i was born with ireland in my soul...

1. sheep's wool 2. bluebell field 3. fiddle 4. bodhran 5. home on the sea

"there is something in their core that belongs to their birthplace.
it is like uranium with a half-life so long that it becomes
part of the genetic makeup, passed down two, six, generations.
it is that DNA that makes the american who is one sixteenth irish,
whose great-great-grandparents came to america during the famine,
who has never set foot in dublin, wear green on march 17."
-ireland in mind, alice leccese powers

that's me. never been to ireland.
but i'm irish. my ancestors were. so that makes me irish.
today is my favorite day of the entire year.
hands down.
am weeping inside that my sixth annual irish night will only
be attended by one soul tonight: me.
i was too timid to ask neighbors to write limericks,
perform jigs, tell stories, and sing songs...it's an overwhelming night,
to say the least.

1. fiddle 2. walk on the beach 3. boys 4. red woman 5. boat

how can you not be in love with this country?
a place that seems to value
the sea, farming, story-telling, music, family, red hair.
it sounds as if the irish have the simple life perfected.
this little country pulls on my heart strings daily.
i used to get anxious about visiting...feeling that i had to go now, right this second.
but now i've calmed down a bit because there's no question that i'll get there,
and visit often. i'll get there when i get there.
i'm already there in my heart...truly.
and by the way, if you want to learn about st. patrick
click here to watch a wonderful little snippet about him.
and did you know the irish saved civilization? well, they did.

1. cliffs 2. thatched house 3. man at yellow house 4. farmer

so i will be spending my day listening to Cathy Jordan and Dervish,
Leo Rowsome, Liam Walsh, Molly's Revenge and Moira Smiley,
and many more.
i'll probably make some boxties, potato champ, or soda bread.
i'll take a walk along the river {pretending it's the sea}.
i'll close my blinds and do some dancing and singing.
i'll attempt to play the bodhran.
i'll write a limerick or two.
i'll read about the good people and banshees.
i'll watch the secret of roan inish and waking ned devine.

1. cellist 2. girl near thatched house 3. pub 4. bicycles 5. sheep 6. farmer

since i've never been to my "homeland"
i've provided with you with some images by other photographers.
click on the descriptions to find out more.

happy st. patrick's day!!
what are you doing to celebrate?
why do you love ireland?

graduation festivities

we started with the graduation festivities early friday morning.

commencement first:

david mccullough was fantastic.

but, the student speaker was absolutely moving.

loved it.

went to brunch

then back for convocation...which was LONG.

so grateful to be here now.

that night we had a party.

there was a bake/cook-off...

i think holly jo won with her delicious brownies.

mmmm.

according to everyone else,

beaux came in a close second with his chicken wings

(which i did not taste, obviously)

i was OH SO TIRED

it was nice to have ceej in town,

he planned the whole party

and did a great job with it.

thanks, ceej!

here's alisa imitating david bowie's

"labyrinth" skills.

pretty good, i think.

then the YELLE dance-off began!!


the mirroring contest was hilarious!
our friends have the BEST dance moves ever!

still mirroring.

cody & ceej mirroring each other.

classic.

holly jo's and hasen's dance routine.

then we had a REVIVAL!

our second annual.

this is the band.

alisa & i enjoyed fillin' the spirit & dancing

hasen had a mighty demon possession...

it was intense!

we couldn't stop lauging!

beaux, cj, and i also competed in the preach-off.

i think we could all enter the ministry tomorrow.

we were pretty darn good.

thanks to everyone who helped put this together,

and to all those who came and participated.

BEST GRADUATION PARTY IN THE WORLD!

Irish Night In Review

Irish Night was perfect this year...it was a good combination of fun-filled activities, but very relaxed. We started with food: potato & cabbage stew, potato soup (made by the lovely Holly Jo), champ, yummy breads, raspberry swirl bread (brought by Mary & Matt) and a lemon-poppyseed cake with orange frosting and shamrocks.
We had maybe a bit too many of these edible gold pieces.

I found this milky green vase at a consignment shop, and thought it would be the perfect green decoration for our party.

A look at our delicious breads.

Mikey & Matt teamed up to MC the Limerick reading. Mikey's lounge-jazz piano was the perfect back-up for Matt's "prairie-home-companion" voice.

Hasen & Holly Jo listening intently to Limericks.

We ended the night with a viewing of Darby O'Gill and the Little People. I hadn't seen this since I was in elementary school. It was the perfect treat!

Below are all the Limerick's that were written for the night. ENJOY!

Writing limerick me no likey

It hurtin' me bad in the psyche

I'd rather be bloggin'

Than hurtin' my noggin

Does he ever stop tappin', that Mikey?

-Mo

I set out to write some Limericks

Instead I shook my shimericks

The boys like it more

My woobies get sore

You heard it, now wiggle your wimerick!

-Holly Jo

A duckly wuck duck duck McGoogan

'twas playin' a duck duck a goosin'

When doggly wog dog dog

Fell down in the fog fog

And smashed duckly wuck duck McGoogan.

-Mikey

Michael Peck's a burgeoning linguist

Holly's potatoes came from a steam dish

By the look on his face

He quite liked the taste

Or had gas--his looks are hard to distinguish

-Hasenpfeffer

In this room there are eight lord Christs

(I know cause I counted them twice)

I can't help but feel bad

For the thoughts that I've had

As they stare with their all seeing eyes.

-Matt

My bonnie sweet Irish lass

With a body like an hourglass

Shaped like a fiddle

With a wee little middle

And bosoms as big as her great big ___

-Matt

If you want to talk about eating

I'll just tell you you don't know the meaning

I came from a land in

Where it's always a famine

Like I told you, you don't know the meaning.

-Ashley

It's Time!

irish night!

my very favorite night of the entire year!

Here's what you need to know...

When: saturday march 7th

Time: 6:30 pm

Where: mama peck's house

Dress: come dressed as anything/anyone from irish history, folklore, or culture (i.e. silkie, faerie, banshee, sir thomas moore, st. patrick, etc.)

Prepare: write two original limericks for contest...

AND if you're really dedicated, tell us an honest-to-goodness Irish folktale

Bring: a traditional irish food to share (please bring only tasty things, or not).

Expect: a truly lovely evening...lots of laughs for sure!

remember: jigs are mandatory!

hope to see you there!

images from the secret of roan inish

Save the Date!

You know what's coming!

IRISH NIGHT!

It's our 5th Annual celebration of all things Irish.

SATURDAY MARCH 7TH

Keep checking the blog for more details.

(there might just be some serious jigging and reeling this year).

everyone is welcome!

ZNH Night...Success!!

Thanks to everyone who came and participated! Thanks to those who brought food, and to those who ate it! Thanks to those who endured bad acting in the documentary! Thanks to those who read stories aloud! I haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time! Below is one of our favorite stories from the night:

Why the East Coast Has Storms & Mosquitos

Well, one Christmas time, God was goin' to Palatka. De Devil was in de neighborhood too and seen God goin' long de big road, so he jumped behind a stump and hid. Not dat he was skeered uh God, but he wanted to git a Christmas present outa God but he didn't wanta give God nothin'. So he squatted down behind dis stump till God come along and then he jumped up and said, "Christmas gift!" God just looked back over his shoulder and said, "Take de East Coast," and kept on walkin'. And dat's why we got storms and skeeters--it's de Devil's property.

Zora Neale Hurston Night!

WHEN: Friday, January 30th
TIME: 7:00 PM
WHERE: Mama Peck's
FOOD: Bring a traditional Southern dish to share if you'd like
WHAT: Our 3rd annual Zora Neale Hurston night. We'll be watching a documentary about her life and work, listening to some of her stories, reading some of her stories ourselves, writing our own stories, and making music. (If you play a musical instrument(s) please bring them along).

everyone is welcome!

Bye, Bye Party

To celebrate the outgoing former-president...

we made....

P I N A T A S

Autumnal Equinox Fest

The Band: Mo, Beaux, Phil, Matt, & Mikey

Dancers: everyone!

"The Peacock" dance.

More of the band

I tried to upload one of my favorite songs of all time, written and performed by our good friend, Mo, at the party. But the computer I am using cannot handle the intensity, and is failing to upload it. I'll upload it as soon as I can because it is oh so wonderful! 

Thank you to all who came and participated. I think this was one of my favorite parties we've ever had. We had such good music, good dancing, good poems, good burning man ceremonies, and yummy food. I really feel so grateful for such wonderful friends. Love you all!

Autumnal Equinox Today!

O hushed October morning mild,

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;

Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

The crows above the forest call;

Tomorrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,

Begin the hours of this day slow.

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,

Beguile us in the way you know.

Release one leaf at break of day,

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away.

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!

For the grapes' sake, if they were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--

For the grapes' sake along the wall.

Robert Frost

Solstice Candle Wishes

Ceej and I celebrate the Summer Solstice by eating fresh good food, sending flowers down a river, and by making wishes while jumping over a "bonfire". This year our bonfire came in the form of candles since we weren't sure of a place to go where bonfires would be permitted. Each person gets to jump over the candles three times, each time making a wish.

This year all 6 of our wishes had to do with becoming more deliberate stewards of the earth...walking/biking even more and avoiding the purchase of new things (used they must be). We also wished for more boldness, courage, and love in sharing the gospel of stewardship.

For those of you who couldn't be here, any wishes you'd like to add?

Cupcake Mix

Last night my dear friend Ash Sanders showed me an amazing book of cupcake masterpieces. She then promised me a cupcake extravaganza before I leave to Sacramento. So, in order to remind her of her commitment, I have made her a Cupcake music mix entitled "Songs For Girls Who LOVE Cupcakes". Here's the play list:

01. New Soul by Yael Naim
02. Doralice by Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto
03. Let's Do It by Ella Fitzgerald
04. Mushaboom by Feist
05. La Maigrelette by Amelie-les-crayons
06. Minor Swing by Stephane Grapelli
07. April In Paris by Ella Fitzgerald
08. So Danco Samba by Getz & Gilberto
09. Paris by Yael Naim
10. The Girl From Ipanema by Getz & Gilberto
11. Tarantella Op. 18 by Grapelli
12. I Feel It All by Feist
13. A cause des garcons by Yelle

R E V I V A L

Over the weekend I hosted a Revival at my mom's house. There was music and a pie contest. This is another example of one of my theme parties where I force all in attendance to do as I command. The pictures below will demonstrate. Sorry for the large amount of pictures...I had a hard time choosing which ones to omit.

(above) Pies: Banana Cream (Holly Jo), Apple Pecan (Mary), Lemon Blueberry Cream (Ann), French Apple (Britnie), Cajun Apple (Katherine), Lemone Cheese (Philipe), Pumpkin (Janette), Strawberry Orange Cream Tarts (Beaux)

(above) Katherine & Beaux

(above) Hasenpfeffer taking a cowbell solo

(above) Philipe, Beaux, Matt, Jesse

(above) the judging of the pies. judges: Chris & Hasenpfeffer

(above) The Pie Contest Winners: Ann & Beaux!!!

Re-Cap

(The Isle of Man)

Irish Night this year was a success, though more informal than usual. Our 60 second jig seemed a little long for some reason this year...perhaps because I had my ankles tied together in competition for the most ascetic prize: A Cuban Lily.

Hass read an original Limerick, Matt confessed his super-hero wishes to be Irish (which also meant being invisible), Arlo told of how his great-grandfather migrated from Ireland to Canada, and I sang a couple songs. The toasts for the night were wonderful.

Next year I'm determined to learn a real Irish jig to teach to the group.

Get Ready!

It's time for our 4th Annual "Irish Night". It will be this coming Monday, the 17th (of course) at our place. If you're around please come. The night usually consists of: traditional Irish food, story-telling/reading, fiddles, jigs, and singing.

Why Irish Night? My ancestors are from Ireland, and I'm quite connected to their spirits in a very nostalgic sort of way.

I can't believe it's been four years since we started our tradition! The first year was in Springville: there was plenty of good food, Ash played the fiddle, Jake made boxties & read a ballad, I sang, and we learned about 'silkies'. The second year consisted of myself, my mom, and 2 neighbors. It was a low year, but we enjoyed the Irish food and talked. Year number three (just this year past) we invited our lovely Irish neighbors(and many others who came)...so our party was legit. We listened to more stories, I and others played the guitar and banjo and sang, we ate the yummy Irish foods, and ended the night with a jig.

This year will be just lovely. Hope you can come.

Theme nights, theme nights, and MORE theme nights!

Following our Friday night Zora Neale Hurston extravaganza, we brought out Led Zeppelin's "The Song Remains the Same" epic concert on DVD (this took place Saturday night). What can I say? I think I love Robert Plant...I've known it for years, but I'm now just coming to terms with it. Especially after watching his medieval quest for love, and Jimmy Page's journey to find himself in the wizard that awaited him atop a cliff. Truly, there is no band like Led Zeppelin these days. What happened?

She Called in Her Soul to Come and See

Tonight I am hosting my annual "Zora Neale Hurston Night." We'll eat delicious home-made treats, read from Mules and Men, and tell our own stories. Here's to a beautiful woman! If only all of us could have her...everything.

"The kiss of his memory made pictures of love and light against the wall. Here was peace. She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net. Pulled it from around the waist of the world and draped it over her shoulder. So much of life in its meshes! She called in her soul to come and see." Their Eyes Were Watching God, p.193

Other "Move the Gift" topics

Sorry to have THREE posts about the Move the Gift party, but it really was THAT good. I wanted to list the other "gifts" that were given along with their topic- it makes a great book list! So here it goes.

Rebekah and Greg: "Make a Difference", book: Thank You, Mr. Falker

Ash: "Community", book: Big Box Swindle

Tess: "Fungi", Fungi articles and Mushroom to knit! (my favorite!)

Ryan: "Moments", book: "The Condemned" (written by his dad!)

Erin & Jeff: "Poverty", book: Nickel and Dimed

Grant: "Lo! Men have become the tools of their tools.", book: How Computers Work

Zina: "Observation", book: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

Jane and Marc: "Gratitude"

Jason: "Soil", book: Dirt, the Erosion of Civiliations

English: "Sabotage", book: The Monkey Wrench Gang

Kate: "Refugees", book: What is the What

Jake & Brooke: "Iraq", film: No End In Sight

Ashley: "Kindness", film: Amelie

Elisa: "Heathcare", book: Awakening

Caleb: "Fellow Man", book: Democracy in America

Hasen: "Crosswords"

Oliver: "Air Quality", book: How to Live Well Without a Car

Davey: "Service", film: Dancer in the Dark

Katy: "Invertebrates", book: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

Mo: "Food",

Chris: "Justice"

Sam: "Journaling"

Raquel: "Slow Down", book: How to Live Well Without Owning a Car

Phil: "Humor"

Dana: "Cooking"

Lauren: "Animals"

Sophie: "Integrity", books: The Structure of Scientific Revolutions and The Omnivore's Dilemma

Rachel: "The Good", book: The Lord's Question

Seth: "Discovery", book: The Immense Journey

Rosie: "Antelope Island", book: Visions of Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake

Elizabeth: "Tolerance", book: The Quran

George: "God", book: George Herbert, Poems

John: "Music", Film: Dreams

Austin: "Understanding", article: On Spectral Evidence

Tristan: "Compost", book: The Rodale Book of Composting

Amy & Ryan: "Health", book: Eat to Live

Joe: "Art and Nature", documentary: Rivers and Tides

Neil: "Reduce", book: The World Without Us

Chris: "Vegetarianism", book: The Food Revolution

Georgiana: "Charity", book: The Brothers Karamazov

Adam: "Strangers", film: Bicycle Thieves

Our "Move the Gift" gift

CJ and I will give Phil (the future tense because Phil couldn't make it last night) a copy of The Little Prince. Our favorite part from the book is the following exerpt:

"You are beautiful, but you are empty, " he went on. "One could not die for you. To be sure, an ordinary passerby would think that my rose looked just like you-the rose that belongs to me. But in herself alone she is more important than all the hundreds of you other roses: because it is she that I have watered; because it is she that I have put under the glass blobe; because it is she that I have sheltered behind the screen; because it is for her that I have killed the caterpillars (except the two or three that we saved to become butterflies); because it is she that I have listened to, when she grumbled, or boasted, or even sometimes when she said nothing. Because she is my rose."

For CJ and I the small simple things are most sacred and not to be undermined or overlooked. Taking care of those closest to us by listening to grumbles or silence, surprising friends with a well-cooked meal, talking with a grandparent about their childhood, helping someone with a small task--this is what is meaningful, and this is what can change the world.

Happy Christmas to all...and MOVE THE GIFT!

"Move the Gift" 1st Annual Party

Last night our dear friend, Ash, hosted a most wonderful party. We were all assigned a person to share the thing we are most passionate about and then to challenge them to "move the gift" (to do something with what we had given them--to share the love). Each of us received a little book containing everything that everyone gave. The book began with a true story from Ash and ended with:

"Real gifts are given around corners. Real givers expect them to come back, not from the person who got them (because that requires no faith!) but from the person who got them from the person who got them from the person who got them from you. It's called different things in different cultures. It's called karma, honor, faith, but it always means the same two things: It means we must believe in others and it means that...we cannot bless ourselves. A blessing is a gift given in faith and received again with reverence. A blessing is always a prodigal son, yours or someone else's. Anything else is a possession. There is one other thing about gifts. They must always move. A gift, to be a gift, cannot be kept. It can only be sent, forward, in the hope it will be cared for. This is a frightening thought for all people who have tried, with accomplishments and clothes and money, to bless themselves. In a gift economy, you can't take it with you, not even for a second. In our current economy, we spend what isn't ours and save everything (ourselves, each other). This Christmas we are traveling light, keeping nothing. This Christmas we are moving the gift, giving our cares in hopes they will be cared for, hoping to be blessed in the act of blessing. We are giving our hopes and dreams and our secret fascinations. Which is good. Conviction rot as fast as things if they are kept. Christ promises, "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you." This is mysterious. Sometimes it feels like a lie. We asked, and we got nothing! But maybe as we go, we might learn the beautiful rule: that asking is receiving if everyone asks."

LOVE YOU, ASH! THANKS FOR URGING US ALL TO GIVE OUR CAUSES!