Thursday, May 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Aunt Maggie - You Never Want to Lose Your Courage

"You Never Want to Lose Your Courage"
Maggie (O'Donnell) Quinn


Today I called my Aunt Maggie in Ireland to wish her a happy birthday. She was born in 1914 and is 95 years old today. Aunt Maggie was born the year WW II started and before Ireland achieved it's independence. The world has changed so much since she was born. She still lives on the mountain in Glanduff, Ireland where she was born.

She told me today that she would like to travel to New York to see where her deceased sister's Mary and Ann (my mother lived). She has never traveled to America but she said she wasn't afraid to make the trip.

She then said "You never want to lose your courage." What an amazing statement to hear from someone of her age. She's a mighty woman and I couldn't agree more, I never want to lose my courage.

Happy Birthday Aunt Maggie and thank you for sharing your wisdom with me......

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sunday's Irish Music # 2 - Ordinary Man



Thanks to James Hayes - FOI/ Friends of Ireland @ Linkedin

Sunday's Irish Music # 1 - THE BLACKSMITH



Thanks to Andy McDermott - FOI / Friends of Ireland @ Linkedin

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Personal Ramblings - Irish Writer James Hayes

Here is a Irish writer who's writings I recommend you check out. His name is James Hayes and there are a few ways to connect with his words and him. A little disclosure: I met him online at Friends of Ireland @ Linkedin and have had the chance to enjoy his wit and his words.
So check him out at:

James Hayes's Books @ Lulu

http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=157971

James Hayes Fan Page @ Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/James-Hayes-Books/84188757777

Join Friends of Ireland @ Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day - In Honor of My Mother - Ann O'Donnell


My mother was a sweet soul. As a kid I listened to her stories of her childhood in Ireland and her journey to America. i especially loved the story of the banshees in the mountains of Glanduf, Ireland, She came to America in 1928 right in time for the Great Depression and worked as a live-in domestic. She later worked in factories during World War II while my dad served in the Philippines. After my dad died when I was four she raised my brother and myself and while we were very poor she found a way to give us what ever we needed. All the neighborhood kids loved her and watched out for her. She always wanted to return to Ireland but never made it home. I made the trip for her last year and met her youngest sister and walked in her childhood house. I felt like she was there with me. So this Mother's Day I honor her and will always be grateful for all she gave me and all she made me. Happy Mother's Day Mom. I know you are looking down on me and smiling.......