It All Starts With Once Upon a Time.....

and suddenly you are whisked away to a magical, mystical place and time. Myths, legends, and fables not only teach us, they enchant us in a way that makes us remember them throughout our years. They are to be celebrated and shared. Why not do it now, because today is

Tell a Fairy Tale Day. 

I have always loved fairy tales. My father would read stories to me from Grimm, Aesop, and Hans Christian Anderson. It's always delightful to see movies made from treasured stories, but there is a different type of magic in just telling the story.

Telling a tale takes time, and often practice. But you can do it. I've come up with a few Fairy tales myself - including ones for our Queen of the Pirate Sea Waters and Oil of the Robber Clan. All great fairy tales take a first telling, when the idea starts. After a  few more tellings, characters will begin to take form and start to take on the challenge of their tale. Who knows, you may come up with the next Peter Rabbit or Peter Pan. 

If you aren't comfortable enough to just tell a story yet, try reading some of the classics. You may be surprised at the darkness in Grimm's Tales - surprised and probably delighted. Hans Christian Anderson tales have a sweetness, and sometimes sadness, who's lessons apply to life in any time. There's Aesop, Baum, and even modern fairy tales like Stardust, the Never Ending Story, and of course The Princess Bride. (If you've never read the book The Princess Bride, treat yourself. It is wonderful!)

Celebrate Your Irish Side

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

March is the month to celebrate the wee touch of Irish in all of us - and Saint Patrick's Day is the pinnacle date of that celebration. Many people celebrate with parades filled with Friendly Sons, bagpipe band and firetruck filled parades. Quite a few enjoy a good brew or spirits of a harder nature. I've been doing some of that, but I have a few other activities to help me remember my Irish roots.

My dear old grandmother was a lively Irish woman. Catherine Bridget Dalton was even born on March 17th. I still use her Irish Soda Bread recipe every year (and not only in March!). It's wonderful. Imagine my surprise when I found out her raisin and caraway seed filled treat wasn't traditional. It's her version of Irish Soda bread though, and that's good enough for me.

I'll also be taking some time to look for the signs of spring. Bulbs are starting to come up, the forsythia is getting buds on it, and the heather blooms look lovely. I'll be gathering some of them for tea and for Mela Tae Eye Bright sets.

Speaking of tea, I'll probably enjoy a nice cup of Rose Melange tea and add a dash of heather for a nice relaxing and refreshing look at the day.

For dinner we'll have some of that soda bread and probably some good home made Sheppard's Pie. Then it will be off to create some some new body butter or maybe a rose scented sugar scrub in honor of gram.

Whatever way you celebrate, take a moment to lift your glass and thank those daring Irish lads and lassies who came to America so very long ago. They've added wonderful traditions to American life, and enriched our history.

Slainte!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A very Happy, Laughter filled
St. Patrick's Day to to Everyone!

A light heart lives longest.
Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad

Mark Your Calenders - March is Marvelous

March has always been a special month for me. First - well, my birthday is in March. And my dear old Gram's birthday was in March. March 17th to be exact. Yep, Catherine Bridget Dalton Papp was born on St. Patrick's Day. March also welcomes in the first day of spring. What a great month!

Ah - but March is so much more!

Besides being Irish American Heritage Month, it is also International Mirth Month. What could be more mirthful than a festive St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Laughter is the best medicine, but being optimist can help you achieve better health and prosperity. So celebrate Optimism Month and help yourself become more successful. Seems

perfectly appropriate since March is also International Expect Success Month! If you expect success, and then work like that is the only option, you can be successful!

And what do you need to be successful? Well, it all starts with an idea. And during International Ideas Month, take some time to celebrate the good ideas that make things happen for you and for everyone.

If you like being a little more hands on, then March is for you with National Craft Month. Pick up an old craft project or start a new one. You may have to do some reading, so you'll also be a part of National March Into Literacy Month. Part of the Toys for Tots campaign, this month long celebration promotes the love of reading, especially among children. Reading is a fundamental skill needed for success.

With all this activity in March, you'll probably need a good nights rest. Luckily, it's also National Sleep Awareness Month. But getting to sleep shouldn't be a problem, if you realize it's also National Caffeine Awareness Month.

As you can see, there's a lot to celebrate in March. Whether you're sharing ideas with an eye towards success, or reading a humorous book, investigating Irish Heritage or getting a good nights sleep, March is one marvelous month. And you can always feel safe, because it also happens to be American Red Cross Month. This amazing organization provides first aid and CPR training and aid to those in the midst of disaster. I'm fairly fond of the Red Cross. My grandmother was a volunteer there for years.

Nollag Márta! Happy March!

Fáilte Lughnasa - Celtic Festival of the Harvest

Welcome to August! Summer begins to wind down and the fruits of our gardening labors are ready for picking. In Ireland and the Celtic nations of old, this was a great festival time - the end of summer growing, the start of the harvest.

As with most Celtic festivals of old, there was a lot of celebrating going on. Lughnasa was a day to honor Lugh, a Tuatha De Dannan king who is often referred to as an ancient god of light. There is some wonderful information about the Irish and Scottish celebrations of Lughnasa - both ancient and modern - at the All Saints Parish website.

This is a wonderful time of year to enjoy the fruits of your labors and cherish the

warmth of summer. I'll spend Lughnasa baking some bread, making yummy tomatoe sandwiches, and visiting our local farmers markets.

With the harvest comes lots of work - putting up fruits and herbs into jams and jellies, drying herbs, making herb vinegars and tinctures, freezing fruits and veggies. After the dog days of July, August begins the flurry of activity that leads to the cool of Autumn.

So Happy Lughnasa everyone! Let the celebrations begin.

We're Back at Allaire - and you should be too!

It's time to return to the Historic Village of Allaire for the Annual Summer Crafters Market.

If you couldn't join us in the spring, you'll definitely want to join us on Saturday. The weather promises to be absolutely lovely, and what better place to enjoy a great day.

Allaire is a beautiful, historic village in a pastoral park setting. The village was once an active manufacturing community, making bog iron for the Howell Works Company. Volunteers and docents demonstrate how people lived their lives back in the early to mid 1800's. And on Saturday, it's market day! Over 100 crafters will be selling their wares and

demonstrating their skills. What a perfect opportunity to learn a little history - and get a some great gift!

Celtic Chairde Creations is delighted to be at Allaire again. We just love it there. Our booth will be over by the blacksmith shop, so come by and say hello. Mention THE COMHRA and get $2.00 off a purchase of our new Sugar Scrubs!

Annual Spring Crafter's' Market • Saturday May 10 (Rain Date May 11, 2007) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • $2/Adult Under 12/Free • 4265 Atlantic Ave Wall Township, NJ 07727-3715

American Premier of THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT at Monmouth University Shadowlawn Stage

Chairde means friend - and we always love sharing news about our friends.

Irish writer Niall Williams, the author of the international best-selling novel FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE, will be on the Jersey Shore this coming week to attend the opening night performance of the American premiere of his play THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT at Shadow Lawn Stage on the campus of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. The play runs June 27th thru July 13th (www.monmouth.edu/shadowlawnstage ). Williams, who co-authored with his wife Christine the popular non-fiction book series O COME YE BACK TO IRELAND: OUR FIRST YEAR IN COUNTY CLARE (about the couple's "reverse immigration" odyssey from NYC back to their home country) will also appear at the Spring Lake library the evening of Wednesday June 25th to talk about his career and to sign copies of his works.


This looks to be a great evening of theatre at a wonderful venue. And I'm delighted to say that two of my good friends, Georgette and Bill Timoney, are also appearing in the show. That's where the Chairde comes in.

But they aren't just friends, they are wonderful performers. Bill and Georgette have appeared in a number of plays together, including productions at Shadow Lawn and at the Celtic Theatre Company. Bill has a long career on stage, television and movies. Plus - they're nice folks.

This is the American Premier of a show that has received high praise in the Emerald Isle.

For more information or to make reservations, you can call the theatre at 732-263-6889.

Join us for Croi na mBan

Just a quickie reminder that Croi na mBan will be at the Watchung Arts Center, Saturday, April 19 at 9 p.m. Sara, Suzanne and Jim create such hauntingly beautiful music, it would be a shame for you to miss it.

Some of the songs they will be performing are:

Come By the Hills (which is my favorite!)
Beidh Anoch Amarach
Suil A Run
Si Do Mhaimoi I
Ta Na Baid
Roisin Dubh
Puirt a Beul
Dulaman
Thugamar Fein
Raglan Road
Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile
Song For Ireland
Fear An Bhata

and many more! To get a sampling of their music, you can go to their MySpace page.

Croi ba mBan means a Woman's Heart

My favorite performers just happen to be to very good friends. Sara McCabe and Suzanne Gallic make up the musical group Croi na mBan, which means a Woman's Heart in Irish. These two women have the most amazing voices, and when they sing in harmony, well, it's enough to make the fairies sigh.

I met Sara about 10 years ago, when she and I were in a play together. Her talent on the stage was astounding, she just glowed. Suzanne and Sara have been friends for years.

When Sara was moving in to directing her first musical in 2004, naturally she chose one of her best and most talented friends to join her. That was for I Am Ireland, a tribute in song to the amazing women that bind Ireland together. Sara not only directed, but created the intricate musical arrangements that made the show so magical.

Since then they have performed throughout the tri-state area, at the Celtic Fling at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair Grounds, at the Jersey Shore Irish Festival in Sea Girt, and other locations. They also performed together in another show directed and arranged by Sara, Ceol na Mara (Songs of the Sea).

They songs they sing are in Irish and English, many of them are sung in the haunting sean-nós (old style), which has no or minimal accompaniment. It is just beautiful to listen to. One of my favorite songs that they sing is Come By The Hills - it just sounds like a beautiful day in Ireland.

Sara and Suzanne, along with Sara's husband, Jim McCabe, will be performing at the Watchung Arts Center on April 19, 2008 at 8 p.m. If you enjoy Irish music - or just if you enjoy music, I hope you can join us. You can get a taste of their singing at their MySpace page.

After all, their dlúthchara (close friends), and this is Celtic Chairde - which is all about friendship!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

And in Irish it's Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh
(La ale-lah pwad-rig son-ah jeev.

In celebration of one my favorite days, I thought I'd share a few of my Grandmother's favorite Irish recipes. Today, St. Patrick's Day, was also her birthday, so it was a day doubly celebrated in our house.

My Grandmother was also a wonderful cook. She loved being in the kitchen. My Grandfather was Hungarian, so many of her specialties were Hungarian, but these are a few of her wonderful Irish favorites - Potatoes Kay, Irish Soda Bread, and an after St. Patrick's Day tip.

Potatoes Kay
Ingredients:
1 pound of washed, peeled, and thinly sliced potatoes
1/2 stick of butter (4 tbs), melted
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 small bunch of green onions (scallions), minced

Spread out the potatoe slices and pat them with paper towels to make sure they are thoroughly dried. In a 8 x 8 baking dish (or which ever size you prefer), put a layer of the potatoes. Sprinkle with some of the melted butter, salt & pepper. Place another layer of potatoes, overlapping the first, and sprinkle with butter, salt and pepper again. Continue making layers until all the potatoes are used

Bake at 350 degrees until well browned on all sides. Turn out onto a hot platter. Layer sour cream over the top, like your icing a cake, and sprinkle with green onions.

Variations include sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese in between layers and then sprinkling crumbled bacon on the top.

Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp melted butter
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp caraway seeds (more or less if you like)
1/2 cup raisins

Hand mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, added in the order above, using a wooden spoon. (I use a silicon spatula). When stiff, turn onto a board and knead until smooth. Place into a round cake pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting.

Great fresh from the oven with some home made jam - or even plain!

One last tip....

Now, my Grandmother, in her later years, lived about 3 blocks from a fine, upstanding Irish establishment called Murphy's. As crowded as it would be on St. Patrick's Day, she would walk in and announce, "My name is Katherine Bridget Dalton and today is my birthday!" She'd always get a seat and she wouldn't pay for a drink all night.

The next morning, would come all to early, and with all the difficulty you would expect. To help rid her of the hangover, she always had a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Within an hour, she'd be back to her regular, jovial self.

Have a wonderful, blessed, fun filled - and safe - St. Patrick's Day.

What could be more Irish.....

Than potatoes! You can mash them, whip them, bake them, and boil them. They are all sizes and shapes with a variety of textures suitable for all occasions. I don't know if it's because I'm part Irish, but I just LOVE potatoes.

These versatile tubers are more than just a perfect side dish. This vitamin and mineral packed package has so many other uses.

Place a slice of peeled, fresh potato on your tied eyes to help sooth and cool them.

A slice can also be used to help relieve redness and pain from burns.

Save the watery juice from boiled or mashed potatoes! Drinking it is said to help with stomach problems.

Vodka can be made from potatoes!

I love this tidbit - after you've boiled your potatoes and removed them from the pot, throw in your silver! Potato water is said to help remove tarnish and brighten silver.

And, there's always the potato stamp! Just cut a potato in half, carve a pattern into one side. Pull out the ink and start stamping.

To find out some other nifty tater tidbits, check out these web sites:
Botanical Online
Plants for a Future
Geomestic

There's Something About the Irish

March is one of my favorite months. It's the month the brings you the in's and out's like a lion or lamb. It's the month that daylight savings time begins. It's the month that holds within it the promise of spring and increasing sunshine, of lovely little flowers and plants pushing their way through the soil. It's my birthday month! And it is the month where everyone, no matter their race, creed or color, can make the claim of being Irish and the only repercussion is a hearty pat on the back and a welcoming smile.

There's just something about the Irish. Just mention "Irish" and stereotyping, however un-PC it is, makes many people think of: beer and bars; bawdy songs or haunting ballads; parades; green; comhrá (that's talk in Irish); bagpipes; beer; storytelling; and a general joy that warms like the upcoming spring sun.

I've often wondered why that is?

Certainly, Ireland hasn't always had it very easy - wars and disputes, starvation and poverty. Doesn't sound like a jolly spot, does it? There are volumes of websites and books on Irish history. In fact New Jersey has a very large population boasting Irish decent. In fact, there's a book - The Irish in New Jersey - written by Dermott Quinn, that talks to this very point. But all you need do is look at the grace and elegance of the land, the friendly faces of the people, and hear that lilt in their speech, and your heart open up like a flower.

This enchantment with the Emerald Isle and her people has been with me my whole life. My dear old sainted grandmother, Katherine Bridge nee Dalton Papp, may she rest in peace, was born on March 17th. She was a woman who enjoyed life immensely. It was because of her I took a shine to my Irish heritage.

So, through out my life, I've gravitated to all things Irish. Ireland is one of the Celtic nations, having once been home to the Celts. I've been to Ireland - although it was many years ago - and was enthralled with the history and beauty. I'm part of an Irish theatre company. I like potatoes! I follow the Celtic wheel of the year and have a real love of the land that many Irish share. Some of my dearest friends are in an Irish musical group called Croi na mBan (A Woman's Heart) . And I'm a partner in Celtic Chairde Creations.

Chairde means friend in Irish. And my business partner, Cindy, is one of my oldest and dearest friends (oldest as in I've known her a long time - not that she's old). We went to college together, were and still are involved with Irish theatre, and we both have Dalton's in our lineage (althgouh we don't think we're related). That's where the Chairde comes from.

So you see, there really is something about the Irish. And this is the month to celebrate and discover just what that something is.