3.16.2009

Cead Mile Failte








'Cead Mile Failte!'
(A hundred Thousand Welcomes)


I going off course today to bring photos to you that enlighten my life. I'm a simple girl. I don't ask for much, and there is no "high maintenance" required (perhaps I should of opted for that route?).
Two things in life are a necessity, no doubt about it. They make me incredibly happy and for most part, are free. They are color, and music.

So when I took a journey 13 years ago this week to Ireland, there should of been no surprise that I left a changed person. Without getting all mushy and philosophical on you, it changed my life. I am and forever will be, addicted to Celtic music, and I left with a unique appreciation for color.

I took this incredibly trip to the Emerald Isle as a chaperon for my father's high school marching band from a small town north of Seattle. A group of approximately 150 students, plus adults, landed in Dublin to march in that years official St. Patrick's Day parade. Watching the kids (along with aprox. 1.5 million others) participate (including my own) in this historic parade was thrilling enough, but the band took first prize in the overall competition out of approximately two thousand entrants. That evening many of the adults and students attended the Lord Mayor's Ball. However, this Cinderella continued to be on chaperoning duty that night as the kids danced the night away at Dublin disco. I soaked in each and every second.

As you take in the images I've posted. May they too bring color into your life, and you will hear the Irish fiddle and flute in your mind? Maybe you can incorporate color into your home by painting your front door a delightful hue of school bus yellow, or fire hydrant red? How about painting your window box's or shutter's? It's hard to be depressed when you are surrounded by color and the music you love.

I hope you too will have an experience that will change your life like that trip to Ireland did for me. Everyone's life needs that, if only just once.


My daughter Kate (right) & the Snohomish High School Panther Band
St. Patrick's Day Parade

Dublin, Ireland 1996







My Father & the Snohomish High School Panther Marching Band



SHS Band / St. Patrick's Day Dublin 2-17-96















For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.


Fabulous Photos: Edward Dullard, Go Europe/Dublin, Jim Lacy, Rich Gros, pbase, Master Phillip, idgde, Brian Cassidy, A Guy Called John, Stevie Parker, Pink Dana.

5 comments:

DesignTies said...

I'm a bit late posting a comment, but I just found your blog and wanted to say that I LOVE all the colourful homes and buildings in these pictures :-)

Kelly @ DesignTies

helen tilston said...

Hello Deborah,

This is such a delightful post and to read it today makes it all the more special.
Your writing and images have captured the essence of Ireland. Many remark on the colours of homes, doors and trimmings. My art partner Violetta Chandler remarked on Irish homes " they always get the colours right" Perhaps it is the light in Ireland and all the reflected light from the various greens flower colours.

“Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit!”
Helenxx

24 Corners said...

How wonderful that you were able to celebrate Ireland's heritage in such a special and festive manner Deb! A very delayed congratulations to your amazing dad and the band members! We live near Shorecrest highschool and their 'Highlanders'(!) are there now, and were there and won in 2012. One of the perks of living so near the school is that they practice by marching around the neighborhood...always such an invigorating sound! It's a dream of mine to visit Ireland...as well as Scotland (and England!), love that I've been able to live these dreams vicariously through you! xoxo

Unknown said...

2018116 leilei3915
adidas outlet store
michael kors outlet clearance
nike trainers
uggs outlet
ultra boosts
canada goose jackets canada
prada outlet
canada goose outlet
coach outlet online
ugg boots clearance

Unknown said...

michael kors outlet
nike roshe
supreme hoodie
ultra boost
adidas stan smith uk
jordan 12
nike free run
basketball shoes
stephen curry shoes
ferragamo belt