s to love and laughter. I’ll be true as long as you. And not one moment after.”

This photo was taken last summer when Mother Nature brought her leprechauns  & other children on holiday.

Me…I’m off with a friend of mine to practice my Irish Jig!!!