Music Clip Download ANGLERS.MID
Download Artistamp Sheet - Link Below
There were brothers and sisters I envied him for, tales of the centuries of striving for freedom I could not comprehend. Then there was the coming to America and a piece of land of his own.
My earliest memories of my Grandfather Ryan are of these things – and a patchwork quilt of songs and stories about Ireland.
Fifty years gone from it, the land remained a magical place
in his mind and in the telling; in reserved tone he otherwise only used in
talking of things heavenly.
In the Ireland he spoke of, peat bogs, wooded glens and glorious rocky places overlooking the sea were empty only at first glance.
Not so clearly seen in the mists were fairies and wee people that would bedevil you or delight you if they got the chance.
Sheep on green lush hillsides, spinning back at home near a turf fire, neighbors to share your joys and sorrows; it sounded better than home to me.
When it simply could not get any better - there would be pipes
and tin-whistles; tall men with dark hair and beautiful girls.
Then dancing - there was always the dancing.
As if inborn; the memory lives on a cellular, genetic level. Or the smells and the mists, the big sky over wide ocean,
the lilt of the tunes, Ireland became a reality in my mind during those days of
listening and enchantment.
Forty years in his grave, my grandfather speaks to me; and perhaps through me to another generation.
And every March as Saint Pat’s day reminds us all of the joy and laughter that is Ireland; I celebrate the love of a grandfather and of a heritage treasured.
Enjoy using the Salute to Ireland Artistamp on cards, envelopes and projects. Download 2006.03.03_Irishflag.pdf
Issue 2006.03.03 was released by Ephemeria to celebrate Irish Heritage
